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Choosing a Hotel in Koh Samui

Choosing a Hotel in Koh Samui

By Chris QuanUpdated Mar. 8, 2023

Koh Samui is known as the second largest island that lies in the Gulf of Thailand, with 228.7 square kilometers area. The beaches are beautiful and the nightlife is vibrant. It offers you over 700 hotels and resorts and hundreds more private villas and beach bungalows to stay.

If you want to enjoy a pool and ocean-view combination, you can choose a high-end hillside hotel at Chaweng or Lamai Beach. Or you can choose a mid-range place near Bophut and Maenam Beach, if you want to enjoy a saving and are happy to walk or drive to the beach.

Highlights

  • Each of the beaches and towns of Koh Samui offers something different, whether it’s a hedonistic party atmosphere, peaceful isolation, plenty of activities, a traditional feel or just a big stretch of sand to relax on.
  • Koh Samui is known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves and dense, mountainous rainforest, plus luxury resorts and posh spas.
  • You can choose a hotel at Maenam or Lamai Beach for secluded vacant beaches; Chaweng or Bophut Beach for lively nightlife, great shopping, and wonderful food.
  • Once you decide on your perfect beach and your preferred location, it’s simply a matter of deciding between a handful of great options in your desired price range.
  • Koh Samui is suitable for your weekend get-away. But better still, is to spend three or more nights to explore all the amazing places.

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Choosing a Beach

Chaweng Beach is located in the northeast corner of the island and close to the airport. It’s best known for nightlife, shopping, attractions and restaurants. The beach, with nodding palm trees surrounding the numerous resorts which are placed right by the white sand, leads into a beautifully clear sea. It’s perfect for travelers who want a busy beach and nightlife.

Bophut Beach is a meeting point between old and new; the Fisherman’s Village displays the heritage of Koh Samui. It offers you modern resorts right on the stunning two-kilometer-long beach, boutique shops, chic and retro restaurants, fun activities and attractions. It’s ideal for young travelers and families.

Maenam Beach is popular with backpackers and offers a lot of fun activities, restaurants and budget shopping, along with a good selection of low-cost accommodation right on the beach. It is a great place to go to relax and take it easy on a pleasant beach. It is perfect for honeymooners and travelers looking for romance.

Resort Styles and Average Ranking

There is a wide range of hotels in Koh Samui, ranging from 1 or 2-star budget-friendly hotels to luxurious resorts. Almost in every area, you can find everything from backpackers’ hotels that offer friendly, low budget service right on the beach, to high-quality and very private five-star resorts with fine dining and sophisticated nightlife options.

Budget-friendly backpackers’ hotels offer you great value for money, close to the beach and the main markets; beachfront accommodation with clean, stylish and spacious air conditioned rooms. Amenities include TV, free Wi-Fi, and toiletries. It can be a great way to enjoy Koh Samui at an affordable price.

Five-star hotels are a perfect get-away, where you can enjoy all luxurious facilities that make you not want to go anywhere. They offer you an experience of Thai hospitality in beachside resorts with luxurious private pool, villas, refreshing workout, on-site water sport facilities, business center, souvenir shop, spa.

10-Day Best of Thailand with Koh Samui:

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Length of Stay and Budget

Koh Samui is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand and has a lot to offer. We recommend you stay at least three days to enjoy all of the highlights.

If you stay a short time, it’s better to pick a hotel close to the beach and the main attractions. For you who stay longer, you have more time to enjoy the great hotel facilities and to relax.

For those with a lower budget, there are very affordable budget-friendly hotels. But if you stay at a luxurious hotel, of course you will spend more money.

Asia Highlights’ Handpicked Resorts

After you decide which beach you like most, then look through this list of our top picks for the best places to stay in Koh Samui.

Resorts at Bophut Beach

Mantra Samui Resort

Rating: 5-star hotel

Location: 9/124 Moo 1, Bophut, Koh Samui, 84330

Features and why we recommend it:

Mantra Samui has a wide range of comfortable and luxurious rooms, boasting stunning ocean and lush tropical garden views. Located on a hillside in the popular town of Bophut, it offers you some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Koh Samui’s beautiful coastline.

You can enjoy these views in peace while being only a short distance from countless shops, an array of local restaurants and some of the most stunning beaches you have ever seen.

Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort

Rating: 5-star hotel

Location: 99/9 Bophut Bay, Samui Island, 84320

Features and why we recommend it:

Located on a tranquil stretch of sand, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort offers you inimitable luxury comforts, coupled with world renowned Thai hospitality. Enjoy water sports on the Gulf of Thailand’s placid warm waters whilst residing at one of the most elegant Koh Samui resorts.

A wealth of leisure facilities and experiences, from windsurfing and sailing to spa, beach yoga, tennis, cooking classes and area excursions, help you to make the most of Koh Samui’s stunning natural and cultural attractions.

Resorts at Choeng Mon Beach

Sala Samui Choeng Mon Beach Resort

Rating: 5-star hotel

Location: 10/9 Moo 5, Choeng Mon Beach, 84320

Features and why we recommend it:

Sala Samui is a stunning luxury pool villa beach resort on Choeng Mon Beach, featuring private swimming pools in 53 out of 69 total villas and suites. A comfortable and relaxing ambiance is created with a harmonious blend of traditional Thai architecture, modern facilities and amenities.

With over 80-meters of pristine beachfront and not one but two oceanfront swimming pools, it is sure to offer an unforgettable and private experience.

The Imperial Boat House Beach Resort

Rating: 4-star hotel

Location: 83 Moo 5, Choeng Mon Beach, 84320

Features and why we recommend it:

The Imperial Boat House Beach Resort Koh Samui is a comfortable hotel at the beachfront of Choeng Mon Beach. You can get a unique experience by staying in real ancient transformed boat suits.

It offers a range of authentic Thai and international dining and bar options, spacious rooms with private balconies with views to the garden and the sea. A swimming pool, the renowned Imperial Spa and a gym are at your disposal, as well as a soft, sandy tropical beach.

2-Week Thailand Getaway Tour for Couples:
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Resort at Maenam Beach

Belmond Napasai

Rating: 5-star hotel

Location: 65/10 Baan Tai, Maenam, 84330

Features and why we recommend it:

The serene Koh Samui beach resort, Belmond Napasai, is a secluded hide-away. Staying there, turns a trip to Koh Samui into an unforgettable, unique escape. Spend all day beside the infinity pool or in the spa, or experience the vibrant island scene through our action-packed resort activities.

Dive into the sparkling azure waters and cool off after a day filled with Thai boxing, tennis or cycling. Alternatively sit back in a lounger, order a cocktail, and soak up the sun with the company of a good book.

Sensimar Resort and Spa

Rating: 4-star hotel

Location: 44/134 Moo 1, Maenam, 84330

Features and why we recommend it:

Sensimar Resort and Spa offers you a romantic atmosphere for your honeymoon experience, and helps you unwind and recharge in a peaceful, luxurious and welcoming environment. It leaves you the space to make your own personal romantic moments and memories together.

The only "Adult Only" (16+) beach resort guarantees a peaceful retreat for couples and provides the best Thailand get-away.

Resort at Chaweng Beach

Chaweng Regent Beach Resort

Rating: 4-star hotel

Location: 155/4 Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, 84320

Features and why we recommend it:

Chaweng Regent Beach Resort is a stunning beach front resort, situated on the famous Chaweng Beach on Koh Samui. Conveniently located only a short walk away from the vibrant excitement of Chaweng, with its many entertainment spots, restaurants and shopping centers, this resort offers the very best location to suit all tastes.

This resort offers impeccable service as well as luxury accommodation. It’s a refuge to promote health and wellness, with palate-pleasing experiences.

Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui

Rating: 5-star hotel

Location: 38/2 Moo 3, Chaweng Beach, 84320

Features and why we recommend it:

The Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui is located right on Chaweng Beach, and it has easy access to Central Festival for shopping and the ever-present buzz of Chaweng Road. It is the perfect choice for a couple or a family break or a luxury holiday experience, combining a beachfront location with comfort and style.

Enjoy a regal colonial style exterior, relax at the swimming pool with a drink from the swim-up bar; visit the spa to have a relaxing beauty or wellness treatment.

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