Where to Stay on Koh Samui

Koh Samui is one of the most popular islands in Thailand with some of the best and diverse accommodation choices. If you are asking yourself where to stay on Koh Samui then you should first decide what type of holiday are you looking for, how much you want to spend and with whom are you travelling. This idyllic island has several major beaches that invite tourists to spend a dream holiday in one of the most luxurious and modern apartments, villas or hotels, but you should know that the scenery, prices, atmosphere and facilities vary from place to place.

Bangrak Beach

Due to its proximity to one of Koh Samui most important attractions, it is also known as Big Buddha Beach. Indeed, it has a very relaxed atmosphere and a unique beauty, but it is located nearby the airport so occasionally you will see and hear the airplanes landing and taking off. On a different note, it is the next beach on from Bophut so it has easy access to shops, restaurants and for a more interesting night out you can simply take a short taxi ride to Chaweng. Bangrak Beach offers some of the best accommodation units, such as large hotels, luxury villas or bohemian bungalows.

 

Bophut Beach

Bophut Beach is the place where you find the most eclectic mix of tourists: families, backpackers, Samui regulars and mid-range tourists. This area of Koh Samui is pretty average in all aspects, but it is a very serene and pleasant beach, where you can enjoy the best this island has to offer while staying at a beachside villa or a fancy apartment. You will always find something here suitable for your budget and tastes.

 

Chaweng Beach

This is the most popular place in Koh Samui, a paradise beach with soft white sand and tall palm trees. Due to its numerous luxury beachfront villas, lively atmosphere, vibrant night life and numerous tourist facilities, Chaweng Beach is one of the most preferred spots on the island. Indeed, it might be a pretty commercial place, but somehow the beach side has remained unaltered and offers the same pure and natural beauty as some of the most isolated places in Koh Samui. There are plenty of accommodation choices here, diverse restaurants, good water conditions for water sports.

 

Choeng Mon Bay

The bay of Choeng Mon is located in the north-east tip of Ko Samui. Its beauty consists of a nice mix between dreamy sandy beaches, rocky coves, casuarina and palm trees. It is the most quiet and picturesque setting on the island which makes it perfect for a laid-back holiday. This spot has an exclusive allure as the hotels and villas here are in the higher price bracket.

 

Lamai Beach

Lamai has a very long and alluring beach that invite you to enjoy some of the most pleasant sun baths ever, white pristine sand and tall palm trees. Its popularity has turned Lamai Beach in a very crowded place with a loud night-life. This means that it is more appropriated for young tourists and less pleasant for families that are looking for a more serene destination. The accommodation options are numerous and very diverse- from bungalows, apartments and villas to hotels and high end resorts.

 

Maenam Beach

Budget travellers are really big fans of Maenam Beach. It has some of the best views out to the islands and the calmest atmosphere on Koh Samui. There are plenty of water sports available here and the accommodation units have a really good value-for-money compared to other places on the island.