From real guest reviews · Picked across every tier · Updated 2026
Where to Stay in Koh Samui? 10 Hotels We've Reviewed Compare Prices on 3 Sites
Ten Koh Samui hotels across every budget — 5-star pool villas above Lamai and Choeng Mon, down to value beachfront bungalows and a hostel. Covering the main beaches: Chaweng, Lamai, Choeng Mon, Bophut, and Maenam. Starting from around ฿900–18,000/night.
🇹🇭 Koh Samui, Thailand
💰 ฿900–18,000/night
🏖️ 5 main beaches (Chaweng·Lamai·Choeng Mon·Bophut·Maenam)
🏝️ Why does choosing the right beach on Koh Samui matter?
Koh Samui has several beaches that feel completely different from one another — Chaweng is the long, lively main beach with the most restaurants and nightlife · Lamai is a little quieter than Chaweng but still has plenty to eat and do · Choeng Mon is a small, calm bay made for relaxing · Bophut (Fisherman's Village) has the charm of old shophouses and cafes · and Maenam on the north shore is the quietest, good for families and anyone escaping the crowds. Many travellers book without checking which beach, then spend the whole trip crossing the island back and forth. This guide brings together 10 Koh Samui hotels we've reviewed across every tier — from luxury pool villas down to value beachfront bungalows. Every pick comes from reading real guest reviews, with compare prices on 3 sites and direct booking links throughout.
🚇
Koh Samui has no city-style public transport — the main ways to get around are renting a scooter or car, taxis/ride apps, or the shared songthaew trucks that run the ring road. From Samui Airport (USM) it's about 10–15 minutes to Chaweng and 20–30 minutes to Lamai. The main beaches in this guide: Chaweng — long, lively beach, restaurants, nightlife (Chaweng Regent, OZO, Lub d, La Vida, SALA) · Lamai — quieter than Chaweng, still plenty to eat and do (Banyan Tree, Lamai Wanta) · Choeng Mon — small, calm bay (Garrya Tongsai Bay) · Bophut / Fisherman's Village — old shophouses, cafes, evening walking street (GREENLIGHT, The Waterfront).
🏊 Private pool in every villa🌊 Lamai bay views💆 Banyan Tree spa🍸 Butler service
📍 99/9 Moo 4, Maret, Lamai Beach, Koh Samui
The highest score in this guide at 9.5 — Banyan Tree Samui is Koh Samui's top-tier pool-villa luxury stay, set on a hillside above Lamai bay where every villa comes with a private infinity pool and a sala. Reviews mention the sea views from the villas, the butler service and the Banyan Tree spa most often. It's a resort that sells privacy and seclusion, ideal for a honeymoon or a special-occasion trip.
💡 Tip: Choose an Ocean View Pool Villa if the budget allows — the Lamai bay view from the private pool is what reviews highlight most, and book spa treatments ahead.
👍 Pros
✓ Every villa is a pool villa with a private pool and sala
✓ Lamai bay views from the hillside villas, very private (per reviews)
✓ Banyan Tree spa, frequently praised in reviews
✓ Attentive butler service — great for honeymooners
👎 Things to note
✗ Highest price in this guide — best for a special occasion
✗ Hillside layout means a resort buggy to reach the beach, not a direct beach walk
——— Next hotel ———
2
Luxury Eco Resort 5-Star
Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui
★ 9.4/10⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Agoda 9.4 · 410 reviews · Garrya group
🏖️ Private Tongsai Bay🛁 Balcony bath with a view🌳 Eco resort in the hills🐒 Lush natural setting
📍 84 Moo 5, Bophut, Choeng Mon, Koh Samui
Garrya Tongsai Bay is a luxury eco resort on its own private Tongsai bay, scoring 9.4 from 410 reviews. What reviews mention most is the calm, private feel of the bay, the suites scattered across a wooded hillside, and the balcony bathtub with a sea view in almost every room. It leans into nature and quiet — a different mood from the busy Chaweng strip.
💡 Tip: Pick a room with the balcony bath and view — reviews keep mentioning a morning soak overlooking the sea — and the resort is large, so call for a buggy.
