Where To Stay In Koh Samui: A Guide To The Best Areas To Stay In Koh Samui
by Shelly Mehandiratta on 04/11/17 at 11:38 am
Looking for the best areas to stay in Koh Samui? Whether you want to party all night, seek peaceful isolation, want to be close to the city’s attractions or just want a big patch of sand for yourself, we have got you covered.
Whatever you fancy, our comprehensive guide on the best areas to stay in Koh Samui will help you make the right choice.
1. For Couples and Families: Chaweng
Chaweng is the most popular town in Koh Samui. Its biggest draw is the access to Chaweng beach, the liveliest beach on the island. With its stretch of powdery white sand, clear waters and thrilling watersports, it’s a paradise for beach bums.
Why should you stay here?
Chaweng has all sorts of accommodation options, from beachside resorts to luxurious private pool villas. It also has a fantastic range of hotels, restaurants and is close to many of the island’s prominent attractions. Shopaholics are spoilt for choice, as its home to the biggest shopping complex in Koh Samui.
Last but not the least, it is the best place for nightlife in Samui. Right from a cosy lounge to flashy nightclubs to world famous beach bars, the party animal is spoilt for choice.
Where’s the catch?
Chaweng is the most popular place in Samui, so it’s quite touristy and usually crowded.
Recommended Hotels
Value for Money:
- Evergreen Resort: It’s a great value for money stay option close to the beach and the main market. The rooms are clean, stylish and spacious. And the service is excellent.
- Samui Verticolor: The place is awesome and worth every penny. It has a nice pool and a gym, with enough free weights to satisfy a gym rat. The rooms are huge and have a king-size bed and a balcony view.
Premium Experience:
- Chaweng Garden Beach Resort:It’s an intimate family run resort which will give you a true taste of Thai hospitality. The resort has a private beach, so you can lounge on the sand endlessly. Accessibility is good as there are tonnes of shopping centres, nightclubs and restaurants nearby.
- Chaweng Regent Beach Resort: It’s a haven which sits right on Chaweng Beach. The rooms are furnished with modern Thai décor and the rooms come with a private terrace.
2. For Honeymooners, Couples & Families: Lamai
Lamai is the second most popular area in Samui. The show stealer here is Lamai beach, much quieter and cleaner than Chaweng. It’s ideal for those who want to listen to the song of the sea in absolute peace.
Why should you stay here?
There are tonnes of hotels and resorts lining the beaches. It’s ideal for honeymooners as it gives you privacy without sacrificing on creature comforts.
Lamai also has many shopping outlets and spa treatments scattered around. The nightlife is almost as lively as Chaweng, with plenty of drinking joints in the vicinity.
Where’s the catch?
Accessing the beach can be difficult if you don’t have a beachside hotel.
Recommended Hotels
Value for Money
- Lamai Buri Resort: The resort is a gem in Koh Samui. It has a spectacular unusual beach view. The staff is really cordial. Restaurants and bars are all within walking distance.
- Sallamai Resort: It’s a lovely place with lovely hosts. They are very friendly and will go out of their way to ensure you get what you want. It’s also located close to restaurants and shops.
Premium Experience
- Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa: Set on a small hill with splendid views of the sea, the privacy and peacefulness it offers is beyond compare. You get a private beach all to yourself. And be prepared to be pampered by the staff, you won’t even have to lift a finger.
- Sandalwood Luxury Villas: It’s a villa perched between two beaches, with sweeping views of the ocean. It has a dreamy infinity pool and you can even enjoy a special milk bath in their jacuzzi. Need we say more?
3. For backpackers and Solo Travelers: Maenam
Maenam is one of those places which has a perfect mix of pocket-friendly and luxurious accommodations. It has low-cost stays, budget shopping avenues and tonnes of adventure options like Kite surfing and fun activities like football-golfing.
Why should you stay here?
The Maenam beach is quite secluded, it is an ideal choice if you want to just lounge about in silence and listen to the sound of the waves.
Where’s the catch?
There isn’t a lot to do in the area, so if you have a big checklist to tick off, then you are better off elsewhere.
Recommended Hotels
Value for Money:
- Ampha Place Hotel: It’s a great family run hotel, clean and well maintained. It has a nice pool with plenty of loungers. The hosts are warm and friendly. They will help you with arranging car and ferry transfers.
- Escape Beach Resort: The resort is very nice with its little bungalows built like small houses. The pool is directly at the beach, which has an amazing view. They also have a modern European styled bar with tonnes of international cuisines.
Premium Experience:
- Sensimar Koh Samui: It enjoys a peaceful location on the secluded Maenam beach. The beach massage is a must try here. The staff will treat you like you’re their only guest. And the best part is the free shuttle to other parts of the island.
- Infinity Residences and Resort: A delightful resort if you want to relax and unwind. The rooms are quite modern and spacious. The facilities are excellent and the staff will go out of their way to make you feel comfortable.
4. For an Authentic Thai experience: Bophut
Why should you stay here?
In an urbanized Koh Samui, Bophut stands out for its authentic vibe. It is a great place to get the local flavour of Thailand, Bophut is a great place to stay.
Where’s the catch?
The nightlife around here is quite mellow, so if partying is important in your scheme of things, then this may not be the best-suited place.
Recommended Hotels
Value for Money
- Aspira Samui Hotels and Resorts: It’s an amazing value for money stay with big rooms and a delicious breakfast. Being a bit far from the main area, it is ideal for those who want to avoid the noise.
- Us Hostel: Located close to the main area in Bophut, it’s an exceptional hostel with a nice swimming pool, bar and a comfy lounge. The staff is very friendly and they help you in booking tours, getting bikes on rent, taxi transfer etc.
Premium Experience
- Imperial Boat House Beach Resort: It’s a unique resort where the hotel’s authentic teakwood barges are converted into suites with fresh design and a welcoming ambience. There are tonnes of things to do here, right from a body massage and spa to adventures like canoeing and scuba diving.
- Hansar Samui Resort & Spa: It’s a 5-star paradise with stylish rooms, panoramic beach views and private balconies. The best part about the resort is its alluring infinity pool. The bonus is, it lies close to the Fisherman’s village, the main hub for shopping.
Featured Image Via: MyBlondeBucketList
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