Where To Stay In Koh Samui First Time 2024 – 6 Best Areas

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The best areas in Koh Samui for first-time visitors are Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, Choeng Mon, Mae Nam, and Lipa Noi.

Chaweng Beach is by far the most vibrant part of the island which includes the nightlife scene of the island. But not everyone is fond of it.

Each of the somewhat alternative areas has different advantages and disadvantages, from remote parts to luxurious areas on the island.

This might be a bit of a confusing answer to your question about where to stay in Koh Samui.

But don’t worry, because, in this article, we cover what we believe are the best areas to stay in Koh Samui, regarding the type of traveller you are.

If you want to go straight to the recommendations, tap on the following button.

Or simply continue reading if you want to know just a bit more about Koh Samui.

Koh Samui, an idyllic island in the Gulf of Thailand, stands as an ideal travel destination, captivating visitors with its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant cultural experiences.

Renowned for its palm-fringed shores and crystal-clear waters, the island offers a paradise for beach lovers and water enthusiasts.

Chaweng Beach, with its powdery white sand and vibrant nightlife, epitomizes the island’s energetic spirit.

Koh Samui is celebrated for its diverse range of activities, from exploring the iconic Big Buddha and mystical Secret Buddha Garden to indulging in the lively Fisherman’s Village with its boutique shops and restaurants.

The island strikes a harmonious balance between luxurious resorts and authentic Thai culture, providing a unique blend of relaxation and adventure.

The local cuisine is a highlight, featuring an array of fresh seafood, exotic fruits, and traditional dishes.

Street markets, like the Fisherman’s Village Night Market, offer a feast for the senses with aromatic street food and handmade crafts.

Beyond the beaches, Koh Samui’s interior boasts waterfalls, coconut plantations, and the majestic Na Muang Safari Park, catering to nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Whether it’s exploring the island’s cultural richness or simply unwinding on its pristine shores, Koh Samui emerges as a multifaceted gem in the tapestry of Thai travel destinations.

But with so many different things to offer, it might be a bit challenging to pick the right area that suits your needs.

So, we’ve come up with a list of recommended areas to make things easier.

Each of the recommended areas comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, which are summarized after each paragraph.

With that being said, let’s jump straight to our recommendation.

Where to stay in Koh Samui first time? Keep reading!

Overview of best areas to stay in Koh Samui

Below, you find a table with an overview of all the recommended areas along with a short explanation of what makes that area so special.

You can tap on one of the green links to go immediately to that recommended area, or just continue reading the article.

Best areas to stay in Koh Samui	What’s so special about the area?
1. Chaweng Beach	Epicenter of Koh Samui, ideal for nightlife.
2. Lamai Beach	Beautiful beaches, good nightlife scene, ideal for couples and families.
3. Bophut Beach	Good access to the island’s highlights, located near Fisherman’s Village.
4. Choeng Mon Beach	Luxurious resorts, stunning beach, ideal for those on a larger budget.
5. Mae Nam Beach	More authentic area, ideal for budget-minded travellers.
6. Lipa Noi Beach	Ideal for those on a larger budget who seek tranquility.

How to get around Koh Samui?

Koh Samui is not a small island although it’s not Phuket. So moving around can be challenging.

When you’re staying in popular areas such as Chaweng Beach, it’s quite easy to arrange transport, although the taxis ask far more for a taxi ride than what you’re used to in other parts of the country. This is a bit annoying, but when you compare it to western prices, it’s still a bargain.

Many tourists, therefore, prefer to rent a motorbike as it also gives you so much freedom.

While we don’t discourage renting a motorbike, we do want to point out that many accidents happen.

Often because of the inexperience of the drivers.

If you never drove a motorbike before, then definitely don’t rent a motorbike in Koh Samui.

But if you do have the experience, it’s a great way to explore the island, but simply be extra careful.

If you don’t have any experience, stick to taxis.

What I usually do: when I find a good, reliable taxi driver, I ask for his phone number and call him every time I need to be somewhere.

What is the best time of the year to visit Koh Samui for the first time?

The best time to visit Koh Samui is during its dry season, which typically spans from December to February.

This period experiences pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration.

Daytime temperatures range from the high 20s to low 30s degrees Celsius (mid-70s to low 90s Fahrenheit), providing a comfortable and enjoyable climate for visitors.

While the dry season is the most popular time to visit Koh Samui, the island is generally a year-round destination.

The shoulder seasons of late February to April and September to November can also be good times to visit.

During these periods, there might be occasional rainfall, but it’s usually short-lived, and the island is less crowded.