👍 Pros
✓ Private Tongsai bay, quiet and secluded (per reviews)
✓ Balcony bath with a sea view in almost every room
✓ Lush, natural hillside setting — restful
✓ High 9.4 score from a solid 410 reviews
👎 Things to note
✗ Large, hilly grounds — tiring on foot, needs a buggy
✗ Nature-and-quiet focus, not for those who want nightlife next door
——— Next hotel ———
3
Pool Villa Resort 5-Star
SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort
★ 9.1/10⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Agoda 9.1 · 1,715 reviews · SALA Hospitality
🏊 Private pool villas🌊 Oceanfront wing on Chaweng🤍 White minimalist design💑 Couple-friendly
📍 99/10 Moo 2, Bo Phut, Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui
SALA Samui is the most-reviewed hotel in this guide — over 1,715 reviews — a pool-villa resort right on Chaweng Beach, scoring 9.1. Reviews most often praise the white minimalist design, the many rooms that come with a private pool, and the choice between a quieter Garden Wing and an Oceanfront Wing depending on budget. Being on Chaweng means you can walk to restaurants and nightlife, while the resort itself stays calm and private.
💡 Tip: For a direct sea view choose the Oceanfront Wing; the Garden Pool Villa is better value if you mainly want a private pool. Book ahead in high season as it fills fast.
👍 Pros
✓ Most reviewed in the guide — 1,715 reviews, 9.1 score
✓ Many rooms come with a private pool
✓ Beautiful white minimalist design, often praised (photogenic)
✓ On Chaweng Beach — walk to restaurants and nightlife
👎 Things to note
✗ Some Garden Wing rooms don't have a direct sea view — check the room type
✗ On busy Chaweng, so not as quiet as a private-bay resort
——— Next hotel ———
4
Social Hostel · Beachfront
Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach
★ 9.3/10⭐⭐⭐Agoda 9.3 · 240 reviews · on Chaweng Beach
🛏️ Dorm beds with curtain & power🏖️ On Chaweng Beach🍹 Lively bar & social spaces🎒 Great for solo travellers
📍 159/99 Moo 2, Bophut, Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui
Lub d is the cheapest stay in this guide from just ฿900, yet right on Chaweng Beach, scoring a remarkable 9.3 from 240 reviews — very high for a hostel. What reviews call out is the dorm beds with a privacy curtain, power socket and reading light, the lively common areas and bar that make it easy to meet people, and private king rooms for those who want more privacy. Ideal for solo and social travellers on a budget.
💡 Tip: If you want more privacy but still on Chaweng Beach, the Duo Sea View private room is still far better value than most beachfront hotels.
👍 Pros
✓ Cheapest in the guide at ฿900 — right on Chaweng Beach
✓ Dorm beds with privacy curtain, power socket and reading light
✓ Lively common areas and bar — easy to meet people
✓ Very high 9.3 score for a hostel · private rooms available
👎 Things to note
✗ A social hostel — bar noise possible, not for those wanting quiet
✗ Dorms use shared bathrooms, not suited to families with young kids
——— Next hotel ———
5
Boutique Beachfront 4-Star
La Vida Samui
★ 8.9/10⭐⭐⭐⭐Agoda 8.9 · 472 reviews · quieter north end of Chaweng
🏖️ Quiet end of Chaweng Beach🌊 Sea-view rooms available🏊 Beachfront pool villa option🤫 Calmer than central Chaweng
📍 101 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach, Bophut, Koh Samui
La Vida Samui is a boutique beachfront at the quiet north end of Chaweng, scoring 8.9 from 472 reviews. What reviews highlight is getting Chaweng Beach but at the calmer end, not far from Bophut. It ranges from accessible Deluxe rooms to a Beachfront Pool Villa for those who want a private pool — a good fit if you want to be on Chaweng without the busiest stretch.
💡 Tip: Upgrade to a Seaview Deluxe for a sea view worth the small extra, and walk along the sand toward central Chaweng when you want the buzz.
