Koh Samui has hotels scattered all along the island’s many beaches. But for most first-timers, the best place to stay is Chaweng Beach. It has the most accommodation choices, food, and nightlife spots, making it good base from which you can explore the rest of the island.
On this page I introduce Chaweng Beach in more detail, after which I’ll show you some of the best hotels, categorized by budget and value for money.
About Chaweng Beach
Chaweng is the biggest beach on Koh Samui, and is roughly divided into three sections: North Chaweng, Central Chaweng, and Chaweng Noi (Little Chaweng). It attracts a good mix of families and young travelers.
Central Chaweng is the busiest part of the beach, where you’ll find the highest concentration of hotels and shops, as well as beach vendors selling food, beverages, crafts, and souvenirs. It’s also where the famous nightlife central of Soi Green Mango is located…
Soi Green Mango is a 3 kilometer stretch where you’ll find many of the best bars, clubs and restaurants in Koh Samui. It has everything from laidback beachside bars, to lively clubs.
It also helps that Chaweng is close to the airport, so when you’re staying there, you’ll be only a 15-minute drive away from starting your beach vacation. For info on how to get there, see how to transfer to your Koh Samui hotel from the airport.
The Best Luxury Hotels
These 6 resorts are some of the best options to consider when you’re looking for a luxury experience. Their starting rates range from ~8,100 THB (~$247) to ~20,100 THB (~$611).
Vana Belle
Vana Belle is located at Chaweng Noi, a secluded area slightly further away from the main Chaweng Beach. It has 80 suites and villas, all with their own private pool and terrace.
It’s a good choice if being pampered in a luxurious environment is what you’re after, as the top-tier suites offer a 24-hour personal butler service on call to help you with anything you need.
SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort
SALA Samui stands out on Chaweng Beach with its sleek and unique Mediterranean style design, and predominantly white interior.
One of the most popular suites there is the Oceanfront Balcony Pool Suite, which has a beautiful, partially-shaded private swimming pool overlooking the main pool. Great for an Instagram-worthy stay at Koh Samui 🙂
Sareeraya Villas & Suites
Sareeraya Villas is a smaller property with 49 suites and villas, conveniently located close to bars and restaurants in the middle of Chaweng beach.
If you prefer a bit of privacy, consider choosing one of the Pool Villas. Or for an extra luxurious experience, get the Presidential Villa for direct access to the beach, and uninterrupted views of the sea from the jacuzzi!
Muang Samui Spa Resort
Muang Samui Spa Resort is decorated in a classic Thai style, with large rooms that lead out to sitting areas or balconies.
There’s plenty to do there – you can enjoy an aromatherapy massage at the in-house spa, or take part in weekly activities hosted by the resort, like free Thai language lessons, morning yoga, or even junior mixologist lessons.
The Library
The Library is a boutique hotel with an interesting concept – each room has a page number, instead of a room number. The hotel is decorated throughout with a minimalist, zen design and striking colors, like with its popular red infinity pool.
If you’re looking for a more intimate, private space, try booking the hotel’s new Secret Pool Villas. They are quite spacious, with a dining area and large saltwater swimming pool, and 24/7 host service from the staff.
Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort
Another luxury hotel on Chaweng Beach is Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, which has rooms and villas with private pools. It’s worth considering if you’re traveling in a bigger group, as the 2-bedroom villa holds up to 6 adults.
The hotel also has a popular treetop restaurant, where you can have a romantic meal in a private terrace overlooking greenery towards the sea.
The Best Mid-Range Hotels
These 3 hotels have an excellent balance between value for money and modern comforts. Their starting rates range from ~3,974 THB (~$121) to ~4,335 THB (~$132).
Amari Koh Samui
Amari Koh Samui is located just 10 minutes away from the airport, on a quieter stretch of Chaweng Beach. It’s separated into two areas – the garden wing, and the newer beach wing across the road.
This hotel is worth looking at if you’re traveling with little ones, as it has child-friendly facilities like a kids’ club, play area and pool located in the garden wing.
Nora Beach Resort and Spa
Nora Beach Resort and Spa has rooms and villas, all with private balconies or terraces, and some with private pools as well.
The hotel also has an attractive public pool for guests, with a pool bar that has cocktails for 40% off during their happy hours, twice a day. Cheers!
Dara Samui Beach Resort
Dara Samui is a good choice for accommodation if you want to be close to Chaweng Beach nightlife. It is just a few minutes’ walk from Koh Samui’s most popular bars and clubs, like Ark Bar, or Green Mango Club.
If you’re looking for something more romantic instead, worry not – you can have dinner on the beach in the evenings, at tables set for two under rustic teepees!
The Best Budget Hotels
These 4 places are easy on your wallet, while still providing good comfort and cleanliness. Their starting rates range from ~1,600 THB (~$49) to ~3,284 THB (~$100).
Jungle Club
Although it’s not a beachside property, you’ll get great views at Jungle Club nonetheless. It’s located up a steep road on a hilltop coconut plantation, with sweeping views across Chaweng Beach.
Accommodation there ranges from simple bungalows to a villa with private pool. But you might not miss the private pool much, as you can get great views at the beautiful infinity pool looking out towards the ocean 🙂
Baan Sukreep – Zen Garden Cottages
Baan Sukreep is a small, laidback hotel in Chaweng Noi run by a friendly couple, Jean-Luc and Odile. The hotel has simple bungalows and villas, the biggest of which sleeps 4 people. Although it’s located down a quiet street, the main road and beach are just a short walk away.
Baan Samui Resort
Baan Samui Resort is a quirky, unique hotel with brightly colored décor throughout. It’s also very conveniently located, as one side of the property faces the main street of Chaweng Beach, close to Murphy’s Bar.
The hotel is also worth a look for those traveling in a group, as they have Family Suite Rooms that sleep up to 4 adults.
Conclusion
As you can see, Chaweng Beach is the place to go for a wide selection of luxury hotels that will leave you pampered the whole trip. However, if you’re on a tighter budget, you’ll still be able to find decent rooms or even villas for a memorable stay.
From the hotels listed above, the best luxury option is Vana Belle, for its spacious rooms and villas that offer complete privacy, and 24/7 butler service. A good mid-range option is Amari Koh Samui, which has good facilities for families traveling with kids. The best budget option is Jungle Club, where you can relax and get panoramic views of Chaweng bay.
Hope this guide helps you plan the perfect beach vacation in Koh Samui!