However, it’s essential to be aware of the monsoon season, which typically occurs from October to December.

During this time, the island experiences heavier rainfall and the possibility of storms.

Many businesses and activities may close temporarily, and sea conditions can be less favorable for water activities.

The best areas in Koh Samui for first-time visitors are:

1. Chaweng Beach

The most popular area for first-time visitors in Koh Samui is Chaweng Beach.

It’s the tourist epicenter of the island and it’s also the nightlife area of the island.

This attracts a certain type of traveller that appreciates day drinking and some of these hedonistic travelers are the clientele of the red light district that takes place in Chaweng Beach.

But it’s also an area that attracts families, simply because of the convenience and Chaweng Beach is a large, beautiful beach with plenty of restaurants and water activities nearby.

There is a huge variety of hotels in Chaweng, ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious resorts, although there are secluded areas elsewhere that mostly attract the luxury traveller.

When choosing this area, you’re located relatively close to the airport as well as highlights such as the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) and Fisherman’s Village, although these are not within walking distance.

In the evening, Chaweng Beach is the most bustling area and it offers all sorts of entertainment for every type of traveller: beach clubs, nightclubs, bars, go-go bars, restaurants, and local eateries.

But it’s also an area of mass tourism and if you want a more relaxing holiday, then definitely stay elsewhere.

So ask yourself: do you want more authenticity or just stay right there where everything is convenient with many other tourists?

Note: Alternatively, you can choose to stay at Chaweng Noi, which is a five-minute drive away from Chaweng Beach and is far less noisy. Many families stay here to enjoy a relaxing holiday with all the convenience of Chaweng within reach.

For who: sightseeing tourists who want to be in the middle of the action, nightlife lovers.

Advantages: epicenter of Koh Samui, most convenient area, offers a proper nightlife scene

Disadvantages: mass tourism, attracts a certain type of traveller (clientele of the red light district)

Some of the best hotels to stay in Koh Samui for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:

Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.

2. Lamai Beach

Lamai Beach is located in the southeast part of the island under Chaweng Beach and is among the most popular beaches in Koh Samui.

It’s known for its beautiful white sand beaches and as it’s such a popular area, expect an abundance of recreational activities for young and old.

At Lamai Beach, you can find the famous Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks, also known as Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks.

These rocks have been naturally eroded to form shapes resembling male and female genitalia and have become a popular tourist attraction.

Lamai offers a great nightlife scene, although not as wild as Chaweng Beach.

Because the nightlife scene is far more appropriate, yet still vibrant, Lamai Beach is ideal for couples.

But as the beach is large, you find accommodations in every budget class and also a bit away from the noise, meaning families often pick Lamai as their base to explore Koh Samui as well.

In fact, the beach is one of the favourites among the locals and whole families visit the beach often for a refreshing swim.

In the evening, make sure to visit the Walking Street Market as well, it offers a good variety of (street) food.

Other highlights in this part of the island include Wat Lamai Temple, the Lamai Cultural Center, the beautiful sunrises and there is an abundance of great massage parlors and it’s possible to get a massage on the beach.

As it’s such a popular part of the island, it’s very easy to arrange transport for visiting other parts of the island.

It also means that, overall, Lamai is considered touristy and loud, but not as much as Chaweng.

For who: couples and families.

Advantages: beautiful beaches, great nightlife scene, excellent sunrises, popular area with plenty of things to do.

Disadvantages: touristy and loud.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Koh Samui for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:

3. Bophut Beach

Boput Beach is yet again an ideal area to stay in Koh Samui for both couples and families.

You can find several beaches that offer great watersports activities, such as snorkeling, diving, and kayaking, but also outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.

You can also find some of the island’s highlights, such as the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), Wat Plai Laem and the Tan Rua Waterfall, and the elephant sanctuary.

Bophut itself is a district of which several other beaches are part of, such as Choengnom, Thongson, and even Chaweng.

However, Bophut Beach is the area within that district where you can find Fisherman’s Village, which has retained much of its traditional character despite the development of the surrounding area.

The village is filled with quaint shops, art galleries, and seafood restaurants, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

As the Bophut district is so large, it’s easier to recommend each of the popular beaches as these are quite different from each other.

Although most of the nightlife action takes place in Chaweng, Bophut has a decent nightlife scene, with a good variety of bars, beach clubs, and restaurants to choose from.

When you compare Bophut with Chaweng, it’s far more laid-back and a great area to enjoy cocktails, finger food, and fireworks on the beach.