👍 Pros
✓ On Chaweng but at the quieter north end (per reviews)
✓ Range from accessible rooms to a beachfront pool villa
✓ Not far from Bophut, with a beach walk into central Chaweng
✓ 8.9 score from a solid 472 reviews
👎 Things to note
✗ At the end of the beach — a walk or ride to reach the nightlife
✗ The cheapest Deluxe rooms have no sea view — pick Seaview for that
——— Next hotel ———
6
Beachfront Hotel 4-Star
OZO Chaweng Samui
★ 8.5/10⭐⭐⭐⭐Agoda 8.5 · 1,148 reviews · central Chaweng
📍 Central Chaweng, beachfront
📍 Central Chaweng Beach · beachfront · near nightlife
OZO Chaweng is a beachfront hotel in the heart of Chaweng with a large 1,148 reviews, scoring 8.5. Reviews most often praise the central Chaweng location — easy walking to restaurants and nightlife — while still being beachfront. Rooms are clean and modern, ranging from accessible Superior up to Deluxe Beachfront. A good pick to be in the middle of Chaweng's buzz without paying a premium.
💡 Tip: Upgrade to a Deluxe Ocean View for the view, and street-side rooms can pick up nightlife noise — request a sea-facing room if you want it quieter.
👍 Pros
✓ Central Chaweng location, walk to nightlife (per reviews)
✓ Beachfront · a large 1,148 reviews
✓ Clean modern rooms, accessible starting price
✓ Several room tiers to suit the budget, up to Deluxe Beachfront
👎 Things to note
✗ Central Chaweng — street-side rooms can hear nightlife
✗ The central beach gets busy, not as quiet as a private bay
☕ In-house cafe🏘️ In Fisherman's Village🏖️ Near Bophut Beach🛏️ Charming boutique rooms
📍 3/28 Fisherman's Village, Bophut, Koh Samui
GREENLIGHT is a boutique resort with a cafe in the heart of Fisherman's Village, Bophut, scoring 8.9. What reviews highlight is the location among Bophut's charming old shophouses — easy strolling to cafes and the evening walking street, near Bophut Beach. Rooms are charming and boutique with an in-house cafe. A great fit if you prefer old-town atmosphere over a long, lively beach like Chaweng. Review count is still small (40) but consistently high.
💡 Tip: If you're visiting Bophut, time your stay for a Walking Street night and just walk over from the hotel.
👍 Pros
✓ In the heart of charming Fisherman's Village (per reviews)
✓ Stroll to cafes, the walking street and Bophut Beach
✓ Charming boutique rooms with an in-house cafe
✓ Consistently high 8.9 score
👎 Things to note
✗ Still few reviews (40) versus the bigger hotels on the list
✗ Small boutique — no big-resort facilities
——— Next hotel ———
8
Beach Resort 4-Star
Chaweng Regent Beach Resort
★ 8.6/10⭐⭐⭐⭐Agoda 8.6 · 72 reviews · on Chaweng Beach
🏖️ On Chaweng Beach🏊 Garden swimming pool👨👩👧 Family rooms🌳 Leafy garden resort
📍 155/4 Chaweng Beach Road, Bo Phut, Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui
Chaweng Regent is a beach resort on Chaweng set in leafy gardens, scoring 8.6. Reviews most often praise the on-beach Chaweng location with gardens and a pool that make the grounds feel greener than a high-rise hotel. It ranges from Deluxe rooms up to Family rooms and a Spa Villa Suite, so it suits families — a mid-priced beachfront resort that balances location and space.
💡 Tip: Travelling as a family, pick the Grand Premier Family Room for the space, and garden-side rooms are quieter than the road side.
