Koh Samui beaches - which beach suits your holiday?
Chaweng, Chaweng Noi, Lamai, Bophut, Maenam and Choeng Mon - Koh Samui's beaches are very different from one another. Some suit anyone who wants restaurants, shopping and nightlife within walking distance, others a quiet couples' holiday by the sea, and there are also small bays best for a few hours' visit. So which beach on Koh Samui should you choose, and how do you know the hotel is in the right place for you?
In March 2025 we spent four nights on Koh Samui, all of them in Chaweng Noi, a beautiful and relatively quiet beach just south of central Chaweng Beach. We stayed in two hotels: The Sarann and Impiana Resort Chaweng Noi.
Both offered a pampering stay, sea views and a romantic atmosphere. Even so, during our stay we discovered a significant drawback that we had not given enough weight to when booking: in the evening there was almost nowhere to go on foot.
The hotel restaurant closed early, some of the restaurants in the neighbouring hotels were fairly expensive, and the walk along the main road was not pleasant in the dark.
On the map, Chaweng looked close. In practice, it was not an easy trip out to the restaurants and bars in the centre.
That experience taught us that one of the most important things when choosing where to stay on Koh Samui is not only the quality of the hotel or the beauty of the beach, but also what is outside the hotel.
If you are planning a holiday where most of the day is spent by the pool, on the beach and at the resort restaurant, a quiet, secluded location may be exactly what you are looking for. But if you like to go out to a different restaurant every evening, browse the shops or sit in a bar, it is important to choose an area that lets you do that easily.
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How to choose a beach on Koh Samui
A few questions to help you find the area that best suits your holiday.
Nightlife and going outCentral Chaweng - bars, beach clubs and parties within walking distance. Lamai is more low-key.
Peace and quietMaenam, Choeng Mon, Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam - and Chaweng Noi too, if you plan to stay in the hotel.
Family holidaysChoeng Mon and parts of Lamai and Chaweng - a hotel with a pool, easy beach access and restaurants nearby.
Hotel price levels on Koh Samui
Price per night for a double room, as it came up in our Agoda search. Prices vary by season and date.
01Koh Samui's beaches - a quick comparison
Koh Samui is a fairly large island, and its main beaches are spread along the east, north and west coasts.
Each area has a different character, so there is no single beach that suits everyone.
| Beach or area | Location on the island | Character | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaweng | East | Long beach, restaurants, shopping and nightlife | Friends, couples and anyone who wants to be in the centre |
| Chaweng Noi | South of Chaweng | Quiet, romantic, hotels facing the sea | Couples and resort holidays |
| Lamai | South-east | Long beach and a lively but calmer resort town | Couples, families and longer stays |
| Silver Beach | Between Chaweng and Lamai | Small bay with granite boulders and clear water | Swimming, photography and day visits |
| Bophut | North | Historic fishing village, restaurants and shops | Couples, families and relaxed evenings out |
| Maenam | North | Long, quiet and less developed beach | Relaxed holidays and longer stays |
| Choeng Mon | North-east | Small bays and pampering hotels | Families and couples |
| Lipa Noi | West | Quiet beach and sunsets | A secluded, restful holiday |
| Taling Ngam | South-west | Nature, views and sunsets | Secluded resorts and couples' holidays |
The table is organised by the character of each area, not a ranking from best to worst. Even on the same beach there can be big differences between a hotel in the middle of the action and one at the end of the bay.
Map of Koh Samui's beaches and areas
Tap an area on the map or in the list to see who it suits.
Locations are approximate and meant for orientation only, not navigation. Marker 2 (Chaweng Noi) is the area where we stayed.
02Chaweng Beach: the main and busiest beach on Koh Samui
Chaweng is one of the most famous beaches on Koh Samui, and also one of the most developed tourist areas on the island.
The beach is long, with pale sand, hotels at every price level, restaurants, bars and beach clubs. Behind the beach is a busy commercial area with shops, restaurants, massage parlours and places to go out.
The big advantage of Chaweng is that you can combine a beach holiday with nights out and shopping without having to travel to another area every time.
If your hotel is in a central, convenient spot, you can walk out in the evening, pick a restaurant, hop between bars or head to the Central Samui shopping centre.
