After 5 Weeks in Koh Samui: Where to Stay & Avoid 2026
By Javier Sobrino
5 weeks living on the island
Incredible views of Lamai from the plane
After spending five weeks living in Koh Samui in 2025, I created this guide so you know exactly where to stay based on what you're looking for, straight to the point and with real prices.
I recommend you invest a few minutes reading this.
Koh Samui is not like other islands in Thailand: transport here is expensive and choosing the wrong area can mean blowing your budget on taxis. I don't want you ending up in a beautiful hotel... but in the wrong area for your trip.
⚡ Quick Summary: Which area to choose
| Area | Vibe / Atmosphere | Average Price | Best for... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaweng | Party, Noise, Top Beach | High ($$$) | Young People & Partiers |
| Lamai | Balance, Relaxed but lively | Medium ($$) | Couples, Nomads, Everyone |
| Fisherman's | Chic, Family, Promenade | Medium-High ($$$) | Families & Foodies |
| Choeng Mon | Luxury Resorts | Medium-High ($$$) | Couples & Honeymoons |
| Lipa Noi | Total Zen, Isolated | Variable ($$-$$$$) | Total Disconnection |
Practical Data before booking
How much does life cost?
Koh Samui is more expensive than northern Thailand, but it's still affordable. Here are prices for 2026:
- 🍺 Beer (0.5L) ~70 THB (€2)
- 🥘 Meal (Good local menu) 150-350 THB (€4 - €10)
- 💆♀️ Massage (60 min) ~300 THB (€9)
- 🛵 Scooter Rental (day) 250-350 THB (€7 - €10)
*Note: In Chaweng, expect to pay 20-30% more in tourist restaurants.
Weather and When to Go
Unlike Phuket or Krabi, Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand.
✅ August is a good time!
While the rest of Thailand gets a lot of rain in summer, Koh Samui has good weather from January to September. October and November are the heavy monsoon months.
Map of Koh Samui Areas
In a hurry?
3 recommendations
Melia Koh Samui
Impressive 5-star resort in Choeng Mon. Perfect if you're looking for exclusivity.
Promtsuk Buri
Beautiful and quiet bungalows. The best option if you don't want to spend a fortune.
LOVE Beach club
The best young atmosphere. Right on the beach and in the center of the Chaweng action.
Chaweng
Night in Chaweng: Lights, party, and action.
Chaweng is the epicenter of the hustle and bustle. Here you'll find all kinds of bars, live music, big nightclubs, and beach clubs that are open from morning until dawn.
The beach is kilometers long, with white sand and a mostly young crowd (20–30 years old). It's perfect if you're looking for nightlife and a huge range of accommodation, from hostels to luxury resorts.
Warning: Be prepared for noise and traffic.
⚠️ Note on prices: Chaweng is the most expensive (and touristy) area. A dinner here can cost you €7-€15 per person, as there is less authentic local food and more international restaurants.
Party at Chaweng Beach Club
Chaweng streets at night
The best thing about this area are the beach clubs. Some require a minimum spend, but others don't. They offer live music, cocktails (around 300 THB / €9), and pools right on the beach.
Why stay here
- ✅ Party every day
- ✅ Spectacular (and long) beach
- ✅ Close to the airport
Cons
- ❌ Crowded and noisy
- ❌ Higher pricesfor everything (food, accommodation, leisure).
- ❌ Little local authenticity
The best hotels in Chaweng
I've filtered the best hotels in this area so you don't have to deal with the bad ones. Choose the one that best fits your trip and budget.
My favorite places in Chaweng
- Pink Sand Beach Club: Decorated in pink tones, DJ during the day, and themed parties. Very instagrammable.
- Cabanas Beach Club: A bit more elegant, great for good food and relaxed cocktails.
- Chom Chada Cocktail Bar: Restaurant and cocktail bar. About €20 per person. Happy hour until 20:00.
Lamai
Relaxed vibe in Lamai.
Lamai is the perfect middle ground between the chaos of Chaweng and total calm. It has atmosphere, restaurants, and life, but in a much more relaxed way and with noticeably lower prices. It's the area I like the most as a digital nomad who wants a quiet area, without parties but with enough vibe to enjoy a beer at sunset.
I recommend it for both families and young people looking for a balance between atmosphere and relaxation. Plus, you can always take a taxi to go to Chaweng for a night out.
Lamai Beach
Beachfront restaurant
The beach is beautiful, wide and long, with far fewer crowds. We were there in high season (August) and it was lively but never overwhelming.
There are also beach clubs here, but they are quieter. Couples, families, and groups of friends having beers without the music blaring.
🥡 The Night Market: Unlike other areas, the Lamai Night Market is very active every day. It's always full of life and you can have dinner very cheaply (Pad Thai for 60-80 THB).