👍 Pros
✓ On Chaweng Beach, set in leafy gardens (per reviews)
✓ Swimming pool and Family rooms — good for families
✓ Garden-resort feel, greener than a high-rise
✓ Mid-price, balancing location and room space
👎 Things to note
✗ Still few reviews (72) versus the bigger hotels on the list
✗ Parts of the resort show their age — pick a renovated room
🏖️ Beachfront bungalows in Bophut🏘️ Near Fisherman's Village👨👩👧 2-bedroom rooms☕ In-house cafe
📍 71/2 Moo 1, Bophut, Koh Samui
The Waterfront is a boutique beachfront bungalow stay in Bophut's Fisherman's Village, scoring 8.4. What reviews highlight is the beachfront bungalows where you step out onto the sand, close to Bophut's old shophouse area for cafes and markets. There are 2-bedroom rooms for families or groups and an in-house cafe. A good fit for those who like a quiet beachfront bungalow near the old town.
💡 Tip: Travelling in a group, the 2 Bedroom Beach Front gives a direct sea view and good value, and walk into Fisherman's Village in the evening for food.
👍 Pros
✓ Beachfront bungalows, step out onto the sand (per reviews)
✓ Near Fisherman's Village — stroll to cafes and markets
✓ 2-bedroom rooms suit families or groups
✓ In-house cafe, quiet boutique atmosphere
👎 Things to note
✗ Still few reviews (52), a small boutique
✗ Bophut Beach is better for strolling than swimming, unlike Chaweng or Lamai
——— Next hotel ———
10
Beachfront Resort 3-Star
Lamai Wanta Beach Resort
★ 8.0/10⭐⭐⭐Agoda 8.0 · 747 reviews · on Lamai Beach
🏖️ On Lamai Beach🏊 Swimming pool🏡 Garden bungalows💰 Good value in central Lamai
📍 124/264 Moo 3, Maret, Lamai Beach, Koh Samui
Lamai Wanta is a good-value beachfront resort on Lamai with a large 747 reviews, scoring 8.0. What reviews highlight is the central Lamai location on the beach, within walking distance of restaurants and the market, plus a swimming pool and garden bungalows to choose from. From just ฿2,000 you get a beachfront spot — a good fit for mid-budget travellers who want Lamai, which is a touch quieter than Chaweng.
💡 Tip: Travelling as a family, pick the Family Deluxe Villa, or a garden bungalow, which is roomier and brighter than the block rooms.
👍 Pros
✓ On Lamai Beach, central, walk to restaurants and market (per reviews)
✓ From ฿2,000, good value for beachfront · a large 747 reviews
✓ Swimming pool and garden bungalows to choose from
✓ Lamai is a touch quieter than Chaweng — good for mid-budget
👎 Things to note
✗ Middling 8.0 score; some block rooms are dated — pick a bungalow/villa
✗ Parts of Lamai Beach have rocks and surf — check the swimming spots
——— End of list ———
Comparison Table — 10 Koh Samui Hotels 2026
#
Hotel
Stars
Score
Price/night
Location
Standout
1
Banyan Tree Samui
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
9.5
฿18,000
📍 Lamai
Top score, top luxury
2
Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
9.4
฿9,500
📍 Choeng Mon
Quiet private bay
3
SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
9.1
฿7,500
📍 On Chaweng Beach
Most reviewed 1,700+
4
Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach
⭐⭐⭐
9.3
฿900
📍 On Chaweng Beach · hostel
Cheapest
5
La Vida Samui
⭐⭐⭐⭐
8.9
฿3,500
📍 Quiet end of Chaweng
Quiet end of Chaweng
6
OZO Chaweng Samui
⭐⭐⭐⭐
8.5
฿2,500
📍 Central Chaweng
Central, beachfront
7
GREENLIGHT Fisherman's Village Resort
⭐⭐⭐
8.9
฿4,000
📍 Bophut · Fisherman's Village
8
Chaweng Regent Beach Resort
⭐⭐⭐⭐
8.6
฿4,200
📍 On Chaweng Beach
9
The Waterfront Boutique Hotel
⭐⭐⭐
8.4
฿3,000
📍 Bophut · Fisherman's Village
10
Lamai Wanta Beach Resort
⭐⭐⭐
8.0
฿2,000
📍 Lamai Beach
Best value on Lamai
How to pick the right Koh Samui hotel for you
💰
Tight budget, best value
→ Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach ฿900, a hostel right on Chaweng Beach · or Lamai Wanta Beach Resort ฿2,000, good-value beachfront on Lamai
💎
Special trip, luxury pool villa