On the other hand, it is also one of the busiest and noisiest parts of Koh Samui. A hotel next to a beach club or a nightlife hotspot may be less suitable if you are looking for quiet nights.
Three different parts of Chaweng Beach
On 8 March 2025 we spent a whole day walking along Chaweng Beach.
We walked through different parts of the beach and photographed the public areas of many of the hotels.
South Chaweng - pampering hotels in slightly calmer surroundings
In the southern part of Chaweng there are several hotels a short walk from each other, among them OZO Chaweng Samui, Buri Rasa Village Samui and Banana Fan Sea Resort.
Each has a different style.
OZO Chaweng Samui is a hotel with a modern design, a large pool and a beach area with umbrellas and sunloungers on the sand. Its atmosphere suits anyone who prefers a stylish holiday hotel to a large, lavish complex.
Buri Rasa Village Samui is designed like a Thai village, with pavilions and tropical plants. It also has a bar with tables on the sand, facing the sea.
Banana Fan Sea Resort has a long pool facing the beach. Its public area creates a lovely connection between the pool and the sea.
All three hotels are in an area where you can enjoy the beach and also head out to Chaweng's restaurants and shops.
In our Agoda search, these prices came up per night:
- OZO Chaweng Samui - about 7,300 THB (about $217 / €193).
- Banana Fan Sea Resort - about 10,900 THB (about $324 / €288).
- Buri Rasa Village Samui - about 12,200 THB (about $363 / €322).
The prices included taxes as shown in the search, and they depend on the date, availability and room category.
Suits: couples and families looking for a hotel on the beach, with the option of going out to restaurants and shops.
Good to know: in South Chaweng too, it is important to check exactly where the hotel is in relation to the road and the nightlife spots.
Central Chaweng - beach, pools, parties and restaurants
The further you go towards central Chaweng, the livelier the atmosphere becomes.
This is the area where you can combine a day at the pool or on the beach with a bar, a restaurant or a beach club, without planning a special trip.
During our visit we also passed some of the area's best-known hotels and resorts.
Ark Bar is one of the places most associated with Chaweng's social scene. When we saw it at midday, the big pool was full of people and the area was very lively.
If you are looking for nights out, music and people around you, this could be the right setting. If you want complete quiet, check carefully how close you will be to the music.
Chaweng Garden Beach Resort has a more Thai character, with low-rise buildings, greenery and tables on the sand.
Chaweng Regent Beach Resort stands out for its gardens, paths and tropical design.
Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach has a more modern, younger style, with a pool right next to the beach and social seating areas.
Among the hotels that came up in our Agoda search:
| Hotel | Price per night |
|---|---|
| Malibu Beach Resort | about 3,600 THB (~$107 / €95) |
| Ark Bar | about 3,700 THB (~$110 / €98) |
| Lub d | about 4,400 THB (~$131 / €116) |
| Elephant Beach Club | about 5,400 THB (~$161 / €143) |
| Chaweng Garden | about 7,400 THB (~$220 / €196) |
| Chaweng Regent | about 10,900 THB (~$324 / €288) |
The price gaps show that in Chaweng you can find both fairly affordable accommodation and luxury hotels, but the price level alone tells you nothing about cleanliness, room size or the quality of service.
Suits: friends, couples who like to go out in the evening and travellers who want easy access to restaurants, bars and shopping.
Good to know: Chaweng is a long beach. A hotel listed as "Chaweng" is not necessarily a short walk from all the nightlife.
North Chaweng - tropical hotels and a slightly different atmosphere
In the northern part of Chaweng we also walked through the grounds of Amari Koh Samui and Beyond Samui.
At the Amari we saw an open lobby in Thai style, looking out over the pool and the red umbrellas facing the sea.
At Beyond Samui we saw pools set among the bungalows and buildings of the complex.
In our Agoda search the Amari came up at about 7,500 THB (about $223 / €198) per night.
According to Expedia, Beyond Samui is being renovated, with completion expected around January 2027. Check the actual reopening date before you book.
The north suits anyone who wants to stay in the Chaweng area but does not necessarily want to sleep in the heart of the party zone.
Here too, it is important to check the walking distance to the places you want to reach.
03Shopping in Chaweng - Central Samui
Another advantage of staying in Chaweng is being close to Koh Samui's main shopping areas, especially the Central Samui mall.
On our visit to the mall we went into the Central department store and discovered the Lolita brand.
We found fashion pieces there that we especially loved, including a denim dress, jumpsuits and clothes in unusual colours.
Prices were around about 1,100 THB (about $33 / €29) per item, so not particularly cheap by Thai standards, but in our eyes the quality of the clothes and the design were excellent.
If you like to combine a beach holiday with shopping, Chaweng has a clear advantage over more secluded areas.
04Chaweng Noi beach: beautiful and romantic, but less convenient for evenings out
Chaweng Noi lies south of central Chaweng. It is a smaller, quieter beach, with a beautiful bay, green hills and hotels facing the sea.
In terms of views and atmosphere, it was one of the places we loved most on Koh Samui.
We stayed here from 6 to 10 March 2025, in two different hotels: The Sarann and Impiana Resort Chaweng Noi.
The main advantage of Chaweng Noi is the feeling of being fairly removed from the bustle of the centre, even though it is geographically close to Chaweng.
But that is also its drawback.
What we learned about getting around from Chaweng Noi
During the day we enjoyed the quiet, the views and the hotels.
In the evening it turned out to be less convenient.
The restaurant at one of the hotels closed early, the restaurants in the neighbouring hotels were fairly expensive, and walking along the road in the dark was not pleasant.
The distance from central Chaweng looks short on the map, but in practice we did not feel we could simply head out for a relaxed stroll in the centre and walk back.
It was one of our most important lessons in choosing hotels in Thailand.
Before you book a hotel in Chaweng Noi, decide what you want to do in the evenings.
If the aim is to enjoy a couples' holiday inside the hotel, sitting by the sea, ordering food and resting, the area can suit you very well.
If you are planning to go out to a different restaurant, bar or shops every evening, you will need to factor in transport.
The Sarann - a beautiful villa with a jacuzzi facing the sea
From 6 to 8 March 2025 we stayed at The Sarann, in a large, stylish villa with a jacuzzi looking out to sea.
For us, the room was perfect.
The villa was very spacious, the design was beautiful, and being able to sit in the jacuzzi in front of the view made the stay romantic and special.
The service was excellent too.
We really loved the beach and the hotel's surroundings, and the price felt reasonable to us for the standard of room we had.
The hotel has a nice restaurant facing the sea, with prices that were reasonable at the time of our visit. The drawback is that it closed fairly early, so later in the evening our options narrowed.
The main drawback of The Sarann is not the room or the service, but the location.
It is a hotel that suits a couple planning to enjoy the villa and the hotel itself very well, but less so anyone who wants to walk out to restaurants and bars in the evening.
In our Agoda search it came up at about 4,600 THB (about $137 / €122) per night. Check which room category the price refers to, as the villa with the jacuzzi is not necessarily the cheapest room in the hotel.
Impiana Resort Chaweng Noi - a beautiful hotel with a mixed experience
From 8 to 10 March 2025 we moved to Impiana Resort Chaweng Noi.
The hotel itself was beautiful. We loved the public areas, the atmosphere and the restaurant, which was excellent in terms of both the food and the setting.
The service was good too.
But at the start of our stay there was a significant problem.
At check-in we were given a small room that was less pleasant than the one we expected from our booking. We went straight to the staff, and after we complained they upgraded us to a large, pampering and very pleasant room.
That experience taught us something we recommend to anyone booking a hotel: check the room as soon as you walk in.
If the room does not match your booking or what you were promised, go to reception right away rather than waiting.
Despite the upgrade, the first impression affected our experience. On top of that, there were rainy days during our stay, so we did not enjoy the beach and the facilities as much as we had planned.
We probably would not go back to the hotel, even though there were things we really loved about it. You cannot undo a first impression - not the hotel's fault, but that was our experience on that visit.
Important update, October 2026: Impiana Resort Chaweng Noi has been closed for a full renovation since 1 September 2026. It is expected to reopen in the second half of 2027, but the exact date may change.
In an earlier Agoda search it came up at about 4,700 THB (about $140 / €124) per night, but this should not be treated as a live booking offer while the hotel is closed.
Who is Chaweng Noi for?