Silver Bay Beach Club
Dining with a view
I really liked Silver Bay Beach Club, both for the bar and for the beach itself.
Coworking in Lamai
Lamai is the base of operations for many nomads. There are solid coworkings (like Amy Village) and my favorite discovery: Koh Fit, one of the best gyms in Thailand (3,000 THB/month), expensive but worth it.
Why stay here
- ✅ Good connection to the rest of the island
- ✅ Great value for moneyin food and accommodation.
- ✅ Daily night market
- ✅ Quiet and clean beach
Cons
- ❌ If you're looking for crazy parties, this isn't it(you'll have to go to Chaweng).
The best hotels in Lamai
I've filtered the best hotels in this area so you don't have to deal with the bad ones. Choose the one that best fits your trip and budget.
My favorite places in Lamai
Meal at FAI Restaurant
- FAI Restaurant: For me, the best international food restaurant at ridiculously low prices. You eat great for €5. A shame I discovered it late.
- Phu Thai Restaurant: If you're craving roast chicken with rice, this is the place. I went back about ten times. Fast and cheap.
- The Cot 149: Cute and quiet place for breakfast.
- Mr. Mong Samui: Mandatory stop if you rent a scooter. Incredible views from the top.
Fisherman’s Village & Mae Nam
The nocturnal charm of Fisherman's Village.
Fisherman’s Village and Mae Nam are, in my opinion, the best areas for families (maybe even better than Lamai).
It is very similar to Lamai in the sense that you have a mix of locals and tourists, but with a slightly more "chic" touch in the promenade area. By day, the beach is calm and safe for children. At night, the promenade fills with life without the noise of Chaweng.
Fisherman's Night Market
The most famous Walking Street Market is held here (especially on Fridays, although there is an atmosphere on other days). I found it a bit crowded, but it's worth seeing.
Why stay here
- ✅ Family-friendly and quiet atmosphere
- ✅ Shallow beaches and sunsets
- ✅ Good restaurants and beautiful promenade
- ✅ Close to the airport and the pier to Koh Phangan
Cons
- ❌ Little "partying" nightlife
- ❌ Beach very shallow at low tide
- ❌ Price somewhat higher than Lamai
The best hotels in Fisherman's
I've filtered the best hotels in this area so you don't have to deal with the bad ones. Choose the one that best fits your trip and budget.
Choeng Mon
The quiet bay of Choeng Mon
Choeng Mon is the "hidden" gem (becoming less so) of the northeast of the island. It is a small crescent-shaped bay, very calm water, and excellent sand.
It is my #1 recommendation for couples or honeymoons who want to be close to the action of Chaweng (10-15 mins by scooter) but sleep in absolute silence.
Mid-high range resorts predominate here. You won't find party hostels, but charming boutique hotels.
The best hotels in Choeng Mon
I've filtered the best hotels in this area so you don't have to deal with the bad ones. Choose the one that best fits your trip and budget.
Lipa Noi
Peace and infinite horizons in Lipa Noi.
Lipa Noi, on the west coast, is the place for absolute peace. Almost empty beaches, shallow waters, and the best sunsets on the island.
It is far from the noise and mass tourism. You won't find nightlife. Personally, I love it for getaways of 3-4 days, but not longer, because eventually you miss having a 7-Eleven or restaurants nearby.
The best hotels in Lipa Noi
I've filtered the best hotels in this area so you don't have to deal with the bad ones. Choose the one that best fits your trip and budget.
How to get around (without going broke)
This is the most critical point of Koh Samui. Taxis are very expensive compared to Bangkok (minimum 400-500 THB for a short trip). Here are your options:
1. Songthaews (Red Trucks) - The cheap option
These are pickup trucks with benches in the back. They constantly run along the main road (ring road).
- Price: 50 - 100 THB (€1.5 - €3) depending on the distance.
- How to use it: Flag one down, hop in the back, and pay the driver when you get off.
- Tip: Ask the price BEFORE getting on if you don't want surprises, but don't haggle too much.
2. Scooter Rental - Total freedom
This is what I did. It gives you total freedom to go to hidden beaches.
- Price: 250 - 350 THB/day (€7 - €10).
- Note: Traffic in Chaweng is dense. Always wear a helmet and carry an international license.
3. Apps (Grab / Bolt)
They work, but sometimes they are just as expensive as regular taxis due to local transport mafias. Use them to go to the airport if you have luggage.
🚫 Where NOT to stay
To be totally honest with you, I would avoid these areas unless you have a very specific reason:
- Nathon Town: It's the main pier. It's okay for visiting the food night market, but the beach isn't suitable for swimming and it's far from everything.
- The Deep South (Taling Ngam): Unless you're going to the InterContinental to never leave the hotel, you'll be very isolated. If you don't drive a scooter, you'll spend a fortune on taxis to get to any restaurant.