Where To Stay in Koh Samui: Top 7 Places (with Map!)

Wondering where to stay in Koh Samui? 

After spending a few weeks on this tropical little island, I’ve combed every inch of it to bring you some of the best and most beautiful areas to stay. 

There’s something in this list for every type of traveller, whether you’re splurging on your honeymoon or backpacking on a budget. 

But this is Classy Travel Guides, so no matter your budget, I’ve found the most stylish and highly-rated accommodation picks in every place to make your Thailand planning a breeze. 

The guide includes an overview of the top 7 places to stay in Koh Samui, what type of traveller they suit best, plus accommodation picks for every budget. 

I’ll also go over some FAQs about staying in Koh Samui at the end. 

Where to Stay in Koh Samui at a Glance

Where to Stay in Koh Samui in More Detail 

Lamai 

Best place to stay in Koh Samui with family 

If you’re wondering where to stay in Koh Samui with kids, Lamai is a popular choice. 

Quieter than Chaweng, its rowdy neighbour, but still with the full range of bars, restaurants and family-friendly amenities, it has a beautiful beach to boot. 

A long ribbon of Marshmallow-soft sand unfurls for what feels like miles, fringed by emerald-green palm trees. 

The night market in Lamai is considered one of the best on the island, with a wide range of Thailand’s iconic street food on offer, plus stalls for clothing and souvenirs. There are also a couple of bars here and nightly live music, perfect for a low-key evening out. 

Chilled-out family-friendly hotels line the sand here, with plenty of space for everyone to find their own little pitch. 

The beach has gentle waves, making it safe for children to swim, with the back of the beach shaded by palms. 

Nearby island attractions like the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rock formations (Grandmother and Grandfather’s rock) round off this popular all-rounder. 

Best place to stay in Koh Samui for nightlife 

Chaweng is the biggest and busiest beach in Koh Samui. The vast crescent moon swathe of sand is heaving with hotels while neon-lit nightlife lines the road behind. 

This is the beating heart of the island’s after-dark entertainment, buzzing with beach clubs, live music venues, rooftop bars, and late-night fire shows. 

Chaweng is popular with backpackers due to the lively nightlife, but there are accommodation options in every category here, from ultra-luxe to mega-budget. 

Like most places to stay in Koh Samui, Chaweng has a bustling night market where you can get your Thai street food fix, plus plenty of local and international restaurants.

If you’re looking to stay right in the thick of it, then Chaweng is the perfect spot for you. If you prefer a quieter spot to sleep but still want easy access to the action, Chaweng Noi is perfect, just south of the main strip. 

Bo Phut (Fisherman’s Village)  

Best place to stay in Koh Samui for couples

Bophut is a large area encompassing the island’s north-east corner. 

It includes the charming Fisherman’s Village, which has a distinctly old-world feel, with wooden shopfronts, cosy cafés, and boutique shops along the seafront. This place is definitely up there as one of the top three places to stay in Koh Samui. 

In the evenings, the Friday Night Market transforms the street into a lively bazaar with food stalls and music, perfect for a romantic stroll. The beach here is more peaceful than Chaweng, and the sunsets are spectacular. 

It’s a great spot for couples who want to balance relaxation with good dining options and exploring without the party crowds.

It’s right by the airport, which makes getting here a breeze, and some of the island’s key attractions are also located nearby, such as the Big Buddha, a gigantic golden statue nestled in a zen-like temple complex on a hill. 

You’ll also find a picturesque beach sprinkled with laidback beach clubs where you can chill for the day, listening to low-key live music. 

Mae Nam 

Best place to stay in Koh Samui for island hopping

Mae Nam is a tranquil stretch of beach that doubles as the island’s gateway to the Gulf of Thailand. 

The Pralarn pier here is the launch point for ferries to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and the Ang Thong National Marine Park, making it the perfect base if you’re planning to explore beyond Koh Samui. 

The vibe is relaxed and low-key, with simple beach bars and wellness resorts dotted along the sugar-fine sand of Maenam beach. It’s in the bay adjacent to Fisherman’s village, so you’re close to a bustling evening out when you feel like it, but beach days are calm and quiet. 

If you’re just passing through Koh Samui on your way to the rest of the archipelago, this is a chilled-out spot to base yourself. 

Best place to stay in Koh Samui for a honeymoon

Choeng Mon is a cluster of small bays on the northeast tip of the island, offering seclusion and tranquillity without being too far from the airport or lively nightlife.

It’s tucked in a serene bay between Chaweng Beach and Fisherman’s Village, meaning evenings out are always close at hand. 

Its desert-island style beaches and luxury resorts make it a honeymooner’s dream – think private villas, infinity pools, and candlelit dining right on the sand. 

The calm waters are great for kayaking and paddleboarding, while the lush setting gives it a tropical hideaway feel. 

If you’re looking for blissed-out romance without sacrificing easy access to some of the island’s star attractions, this is the spot for you. 

