Hotels in Koh Samui
There is a wide variety of accommodation in Samui to suit all tastes and budgets, from small, good value but well maintained guest houses, all the way up to luxurious resorts. On the whole the standard on this self-styled ‘Boutique island’ is high, with many resorts having their own beachfront.
The high tourist season for hotels in Samui runs from November to April inclusive and this is the time when the Samui hotels are priced highest and the resorts are busiest. Christmas and New Year is considered to be the ‘peak season’ which books out quickly. Out of season you’ll still have a good chance of decent weather but with much better rates and fewer crowds. You can choose from and book more than 250 right here.
See full list and book hotels on Samui.
Which beach?
If you are unfamiliar with Samui it’s worth first reading this quick guideline to each of the beaches before searching.
Chaweng hotels
This is the most popular and developed of the two east coast beaches, with a lovely long beach with nice sand and water perfect for swimming. Around the headland is Chaweng North, which is a bit more exclusive with a few high-rise hotels. The main road through Chaweng, set back a few hundred meters from the beach, is a heavily developed area of shopping arcades, coffee shops, ice cream parlours and tour services, and a collection of rustic bars are located beside the inland lake beyond these. The al fresco restaurants set out on the beach at night are also great.
Book hotels in Chaweng More on Chaweng Map of Samui
Lamai hotels
The second busiest beach and similar to Chaweng with its lovely lengthy East coast beach, but less crowded. Many resorts here front the beach, so that access is via a few lanes between them. Lamai's main street is lengthy and characterised by a ‘villagy feel’ at the southern end and lively bars (with the island’s biggest girlie bar area) in the central stretch and tourist services towards the north.
Book hotels in Lamai More on Lamai Map of Samui
Big Buddha hotels
A sweeping lengthy, beach on the North shore with the best parts at the western end where a number of modest resorts and guesthouses have their own patch of beachfront. You can wander for miles on this beach, but have fewer options for eating and drinking, and the main street isn’t developed like Chaweng. It’s conveniently closest to the airport and Chaweng, but the flight noise doesn’t bother.
Book hotels in Big Buddha More on Big Buddha Map of Samui
Bo Phut hotels
Bo Phut stretches along the central part of the north side and is similar to Big Buddha, with perhaps more upscale, as well as affordable, resort options. There is a fishermen’s village at the eastern end with a pier and nice atmosphere and here a lane runs along the beach giving public access to a part that isn’t full of some resort’s private loungers. Good for long strolls, limited evening options and far from Chaweng.
Book hotels in Bo Phut More on Bo Phut Map of Samui
Choeng Mon hotels
Small, delightful, crescent shaped beach tucked away in the northeast of the island with about half a dozen options to stay in. It’s a lovely relaxed beach with an exclusive character but not far from Chaweng or Big Buddha beach. Somewhat exclusive.
Book hotels in Choeng Mon More on Choeng Mon Map of Samui
Mae Nam hotels
Farther still from the action and suitable for those wanting to avoid all but those in their resort and sit quietly on the beach all day. You’ll need a rental bike here and it’s probably closer to the Thai island town of Na Thon than the sophistication of Chaweng, but you get much better value here. Like all the north beaches, they aren’t as perfect as the east coast but still pretty good and with a more down to earth feel.
Book hotels in Mae Nam More on Mae Nam Map of Samui
Thaling Nam hotels
It’s very exclusive in the extreme south, at least 20 minutes drive from Lamai, and has only a couple of upscale resorts with their own private beaches. It’s completely unspoilt and undeveloped.
Book hotels in Thaling Nam Mae Nam Map of Samui
