Are you questioning the place to remain in Koh Samui, Thailand? Nicely you’re in the best place as a result of I’ve simply spent a blissful month exploring throughout this stunning island! So I’ve loads of tricks to share on all the perfect accommodations and locations to remain in Koh Samui.
Whereas Koh Samui is an island, don’t let that idiot you. Koh Samui is HUGE, with all kinds of gorgeous seashores and distinct areas to discover, and a whole lot of accommodations for all budgets.
Pin this for later!
From the bustling streets of Chaweng to the secluded shores of Lipa Noi, the place you select to remain will form the type of expertise you’ll have. Whether or not you’re in search of nightlife, household enjoyable, or pure leisure – analysis is vital.
That’s why I wrote this weblog – that can assist you determine the place to remain in Koh Samui, relying on what you’re after. I’ll share all the perfect seashores and areas to stick with lodge suggestions for all budgets and forms of travellers.
I’ll additionally offer you all of the important journey ideas it’s worthwhile to your dream trip to Koh Samui – I hope that you just discover it helpful and fall in love with this island as a lot as I did!
About Koh Samui
Koh Samui is the second largest Thai island, located within the Gulf of Thailand in Surat Thani province.
This former coconut plantation has shortly develop into one in all Southeast Asia’s high locations due to its powdery white sand seashores, shallow turquoise waters, lush tropical jungle, and distinctive sights.
It’s typically a extra relaxed and extra upmarket vibe to Phuket, with so many fabulous 5 star luxurious resorts in Koh Samui to select from, together with the well-known 4 Seasons Resort the place season 3 of The White Lotus was just lately filmed.
The west coast of the island has the perfect seashores and is the place you’ll discover the airport and areas common with vacationers like Chaweng, Lamai, and Bophut.
In distinction, the east facet of the island is the place you’ll discover the principle port and city, Nathon, and loads of nature and native life largely untouched by vacationers, save for a number of secluded resorts and wellness retreats.
In the midst of the island there’s coconut plantations, jungle coated mountains, viewpoints and waterfalls to discover – in the event you can tear your self away from the seashore!
In case you’re in search of a tropical island escape, with out sacrificing on consolation or comfort, Koh Samui is right. And, as there’s so many issues to do in Koh Samui, it’s the right vacation spot if you wish to mix a seashore vacation with adventurous actions and exploring Thai tradition.
And it’s not nearly luxurious holidays, Koh Samui has one thing for everybody and each price range – whether or not you’re a pair in search of a romantic honeymoon, a household in search of a enjoyable seashore vacation, a solo traveller dreaming of a calming wellness retreat, or a celebration mad backpacker you’re certain to have a good time on this beautiful island if you already know the place to go.
However with its sprawling measurement, distinct areas and seasons, and practically 40 beautiful seashores to discover, planning your journey can get overwhelming, particularly if it’s your first time on Koh Samui. That’s why I wrote this weblog – that can assist you work out the perfect place to remain in Koh Samui based mostly in your journey type, price range, and preferences.
Pin this to learn later 🙂
Map of Koh Samui
That will help you get your bearings and determine the place to remain in Koh Samui right here’s a map with all the favored seashores and areas to remain in. Carry on studying and I’ll describe every space.
The place to Keep in Koh Samui – Finest Areas and Seashores
One of the best place to remain in Koh Samui is dependent upon what you’re in search of. In case you’re after nightlife, you’ll love the vigorous ambiance at Chaweng Seaside. Then again, in the event you’re searching for relaxation and leisure, the quieter seashore city of Mae Nam may be extra your cup of tea.
Let’s take a better have a look at the perfect areas to remain in Koh Samui and what makes every place distinctive:
- Chaweng Seaside – That is the island’s most stunning seashore and the preferred space, famend for its vibrant nightlife and lots of eating places, outlets and accommodations for all budgets. In case you’re in search of an excellent occasion or identical to being within the coronary heart of the motion, Chaweng may very well be your greatest location to remain in Koh Samui.
- Bophut Seaside – In case you’re touring with children, Bophut is a best choice with a stunning seashore, the favored Fisherman’s Village and many to do for each adults and kids who need to keep away from loopy nightlife and girly bars.
