Where to stay in Ko Samui? A beach guide to help you choose the right one for you

Ko Samui is one of the most famous islands in the Gulf of ThailandBetween fine sandy beaches, coconut trees and green mountains, it attracts both lovers of relaxation and travelers looking for a little comfort.

Despite mass tourism in certain areas (hello Chaweng), the island has maintained a certain balance : you can still find quiet spots there, especially out of season or on the west side.

In this article, I give you an overview of the main beaches of Ko Samui, each time with a quick description of the atmosphere and some accommodation suggestions – whether you are looking for a sea-facing resort, a simple bungalow or a nice guesthouse.

Whether it's for a trip as a couple, with family or just to relax in peace and quiet, there is bound to be a corner that will suit youThe idea, as always, is to help you choose the beach that suits you best.

If you need it, here is a reminder of the other articles dedicated to the subject of hotels in Thailand:

• To choose your neighborhood in Bangkok: Where to stay in Bangkok?
• To choose your neighborhood in Chiang Mai: Where to stay in Chiang Mai?
• To choose your beach in Phuket: Which beach to stay in Phuket
• To choose your beach in Ko Chang: Which beach to take a hotel in Ko Chang

NEW EDITION

As with the other articles in this range, the idea is to define what characterizes the different beaches, with these centers of interest, and while we're at it, if you find your choice, I therefore offer you a selection of hotels to stay there.

Please note that the links provided are affiliate links, which means that if you book through one of these links, I receive a commission, a transparent way of giving me a helping hand to continue the blog and help me continue to share my ideas for visits and good deals with you.

The hotels reflect the personal choices I would make if I ever wanted to stay in Ko Samui again, based on budget ranges. The idea is to "narrow down" the wide range of hotels a little, hoping that my choices will suit you and save you time.

To find all available hotels in Ko Samui in one place, I recommend using cozycozy, a complete hosting comparator.

1- The main beaches of Ko Samui

If you've done any research on Ko Samui, you've probably seen names like Chaweng, the most famous, or Lamai, Bo Phut, the "challengers". Overall, the north and east coasts are the most popular, so if you're looking for a wide choice of hotels, restaurants and a lively side, this is where you should consider settling.

However, and fortunately, Ko Samui is large enough to offer quieter places that are not devoid of charm. In short, there will be something for everyone, whether you are with family, in backpacker mode or looking for a little luxury, Ko Samui will always be able to satisfy you.

To summarize, the main beaches with the most hotel choices and interests are as follows, more or less in order of popularity:

• Chaweng
• Lamai
• Bo Phut
• Mae Nam
• Choeng mon
• Nathon
• Bang Po

Now let's go into a little more detail about the different characteristics of the beaches that make up the island and the nearby attractions.

2- The northern beaches: charm and calm

The beaches on this coast are quieter than the east coast, which represents the peak of activity on the island. The northern beaches offer a good compromise between the "less crowded" side but still a choice of hotels and places to dine.

Afterwards, the further east you go, the quieter it usually is.

Bang Po Beach

Starting from the west, the first major beach north of Ko Samui is the large (4km!) Bang Po Beach (also spelled Bang Por). This relatively deserted and sparsely built-up beach offers a view of Ko Phangan.

The beach is still evolving and includes enough hotels to find what you are looking for without disfiguring the place too much. Note that its shallow waters are not the best for swimming but it is quite adequate for snorkeling.

In general, the beach is calm and you will mainly come across locals and fishermen.

For even more peace and quiet, there is also the small stretch of beach furthest west, Thong Plu, which allows you to see the islands of the Ang Thong archipelago in good weather and enjoy fine white sand all to yourself.

It's not Bang Po but it's the north of Ko Samui nonetheless!

But it's not great for swimming and there are few accommodation options in this area, so it's good if you're mainly looking for a quiet spot to sunbathe and read in peace.

Conversely, the closer you get to Mae Nam, the more hotels and restaurants you will find, the neighboring beach being a little more developed. The stretch of beach east of Bang Po, often referred to as Ban Tai (not to be confused with the beach of the same name, located on the neighboring island of Ko Phangan) and therefore considered a separate beach is a little gem on Ko Samui. The water is deeper there and will delight those who want a unique corner, not too crowded.

Apart from the hotels mentioned below, a good alternative if you are travelling with friends or family is to rent a private villa, for example Villa Chok, which offers a beautiful building with a resolutely modern swimming pool. With 3 bedrooms that can accommodate up to 6 guests, for a rate of €200 per night for the entire villa (in low season, otherwise expect to pay about double), it ultimately comes to less than €70 per night/per couple.

