Updated 18 October 2026 · Best Versions team · اقرأ بالعربية
Samui's beaches in brief
- Chaweng: the longest and liveliest beach, with restaurants and shops. Easy for a first visit.
- Bophut (Fisherman's Village): a pretty old street and restaurants, calmer than Chaweng. An excellent balance.
- Mae Nam: very calm with spacious resorts, for families.
- Choeng Mon: a small, calm bay with gentle water, great for children.
- Lamai and the south: hillside villas with sea views and sunsets, for honeymoons.
Chaweng: for energy
Close to the airport and all the restaurants and shops.
Premium · Families and couples
Centara Reserve Samui
Right on Chaweng beach after a full renovation, close to the restaurants.
Premium · Honeymoons
SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort
Private pool villas on the quiet end of Chaweng beach.
Smart value · Tight budgets
OZO Chaweng Samui
A modern beachfront hotel at a fair price in the heart of Chaweng.
Bophut and Mae Nam: calm with services
A calmer feel and good restaurants, suiting families and couples.
Premium · Couples and families
Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort
Tropical gardens on Bophut beach, steps from Fisherman's Village.
Premium · Couples
Hansar Samui Resort
Every room faces the sea, in Bophut near Fisherman's Village.
Comfort · Couples
Zazen Boutique Resort
A quiet boutique resort on Bophut beach with a romantic feel.
Luxury · Families
Santiburi Koh Samui
Vast gardens and spacious villas on quiet Mae Nam beach.
Choeng Mon and Thong Son: calm water for children
Small, sheltered bays suited to swimming with children.
Premium · Families
Kimpton Kitalay Samui
A modern resort on Choeng Mon beach with big pools and a kids' club.
Premium · Families and honeymoons
Melati Beach Resort & Spa
On a calm private bay, with suites and private pool villas.
Luxury villas for honeymoons
Private pool villas with sea views, for special occasions.
Luxury · Honeymoons
Banyan Tree Samui
Private pool villas terraced up a hill overlooking a private bay.
Luxury · Honeymoons
Six Senses Samui
On a rocky headland in the island's north-east, with stunning views.
Luxury · Honeymoons and sunset lovers
Conrad Koh Samui
Private pool villas on a south-west hillside, with Samui's best sunset.
Tips for booking in Koh Samui
- The best months are January to August, with the heaviest rain from October to December.
- Samui's airport is small and its flights cost more, so many travellers fly to Surat Thani and take the ferry.
- Read the full Koh Samui guide and the best time to visit Thailand.
We chose these hotels for their location, long-standing reputation and fit for families and couples, not by commission. Prices change daily with the season, so open a hotel to see the price for your dates.
Book for your trip to Koh Samui:
Hotels: Agoda
Flights: Search flights · Activities: Klook · Tiqets
eSIM data: Airalo · Saily · Airport transfers: Welcome Pickups · Kiwitaxi
Partner links: booking, payment and cancellations are handled by the partner directly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Koh Samui?
Chaweng for energy, Bophut for a balance of calm and restaurants, and Mae Nam and Choeng Mon for families and peace.
When should I go to Koh Samui?
January to August; an excellent summer choice when Phuket is in its rainy season.
What is the best honeymoon hotel in Koh Samui?
Banyan Tree Samui, Six Senses Samui and Conrad Koh Samui for luxury villas, with SALA Samui a lower-priced choice with private pools.
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Start planning my trip Ask an expert for a quotePrices and timings in this article are estimates and change with the season. Check the visa rules for your nationality with official sources before you travel.