As Thailand’s second-largest island, Koh Samui with its range of activities is a holiday dream: with sandy beaches, clear waters, award-winning cuisine, five-star hotels and spas, and more, it is a getaway that combines both paradise views with luxury. This island, which can be found in the Gulf of Thailand, has a reputation for being among the more popular attraction hot-spots in the country. So now all you have to do is browse this list of top five places to stay in Koh Samui, book your trip, and enjoy your time in paradise!
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on August 20, 2024.
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1. Banyan Tree Samui (from USD 358)
A truly luxurious stay at a beachfront hotel in Koh Samui must begin with Banyan Tree Samui. Located in Lamai Bay on the easternmost tip of the island, this is arguably the best five-star resort on the island. With an incredible spa, a library, a private infinity pool, and five dining options on-site, this is one resort that must be experienced to be believed. Each of the 88 villas that make up this resort offer private balconies with either a sea or garden view, private bathrooms, toiletries, daily housekeeping and laundry services. The property also features a business centre, concierge service, spa services, a hot tub, fitness centre, sauna, and more.
After you wake up, either take in the continental breakfast or wander into one of the on-site restaurants to have a relaxing morning. Then take a leisurely stroll or grab a taxi to Lamai City Centre, which is two miles (3.2 kilometers) away, or visit the Grandfather and Grandmother Stone, which is less than three miles (4.8 km). Or, if you’re in the mood, take the seven-minute walk down to Lamai Beach and bask in the sunny paradise you find yourself in!
Banyan Tree Samui
Address: 99/9 Moo 4, Maret, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
13.09 km (8.2 mi) from Wat Phra Chedi Laem So
2. Resort SALA Samui Choengmon Beach (from USD 84)
To truly enjoy a luxury stay in a private accommodation while also being a stone’s throw from Choengmon Beach, look no further than Resort SALA Samui Choengmon Beach. This is a top-rated hotel that is perfect for guests who enjoy traditional Thai architecture when lounging on the 205 meter (672 feet) private beach or swimming in the beachfront pools! This resort offers villas that include private terraces, open-air bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi. The grounds also include a gym, library, spa, two restaurants that serve both Thai and international cuisine, and a beach bar. Breakfast is also included for guests, and car rentals, as well as shuttle services, can be reserved at reception.
When you’re done lounging around at the resort, take a walk to Big Buddha, one of the island’s main attractions; it’s less than 1.5 miles (2.4 km) away. Also close by and accessible by a 10-minute drive is the Samui Crocodile Farm, The Green Mango Club, and Bang Rak Pier, all of which are worthy of an afternoon of your time.
SALA Samui Choengmon Beach
Address: 10/9 Moo 5, Baan Plai Laem,
21.65 km (13.5 mi) from Wat Phra Chedi Laem So
3. Resort Paradise Island Estate (from USD 133)
Resort Paradise Island Estate is a great choice for a unique stay that gives you scenic views as well as your choice of private accommodation. This hotel is located in a walled community, providing a restful getaway from the busy island, while also being just a five-minute walk from Choeng Mon Beach, one of the island’s best-known attractions. The property, along with offering suites and villas, offers all the luxury amenities you would expect to find, including grocery deliveries, laundry services, private patios and balconies, gardens, air-conditioning, a business centre, and free Wi-Fi access for all guests. There are also a variety of private and shared pools, a spa, and a fitness centre.
But you won’t want to spend all your time in the hotel, even with all the magnificent views of the sea, gardens, and mountains! You’re going to want to explore, and there are plenty of things to do, including visiting Big Buddha, which is just over a mile (1.6 km) away, taking in the nightlife, or heading down to the beach. Just make sure you make time for a massage after horseback riding or snorkelling so you can wind down in style.
