The best hotels in Koh Samui: my selection of price-rating-quality

From time to time I am asked about which hotel to prefer in this or that Thai resort, in particular, they ask about Koh Samui. Therefore, I decided to make a selection of hotels on this island, that is, to make a small list of those hotels from which I would choose. I myself may be useful later. Of course it's better to take off house on Koh Samui for a long time and live, than be content with a couple of weeks of vacation, but this is not for everyone. Also, if you have the opportunity to pay for maximum comfort, then it makes sense to consider hotels on Koh Samui with their own beach.

If you can recommend any good hotel on Koh Samui, please write in the comments, it will come in handy even for those who rent at home, because you have to live somewhere for the first few days while looking for a house. Also on the blog there is a selection hotels in Phuket (Kata Noi, Kata, Karon, Patong, Kamala, Bang Tao, Surin, Naithon).

The content of the article

Hotels on Mae Nam Beach

Be sure (and I insist) to check for discounts or specials on the excellent Roomguru service. He will quickly and easily show you discounts for the hotel you need in different booking systems. In Asia, for example, there are a lot of offers on Agoda.com, which are much more interesting than for exactly the same hotels on Booking.com.

For example, in each hotel description, I added direct links to the RoomGuru service.

Hotels on Koh Samui>

Briefly about the beach

Maenam has a reputation as a family beach, due to the fact that it is located at a distance from the noisy centers of the island and, at the same time, has all the infrastructure necessary for a normal life. There are three large hypermarkets and an airport relatively close to it. In twenty minutes by car there is a ferry pier to the mainland SeaTran, and on Maenam itself there is a pier for catamarans Lomprayah.

This is one of the longest beaches in Koh Samui, with slightly different beach quality along its entire length, but in general, the sea is equally great everywhere. The only areas of Maenam that are not very attractive for living are located near the pier of Lompraya, near the mouths of small island rivers and in places where storm waters exit into the sea. But even in such places you can find expensive villas..

The coastline of Maenam is not fully built up. Expensive hotels give way to resorts with one-room bungalows, and those, in turn, are replaced by vacant lots or unfinished complexes. Looking at Maenam hotels on the first line, you can see offers of different price categories, both for wealthy people and for people who are used to saving..

More about Maenam with photos and descriptions.

Cheaper

Of the affordable Maenam hotels, I would choose Hutcha Resort. He just applies to hotels with «inconvenient neighborhood» rivers. Due to the sand applied, the sea near the resort is slightly shallower than on the rest of Maenam, and in heavy rain the water turns brownish. But if you step aside by 50-100 meters, and the question of clean water disappears, and for the rest of the points, Hutcha Resort is rated positively and the hotel has a decent set of good reviews..

And in Palm Point Village for 600 baht per day you can stay in a cozy bungalow a minute walk from one of the best beaches on the island. The interior is not designed for long-term stays, and the owners of the hotel perfectly understand their good location and almost never go for a discount, even if they rent a room for a long time..

More expensive

Of the hotels of a higher price category, Fair House Villas & Spa, Koh Samui can be noted. Rooms here start at THB 3,000, but the price is right. Exceptional service, luxurious rooms, spacious rooms, many outdoor activities, an outdoor pool. You can take an electric car to the Ring Road through the hotel, and offer a free shuttle to Chaweng..

A second example, Escape Beach Resort, which is located away from the island's bustling ring road, features friendly staff, excellent breakfast and a skilled chef at the hotel restaurant. Due to its seclusion, Escape Beach Resort boasts clear sea and almost empty beach.

And links to the listed hotels in the RoomGuru search engine:

Hotels on Bang Po beach

Briefly about the beach

Bang Po Beach on Koh Samui is a more simplified version of Maenam Beach. Stretching along the ring road, Bang Po has a less busy infrastructure, there are almost no shops and banks, but there are many private houses. Bang Po is attractive because it is located between Maenam and Nathon, and is not actively promoted by real estate agencies. The quietness of this area attracts family people and supporters of a secluded island holiday. Noisy companies of young people get here less often, and life is measured and quiet..

Bang Beach In some places it looks abandoned, despite the rather dense development of the coastline. A large number of cafes are located on the shore. There are several mini markets, stone and wood processing workshops, furniture stores and horticultural mini markets near the road..