Suits: couples, romantic breaks, honeymoons and anyone looking for a beautiful hotel facing the sea with a fairly quiet atmosphere.
Good to know: check the hotel restaurant's opening hours, the distance to restaurants outside the hotel and your transport options in the evening. Being close to central Chaweng on the map does not guarantee a comfortable walk.
05Lamai Beach: a long beach and a calmer resort town
Lamai is in the south-east of Koh Samui, south of Chaweng and Chaweng Noi.
We did not stay in the Lamai area, so the comparison here is based on geographical and tourist information rather than on our own stay.
Lamai is one of Koh Samui's main resort areas, with a long beach, restaurants, bars, shops and accommodation at different price levels.
Compared with Chaweng, the atmosphere in Lamai is generally more low-key. There are evenings out and things to do, but the hubs of activity are relatively small and it does not have the same level of crowds as central Chaweng.
That makes Lamai an interesting option for anyone who wants to enjoy a beach and a lively resort town without being in the island's main party area.
What makes Lamai Beach special?
Lamai Beach combines stretches of sand with rocky areas, especially in its southern parts.
The area is also home to the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks, considered one of Koh Samui's best-known attractions.
Lamai also has evening markets and restaurants, so if you choose a hotel in a central location you can enjoy things to do within walking distance.
However, not every hotel listed as "Lamai" is in the centre of town. Some hotels are spread along quiet stretches of beach or built on hills, so it is important to check the exact location.
Hotels and prices in Lamai
These options came up in our Agoda search:
| Hotel | Price per night |
|---|---|
| Sandalwood Luxury Villas | about 3,300 THB (~$98 / €87) on a deal, instead of about 8,600 THB (~$256 / €227) |
| Rummana Boutique Resort | about 4,400 THB (~$131 / €116) |
| The Kala | about 4,900 THB (~$146 / €129) |
| Rocky's Boutique Resort | about 7,300-7,400 THB (~$217-220 / €193-196) |
The Sandalwood price shows clearly why it pays to look out for deals, but remember that hotels and villas on hills are not necessarily within walking distance of the beach and the town centre.
Suits: couples, families and travellers who want a beach and a lively resort town with a calmer atmosphere than Chaweng.
Good to know: check whether the hotel is in central Lamai, on the beach or on a remote hill. The location makes a big difference to how easily you can reach restaurants and shops.
06Silver Beach: a small bay between Chaweng and Lamai
Silver Beach, also known as Crystal Bay or Thongtakian Beach, is on the east coast of Koh Samui, between Chaweng Noi and Lamai.
We did not stay at Silver Beach, and the information here is based on research rather than a personal visit.
It is a fairly small bay, surrounded by large granite boulders and tropical vegetation.
It looks different from the long beaches of Chaweng and Lamai. Instead of a long strip of sand with many hotels and restaurants, this is a compact bay where the sea, the sand and the rocks create a particularly intimate setting.
In the right sea conditions you can enjoy swimming and clear water here. Around the rocks there may be interesting conditions for seeing fish, but they depend on visibility, the tide and the state of the sea.
Is Silver Beach a good place to stay?
If you are looking for a beautiful, fairly quiet bay, it is an option worth checking.
But it is important to understand that this is a small area, with fewer things to do in the evening than in Chaweng or Lamai.
So it mainly suits anyone who wants to enjoy the beach and the hotel, or who plans to use a car or taxis to reach other areas in the evening.
Suits: couples, lovers of small bays, photography and a relaxed holiday.
Good to know: check the sea conditions, parking availability and access routes before a day visit.
07Bophut Beach: a beach, a fishing village and restaurants in the evening
Bophut is in the north of Koh Samui and is one of the most interesting areas for anyone who wants to combine a hotel holiday with the option of going out to restaurants and shops in the evening.
We did not stay in Bophut, so this description is based on additional research.
The best-known hub in the area is Fisherman's Village, a historic fishing village where over the years some of the buildings have become restaurants, cafes, boutiques and bars.
The atmosphere is different from Chaweng. Instead of a big party centre, this is an area for going out that is based more on restaurants, strolling the street and small shops.
Fisherman's Village and the evening market
One of the things most associated with Bophut is the Walking Street area.
The famous evening market usually takes place on Fridays, with food and shopping stalls along the village. There are also smaller markets on other days, so check the current schedule before you go.
