Where to stay on Koh Samui: Let’s find your dream destination!

Whether you crave the energy of lively beaches or the secluded calm of hidden coves, Koh Samui invites you to find your personal slice of paradise. Your dream holiday begins not by conforming to popular opinion but by crafting an experience that resonates uniquely with you. Let's uncover the canvas of Koh Samui, where every brushstroke paints a different dream.

🔎 Chaweng:

Vibe: Chaweng is the bustling heart of Koh Samui, known for its vibrant nightlife, shopping, and a variety of dining options. The beach is expansive with white sand and offers various water activities and is filled with Beach Clubs and Resorts. This is probably the most popular and best known area of Koh Samui where the majority of tourists stay when visiting Koh Samui. It is there for the easiest place to socialize and meet other travellers. Overal, some LOVE it, others HATE it and find it a bit too “tacky”.

Ideal For: Travelers seeking a lively atmosphere, nightlife enthusiasts, and those who enjoy a variety of entertainment options.

Pros:

Vibrant Atmosphere: Perfect for those who love a lively atmosphere with bars, clubs, and entertainment.

Shopping Paradise: Offers a wide range of shopping options, from local markets to international brands.

Diverse Dining: A plethora of restaurants catering to various tastes.

Cons:

Crowded: Can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Nightlife Noise: Not ideal for those seeking a quiet night's sleep.

Price range: Not typically the cheapest area to eat or shop.

🔎 Lamai:

Vibe: Similar to Chaweng but slightly quieter, Lamai offers a mix of nightlife, shopping, and dining. If I were to compare Lamai to any well known place in Thailand it would be Pattaya. Again, some love it while others hate it.

Ideal For: Visitors looking for a balance between vibrant nightlife and a more relaxed ambiance.

Pros:

Nightlife & Dining: Similar to Chaweng but with a slightly quieter nightlife.

Scenic Beach: The beach offers opportunities for water activities, Resorts, and some Beach Clubs.

Cons:

Bar girls & prostitution: While some may see this as a “Pro” of course, many people aren’t very font of the obvious prostitution and overwhelming number of bar girls and stripper poles you’ll find in Lamai town. Especially for families with young children this might not be the ideal place to stay.

🔎 Bangrak:

Vibe: Bangrak, also known as Big Buddha Beach, is close to the iconic Big Buddha statue. The area is a mix of calm and activity, with beachside restaurants and bars.

Ideal For: Those who want proximity to Big Buddha, a quieter atmosphere, and some beachside charm.

Pros:

Proximity to Big Buddha: Great for those interested in cultural and religious sites.

Beachside Charm: Offers a quieter beachside experience.

Cons:

Limited Nightlife: Not as vibrant in terms of nightlife compared to Chaweng or Lamai.

The Beach: The beach isn’t as beautiful as most other beaches of Samui and isn’t ideal for swimming either.

Noise: Bangrak is quite small and the beach-side hotels and resorts all are also directly at a busy road with a lot of traffic which can be quite noisy even late at night and early in the morning.

🔎 Choeng Mon:

Vibe: Choeng Mon is a more upmarket area with luxury resorts. The beach is serene, with golden sand and calm waters. It is very touristic and can get quiet busy but it isn’t a nightlife area and therefore more relaxed.

Ideal For: Travelers seeking a more luxurious and tranquil stay, often families or couples, big resort lovers.

Pros:

Luxurious Stays: Upscale resorts and accommodations.

Serene Beach: A more private and calm beach experience than for instance Chaweng.

Cons:

Higher Costs: Generally more expensive due to luxury offerings.
Less authentic: As this, like the previous places is a very touristic area you can see and feel this all around. Everything caters to tourism which some may consider a “pro” while others not so much!

🔎 Maenam:

Vibe: Maenam offers a laid-back environment. The beach is less crowded, with swaying palm trees and a relaxed atmosphere. A lot less busy and touristic than the areas above but there are still plenty of resorts and accommodation as well as many great restaurants and shops catering to tourists. Maenam is quite big and therefore also more diverse and some parts are busier than other parts.

Ideal For: Visitors looking for a quiet escape, away from the hustle and bustle but with still plenty of opportunity to socialize and meet other tourists.

Pros:

Peaceful Environment: A calmer and and more relaxed atmosphere.

Quieter Beach: Less crowded with a more local feel. Maenam Beach is a total of 7 km long with some incredibly beautiful & idyllic parts.

Proximity to: Fisherman’s Village, Bangrak, and Chaweng.

Cons:

Limited Nightlife: Not the place for those seeking vibrant nightlife.

🔎 Bantai:

Most travelers flock to the busiest and most touristy areas of Koh Samui, like Chaweng or Lamai, but did you know there's a hidden gem that offers a different experience?

Vibe: Bantai is a hidden gem, lesser known to tourists but those in the know call it a secret paradise corner of Koh Samui. Here you can immerse yourself in the authentic beauty of Koh Samui. Unlike the busy areas of the island, Bantai offers a tranquil oasis where you can relax and recharge. Say goodbye to streets packed with hotels and noisy beach clubs as far as the eye can see, and welcome green and serene surroundings, friendly locals, cozy restaurants, relaxing massage shops, and breathtaking Bantai Beach for a real taste of local life.

Ideal For: Those desiring a peaceful stay with easy access to amenities, and a taste of local island life. It's the perfect place if you want to get away from the hustle & bustle but easily visit the more touristic areas if you’re in the mood.

Pros:

Tranquil Yet Convenient: Offers tranquility with easy access to amenities. You’ll still always find a hand full of good and cosy restaurants and shops within walking distance.

Local Island Experience: Provides a taste of local life.

Popular and bustling fisherman’s village: is only a 15 min drive away. Close enough to easily visit for a stroll, far enough to be away from the noise and nuisance of beach clubs and beach parties.

Cons:

Limited Nightlife: Nightlife options may be more limited compared to busier areas.

🔎 Lipa Noi & Taling Ngam:

Vibe: Lipa Noi is known for its stunning sunsets and calm waters. Both Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam are serene areas with lush greenery. The beaches arfe quiet, and the surroundings are idyllic. Both areas are less developed, providing a more authentic experience.

Ideal For: Travelers seeking a peaceful retreat and beautiful nature or a secluded and romantic getaway.

Pros:

Quiet Atmosphere: A peaceful and less developed area.

Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lush greenery and a serene beach.

Cons:

Few Dining or Shopping Options: Limited dining choices compared to other areas. You will need a car or a motorbike as in many cases you won’t find anything (restaurants, convenience stores, etc.) within walking distance.

Limited Activities: Fewer activities compared to more developed areas.

Long drives: You are quite far from everything. If you do like to visit the more popular areas occasionally or go to a night market, or other hotspots everything is quite far and takes some time to get to.


Discover your ideal spot on Koh Samui – whether it's the serene Maenam, vibrant Chaweng, or laid-back Bantai. And if Bantai sounds like your paradise, explore our accommodation at Baan Suay Bantai. Your dream holiday begins here! ✈️