- Lamai Seaside – In case you like vibrant environments however Chaweng sounds too intense, take into account Lamai. Positioned 11km south of Chaweng, Lamai gives stunning surroundings and many to do with a lower-key evening scene.
- Maenam Seaside – {Couples} and solo vacationers in search of a peaceable retreat have a tendency to go to Maenam Seaside within the north. It’s additionally cheaper than different elements of the island, so Maenam is a best choice for price range vacationers who need to keep in a seashore bungalow with out splurging.
- Choeng Mon Seaside – Do you need to keep someplace quiet however nonetheless be a brief drive from all of the sights and motion? Then, take into account reserving a lodge in Choeng Mon, an upmarket space tucked away on the island’s northeast tip.
- Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam: The south west coast is the place to flee the crowds for a peaceable vacation. Lipa Noi seashore boasts beautiful sunsets and serene shores whereas Taling Ngam gives secluded luxurious resorts with beautiful views of the close by islands.
Koh Samui Lodging Choices
As Koh Samui is a big and well-developed island, there are infinite lodging choices for all budgets. From backpacker hostels and rustic seashore bungalows to five star luxurious resorts and lavish beachfront villas, so that you’ll be capable to discover a fab place to remain right here that meets your price range.
Nonetheless, observe that lodging costs fluctuate considerably relying on the time of the 12 months. It’s frequent for lodge charges to triple in the course of the excessive season (November to March) and for all the perfect accommodations in Koh Samui to get absolutely booked! So ebook your lodging and actions effectively prematurely in the event you go to throughout peak season!
I usually use Reserving.com and Agoda can also be price a search for offers on accommodations in Thailand. For island excursions, boat journeys and actions take a look at Viator and Get Your Information the place you may learn evaluations so you already know you’ll have an excellent expertise.
Finest Resorts in Koh Samui – A Fast Abstract
Right here’s a fast have a look at the 7 greatest locations to remain in Koh Samui relying in your price range and journey type. Both click on on the hyperlinks for extra particulars or preserve studying to study what makes them distinctive and uncover many extra choices.
The Finest Locations to Keep in Koh Samui
Let’s discover additional the perfect locations to remain in Koh Samui, together with every space’s greatest sights, accommodations and resorts.
Chaweng Seaside
Chaweng is probably the most vigorous space on the island and the go-to vacation spot for a lot of first-timers and regulars visiting Koh Samui. Identified for its 24/7 leisure, vigorous nightlife, seashore golf equipment, western-style procuring middle, evening markets and lots of eating places, outlets and accommodations for all budgets.
Central Chaweng, particularly the principle avenue Soi Inexperienced Mango, is a complete expertise after darkish, coming alive with limitless bars, golf equipment, and stay music venues. It’s also possible to occasion on the seashore at trendy seashore golf equipment like Ark Bar and Elephant Seaside Membership. You’ll by no means get bored in Chaweng – however you won’t get to loosen up both!
However Chaweng isn’t just about partying. It’s house to the island’s greatest and longest seashore, boasting 7 kilometers of white sand and turquoise waters. And if it’s worthwhile to cool off, head to the air-conditioned shopping center, Central, which options all of your acquainted Western outlets, quick meals joints and has a vigorous evening market exterior.
One other benefit of staying in Chaweng is that you just’re near the airport and different vacationer seashore cities like Lamai and Bophut. Subsequently, it serves as a wonderful base in case your in search of an motion packed Koh Samui journey with loads of nightlife, however take into account different areas in the event you’re after peace, relaxation and leisure.
Finest Resorts in Chaweng
Luxurious: Centara Reserve Samui – This 5-star beachfront resort is on the quieter finish of city, in direction of Chaweng Noi seashore, but it’s nonetheless only a brief stroll from the seashore golf equipment, bars, and eating places. In case you’re capable of splash out, I like to recommend the pool suites, which have personal plunge swimming pools.
Mid Vary: Lub d Koh Samui – The beachfront location and fashionable facilities of Lub d make this probably the greatest value-for-money accommodations in Koh Samui providing dorms, sea view personal rooms, 2 swimming pools and vigorous frequent areas. It has a really social vibe, so this is a wonderful alternative in the event you’re touring solo and trying to make buddies to occasion with.