The area particularly suits anyone who likes to go out to a restaurant in the evening, browse the shops and enjoy a pleasant atmosphere without looking for big parties.
Is Bophut Beach good for swimming?
Bophut's beach has lovely views and a chance to spend time by the sea, but it is not necessarily the first choice if you are after very white sand and turquoise water like parts of Chaweng.
Swimming conditions and the state of the water also change with the season and the sea conditions.
The main advantage of Bophut is the combination of the beach with the village and the options for an evening out.
Hotels and prices in Bophut
In our Agoda search:
- NH Collection Samui Peace Resort - about 11,300 THB (about $336 / €299) per night.
- Bandara Spa Resort & Pool Villas - about 13,700 THB (about $408 / €362) per night.
Both hotels represent higher-end accommodation, but check exactly how far they are from Fisherman's Village and do not assume that every hotel in Bophut is inside the village.
Suits: couples, families and anyone looking for evenings of restaurants, shops and bars in a fairly relaxed atmosphere.
Good to know: check the walking distance to Fisherman's Village. Bophut covers a wider area than the village itself.
08Maenam Beach: a quiet holiday in the north of Koh Samui
Maenam is on the north coast of Koh Samui, west of Bophut.
We did not stay in Maenam, so the information here is based on research.
It is an area known for its long beach and an atmosphere that is quiet compared with the island's busier tourist centres.
Maenam suits anyone who prefers a slow holiday, with less bustle, small hotels and resorts along the beach.
From some parts of the beach you can enjoy views towards Koh Phangan, which lies north of Koh Samui.
The advantage is the quiet and the chance to switch off a little from the main areas. The drawback is that to reach a wide choice of restaurants, shopping and nightlife, you may need to drive.
Hotels in Maenam
One of the luxury hotels associated with the area is W Koh Samui, on the stretch of coast between Maenam and Bophut.
In our Agoda search it came up at about 29,400 THB (about $875 / €777) per night.
That is a particularly high price level, showing that even a fairly quiet area can have very expensive luxury hotels.
Suits: couples, quiet holidays and longer stays.
Good to know: check whether there are restaurants and shops within walking distance of the hotel. In parts of the area you will need transport to go out in the evening.
09Choeng Mon Beach: a calm bay in the north-east
Choeng Mon is in the north-east of Koh Samui, fairly close to the airport area and to the Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem.
We did not stay in Choeng Mon, so the information here is based on outside sources.
It is an area of fairly small bays, pampering hotels and beaches suited to a relaxed holiday.
Compared with Chaweng, the atmosphere is less intense, and it may particularly suit families and couples who prefer a small, fairly sheltered beach.
Being close to the attractions in the north-east of the island is an advantage if you want to combine a beach holiday with short trips.
Hotels in Choeng Mon
These came up in our Agoda search:
- Melati Beach Resort & Spa - about 12,000 THB (about $357 / €317) per night.
- Garrya Tongsai Bay - about 24,700 THB (about $735 / €653) per night.
These are examples of pampering hotels at a high price level. Remember that the area includes several different bays, and not every hotel marketed as Choeng Mon is on the village's main beach.
Suits: families, couples and anyone looking for a relaxed holiday with the option of exploring the north-east of the island.
Good to know: check which bay the hotel is in and what you can reach from it on foot.
10Koh Samui's west coast beaches - Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam
Although most travellers mainly know Koh Samui's east and north coast beaches, there are also resort areas in the west and south-west of the island.
We did not stay in these areas, and the information about them is based on research.
Lipa Noi is in the west of Koh Samui and is known for its quiet atmosphere and sunset views.
Taling Ngam is in the south-west of the island, with green scenery, quiet bays and fairly secluded resorts.
These areas suit anyone looking mainly for rest, nature and time at the hotel, and less so anyone who wants to walk out to restaurants and bars every evening.
They may particularly suit a couples' holiday or a relaxing stage at the end of the trip.
Suits: a quiet holiday, couples and secluded resorts.
Good to know: plan transport in advance, especially if you want to fit in a lot of trips and shopping. Swimming conditions vary between the bays and the seasons.
11Chaweng or Lamai - which area is better?