There are not so many hotels here as on Maenam, but there are almost no wastelands and stinking rivers. I will not say that Bang Po has any special, cool places or places to avoid. Except that the edges of the beach are limited by stone deposits, so hotels on the right or left flanks have a less attractive seabed and entrance to the water..

More about Bang Po with photos and descriptions.

Cheaper

Among the inexpensive ones, you can consider Anna Resort with an attractive price and a very hospitable host - a Russian. I understand that there are some stereotypes in relation to compatriots, especially those who have left for the island for a long time and are doing business here. «earning on their».

You yourself know how hard it is to squeeze a positive review out of our tourist. So, Anna Resort already has a large number of good reviews. The hotel area is adjacent to the Samui ring road, but is fenced off by a stone fence, so the hotel is very quiet. Inside - a green area and all the amenities of a classic hotel.

More expensive

In the category «more expensive» can be attributed to the hotel Panalee Resort. In general, on the other side of Bang Po, which is closer to the sea, hotels of approximately the same price category have picked up. There are luxury hotels with an exorbitant price tag, but in this review I did not consider such. Therefore, Panali Resort can be called conditionally expensive. This hotel features modern interiors and a nice, well-kept garden with two swimming pools. The vegetation is so dense that it creates a jungle atmosphere.

And links to the listed hotels in the RoomGuru search engine:

Hotels on Choeng Mon Beach

Briefly about the beach

The infrastructure of the area in which the Chong Mon beach is located is one of the most developed and interesting in terms of living. This is one of the most densely populated parts of the island, with a large number of shops, ATMs, transport rental points, and other attributes of civilization. Chong Mon hosts a weekly night fair, which on other days runs in Chaweng, Lamai, Bo Phut and Maenam, which are the busiest and most touristy areas of the island..

Chong Mon Beach on Koh Samui is recommended to be chosen by those people who want to relax with children at sea, without worrying about the depth and waves. Chong Mon is a relatively small beach, shaped like a strongly curved arc, and protected at the edges from winds and strong currents. The not ideal entrance to the sea on the flanks of the beach is compensated by clean fine sand and a gentle slope of the bottom in the center. Here the entrance to the sea is clean, without stones and coral debris..

On the banks of Chong Mon there are a solid wall of various-sized cafes, restaurants, massage bamboo houses and hotels. There are no private rentals on the Chong Mona coastline, everything is occupied by hotels and resorts, from which you can choose the one that suits you for the price and services provided.

More about Chong Mon with photos and descriptions.

Cheaper

So, an option from inexpensive hotels is The Imperial Boat House Beach Resort, which has houses, and even a pool, which are made in the form of ancient Thai ships. The territory of the hotel is rich in greenery, there are two swimming pools, there is a children's playroom and a playground, transport is provided for rent, and for hotel guests the rental price is one of the best on Chong Mon. The buildings of the hotel are somewhat old, but excellent access to the beach and no problems with sun loungers.

More expensive

Royal Muang Samui Villas is ideal for a relaxing family holiday. Beautiful, spacious rooms, its own spa, a large pool overlooking the sea, a cozy green area. Knowing the weakness of Thais to cook monotonous breakfasts, in Royal Muang Samui Villas, the first thing you start to enjoy is their variety, as well as perfectly cooked dishes in the hotel restaurant.

And links to the listed hotels in the RoomGuru search engine:

Hotels on Bo Phut beach

Briefly about the beach

Bo Phut Beach is located in that part of the island, which is one of the five largest and most comfortable districts of Koh Samui. Bo Phut's location can be considered the most advantageous among its neighbors - Maenam, Chaweng, Chong Mona and Bang Rak. From here you can easily and quickly get to the airport, the pier in Bang Rak, three main hypermarkets: Macro, Big C and Tesco Lotus in Chaweng. Bo Phut sits between boring and sleepy Mae Nam and noisy, never sleeping Chaweng. In a fifteen-minute accessibility from Bo Phut, small beaches of the northern part of Samui and many kilometers of Chaweng and Maenam are hidden..

The beach itself on Bo Phut is perfectly equipped for a resort vacation, it has a lot of attractions and entertainment. On Bo Phut there is one of two inflatable sea castles for children (the second is on Chaweng), most of the beach accessories are rented, as well as sea transport rental services..

The entire coastline belongs to large hotels and resorts that have fenced off the beach from the island's ring road. From a fashionable and very expensive hotel W-retreat koh samui, where prices start from 90,000 baht per day (which is why it is not in my review) and to the pier in the fishing village of Fisherman Village Bo Phut. After the pier, shallow water and rocky bottom begin, so this part of the island is not of interest for a beach holiday..

More about Bo Phut with photos and descriptions.

Cheaper

Therefore, one of the inexpensive options, the Pelegrin Hotel Samui is located in the bustling, tourist center of the area - not far from the pier. Brand new hotel (for 2014) run by friendly owners. The location of the hotel is its plus and minus at the same time. On the one hand, you have a whole pedestrian street under your windows, completely lined with shops and cafes, but you yourself understand that life here is in full swing all the time. And on Fridays, the street is closed from 17:00 until late at night, for the famous Samui «Night market».

More expensive

The more expensive hotel, Peace Resort, is located on the opposite side of Bo Phut, closer to «W-retreat koh samui». Loitering tourists are not observed here, except for the neighbors in the hotel. The beach is well maintained, with a clean entrance to the water. The hotel has cozy bungalows, a huge swimming pool and children's playgrounds. In fact, it is very sad with playgrounds on the island, so the administration of such hotels can safely add to their reputation for taking care of children..

And links to the listed hotels in the RoomGuru search engine:

Hotels on Chaweng Beach

Briefly about the beach

Chaweng Beach is located in convenient proximity to the airport, but as far as possible from the pier in Nathon, which connects Koh Samui with the mainland. Chaweng is the unofficial but unconditional entertainment capital of Koh Samui. This large settlement has the largest number of shops, banks, food shops, markets, and other useful places on the island. Chaweng has the largest freshwater reservoir called Chaweng Lake. On the border between Chaweng and Bo Phut, there are three main supermarkets on Koh Samui: Makro, Tesco Lotus and Big Sea..

Despite its overcrowding, noise, hustle and bustle, a large number of entertainment and sales personnel, Chaweng Beach is the pearl of Koh Samui. It is sand and water) It is a pity that everything else cannot be put anywhere. There are several sections of the beach on Chaweng, which differ in the depth of the bottom, the width of the sandy strip and the number of objects on the shore. Here you can sunbathe in shallow water, walk knee-deep in the sea, or swim at normal depth..

The choice of beach activities on Chaweng is very diverse, and the entire coastline is densely built up with hotels and entertainment venues. In addition to the beach itself and the openly trump places of the area, many hotels have been built on the outskirts of Chaweng and inside residential areas. The proximity to the sea, for obvious reasons, increases the cost of the room per day, so the two budget options I offer are not located in the minutes of the beach. Chaweng is one of the five longest beaches in Koh Samui, so I am considering two options for hotels in each price category.

More details with photos and descriptions: Chaweng, Chaweng Noi, Chaweng Young.

Cheaper

The New Villa was built in the semi-reclusive Chaweng neighborhood, close to the homes of local residents. In this place, closer to the beginning of the beach Chaweng Noi, Chaweng beach is gradually narrowing, and at the bottom there are more and more huge stones, which makes it less attractive for sunbathers. The proximity to the sea has no advantage, because you still have to walk some distance along the water to get to the clear entrance to the sea. The New Villa itself is a quiet hotel, but this is the best solution for Chaweng, close to both the sea and parties.

The second budget place that I would consider for a short stay in Koh Samui is the Nantra Chaweng Beach Hotel, which stands in the depths of the Chaweng town, in the very middle of its movement, the noise of the engines and the smells of the towers. Nantra Chaweng Beach Hotel has a great location for a budget city hotel with good WiFi. The best choice for party-goers and nightlife in Koh Samui.

More expensive

Of the more expensive hotels, I will note Chaweng Cove Beach Resort, which is located by the sea, roughly opposite the Bangkok Hospital. Communication with the helpful and cheerful staff of the hotel cheers you up. A green area with a gorgeous pool, where quality cooked breakfasts are served, is located near the central, best section of Chaweng Beach.

Chaweng Buri Resort is also built in the central part of Chaweng, but closer to the north. The beautifully designed territory of the hotel, its close location to the recently built Central Festival and the renovated bungalows of the hotel itself are perfect for lovers of a lively, driving holiday. Yes, be sure to choose refurbished, fresh bungalows with no cracks in doorways (there are some) if you don't want overnight guests from the local tropical fauna.

And links to the listed hotels in the RoomGuru search engine:

Hotels on Lamai Beach

Briefly about the beach

Lamai Beach is remarkable in that it ideally combines an active nightlife with a lazy beach holiday in the daytime. The village of Lamai is located on the east coast of Koh Samui, on the border between the Chaweng civilization and the hermit regions of the island. As one of the most sought after areas of Koh Samui, Lamai has an excellent island infrastructure with everything but a hospital. In addition, Lamai is the leader in the number of children's entertainment, the second is built here on the island of McDonald's, most of Koh Samui's attractions are accessible from here..

Lamai beach stretches for more than 5 km and is completely different along its entire length. From the stony-shallow in the north, through the ideal-classical center to the semi-wild, unkempt south. In several places there are estuaries of local rivers, which wash the beach well during the rainy season. In the dry season, the water level in the rivers decreases until the flow stops in some of them, and the water begins to emit a not very pleasant smell.

There is only one vacant lot for all 5 kilometers of the beach, everything else is built up with hotels, so choose your vacation spot very carefully. There are hotels that stand on the banks of a stinking river, but the price for a room in such hotels is still far from the budget. Therefore, it is easy to be fooled by the beautiful pictures on the hotel website and the price, in fact, it turns out that everything is not so rosy.

More details with photos and descriptions: Lamai central, South Lamai, North Lamai.

Cheaper

An option that is optimal in many respects is the Bill Resort, which is located on the edge of Lamai, not far from one of the popular attractions of Samui - the Grandmother and Grandfather rocks (Hin Ta Hin Yai). Excellent bungalows for quite reasonable money, a hundred meters from the ring road. Far enough not to hear the trucks passing by, and close enough not to stray through the lanes of the village. Nice pool, green area, inconspicuous staff and strategically convenient location. From the inconvenience - the hotel is on a steep slope, along which you have to go down to the beach and pool. By the way, due to the steepness of the coast - the beach opposite the Bill Resort, the most exotic part in all of Lamai, with huge round boulders, typical only for the east coast of the island.

Utopia Resort is located in the middle of Lamai Beach, next to the bridge over the river. In the off-season, this river changes its course and completely destroys the coast, washing away tons of sand into the sea. But by the beginning of the season, the coast is being restored. Apart from these nuances, Utopia Resort has a convenient location in Lamai, close to Tesco Lotus hypermarket and Lamai food market. Passable WiFi quality, private beach massage, quality breakfasts and a skilled chef of the hotel restaurant.

More expensive

Lamai Wanta Beach Resort, this hotel is more expensive than the first two, built in the middle of the tourist center of Lamai. Probably the coolest place in the whole village. From the hotel to the sea about 50 meters, and to the noisy road with round-the-clock vigorous activity about 200 meters. Lamai Wanta is very clean and you can see that they spend a lot of time cleaning. Hotel rooms, corridors and the entire area on the street are licked with German pedantry. WiFi is weak, it works stably in the rooms, but it doesn't finish off the beach. The hotel breakfasts are very much praised, and in general the skill of the chef at the hotel. There is a swimming pool a few meters from the sea, there is a special pleasure to splash around the side with a cocktail, admiring the horizon above the heads of people on the beach.

Here is an example of unique hotel room pricing in Thailand. Samui Jasmine Resort is located practically «through the wall» from Utopia Resort, and the price is almost five times different. The rooms are great, of course. It can be seen that they did not skimp on either the designer or the materials. Very helpful and polite staff, the restaurant has live music in the evenings, close to the sea. The whole hotel has good, stable internet. Lots of sun loungers on the beach, delicious, varied breakfasts. Why I pay attention to the variety - Thais often do not load themselves with changing the breakfast menu. And after three or four days you no longer know what to eat.

And links to the listed hotels in the RoomGuru search engine: