Going to Thailand? Instead of visiting Phuket, why not head for the Gulf of Thailand? Here’s where to stay on Koh Samui!
The natural jewel of Thailand and the country’s second largest island, Samui – or Ko Samui – is a major tourist destination, renowned the world over for its white sandy beaches fringed with coconut palms, coral reefs and warm, turquoise waters that turn green in the light. Covering an area of 252 km², the island has a permanent population of 62,500, but the influx of tourists – known pejoratively in Thai as pharangs – swells the population throughout the year. Located just 35 kilometers northeast of Surat Thani, Koh Samui is at the center of an archipelago of 85 islets that make up the Mu Ko Ang Thong (Golden Bowl Islands) National Park, including Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao. The island is covered by indomitable tropical jungle, encircled by a 51-kilometre coastal road. Nathon, the island’s main town, is a fishing port in the southwest, and is the economic engine of the island. Here, divers are said to go to Koh Tao, party-goers and young people to Koh Pha Ngan and families to Koh Samui. Looking for accommodation on Koh Samui? Follow our article-guide to find out where to stay on Koh Samui!
Lipanoi and Nathon
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Manfred Werner
You’ll arrive in Nathon by boat at the landing stage. Some Thais will already be offering to take you to your hotel by tuk-tuk. Always avoid taking the first tuk-tuk you come across, so as not to get ripped off. The west coast of the island is the least touristy part of Koh Samui. Travellers flock here, but don’t stay, and the towns are populated by locals.
Lipanoï does, however, offer a few pleasant surprises, with bars and the beach. There are plenty of hotels and resorts to stay in Lipa Noi and Nathon.
Find a hotel in Nathon
Find an Airbnb in Nathon
Find a hotel in Lipa Noi
Find anAirbnb in Lipa Noi
Bo Phut
Photo credit: Instagram – alindabaggen
Located in the northeast, Bo Phut is one of the most popular areas on Koh Samui. A popular, typical village, it is close to the airport.
Its small-town feel – bars, restaurants, resorts to stay in Samui, shops – makes it highly sought-after by expatriates. The Fisherman ‘s Village has become one of the island’s major tourist attractions. The beach, dotted with small restaurants, wooden and bamboo bungalows and resorts along the waterfront, is very pleasant. However, it can get crowded during the dry season (November to March). If you’re looking for peace and quiet while enjoying superb tropical beaches lined with coconut palms, choose Bo Phut, among others. In the evening, it’s easy to find something to party about on the beach and spend the evening in the sand.
Find a hotel in Bo Phut
Find an Airbnb in Bo Phut
Mae Nam
Photo credit: Instagram – halo_is
Mae Nam, to the north of the coast, is above all a long, splendid strip of sand. Its relative distance from the road gives it a wild feel, despite the fact that – as is often the case in Thailand – there are numerous hotels, resorts and bungalows to stay in Mae Nam. There’s also a little more sea bed than elsewhere, so you can swim all year round. The inland roads offer a singular character, amid lush tropical vegetation.
Find a hotel in Mae Nam
Find an Airbnb in MaeNam
Chaweng and Lamai
Photo credit: Flickr – jipe7
Here’s the best for last, if you like party areas: Chaweng and Lamai are the two most famous beaches on the island of Koh Samui.
Chaweng offers a 7-kilometer stretch of sandy beach opposite the islet of Ko Mat Lang, between the lake of the same name and the beach. Chaweng is home to numerous beach bars, restaurants where you can eat with your feet in the sand and resorts where you can sleep. The beach is magnificent – a turquoise lagoon with mountains plunging into the ocean to the south – but it’s literally overrun every day. And if you’re keen to get back to the Var coast in July, you’ll also enjoy a lively nightlife! Many of the cheapest hotels in Lamai are located on the waterfront. In Lamai, take the opportunity to visit the Wat Lamai Folklore Museum and the town temple, right on the sand! The main street is packed with restaurants and bars.
Find a hotel in Chaweng
Find an Airbnb in Chaweng
Find a hotel in Lamai
Find an Airbnb in Lamai