This is one of the most important comparisons when planning a holiday on Koh Samui.
Both areas are on the east coast, and both have long beaches, restaurants, hotels and things to do.
But the atmosphere is different.
Chaweng is better for anyone who wants to be in the centre of the action, with a wide choice of hotels, restaurants, shops and nightlife.
Lamai suits anyone who prefers a lively but calmer resort town, with the option of going out in the evening without being in the main party area.
If it is your first time on Koh Samui and you want to combine beach, shopping and bars, Chaweng may be the more convenient choice.
If you prefer a relaxed atmosphere and some distance from the bustle, Lamai may suit you better.
Either way, check where the hotel is within the area, and do not rely only on the beach name shown on the booking site.
12Which beach on Koh Samui should you choose for your type of holiday?
For couples and honeymoons
If you are looking for a romantic hotel with a sea view, a pampering villa and a quiet atmosphere, Chaweng Noi, Choeng Mon and the west coast beaches are worth checking.
But think about the evenings too.
If you like going out to restaurants and bars, Bophut or convenient parts of Chaweng may suit you better than a secluded resort.
For families with children
Choeng Mon, parts of Lamai and parts of Chaweng can suit families, depending on the hotel and the beach conditions.
Give priority to a hotel with a pool, easy beach access, restaurants nearby and a fairly safe walking route.
Check the sea conditions and water levels on the beach for your holiday dates, because a beach that looks calm in photos will not necessarily be calm in every season.
For nightlife and parties
Central Chaweng is the best choice if you want bars, beach clubs and parties within walking distance.
Lamai has places to go out, but in a more low-key setting.
For restaurants, shops and evening strolls
Chaweng and Bophut are the two areas to look at.
Chaweng has a big shopping centre, shops and a wide range of places to go out.
Bophut is better for strolling around the fishing village, with restaurants and boutiques in a relaxed atmosphere.
If you mainly want peace and quiet
Maenam, Choeng Mon, Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam can suit anyone who wants a fairly quiet holiday.
Chaweng Noi is also a good option, mainly for couples who plan to spend most of their time at the hotel.
If you want a holiday without hiring a car or scooter
Choose an area with restaurants, shops and services within walking distance of the hotel.
Central Chaweng, central Lamai and the Fisherman's Village area in Bophut can be particularly convenient.
This is a point we recommend not compromising on if you do not plan to use transport every evening.
13How much do hotels cost on Koh Samui's beaches?
Hotel prices on Koh Samui vary a great deal by area, hotel standard, room type and when you book.
In our Agoda search we found hotels at a wide range of price levels, from rooms at about 2,200-4,300 THB (about $65-128 / €58-114) a night to luxury resorts costing more than about 21,700 THB (about $646 / €573) a night.
The prices in the table are the prices that came up in our search, including taxes and fees, and are not a fixed price list. Check availability and current prices before you book.
| Area | Examples of prices we found |
|---|---|
| Chaweng | Baan Khao Hua Jook - about 2,400 THB (~$71 / €63); Chaweng Villawee - about 3,100 THB (~$92 / €82); Lub d - about 4,400 THB (~$131 / €116); OZO - about 7,300 THB (~$217 / €193) |
| Chaweng Noi | The Sarann - about 4,600 THB (~$137 / €122); Impiana - about 4,700 THB (~$140 / €124), closed for renovation |
| Lamai | Sandalwood - about 3,300 THB (~$98 / €87) on a deal; Rummana - about 4,400 THB (~$131 / €116); Rocky's - about 7,300-7,400 THB (~$217-220 / €193-196) |
| Bophut | NH Collection Samui Peace Resort - about 11,300 THB (~$336 / €299); Bandara - about 13,700 THB (~$408 / €362) |
| Choeng Mon | Melati - about 12,000 THB (~$357 / €317); Garrya Tongsai Bay - about 24,700 THB (~$735 / €653) |
| Maenam | W Koh Samui - about 29,400 THB (~$875 / €777) |
These prices do not necessarily represent the full range of options in each area. For example, the fact that two expensive hotels came up for Bophut in our search does not mean there are no lower-budget places to stay in the area.
14How to choose a hotel on Koh Samui without being disappointed by the location
Our advice is to check the hotel's location just as carefully as the room.