Paradise Island Estate
Address: 74/82 Moo 5, T. Bophut
21.32 km (13.3 mi) from Wat Phra Chedi Laem So
4. Baan Kao Hua Jook “Corner Apartment” (from USD 64)
More than just a private accommodation, Baan Kao Hu Jook “Corner Apartment” offers travelers a quiet retreat with spectacular views and easy access to Chaweng Town. This is a hotel that offers you a choice: either stay in one of their beautiful studios or take advantage of the private villas. Both are great for either vacation rentals or long-term stays! The BJK-Resort, as it refers to itself, provides holiday-goers with air conditioning, private baths, Wi-Fi access, toiletries, an outdoor pool, and even a gym. Free parking is also available on-site, as are free taxi rides to the beach or the town centre.
When you’re ready to go out and explore this piece of paradise, take a short walk to the Central Festival Complex, which is 10 minutes away. You can also rent a motorbike or stroll on down to Chaweng Lake, Chaweng Beach, or Chaweng Noi Beach. It’s also just a 15-minute drive to see the island’s main attraction, Big Buddha, which is located on the Northwest side of the island.
Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani, Thailand
16.88 km (10.5 mi) from Wat Phra Chedi Laem SoAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the ac worked perfect however the wifi was very spotty basically only worked in the lobbynice pool and view over the lakeapartment size is good with a nice balconyour apartment had fantastic viewscorner room view of lake on 2nd floor just lovely room 201Cleanliness:
we got upgraded to a villa free of charge so clean and spaciousour corner room was very large and clean and the location was quite amazingfriendly and very cleanbeautiful place in a great location clean spacious well decorated rooms with a very comfortable bedwarm great location clean and ready to goHost:
every staffs are friendlyhost is really responsiveit was amazing kanya and all staff made me feel at homeawesome place and helpful staffthe staff is great friendly helpful and caringRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is good close to the central festivalgreat cosy place close to everythingthe location was good walking distance frome lots of food and shoppingnice apartment with good location close to everythingi enjoyed the location being close to the mall and it’s in walking distance to the beach
5. Baan Talay Pool Villa
Situated between Chaweng Beach and Chaweng Noi Beach sits the Baan Talay Pool Villa hotel, giving you both seclusion in a residential area while being only a 10-minute walk from either beach. It is the perfect choice for couples, as each villa has room for two people. This private accommodation choice is relatively new; it opened in 2014. However, with 70 villas on the property, free breakfast, Wi-Fi, plunge pools, private pools, and a restaurant on-site, this is easily one of the best ways to relax and enjoy the scenery that Koh Samui has to offer.
Baan Talay Pool Villa will endeavour to make your stay as adventurous as you wish; the helpful staff will help you book watersports and scuba diving sessions, as well as direct you to the nearest golf course. There are also scooter and motorbike rentals available to get to Chaweng Town as well as the beach, but you might also find that the hotel’s shuttle to the beach three times a day is a better way to get spectacular views of the island as well!
Ko Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand
13.98 km (8.7 mi) from Wat Phra Chedi Laem SoAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
tv and wifi are goodthe pictures are true to the actual roomthe pool vila was perfectthe best villa we have ever lived it is quiet and cozyCleanliness:
everything is very clean and modernroom is new clean and cozyvery clean and had all you need for a perfect holidayeverything was great apartment was large clean and looked like on photosthe villa was really pretty just like the pictures also very cleanHost:
however staff were helpfulthe staff were friendly and helpfulstaff were always helpful and ready to helpthe staff were very kind as wellthe staff are very niceRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is nicenot very close do the good places samui havelocation is great short scooter ride and your at the beachescleaning every day nice location (7-10 min walk to nearest beach)it's a good place to stay and will definitely staying in this villa in future visit
Paradise can be found on Koh Samui
Thailand is a country full of beautiful island spots, all of which would be amazing for you to visit, but nowhere is paradise more apparent than on the island of Koh Samui. From boutique hotels to hidden Airbnb villas, there’s no shortage of places to stay when you’re looking to immerse yourself in the island culture. Pick your favourite hotel today and come see why Koh Samui should be on your list of paradise holidays!
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