Taling Ngam 

Best place to stay in Koh Samui for adventure 

Taling Ngam, on the island’s untouched southwest coast, is rugged, wild, and spectacular. 

Just south of Lipa Noi, it’s the place to base yourself if you want to explore Koh Samui beyond the main tourist trail. 

The beaches here are quieter and framed by jungle and cliffs, with some of the best views of the Five Islands. 

We used it as a base to head inland for hikes to hidden waterfalls, explore local temples, or take a boat trip to snorkel in nearby reefs. 

It’s definitely worth hiring a scooter or car to explore the island. You can be at the iconic Na Muang waterfalls within 20 minutes, while lesser-trodden hiking trails bring you to breathtaking island panoramas. 

Despite the area’s remoteness, you can still find luxurious cliff-top resorts with unbeatable sunset panoramas.

Silver Beach

Best place to stay in Koh Samui for beach beauty

Silver Beach was my favourite place on the island; a glittering slice of sand wedged between Chaweng and Lamai Beach. 

Also called Crystal Bay, this postcard-perfect cove flaunts talcum-powder sand and water the colours of a mermaid’s tail, which is shallow, clear, and begging to be snorkelled in. 

It has a more intimate, secluded vibe than the bigger beaches, with just a handful of resorts and restaurants peppered along the bay.

If you want to soak up Koh Samui’s spotless natural beauty and spend long, lazy days by its prettiest stretch of sand, Silver Beach will be hard to beat.

Where to stay in Koh Samui: FAQs

Where to stay in Koh Samui for a Full Moon Party?

Thailand’s famous full moon parties take place on the island of Koh Phangan, a short ferry ride from Koh Samui. Therefore, you’ll want to base yourself on the north/east coast for the easiest hops to Koh Phangan.

Options are: 

• Bang Rak (Big Buddha) or Bophut/Fisherman’s Village: Close to Big Buddha Pier for the Haad Rin Queen boat direct to Haad Rin Pier (about 50 minutes). 
• Mae Nam: Handy for Lomprayah high-speed catamarans to Thong Sala Pier (20–30 minutes) then a short taxi to Haad Rin. 
• Chaweng: Offers the biggest range of late-night options and plenty of speedboat pickups on party nights. If you want to party, then sleep, choose a quieter hotel at the south end (Chaweng Noi). 

What are the best hotels in Koh Samui?

If you’re looking for iconic, luxury hotels in Koh Samui, here’s your shortlist: 

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui (Laem Yai): Iconic private-pool villas; featured in The White Lotus season 3. 

Banyan Tree Samui (Lamai/Silver Beach): Secluded private bay with all-villa luxury and an excellent spa. 

Six Senses Samui (Choeng Mon headland): Dramatic Gulf views, sustainability ethos, villas with pools. 

Conrad Koh Samui (Taling Ngam): West-coast cliffside villas, each with a private infinity pool and sunset views. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui (Choeng Mon Beach): Suites and pool villas near Big Buddha and Fisherman’s Village. 

The Library (Chaweng): Minimalist design classic with the famous Red Pool; boutique feel. 

How to get to Koh Samui?

The best way to get to the island is to fly into Koh Samui Airport (USM). It’s a unique and serene airport with alfresco terminals. Bangkok Airways is the main carrier, and Scoot also serves USM internationally as of 2025. 

Island-to-island fast ferries connect Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao via operators like Lomprayah (multiple daily sailings). You can even get a ferry to the island all the way from Bangkok, if you’re looking for a cheaper way to get there. 

What are some of the top things to do in Koh Samui?

Some of the top things to tick off your Koh Samui travel to-do list include:

•  A day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park, which offers kayaking, snorkelling, and viewpoints over the 42-island archipelago. 
• A visit to Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) and nearby Wat Plai Laem with the 18-armed Guanyin statue. 
• Checking out Fisherman’s Village Friday Walking Street, where you’ll find food stalls, crafts, and live music. 
• Swimming in Na Muang Waterfalls (1 & 2) – there’s an easy swim at #1, and a short hike and big views at #2. 
• An adventure to the Secret Buddha Garden, which is a hilltop sculpture park hidden in the jungle. 

What’s the best way to get around Koh Samui?

Scooter hire is a common and cost-effective way to explore the island, but you must have a valid licence plus an International Driving Permit, and helmets are mandatory. Without this, you risk fines, and your insurance may be invalid. You can hire scooters at many roadside rental shops or via your accommodation provider. 

Songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) are another cheap way to hop along the ring road. You simply hail it as it goes by, and tell the driver where you want to be dropped off – you may need to negotiate a price per person. 

For something a little more comfortable, taxis and ride-hailing (Grab, and in some areas Bolt) are widely used; prices vary by distance. 

Car rental works well for families or if you’re exploring the south and interior, while hotels also arrange private transfers, tours and shuttles. 

I hope you found this travel guide useful – but if you need more Koh Samui travel tips, let me know in the comments below!