Hotels in Koh Samui

Koh Samui Hotels

Top up your tan on pristine white beaches, discover elephants and temples in rainforest hideaways, and stay out late in the neon-bright bars of its tourist towns, the island of Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most visited tourist destinations. It’s been a haven for scuba divers for decades, its crystal clear waters brimming with colorful marine life, and sun-worshippers find their way here to relax in the tropical warmth. From all-night moon parties, to relaxing in a spa, Koh Samui has something for everyone to enjoy.

Things to see

Fisherman’s Village on Koh Samui is a sprawling maze of shops, and restaurants, sitting in the heart of Bophut town. Its French-colonial history is evident in some of its very ornamental European architecture. Most of the main street buildings in the Plaza have been converted into Chinese shophouses, the ground floors open to the narrow streets, displaying gaudy tourist souvenirs for sale, while upstairs, shuttered windows hide cramped family homes. In the south of the island, a red-tiled roof stands out amongst the green foliage indicating the ticket booth at the unusual Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo. Rays and Tiger Sharks glide through expansive tanks, while Bengal Tigers patrol the tree-filled enclosures next door. On the 8 acres of ground at Wat Lamai, a sense of calm is evoked by the presence of a decorative Buddhist Temple, one of several on the island, and you can wander through its tranquil grounds discovering every ornate, gold, and vivid red-colored building, housing pottery artifacts, and images of monks.

Hotels in Koh Samui

There’s a wide choice of Koh Samui hotels dotted across this idyllic, rainforest-covered island, from high class luxury hotels, to local residences that cater for modest travel budgets. At the top of the scale, 5 star hotels offer fabulous accommodation, with private villas, personal pools, and decadent outdoor rainfall showers to indulge in. Typically, they have several exciting restaurants right on-site, and a plethora of activities, from decadent spas to complimentary watersports to try. Cheap hotels in Koh Samui aren’t usually so opulently decorated, and generally closer to tourist towns rather than hidden in the lush, tropical rainforest. But whichever hotel you choose, they all share the same gorgeous white beaches, and easy access to the dramatic Gulf of Thailand.

Where to stay

The idyllic stretch of white sands at Chaweng Beach is one of Koh Samui’s best-loved destinations, and if there’s such a thing as a tourist ‘strip’ on this island paradise, Chaweng Beach is it offering neon-lit pubs and clubs open well into the early hours. The beach itself is lined by glamorous resorts, with tables and chairs from their restaurants spilling out onto the sand, and furnished with loungers, and patrolled by street food vendors with boxes of local delicacies to tempt you with. A little further along the same stretch, Lamai Beach is somewhat older but still popular. You’ll find the same tourist souvenir shops and local boutiques here, as well as a selection of spas and glitzy late-night bars. For more partying, head north to Bophut, where the narrow streets are packed with garish drinking dens.

How to get to Koh Samui

Most international travelers arrive at Koh Samui International Airport, although flights nearly always connect in Bangkok to the north. Otherwise, ferries bring boatloads of vacationers in from the mainland, leaving Donsak for the 1 and a half hour crossing. On the island, most resorts offer private transfers to reach your final destination, and when it comes to getting around, taxis and hire cars and scooters are the most common choice, although rental bicycles are increasing in popularity.