Koh Samui stands out among Thai islands for its perfect balance of effortless luxury and tropical charm. From the bustling powder-soft sands of Chaweng to the chic boutiques of Fisherman's Village and the secluded bays of the north coast, Samui offers a tailored island experience for honeymooners, families, and party-goers alike.
Chaweng Beach
Chaweng is the heartbeat of Samui. It features the island's longest, softest white-sand beach and the highest concentration of nightlife. It’s vibrant, loud, and full of action. Stay here if you want to be in the center of it all, with endless dining and clubbing options right on the sand.
What we love
- +Spectacular white sand beach (the island's best)
- +Incredible variety of dining and nightlife
- +Close to the airport and Central Festival mall
Worth noting
- –Extremely crowded and noisy
- –Traffic on the beach road is chaotic
- –Not ideal for seclusion or quiet romance
Nearby
Chaweng Beach · Central Festival Samui · Ark Bar Beach Club · Green Mango Club · Chaweng Walking Street
Bophut (Fisherman's Village)
Bophut is Samui's most charming and sophisticated district. The historic Fisherman's Village features rustic wooden shophouses converted into chic boutiques and waterfront restaurants. It offers a refined, romantic atmosphere that is perfect for couples and families who avoid the party crowds.
What we love
- +Charming, walkable historic village atmosphere
- +Excellent high-end dining on the water
- +Famous Friday Night Walking Street market
Worth noting
- –The beach is coarser and not great for swimming
- –Accommodation and dining are pricier
- –Quiet nightlife (mostly restaurants/lounges)
Nearby
Fisherman's Village · Friday Night Market · Coco Tam's · The Wharf Samui · Wat Bo Phut
Lamai Beach
Lamai is Chaweng's laid-back younger sister. The beach is beautiful and deep, the swimming is great, and the town offers plenty of amenities without the overwhelming intensity of Chaweng. It attracts a mix of families, expats, and travelers looking for value.
What we love
- +Great swimming beach with deep water
- +More relaxed and affordable than Chaweng
- +Close to natural sights like Hin Ta & Hin Yai
Worth noting
- –Nightlife areas can feel a bit seedy
- –Sand is slightly coarser than Chaweng
- –Traffic can still be busy
Nearby
Hin Ta & Hin Yai (Grandfather & Grandmother Rocks) · Lamai Viewpoint · Lamai Night Plaza · Silver Beach (Crystal Bay) nearby · Valentine Stone
Handpicked Hotels
Boutique Hotels in Koh Samui
Choeng Mon
Tucked away on the northeastern tip, Choeng Mon consists of a series of small, sheltered bays. It dominates the luxury family market, with many upscale resorts and a very safe, calm beach. It feels essentially like a private village, separate from the rest of the island.
What we love
- +Very calm, shallow waters ideal for kids
- +Quiet, exclusive, and upscale atmosphere
- +Great selection of luxury resorts
Worth noting
- –Very little happening after dark
- –Need a taxi or scooter to get anywhere else
- –Limited budget dining options
Nearby
Choeng Mon Beach · Wat Plai Laem (nearby) · Big Buddha (nearby) · Art-Samui Museum · Samui Football Golf
Maenam
Located on the north coast facing Koh Phangan, Maenam feels like the Samui of 20 years ago. It’s quiet, lined with coconut palms, and popular with backpackers and digital nomads. The beach is long and peaceful, offering a true escape from the commercial south.
What we love
- +Very peaceful and affordable
- +Long, uncrowded stretch of beach
- +Close to the Lomprayah pier (for island hopping)
Worth noting
- –Water gets deep quickly (less ideal for toddlers)
- –Not much nightlife or shopping
- –Some areas feel a bit undeveloped
Nearby
Maenam Beach · Maenam Walking Street (Thursdays) · Santiburi Samui Country Club (Golf) · Treehouse Silent Beach · Tan Rua Waterfall
Taling Ngam (The West Coast)
Known as the 'Virgin Coast', this is the wild, untouched side of Samui. It’s home to a few ultra-luxury resorts (like the InterContinental) and vast stretches of coconut plantations. This is the place for pure isolation and the island's most spectacular sunsets.
What we love
- +Incredible sunsets over the Five Islands
- +Total peace and seclusion
- +Feeling of untouched, authentic Thailand
Worth noting
- –Extremely far from everything (45+ mins to Chaweng)
- –Beaches can be rocky/shallow at low tide
- –Car/Scooter rental is essential
Nearby
Five Islands View · Air Bar (Sunset spot) · Elephant Gate · Samui Snake Farm · Nathon Town (nearby for food)
More Places to Stay
Boutique Hotels in Koh Samui
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