Finances: Kluay Mai Visitor Home – In case you’re searching for one thing low-cost, cheerful, and central, you received’t discover something higher than Kluay Mai Visitor Home. The clear, air-conditioned rooms are only a 200-metre stroll from Chaweng Seaside, permitting you to catch your 40 winks in between occasion periods with out breaking the financial institution!
Bophut Seaside (Bo Phut)
Bophut Seaside is house to a shocking sandy seashore and the charming Fisherman’s Village with it’s well-known evening market. It’s a preferred space and whereas it could get busy in peak season it has a extra laid-back and family-friendly ambiance than Chaweng and Lamai.
The Fisherman’s Village is a historic space that runs parallel to the seashore with conventional picket store homes that at the moment are house to boutique outlets, fashionable cafes, and eating places serving genuine Thai dishes in addition to worldwide delicacies.
Be sure that to go to on Friday evening when the street is closed to visitors for the well-known strolling avenue market the place you may browse the stalls for souvenirs whereas having fun with stay music and scrumptious avenue meals.
Bophut Seaside is sandy and protected for swimming, it’s lined with palm timber and relaxed seashore cafes and gives beautiful views of the neighboring island, Koh Phangan. There’s a lot to do for lively children together with paddleboarding, visiting the elephant sanctuary, and boat journeys to Ang Thong Marine Park, Koh Tao or Koh Phangan.
Bophut can also be not removed from the airport and sights just like the Large Buddha and Wat Plai Laem in Bangrak. This space gives the right mix of leisure, exercise, and comfort, with out the seedy vibe of some areas of Chaweng and Lamai. That is why it’s a best choice for households and one in all my favorite areas to remain in Koh Samui.
Finest Resorts in Bophut
Luxurious: Wild Cottages Elephant Sanctuary Resort – That is one in all Thailand’s most unusual 5-star resorts. Positioned inside an elephant sanctuary, you’ll get up in consolation, surrounded by elephants and plush tropical jungle. The personal pool villas are constructed on a hill, giving expansive vistas over the island and ocean, and whereas it’s not inside strolling distance of the seashore a shuttle is accessible while you need to hit the seashore.
Mid Vary ({Couples}): Karma Resort – This 4-star resort boasts a central location just some steps from Bophut Seaside. You’ll really feel immediately at peace right here with an enormous infinity pool, spacious villas, and classy boho design. It’s significantly common amongst {couples} in search of a relaxed vibe.
Mid Vary (Households): Vacation Inn Resort – With a wonderful location on Bophut seashore close to the Fisherman’s Village and a great deal of actions for kids, the Vacation Inn is by far the perfect worth household resort on Koh Samui. There’s an enormous kids’s pool, water slides, playground, and a children membership. The rooms are designed with households in thoughts and so they even have ‘children keep and eat free’ packages!
Finances: Baan Yaimai – This Koh Samui boutique lodge is 200 meters from Fisherman’s Village. The big rooms are easy but clear, the employees are pleasant and useful, and there’s a stunning pool and shared kitchen.
Lamai Seaside
Lamai has the second-busiest seashore on Koh Samui, and though it’s a well-developed space, it has extra pure magnificence and appeal than Chaweng.
There are lots of issues to do right here, from water sports activities to Muay Thai courses to enjoyable spa therapies at one of many many lavish resorts. Don’t miss trying out the quirky Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks (distinctive phallic formed rock formations) and taking within the view from Lamai Viewpoint close by.
Different high spots to go to close by embody Crystal Seaside (also referred to as Silver Seaside) resulting from its shallow crystal-clear waters and granite rocks, and Koh Lad viewpoint which gives beautiful views over the ocean.
Take a look at the strolling avenue and evening markets within the evenings or have a meal and cocktail at one of many many bars and eating places. And in the event you do need a huge evening out, you’re only a 20-minute taxi drive from Chaweng’s golf equipment.