The only constraint in this case being a minimum of 5 nights. If you are interested, see my selection below, where I have also added Villa Chok.

Mae Nam Beach

If we continue further east, you will come across Mae Nam beach. This is also a very large beach, as I said above, a little more developed than its neighbor, even if it remains reasonable and the coconut trees are still there!

More backpacker-oriented than luxury, Mae Nam offers low-cost accommodation, except at its far end, which is more five-star oriented.

Deeper, it is more suitable for swimming all year round (be careful of the reefs which are sharp). You will also find various activities such as kite-surfing, jetski rental etc. There is also a pontoon used by the famous ferry company, Lomphraya at the very west of the beach (to go to Ko Phangan and Ko Tao).

If you are staying in the area and want to take a little tour to see some of the nature that Ko Samui has to offer, you can go to the Tan Rua Waterfall.

Again, if there are a lot of you, you can take an entire villa to share a good time with family or friends, see my list of suggestions below:

Bo Phut Beach

Formerly a simple fishing village, it is difficult to imagine it when you see how the beach is developing. Still quite calm a few years ago, Bo Phut is gaining in reputation in recent times. You only have to see the choice of hotels, much larger (and more interesting).

There are still a few old wooden houses, which contrast with the recent constructions, where chic restaurants and luxury hotels are appearing.

The atmosphere there is in no way comparable to the inimitable Chaweng beach, but let's say that you shouldn't be bored in Bo Phut either, without having the noise of Chaweng. It's more of a place to hang out and for me personally, it's a place where I liked to come in the evening to eat in one of the restaurants located on the beach, with my feet in the sand.

A restaurant on the beach in Bo Phut.

A good compromise in short between “too noisy/busy” and “too quiet/nothing to do”.

The beach allows you to observe Ko Phangan. A portion of the beach has shallow waters, rather muddy (especially in December), not making it the best place for swimming. But for the rest, it is clear water, always shallow, ideal for family bathing.

Among its advantages, its proximity to the airport, the Khun Si Waterfall or even attractions like the Big Buddha and the Wat Plai Laem temple. You will also be not far from Chaweng if you ever want to have a little animation without suffering it either.

The Big Buddha of Ko Samui.

The nearby beach of Bo Phut.

Northeast tip

An area in its own right, which offers an alternative to Bo Phut, full of charm for those looking for a little privacy while remaining close to the action. You will have the choice between bays like Choeng Mon, the main and largest in the area, but also Samrong Bay or Thong Son Bay.

The latter is also considered one of the most beautiful in Ko Samui, it is very good for swimming, including with children, it will not be the most beautiful and fine sand but at least there are few waves, making it a safe place.

The temple of Wat Plai Laem.

Here too, the offer remains varied with some luxury hotels having taken up residence there like the Six Senses in the far north, but around the Big Buddha beach (Bang Rak) and further inland, you will find quite a few cheaper offers which will delight backpackers (in addition to offering a beautiful view for the sunset).

In summary, you will have a good compromise between tranquility and proximity to the activity of an area like Chaweng.

Here too, outside of hotels, you will have a private villa option with swimming pool, which, in this case, comes to €230 per night for 3 bedrooms (capacity of 6 people), or less than €80 per room for total independence. For this option, it is at Villa Chamnan that you will need to reserve.

Choeng mon

Quite a few resorts and restaurants line the beach but don't spoil it too much. It's usually crowded without being excessive. The advantage is its proximity to Chaweng which makes it easy to get around. It's generally on this beach that you'll have the widest choice in terms of hotel ranges. There's normally an area with shops, especially massages, but lately, most of them were for sale or free to rent so the location doesn't seem to attract too many visitors who clearly prefer to go out on Chaweng or Bo Phut.

Thong Son and Samrong Bay

Small, quiet coves, they would be perfect if not so far away... Because the downside is that they are far from any transport, taxis do not venture into the area of ​​their own accord, you have to order them in advance... Not necessarily the most economical...

So you have to go there with full knowledge of the facts, but if you have your own transport, then it is a widely considered option. As a result, there are mainly more "luxury" oriented hotels, even if there are always cheaper options.

3- The eastern beaches: the bulk of the activity

Chaweng and Lamai are undoubtedly the most touristic beaches of Ko Samui. But each one differs in its style. The advantage is that you can find everything, for all tastes and for all types of prices, I can't summarize better!

A street in Chaweng.

If you want to go out in the evening, this is also where it happens, especially in Chaweng, lots of shops, day and night markets, go-go restaurants, bars (and go-go bars), nightclubs, etc. It's almost too much and could put off more than one person.

This is where Lamai comes in! Personally, it is one of my favorite beaches, less chaotic than its neighbor to the north, it also has many amenities and a very beautiful beach.

Chaweng Beach

Ideal for party animals and those who want to enjoy "to the fullest" what Samui has to offer, it is also very close to the airport. The (very) long 7km beach is a parade of hotels, massage parlors, restaurants and will suit many tourists wishing to settle down for the holidays with everything within walking distance.

If you are here to relax this is not the best option, Lamai is probably already a better choice. The advantage is that there are still plenty of hotels, including villas again.

Chaweng main beach (a few years ago).

To name 2, the Napa Samui Villas, overlooking Chaweng from a hill, can accommodate up to 8 people with its 4 rooms (on a surface area of ​​600m²!!), for a price of €630 but if you fill the establishment, it comes to €157 per couple.

The other, the Samui Sun Villa, is of a more “modest” size (400m²) has a swimming pool, garden, billiards and can accommodate up to 6 adults and 1 child thanks to the 4 bedrooms.

Coral Cove and Silver Beach

Located between the beaches of Chaweng and Lamai, and a bit like the area of ​​the north-eastern tip, they offer a little haven of peace while remaining close to the liveliness of these 2 neighbors. Delimited by rocks, Silver Beach would almost have an air of Seychelles, but, quite small, it is sometimes very crowded, but certainly worth a look!

Note that the latter is also known as Crystal Bay or Thong Takian. These 2 coves are also quite suitable for swimming, with a decent depth.

Lamai Beach

Certainly the most famous beach after Chaweng, it allows you to "breathe" a little in front of the vibrant Chaweng. And unlike many places on the island targeting more and more the high-end, Lamai remains cheap with a more "good-natured" atmosphere.

The beautiful Lamai beach.

So it would be an ideal place for families and those on a tighter budget who want to enjoy the many restaurants and shops. In addition to having a superb setting, Lamai is close to some must-see places for any visit to Ko Samui.

Starting with the famous duo of rock formations, the "Hin Ta and Hin Yai", an affectionate nickname given by the Thais and meaning "grandfather and grandmother". Lamai will also be a good starting point to go and admire the viewpoint at Jungle View 360°, a restaurant which, as its name suggests, allows you to see the entire island in 360° at an altitude of 630m.

You will also be quite close to Na Muang Falls, further inland to the west.

The rock Hin Ta, its counterpart Hin Yai and next door.

Na Muang Waterfall 1.

The big drawback of Lamai is its access to the beach, more than limited by the presence of hotels all along. If you are not staying in one of them, finding public access will not be the easiest thing, which I find unfortunate knowing that it is about being able to go to a public place, and which should therefore be easily accessible for all...

Hua Thanon Beach

Located just south of Lamai, this small, quiet beach is another option for peace and quiet while remaining close to the action. Lined with coconut trees, it is a setting that lacks charm, although it has that little touch of tropical that we are looking for.

But it is not the most ideal place for swimming and not the cleanest beach.

North of Hua Thanon.

On the southern part of the beach, you can take a tour of the Muslim village of Hua Thanon, which allows you to see a more rural and local side of Ko Samui, with its small mosque and its inhabitants, living mainly from fishing.

It remains an ideal base for some classic visits to Ko Samui. We can mention the temple with the mummified monk, Wat Khun Aram, but also several waterfalls. Wang Sao Waterfall, Khao Yai Waterfall, but also the Na Muang 1 and Na Muang 2 falls as well as Ta Nim (also spelled Tar Nim waterfall and magic garden).

A great villa option if you're in the area, a house in a garden that can accommodate 6 guests (3 bedrooms) for less than €110!

4- The southern beaches: nature and luxury

More limited in terms of hotel offers, this area is the one that I readily admit to knowing the least. And for good reason, this area is off the main road that goes all the way around the island. A scooter or your own transport is therefore preferable to get there, because there will be less public transport in this area.

Laem Set Beaches

You will find some luxury hotels in Laem Set, whose road leading there is rather beautiful and deserted. In fact, it is also a cape, what am I saying, a peninsula (I have to bring out this reference 😉 )

The only place here that is not a luxury resort is the atypical "Cool Bar", set there on the edge of the beach, which contrasts with the setting since here it is a good atmosphere in all simplicity. In any case, no swimming in the area but do not worry, the hotels necessarily have swimming pools if the area interests you 😉

Bang Kao and Laem Sor Beaches

You will find beautiful corners of nature, and it is quiet, perhaps too much for some. A few years ago, it was literally free of any construction. Without being alarming, a few small resorts and homes are developing in this corner which remains above all a rural Ko Samui.

On Bang Kao Bay.

Unfortunately, Bang Kao in particular is not impeccable in terms of cleanliness and don't plan on swimming too much, the south-east coast is shallow and too rocky. In the area, if you like alcohol, you can make an original visit by going to the rum distillery, yes yes! To do this, search for "magic alembic rum distillery".

Continuing further, you will pass the southern cape of the island, Laem Sor, with its small deserted cove but not really swimmable. It is a place to walk rather than to stay there. You can take a look at the passage at the pagoda of the temple of the same name as the beach, Wat Laem Sor.

Thong krut

If you find yourself in this area and are feeling a bit peckish, Thong Krut is the place to head. Thong Krut is a fishing village, so there are dozens of restaurants offering fresh produce that will satisfy fans of fish and shellfish.

Ban Phang Ka

For backpackers, it's on the side of Ban Phang Ka in the far west that you should find your happiness. On the other hand, plan your transport, because being relaxed is good, but finding something to eat and moving around is just as important!

It remains an excellent place to discover a “forgotten” part of Ko Samui, with a walk allowing a viewpoint on the area as well as the mangrove at the foot of the small hill!

5- The western beaches: long deserted beach

Let's continue our tour of the island's beaches. Continuing towards the west of the island, you will find long beaches, rather deserted. However, this is where you will arrive, because the ferries land at Nathon, the administrative center of the island.

Despite beautiful beaches, this part of the coast remains little developed and you will have every chance of walking alone or almost alone on these beaches.

Taling Ngam Beach

Taling Ngam is a beautiful, rather wild beach, undeveloped and therefore very quiet. Little infrastructure, it is THE beach to feel "alone in the world". It has another great asset, located to the west, it is a very good spot to come and admire the sunset, with a view of the islands of the Angthong National Park archipelago, what more could you ask for!

In fact, there are two distinct parts. The south is called the Virgin Coast, as the terrain is too steep to be used. If you manage to access a beach from Taling Ngam hill, you will probably be alone.

Taling Ngam Bay.

The northern part of Taling Ngam has a few hotels and places to eat. It will be a good starting point to visit the Ang Thong Islands archipelago, also known as the Five Islands.

Thong Yang

"Squeezed" between Taling Ngam and Lipa Noi, you will find Thong Yang, a small stretch of beach among the beautiful beaches of Ko Samui and yet neglected, Thong Yang Beach is sometimes mapped as Lipa Noi Bay, but it is a priori beautiful and indeed a small beach apart to the south of Lipa Noi and to the north of Taling Ngam.

Lipa Noi

Moving up to Lipa Noi you will have a bit more choice in terms of accommodation. The beach is large and deeper so better for swimming, with the central part being the cleanest and most idyllic.

This is probably, along with Thong Yang, the best option to stay somewhere on the west coast. From Lipa Noi you can take a trip to Wanorn Waterfall, and possibly to Na Muang and Tar Nim Falls.

Lipa Noi Beach. Photo credit Urs Achermann (Flickr)

Nathon

Close to the arrival piers, you will find a few beaches to relax on if you want to enjoy yourself until the last moment before taking the boat again for the continuation (or end) of your stay in Thailand.

It is paradoxically a fairly undeveloped area, with a little air of the Thai countryside, we come across old wooden houses. Going up north, we can come across lots of simple little restaurants along the road that borders the seafront, there are also several small hotels if ever you want to stay in the area.

In this area you can always take a look at the Hin Lat Waterfall (also spelled Hin Lad Waterfall)

Ko Samui in brief:

One of the island's major assets is its airport, which greatly facilitates access to the island, avoiding long bus and ferry journeys. But the latter being private, the cost is affected. For a tighter budget, the option combining bus (or train) and ferry crossing remains an economical alternative.

I would like to mention here, however, that a bridge project is currently being discussed. If it were to come to fruition, I believe it would be a disaster that could disfigure the island... Because a bridge would mean an increasing number of vehicles could circulate on the island, where space is limited... Wait and see...

To summarize the interesting areas: The entire northeast quarter should easily satisfy you, it roughly corresponds to the entire area around the airport, all the way south towards Lamai, a beach which for me remains a safe bet in Ko Samui. Overall, this entire part is the most developed of the island so it offers a wide choice and range of hotels, perfect for "first timers" discovering the island.

For a more tranquil atmosphere, head to the rest of the island, including inland if staying by the beach isn't a must. After all, some hotels offer incredible views from the central hills of Ko Samui!

You will find a lot of information on the site that helped me prepare this article: Samui Passion

Have you ever stayed in Ko Samui? Any opinions, any preferences? Leave me your comments!

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