Koh Samui: This island has become one of the must-visit places in Thailand. It hosts some of the best resorts in the country, combining tropical paradise with unmissable activities. The accessibility to the neighbouring islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao makes it a perfect base to explore more.

In this blog, we will help you choose where to base yourself in Koh Samui and explain why the areas differ. Whether you’re a solo traveller or arriving as a big group, it’s essential to locate yourself in a spot to get the most out of your time on the island, as travelling around the island can be time-consuming. So please sit back, relax, and let’s decide where to stay!

How to get to Koh Samui

By Plane:

Koh Samui Airport (USM) is one of a kind, with its relaxed setting and the majority of the airport being outside; arriving at the airport starts your trip to the island in a way like no other airport, especially if you are coming from Bangkok. Or, if you are departing, grab one of the bean bags or swings to relax before leaving the island. If budget is not an issue, flying in is the easiest way to get to Koh Samui. Koh Samui has an international airport between Bophut and Chaweng, and there are regular flights from the mainland if you travel from elsewhere in Thailand.

By Bus / Ferry / Taxi:

If you’re travelling to Koh Samui from elsewhere in Thailand, regular ferries run from the mainland, with buses and minivans available to catch to the ferry port. Regular ferries also run between Koh Samui and the islands of Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. Our advice for a smooth transfer when you land on Koh Samui is to pre-book your pick-up taxi from Koh Samui Airport or the Piers through Koh Samui Taxis. They offer fixed prices and provide air-conditioned SUVs or Van vehicles which fit all passengers with their luggage. If you want to have freedom and flexibility, hire your scooter. However, be careful if you need more confidence or experience on a scooter; the traffic in Koh Samui is much busier than on some of the smaller islands.

How many days do you need to stay at Koh Samui?

We recommend spending at least five days on Koh Samui. This will give you time to explore the different areas of the island and take a day trip. Koh Samui is a large island, and anything less than five days would feel rushed. Compared to the neighbouring islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, it will take you a few days to explore and see everything you want to do on the island.

Where to stay and what to do on Koh Samui?

With Koh Samui being a large island, picking the wrong area to stay in can result in spending unnecessary money on transportation to the hot spots. The main spots for accommodation and attractions are Lamai, Chaweng, and Bohphut.

Choosing between the three is tricky because it depends on your desired atmosphere. You can base yourself in many different areas of Koh Samui, but let’s compare the three places we’ve mentioned. However, unless you want to be very secluded and have utter peace and quiet, you will want to base yourself in one of the three main areas: Lamai, Chaweng, or Bophut / Fisherman’s Village. Let’s dig deeper to help you decide where to base yourself in Koh Samui. 

Area: Lamai

Lamai is an excellent place to base yourself if you want a more relaxed break but still have access to a great selection of bars and restaurants. It is popular with couples, families, and older holidaymakers, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring! While there are no large nightclubs here, plenty of bars with live music are open until late, and there’s a lively atmosphere along the main street in the evening. 

Where to eat in Lamai?

In terms of places to eat in Lamai, you’ll find pretty much everything here – upscale western restaurants, sports bars, cocktail bars and small, local cafes tucked down the side streets. Here’s a couple of recommendations from my stay in Lamai:

Lamai Viewpoint Cafe

This cafe is at the top of Lamai’s viewpoint. Entrance is 50 THB (£1.20) to walk the 15-20 minutes uphill, or you can pay 100 THB (£2.30) to take the short hill train. Go to the top deck of the cafe for the best views over Lamai Beach. When you get there, order a delicious smoothie to go with the view – the blueberry and yoghurt smoothie is to die for! They also serve fresh coconut juice, beers, and a selection of snacks and lunch items. Prices are relatively reasonable for the location.

The Secret Brunch

Come here for delicious sugar-free juices, organic coffee and vegan sweet treats! They also have a great healthy breakfast and lunch menu, with many vegan and gluten-free options. The cafe is cosy and has a great atmosphere. It is located on the main road south of Lamai and has on-street parking.

Pure Vegan Heaven

Another great vegan option is this small cafe at the end of the main street in Lamai. This popular place serves a wide range of coffees, smoothies, and juices alongside acai bowls, poke bowls, wraps, and Thai food. The prices are a little higher than others nearby, but the portions are good, and the food is fresh and tasty.

El Dorado

They have a great Western and Thai menu and a good selection of cocktails. The service was good when we were dining, and it is an excellent restaurant if you are looking for something more formal yet affordable.

What is there to do near Lamai?

Lamai is a great place to stay if you want to visit some of the beautiful scenery on Koh Samui. The Na Mueang waterfall (a must for all hikers and waterfall lovers visiting Koh Samui!) is easily accessible from Lamai, and the Lamai Viewpoint cafe and Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks lookout are also close by. You can visit most of Koh Samui’s popular viewpoints from Lamai, including the now Instagram-famous Overlap Stone. There are lots to see and do near Lamai (including lots of free places to visit!), so this is a great place to stay if you like exploring and are on a budget. 

Area: Chaweng

If you want a party atmosphere in Koh Samui, Chaweng is the place for you! Chaweng is popular with younger backpackers, couples, and groups. It has the liveliest nightlife on the island, with many nightclubs, pubs, and beach bars. It also has a great nightlife scene. Chaweng is also a great place to stay if you want a central location to base yourself on the island. From Chaweng, you can easily access the sights near Lamai in the south and Fisherman’s Village in Bophut. It is also conveniently located at the airport.

Where to eat in Chaweng?

There’s a vast selection of restaurants in Chaweng, from popular Western chain restaurants to low-cost local cafes and beach bars. Here’s a couple of our recommendations:

The islander

If you are craving home comforts, this is the place to go in Chaweng! They have an extensive list of Thai and Western food, including pies, mash, and Yorkshire puddings! They also show a lot of sports matches on the big TVs, so it can get quite busy, but there’s a great atmosphere, and the food is good.

Central Samui food court

In the centre of the Central supermarket is a food court where you can buy fresh sushi, roast dinners, pasta and salads. There’s also a bakery. You can sit in the food court to eat your lunch or take it away.

Elephant Beach Club

There are several beachfront clubs and bars in Chaweng. Heading to the beach is one of the best ways to spend the evening in Chaweng. Elephant Beach Club has a pleasant atmosphere for a more relaxed vibe. There’s also a fire dancer show at night (it wouldn’t be Thailand if there wasn’t fire dancing on the beach!).

Lub D Chaweng Beach

Next to Elephant Beach Club is Lub D Beach Bar. Lub D is a hostel, and there’s more of a party vibe here, with it getting quite lively at night. During the day, you can relax in their infinity pool sipping cocktails.

What is there to do near Chaweng?

Living up to its party reputation, most activities in Chaweng revolve around the beach and going out! One of the best things to do in Chaweng is to enjoy happy hour cocktails at one of the many beach bars. Chaweng is a great place to shop on Koh Samui when you need a break from that. The Central shopping centre holds many Western high street brands and a cinema. Across from the shopping centre is a small market, which extends to the opposite side of the road, by Chaweng Lake, where Chaweng’s night market is held every weekend.

Area: Fisherman’s Village

You will find more upscale luxury resorts and large hotel complexes north of the island. This area is popular with couples and those on vacation, with more money to spend on accommodation rather than long-term travellers or budget backpackers. However, there are some affordable places here too. We stayed at The White Cottage – a small independent hotel behind the popular beachfront Karma resort. It was a little walk or taxi ride along the beach to the Fisherman’s village area. Other larger hotel resorts include the Anantara Resort and Hansar Hotel, both with infinity pools overlooking Bophut Beach.

Where to eat in Fisherman’s Village?

Fisherman’s Village offers fewer budget-friendly options, as most of the restaurants are slightly more expensive than the average in Thailand.

Bar Baguette

This is one of the best places in Fisherman’s Village for breakfast. They also serve great coffee and tasty smoothies. The cafe is open all day, and the casual vibe is an excellent alternative for evening dinner.

Coco Tams

One of the most famous beach bars on Koh Samui, Coco Tams is always busy! If you want to watch the sunset here, you must arrive early to grab a bean bag on the beach, or a table by the window. There is often entertainment on the beach, such as fire dancers or fireworks. The prices here are pretty expensive compared to other places nearby but there’s a great atmosphere and the food and service are good quality.

Frog and Gecko

In contrast to some of the more upscale places to eat in Fisherman’s Village, the Frog and Gecko is a simple, casual pub with great food and generous portions. They often have live music and quizzes so it can get noisy but it’s a great atmosphere and perfect if you fancy fish and chips or a burger.

Beach Coconuts Bowls

Famous for making some of the most photogenic smoothies and acai bowls, the food here not only looks pretty but is also delicious, fresh, and healthy. The atmosphere is lovely and relaxed, too.

 What is there to do near Fisherman’s Village and Bophut?

Bophut has some of the best beaches on Koh Samui, boasting long stretches of soft, clean sand. With gorgeous beaches and great places to eat, it’s not surprising that Fisherman’s Village and the wider Bophut area have some great beach bars. Coco Tams is the most popular on Bophut beach; however, further along the coast, you will also find Tembo Beach Club and Chi Samui. These are both popular spots for watching the sunset. 

Outside Fisherman’s Village, Bophut is also where you will find the Koh Samui Big Buddha. After paying your respects at the Big Buddha, and taking in the view along the coast, take some time to wander around the small market here and treat yourself to a smoothie or ice cream before you leave. Finally, no trip to Koh Samui is complete without visiting Wat Plai Laem, known locally as the ‘Temple on the Lake’. Built on a lake filled with Coy Carp and turtles, this colourful temple is unique and is one of the best things to do on Koh Samui.