Briefly, Lamai Seaside gives a mix of leisure and nightlife, so this space is right in the event you’re over your occasion animal days however nonetheless need to have an excellent time! Nonetheless, households needs to be conscious that there’s a assortment of girly bars in the course of Lamai’s essential avenue so this won’t be the perfect space for you.
Finest Resorts in Lamai:
Luxurious: Banyan Tree Samui – In case you’re in search of the perfect personal pool villas on the island, look no additional than Banyan Tree nestled in a personal cove close to Lamai Seaside. The pool villas are constructed within the jungle, overlooking the ocean for privateness and priceless views. Who doesn’t need to sip an ice-cold beer in their very own infinity pool?!
Mid Vary: Palm Coco Mantra – Who stated beachfront accommodations should be expensive? This expansive 3-star resort is constructed on a hill with a swimming pool and restaurant subsequent to the seashore. All rooms have personal balconies with spectacular views overlooking the ocean.
Finances: Kerton Hostel – In case you’re touring solo or backpacking round Thailand, you’ll absolutely love the Kerton Backpacker Hostel. It boasts a key location in the course of city, spacious, fashionable, air-conditioned rooms, and tremendous pleasant employees.
Maenam Seaside
Maenam within the north has a noticeably extra low-key and unhurried vibe than the opposite vacationer areas on Koh Samui, making it a best choice for households and {couples} trying to escape the crowds and simply loosen up on a ravishing seashore.
It’s additionally friendlier on the purse than Choeng Mon, with an unlimited array of mid-range resorts and price range accommodations, many with a beachfront location.
Maenam’s 5km lengthy seashore is among the greatest seashores in Koh Samui and is right for lengthy, undisturbed strolls and peaceable sunbathing periods. In the meantime, you’ll expertise a extra genuine, native vibe within the city middle with many conventional Thai meals choices – no Western malls or noisy evening golf equipment in sight.
Positioned within the northwest, this a part of the island has a few of the greatest sundown views from the seashore bars on Ban Tai Seaside. Then, inland, you’ll discover golf programs, mountaineering trails and wellness facilities, making Maenam the right location for a calming escape or perhaps a DIY wellness retreat.
Finest Resorts in Maenam:
Luxurious: 4 Seasons Samui – Positioned on the peaceable Laem Yai Bay, west of Maenam Seaside, The 4 Seasons Samui resort is common amongst {couples} and honeymooners. Its breathtaking personal pool villas are constructed on a hill, with infinity swimming pools and a singular indoor/out of doors rest room. Lush inexperienced grounds conceal the villas from prying eyes for max privateness. This unique resort rose to fame just lately when the third season of HBO present ‘The White Lotus’ was filmed right here so ebook effectively forward to keep away from disappointment!
Mid Vary: Explorar Koh Samui – This adults-only resort and spa attracts younger {couples} trying to unwind and reconnect. The fashionable suites have personal balconies with sea views, however in the event you’re searching for privateness, you may improve to the backyard suite with your personal plunge pool. The resort additionally gives yoga periods, Muay Thai courses, and a contemporary co-working area.
Finances: Samui Zenity – This 3-star boutique resort has a stunning out of doors swimming pool, cozy rooms, and a free shuttle to the seashore. It’s good for households trying to preserve prices low because it encompasses a water slide for the little (and large) ones, laundry services, and a communal kitchen.
Choeng Mon Seaside
On the north-eastern tip of the island, Choeng Mon gives a peaceable, secluded ambiance with uncrowded seashores. It has fairly an expensive, unique really feel, with many 5-star spa resorts and beachfront villas. Subsequently, it’s a preferred alternative amongst {couples} and honeymooners.
One other factor that makes Choeng Mon a high location is that it’s simply quarter-hour drive from the airport and 20-minutes from Chaweng and Fisherman’s Village. It’s also simply 10 minutes away from Bang Rak seashore the place you’ll discover the distinctive Wat Plai Leam with it’s 18 armed Guan Yin statue and the well-known Large Buddha temple, situated on the small island of Ko Fan, which you’ll be able to drive throughout to.
Briefly, staying on Choeng Mon seashore gives a peaceable luxurious escape in addition to a handy location for exploring the island for many who need to expertise a little bit of all the things.
Finest Resorts in Choeng Mon:
Luxurious: Six Senses Samui – Six Senses is among the most unique resorts in Samui, hidden away on a personal seashore on the northern tip. Constructed on a hill, the 2-level personal pool villas give panoramic views of the Gulf of Siam.
Mid Vary: Sea Dance Resort – In case you’re searching for peace, privateness, and costs that don’t break the financial institution, take a look at this beautiful 4-star resort. That includes cute cottages amidst lush tropical gardens, you’ll really feel so relaxed right here you received’t need to go away. A should for nature lovers!
Finances: Moon Cottage – This low-cost resort is right for many who need to get pleasure from one in all Koh Samui’s most stunning seashore areas with out forking out. The resort consists of 8 fashionable bungalows with personal plunge swimming pools and a big shared pool. And if that’s not sufficient, it’s only a brief stroll from Choeng Mon Seaside.
Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam
In case you are trying to escape the crowds head to the west coast of the island the place you’ll discover serene and peaceable seashores like Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam that supply unspoilt nature, beautiful sunsets, secluded resorts and serene yoga retreats.
This space is ideal for {couples} and honeymooners searching for privateness and leisure, solo travellers trying to loosen up on a wellness retreat or anybody that simply needs to get away from all of it. In case you’re in search of nightlife – go elsewhere!
Finest Resorts in Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam
Luxurious: Conrad Ko Samui – Tucked away in a secluded nook of Koh Samui’s southwest coast, Conrad Ko Samui is a slice of heaven for {couples} and honeymooners searching for a personal getaway with romantic eating experiences on the seashore and divine {couples} therapies within the spa. The pool villas have unbelievable 10-meter-long personal infinity swimming pools, outsized spa baths, and a few of the greatest panoramic sundown views on the island.
Mid Vary: Kanok Buri Resort – This gem of a resort on Lipa Noi seashore is superb worth for cash full with a beachfront restaurant and swimming pool, and tremendous pleasant employees. Select from quite a lot of rooms, together with household pool villas with loads of privateness, good for a intimate household trip away from the hustle and bustle.
Finances: Chill Inn Hostel – In case you’re a digital nomad, backpacker or price range traveller in search of a extra chilled out various to busy Chaweng then head to Chill Inn Hostel. Positioned on quiet Lipa Noi seashore, this pleasant beachfront hostel gives spacious shared dormitory rooms and a shady seashore cafe – good for working whereas having fun with the seashore views and assembly like minded individuals with out blowing the price range.
Koh Samui Journey Information: Ideas For Planning Your Journey To Koh Samui
Selecting the place to remain in Koh Samui is just one a part of planning your journey. Listed below are different key issues to contemplate earlier than reserving your lodge and flight.
Finest Time To Go to Koh Samui
Most individuals go to Koh Samui in the course of the dry season (January to April). That is the perfect time of 12 months for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat journeys, as there’s considerable sunshine, minimal rainfall, decrease humidity and calmer waters. Nonetheless, these months, particularly January and February, will be extraordinarily crowded on the island, and lots of resorts hike up their costs as a result of excessive demand and even promote out so ebook effectively prematurely.
Due to this, I like to recommend visiting in direction of the top of the dry season, in March, April, or Might. The climate will nonetheless be heat (although with a number of brief showers), and lodging and flights are less expensive. Koh Samui can also be the perfect Thai island for a summer season (July and August) break because it’s not as wet as Phuket is right now.
Koh Samui’s wet season is totally different from the remainder of Thailand. As an alternative of the standard June–October monsoon, Koh Samui experiences its heaviest rain from October to December. Whereas it doesn’t rain all day on daily basis you may anticipate rougher seas, greater humidity, overcast skies and frequent tropical downpours in the course of the wet season. The plus facet is that there are fewer vacationers and decrease off season costs.
Be aware that December can have heavy rainfall, leading to a slightly moist and windy Christmas break! Because the Gulf of Thailand has a barely later wet season than the Andaman Coast, Phuket and Krabi are typically dry by Christmas making these locations a greater possibility throughout this era.