On Koh Samui in particular, a hotel can offer a beautiful beach and an impressive pool, but be in a spot that is awkward to walk out from.
Before you book, check a few things:
1. What is the real distance to restaurants and shops? Not just the distance on the map, but the route you actually have to take.
2. Is there a pavement, and is it pleasant to walk in the evening? A dark or steep main road can turn a short walk into an unpleasant one.
3. Until what time is the hotel restaurant open? This is especially important at secluded resorts.
4. Is the hotel close to a beach club or party area? Being near the centre can be an advantage, but also a source of noise.
5. Which room type are you booking? Look at photos of the exact room category, not only of the luxury villas.
6. Are you planning to spend most of the day at the hotel or out exploring? The answer should shape your choice of area.
15Our recommendation - choose the type of holiday first, and only then the beach
When we think back on our stay on Koh Samui, what we remember most is the beauty of Chaweng Noi and the wonderful hotels we stayed in.
For us, The Sarann was a very special place to stay, with a spacious villa, a jacuzzi and a romantic sea view.
There were also things we really loved at the Impiana, especially the restaurant and the hotel's atmosphere, despite the less successful check-in.
But if we were planning the holiday again, we would give more thought to what we would do in the evenings.
In our view, that is the most important distinction between Koh Samui's beaches.
It is not enough to choose the most beautiful beach or the hotel with the most impressive pool. You need to choose a place that fits the way you want to spend your holiday.
Chaweng suits anyone looking for activity, restaurants, shopping and nightlife. Lamai can be a more balanced option. Bophut suits those who love restaurants and evening strolls, and Chaweng Noi or Choeng Mon those looking for a quieter holiday.
If we had to sum up our advice in one sentence: before you book a hotel on Koh Samui, check not only what the beach looks like, but also where you can go when you want to leave your room.
Koh Samui hotels by price level
Hotels with their own page on our site. Price per night as it came up in our Agoda search.
16Koh Samui beaches FAQs
Which is the most beautiful beach on Koh Samui?
It depends on the kind of beach you like. Chaweng and Chaweng Noi have beautiful stretches of sand and tropical views, Silver Beach is a small bay with granite boulders, and Choeng Mon has fairly calm bays. For us, Chaweng Noi was one of the most beautiful beaches we stayed on in Koh Samui.
Which is better - Chaweng or Lamai?
Chaweng is better for anyone looking for a lively tourist centre, restaurants, shops, bars and parties. Lamai has a long beach and a lively but calmer resort town.
What is the difference between Chaweng and Chaweng Noi?
Chaweng is a long beach with a tourist centre, restaurants and nightlife. Chaweng Noi is a separate, quieter bay just to the south, with romantic hotels but fewer options for walking out in the evening.
Where should you stay on Koh Samui without a car?
Central Chaweng, central Lamai and the Fisherman's Village area in Bophut suit anyone looking for restaurants and shops within walking distance. Check the specific hotel's location rather than relying on the name of the area.
Which beach on Koh Samui is best for couples?
Chaweng Noi, Choeng Mon and the west coast beaches suit a quiet couples' holiday. Couples who also want restaurants and nights out can choose Bophut or Chaweng.
Which beach on Koh Samui is best for families?
Choeng Mon and parts of Chaweng and Lamai may suit families. Check the swimming conditions, how close the restaurants are, access and the hotel's facilities.
Is Bophut good for a beach holiday?
Yes, but Bophut's main advantage is the combination of the beach with Fisherman's Village, its restaurants and shops. If you are mainly after particularly clear water and an impressive swimming beach, you may prefer other bays.
Is Silver Beach a good place to stay?
There are places to stay around the bay, but it is a small area with fewer things to do than Chaweng or Lamai. It mainly suits anyone who prefers a relaxed holiday in front of a beautiful beach.
Is Chaweng Noi close to central Chaweng?
Yes, geographically, but the walk is not necessarily comfortable. During our stay the route along the main road in the evening was not pleasant, so factor in transport.
Can you find hotels on Koh Samui for about 3,300-5,400 THB (about $98-161 / €87-143) a night?
Yes. In our Agoda search, hotels in this range came up in Chaweng, Chaweng Noi and Lamai. The price depends on the date, availability and room type, so compare options before you book.