In other words, it’s not as wild so young couples will definitely appreciate this area.

What’s not to like? Well, beaches like Bophut Beach aren’t as beautiful as in other parts.

For who: couples and families.

Advantages: good access to the island’s highlights, located near the vibrant Fisherman’s Village, located centrally, good nightlife scene for couples.

Disadvantages: beach is good enough for watersports, but there are far better beaches in Koh Samui than here.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Koh Samui for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:

4. Choeng Mon Beach

Choeng Mon is considered the area for those with a larger budget, especially families.

It boasts a beautiful beach with clear blue waters, soft sand, and palm trees that offer shade.

It’s a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

It’s also a family-friendly destination, with calm waters and shallow areas, making it safe for kids to swim and play.

Those who are a bit older can enjoy water sports activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, and snorkeling.

As you’re located close to other popular destinations in Koh Samui, such as Chaweng and Bophut, Choeng Mon is a convenient base to explore the island, but it can come with a hefty price tag, although there are accommodations to find where the prices are reasonable.

Those seeking nightlife should stay elsewhere.

Choeng Mon does offer a bit of nightlife but in the form of beachfront bars and restaurants offering live music and entertainment.

As the majority of hotels are pricy, it attracts a different crowd and Choeng Mon is far less busy than the nearby Chaweng.

So, if your budget allows it, and you want to stay somewhere relatively central, then definitely consider staying at Choeng Mon.

For who: families with a larger budget.

Advantages: stunning beach perfect for kids, not as touristy as Chaweng, great variety of excellent, luxurious hotels.

Disadvantages: pricy, nightlife scene is not great for young travellers (more focussed on families).

Some of the best hotels to stay in Koh Samui for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:

5. Mae Nam Beach

Those travelling on a stricter budget and want to stay in a more authentic part of the island should consider staying at Mae Nam, although you can find several luxurious hotels here as well.

Mae Nam is known for its peaceful and laid-back atmosphere, making it a popular destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of busy tourist areas.

You’re still located centrally with good access to the nearby highlights, such as Fisherman’s Village and the Big Buddha Temple, however, hotels often pick other areas over Mae Nam.

The reason for that is the beach at Mae Nam isn’t the most beautiful one.

Also, Mae Nam is located in the northern parts of the island, and the eastern and western sides of the island offer sunrises and sunsets, which Mae Nam doesn’t.

To be clear, the beach at Mae Nam is not bad at all. It’s clean, quiet, and perfect for sunbathing.

But there are simply better options on the island.

In return, you stay in a relatively quiet and far more authentic area which many tourists do appreciate, especially compared to the chaos of Chaweng.

For who: budget-minded traveller.

Advantages: more authenticity, relatively quiet area, budget-friendly accommodations, good access to highlights.

Disadvantages: for nightlife, you should travel or stay elsewhere, the beach isn’t as beautiful as others.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Koh Samui for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:

6. Lipa Noi

Lipa Noi isn’t always the first choice for first-time visitors as you’re located on the west side of the island and you’re much further away from the highlights than the other recommended areas.

However, this also gives a few advantages.

It’s the quietest area of this article because you can spectate magnificent sunsets with vibrant colors painting the sky and reflecting on the calm waters of the beach.

And thus several luxurious resorts and villas are located on this part of the island.

But staying at Lipa Noi doesn’t have to be luxurious and expensive as there are several affordable accommodations available too.

On this side of the island, you can also find the pier that takes you to several other islands, making it a great base for those who want to combine their stay in Koh Samui with island hopping and excursions.

Just keep in mind that Lipa Noi isn’t as bustling as other parts of the island, so you won’t find a vibrant nightlife scene here or an abundance of restaurants.

Many resorts, however, serve fantastic (sea)food, and many tourists tend to enjoy their evenings around Chaweng and Fisherman’s Village anyway.

Overall, Lipa Noi offers a perfect combination of tranquility, natural beauty, beautiful sunsets, quite some luxury, and great access to the ferry.

For who: those with are larger budget and seek tranquility.

Advantages: quietest area, magnificent sunsets, amazing hotels, good access to the pier.

Disadvantages: not so bustling in the evening, hotels can get pricy really quickly.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Koh Samui for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:

Map of the best areas to stay in Koh Samui for first-time visitors

The next image is a map of the best area to stay in Koh Samui for first-time visitors including its highlights. The image is in high resolution so you can easily zoom in to see all the details.

A map will follow soon.

There you have it, our recommendations for where to stay in Koh Samui for first-time visitors.