Find out how to Get to Koh Samui
Not like most different Thai islands, Koh Samui has an airport, which means you may fly straight there. However earlier than you get too excited, you need to know that flights to and from Koh Samui Airport (USM) are restricted and are sometimes costlier than the mainland airports.
Samui’s airport is gorgeous however there are very restricted worldwide flights. Because the airport is privately owned solely Bangkok Airways can fly there so that you’ll have to fly to Bangkok first and connect with a flight to Koh Samui from there.
A less expensive however longer method to attain Samui is to fly with a price range airline like Air Asia to Surat Thani Airport (URT) on the mainland. You’ll be able to then take a bus and ferry combo to Koh Samui – you may ebook this simply on 12GoAsia. The journey from Surat Thani Airport to Koh Samui takes roughly 4 hours.
There are 4 ferry piers on the island, Nathon is the principle port from the mainland however it’s situated on the west coast whereas most accommodations are on the east coast.
Whenever you arrive on the island, taxi’s can be found to your lodging, nonetheless, taxis in Samui will be costly as drivers are recognized to cost unexpecting vacationers higher-than-normal charges so it’s greatest to agree on a value earlier than getting in.
A less expensive possibility is to order a journey by the Seize app or take a shared minivan from the airport or ferry terminal. In case you take the Lomprayah ferry they provide a shared minivan for lodge drops everywhere in the island for a small further cost.
Additionally observe that some Koh Samui accommodations supply a shuttle to and from the airport or pier, both at no cost or a small further cost. So it’s price enquiring about this when reserving your lodging.
Find out how to get round Koh Samui
There’s loads of choices for getting round Koh Samui. You’ll be able to hop in one of many shared songthaews that run between the favored areas, hail a taxi, be a part of a guided tour, or lease a automobile or motorcycle to discover the island at your personal tempo.
One of the best place to ebook day excursions and island hopping journeys on-line is on Get Your Information and Viator – it’s because you may learn evaluations so you already know what to anticipate.
A great way to see the island’s high sights is to take a personal island tour the place you’ll get picked up out of your lodge and journey within the consolation of an air conditioned mini van with a pleasant native information to go to temples, waterfalls and viewpoints. It’s higher worth and a greater expertise than taking a number of taxis.
In case you’re up for extra of an journey, take a look at this 4WD island tour – a good way to discover the well-known sights and hidden gems within the jungle with a enjoyable group. And naturally, you may’t miss taking a ship journey – the highest island hopping journeys from Koh Samui are:
How Many Days to Spend in Koh Samui
I counsel spending at the very least 4 days on Koh Samui however 7 is right. This will provide you with sufficient time to take a look at a number of of the perfect seashores on the island, see the island’s cultural highlights, and take a ship journey whereas nonetheless having time to loosen up and luxuriate in your vacation.
With 4 – 5 days in Koh Samui you may spend a number of days having fun with the seashores and enjoyable at your resort, take a day tour of the island’s temples and take a day journey to Ang Thong Nationwide Marine Park or Koh Tao.
You probably have per week or extra, you may discover the much less well-known western and southern coast areas, akin to Lipa Noi, or head inland for some waterfall chasing.
The extra time may also enable for extra cultural experiences, akin to visiting native markets, collaborating in a Thai cooking class, or visiting close by islands like Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Take a look at my publish on all of the issues to do in Koh Samui for extra concepts and ideas.
So now you already know the perfect locations to remain in Koh Samui!
As you may see, there are MANY beautiful spots and lodging choices in Koh Samui. With its beautiful seashores and dreamy landscapes, heat hospitality and numerous experiences, Koh Samui is the right alternative for a Thai seashore vacation.
Whether or not you’re dreaming of an expensive beachfront retreat, a enjoyable stuffed household getaway, or a budget-friendly base near all of the bars and nightclubs, Samui has one thing for everybody – simply be sure to do your analysis and select the perfect space so that you can guarantee an excellent expertise.
And, in case you are discovering it onerous to determine between Thailand’s two hottest island locations, learn my Phuket vs Koh Samui publish which compares and weighs up the professionals and cons of every that can assist you select the perfect island for you.
Be sure that to take a look at different blogs on Koh Samui and, in the event you’re planning an extended journey across the nation, take a look at my different blogs on Thailand: