Is Chaweng or Bophut better to stay in?

Chaweng for buzz, nightlife, and beach facilities on a budget. Bophut for a more refined, quieter stay with excellent restaurants and boutique accommodation. Bophut is better for couples; Chaweng suits solo travellers and groups.

Which Koh Samui beach is best for swimming?

Chaweng and Lamai on the east coast are best for swimming in the high season (December–April). Maenam and Bophut on the north coast are calm year-round. South coast beaches are generally underdeveloped.

How do I get from Koh Samui airport to my hotel?

Samui Airport (USM) is privately owned by Bangkok Airways. Official taxis are expensive (฿400–800 depending on destination). Some hotels offer transfers. Grab is available on the island but may not operate inside the airport.

Best Hotels in Koh Samui — Beach Guide & Top Picks by Budget

Best Hotels in Koh Samui

Koh Samui has something for everyone — the party scene of Chaweng, the laid-back luxury of Bophut, the family-friendly calm of Maenam, and the seclusion of the south coast. The island has a strong five-star presence, particularly along the north and northeast coasts. Budget travellers are best served in Chaweng and Hat Rin (near the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan).

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Hotels

Hotels in Koh Samui

Flights

Flights to Thailand

Activities

Things to do in Koh Samui

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Where to Stay in Koh Samui

Chaweng

฿500–12,000/night

Best for: Nightlife, shopping, budget and midrange

Samui's main tourist strip — the longest beach, the most restaurants, and the liveliest nightlife. Crowded at peak season but has the best beach facilities and shopping.

Bophut (Fisherman's Village)

฿2,000–20,000/night

Best for: Boutique hotels, dining, couples

Charming fishing village on the north coast with a popular Friday walking street. Calm sea year-round (north coast is sheltered during southwest monsoon). Some of Samui's best boutique hotels.

Lamai

฿700–8,000/night

Best for: Quieter beach life, midrange stays

Second-largest beach, less developed than Chaweng. Good value midrange hotels and a relaxed vibe. Reasonable swimming and good snorkelling at the rocky southern end.

Maenam

฿600–6,000/night

Best for: Families, budget, quiet

Long, quiet beach on the north coast. Calm shallow water ideal for children. Good budget accommodation and some quality boutique resorts. Easy boat access to Koh Phangan.

Recommended Hotels

Zazen Boutique Resort

฿4,000–8,000/night

Bophut

Intimate resort in the Fisherman's Village. Beautiful pool, acclaimed restaurant, and serene atmosphere.

Chaweng Regent Beach Resort

฿3,000–6,000/night

Chaweng

Direct Chaweng beachfront with large pool complex. Reliable midrange choice.

Bandara Resort & Spa Samui

฿3,500–7,000/night

Bophut

Spacious rooms, two pools, and a spa on the calm north coast. Good families option.

Booking Tips for Koh Samui

1
Koh Samui is divided by monsoons: the east coast (Chaweng, Lamai) is rough October–December; the north coast (Bophut, Maenam) is rough June–August. Plan accordingly.
2
Getting around Samui is expensive without a scooter — metered taxis are rare and tuk-tuks charge high fixed prices. Rent a scooter (฿250–350/day) for flexibility.
3
Full Moon Party on neighbouring Koh Phangan draws huge crowds to Samui hotels — book well ahead if your dates coincide.

Disclaimer

Hotel prices and availability change frequently. All prices shown are approximate rack rates and can vary by season, availability, and booking platform. Always verify current rates directly with the hotel or on your preferred booking site.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Best Hotels in Koh Samui

Where to Stay in Koh Samui

Chaweng

฿500–12,000/night

Best for: Nightlife, shopping, budget and midrange

Samui's main tourist strip — the longest beach, the most restaurants, and the liveliest nightlife. Crowded at peak season but has the best beach facilities and shopping.

Bophut (Fisherman's Village)

฿2,000–20,000/night

Best for: Boutique hotels, dining, couples

Charming fishing village on the north coast with a popular Friday walking street. Calm sea year-round (north coast is sheltered during southwest monsoon). Some of Samui's best boutique hotels.

Lamai

฿700–8,000/night

Best for: Quieter beach life, midrange stays

Second-largest beach, less developed than Chaweng. Good value midrange hotels and a relaxed vibe. Reasonable swimming and good snorkelling at the rocky southern end.

Maenam

฿600–6,000/night

Best for: Families, budget, quiet

Long, quiet beach on the north coast. Calm shallow water ideal for children. Good budget accommodation and some quality boutique resorts. Easy boat access to Koh Phangan.

Recommended Hotels

Zazen Boutique Resort

฿4,000–8,000/night

Bophut

Intimate resort in the Fisherman's Village. Beautiful pool, acclaimed restaurant, and serene atmosphere.

Chaweng Regent Beach Resort

฿3,000–6,000/night

Chaweng

Direct Chaweng beachfront with large pool complex. Reliable midrange choice.

Bandara Resort & Spa Samui

฿3,500–7,000/night

Bophut

Spacious rooms, two pools, and a spa on the calm north coast. Good families option.

Booking Tips for Koh Samui

Koh Samui is divided by monsoons: the east coast (Chaweng, Lamai) is rough October–December; the north coast (Bophut, Maenam) is rough June–August. Plan accordingly.

Getting around Samui is expensive without a scooter — metered taxis are rare and tuk-tuks charge high fixed prices. Rent a scooter (฿250–350/day) for flexibility.

Full Moon Party on neighbouring Koh Phangan draws huge crowds to Samui hotels — book well ahead if your dates coincide.