→ Banyan Tree Samui ฿18,000, pool villas over Lamai bay, 9.5 score · or Garrya Tongsai Bay ฿9,500, a private bay at Choeng Mon
🌃
Want to be near the nightlife
→ OZO Chaweng Samui ฿2,500, central Chaweng beachfront · or SALA Samui ฿7,500, on Chaweng but private
👨👩👧
Travelling as a family with kids
→ Chaweng Regent Beach Resort ฿4,200, family rooms in a beachfront garden · or The Waterfront ฿3,000, 2-bedroom beachfront rooms
💑
Romantic trip, couples, honeymoon
→ Banyan Tree Samui ฿18,000, private pool villas with sea views · or SALA Samui ฿7,500, white-design pool villas, most reviewed
☕
Love old-town atmosphere and cafes
→ GREENLIGHT Fisherman's Village Resort ฿4,000, in the heart of Bophut · or The Waterfront Boutique Hotel ฿3,000, beachfront bungalows near Fisherman's Village
🤫
Want quiet, away from the crowds
→ Garrya Tongsai Bay ฿9,500, a private bay at Choeng Mon · or La Vida Samui ฿3,500, the quiet north end of Chaweng
📌 Note: All prices are approximate starting rates and can change by date and season — always check live prices and compare the 3 sites before booking. During Koh Samui high season (December–April, especially New Year and Songkran) prices rise and rooms sell out fast, so book 1–2 months ahead. Koh Samui has no metro — get around by rental scooter or car, taxi, or shared songthaew; from Samui Airport it's about 10–15 minutes to Chaweng. Scores and standout factors come from reading real guest reviews, not from staying ourselves. Article by ThailandAddict.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ — Common traveller questions about Koh Samui hotels
❓ Which beach should I stay on in Koh Samui?
It depends on your style · <strong>Chaweng</strong> suits those who want a long, lively beach with restaurants and nightlife (Chaweng Regent, OZO, Lub d, La Vida, SALA) · <strong>Lamai</strong> is a touch quieter than Chaweng but still has plenty to eat and do (Banyan Tree, Lamai Wanta) · <strong>Choeng Mon</strong> is a small, calm bay (Garrya Tongsai Bay) · <strong>Bophut / Fisherman's Village</strong> is a charming old shophouse area with lots of cafes (GREENLIGHT, The Waterfront).
❓ How much do Koh Samui hotels cost?
Prices vary widely: hostels and beachfront bungalows start around ฿900–2,500/night · mid-range to 4-star beachfront hotels and resorts run about ฿2,500–5,500 · pool villas and 5-star resorts start ฿7,500–18,000+ · during high season (December–April, especially New Year and Songkran) prices can be much higher than usual.
❓ How far ahead should I book a Koh Samui hotel?
For low season and weekdays, booking 2–4 weeks ahead is enough · but in high season (December–April), especially New Year, Songkran and long weekends, the good rooms — particularly pool villas and beachfront resorts — sell out fast, so book 1–2 months ahead or more.
❓ Which site is cheapest to book a Koh Samui hotel?
Prices on each site (Agoda, Booking.com, Trip.com) vary by promotion at different times — we recommend comparing all 3 before every booking. Each review page in this guide has price-comparison links, which can save you hundreds to over a thousand baht per night on the higher-priced rooms.
❓ How do I get around Koh Samui with no public transport?
Koh Samui has no city-style public transport — the main options are renting a scooter or car, taxis/ride apps, or shared songthaew trucks along the ring road · if you're staying several days and want to visit several beaches, a rental is more convenient and cheaper · from Samui Airport (USM) it's about 10–15 minutes to Chaweng.
❓ When is the best time to visit Koh Samui?
Koh Samui's rainy season differs from the Andaman coast · the best weather is roughly <strong>December–April</strong>, with clear skies and calm seas (this is high season, so prices are higher) · the wettest months are <strong>October–November</strong> · other months see passing showers rather than all-day rain, so it's still good for travel and cheaper.
