Where To Stay In Koh Samui: 8 Areas (+ Map)

Most visitors to Koh Samui pick between Chaweng’s nightlife strip and Lamai’s budget guesthouses without realising there are six other completely different options. Where you stay in Koh Samui determines your entire trip. Base yourself in Chaweng and you’re seeing the island’s social side. Pick Lipa Noi on the west coast and you’ll watch sunset from an empty beach but drive 30 minutes for a decent restaurant.

This guide covers all eight main areas with honest breakdowns of what works, what doesn’t, distances to key spots, and who each beach actually suits. The goal is helping you avoid paying luxury prices for a party beach when you wanted peace, or ending up isolated when you need walkable restaurants and nightlife.

Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you

Where To Stay In Koh Samui

Chaweng Beach

Best for: Solo travellers, nightlife seekers, first-time visitors, people who want convenience

Chaweng is Koh Samui’s longest and busiest beach, stretching 7 kilometers along the east coast. It’s the tourist capital of the island with the most of the hotels, restaurants, bars, and shopping. The beach itself is wide with fine white sand, though crowds are thick in high season.

You can walk to dozens of restaurants serving every cuisine, hit beach clubs by day and proper clubs at night, and find international supermarkets, pharmacies, and ATMs on every corner.

The beach offers every water sport imaginable: jet skis, parasailing, banana boats, kayaking, and paddle boarding. The northern end (Chaweng Noi) is quieter with more upscale resorts, while Central Chaweng is where the action is concentrated.

Shopping is better here than anywhere else on Samui. Central Festival mall has international brands, air conditioning, and a large cinema. Chaweng’s main road runs parallel to the beach with everything from 7-Elevens to custom tailors to pharmacies open until midnight.

Transport is easiest from Chaweng. Songthaews pass constantly, Grab drivers operate more freely here than elsewhere, and you can walk to most places within the area.

It’s the best place to stay in Koh Samui for solo travellers looking to socialise and younger backpackers wanting to go out at night.

Distance from…

• Airport: 2 km, 10 minutes
• Nathon Pier: 14 km, 25 minutes
• Big Buddha: 8 km, 15 minutes
• Fisherman’s Village: 6 km, 12 minutes

Cons of staying in Chaweng

Chaweng feels less like Thailand and more like a tourist resort that happens to be in Thailand. Expect inflated prices at restaurants near the beach, and crowds that make it hard to find a quiet spot after 10am in high season.

The noise can be relentless. Beach clubs blast music from morning until evening, bars keep going until 2am, and traffic on the main road never stops, let’s not forget the Muay Thai touts blasting “TOMORROW NIGHT” from their vehicles. Light sleepers should book rooms as far from the main road as possible.

Prices run 30-50% higher than quieter parts of the island for the same quality of food and accommodation.

Things to do in Chaweng

• Beach clubs: Ark Bar is the most famous, running parties almost daily with fire shows, DJs, and buckets of cocktails. Elsewhere, Elephant Beach Club offer slightly more mature vibes.
• Shopping: Central Festival has international brands, supermarket with lots of imported brands, food court, and cinema. The main Chaweng Road has endless beachwear shops, tailors, and tourist boutiques.
• Nightlife: Green Mango is the main nightclub, packed on weekends with mostly a tourist clientele. Sandbox has famous foam parties. Walking Street near the beach has smaller bars with live music and cheap drinks. If looking for something more chilled then Suvarn Bar is a cocktail bar that feels like a speakeasy.
• Cabaret shows: Paris Follies and Divas Cabaret put on nightly shows with elaborate costumes and choreography. Tickets around 600-800 baht.

Reccommended Hotels Chaweng

Luxury | The Library: Design hotel with striking red pool, minimalist rooms, and beachfront location on Chaweng Noi. Adults-only. Perfect for couples wanting style without sacrificing beach access.

Mid-range | Banana Fan Sea Resort: just 2 minutes from the beach with spacious rooms and good value. Pool is decent and breakfast is included.

Budget | COSI: Basic but clean rooms 5 minutes walk from the beach. Snack bar downstairs along with a place to work, and an outdoor pool. One of the best budget hotels in Koh Samui for the value.

Fisherman’s Village (Bophut)

Best for: Couples, foodies, culture seekers, people who want nightlife options without Spring Break energy

Bophut stretches along the north coast with a 3-kilometer beach and a historic fishing village that’s been carefully preserved. The main strip retains wooden Chinese shophouses converted into boutique hotels, restaurants, and shops. It balances authentic Thai character with tourist infrastructure better than anywhere else on the island.

Fisherman’s Village Walking Street runs every Friday night with food stalls, live music, handicrafts, and a relaxed vibe. It’s touristy but not aggressively so, you’ll see as many Thai families as foreigners.

The dining scene is the best on Koh Samui. Zazen serves high-end Thai in a romantic beachfront setting, The Shack does excellent burgers and craft beer, Coco Tam’s has wood-fired pizza, and Happy Elephant offers solid Thai at reasonable prices. You can eat a different cuisine every night for two weeks and still have options. There’s also some lovely cafes such as GoodThings which have incredible coffee.

The beach itself is calm and swimmable with a long sandbar that appears at low tide. It’s narrow in places but never feels as packed as Chaweng. The Wharf shopping complex sits at one end with boutiques, more restaurants, and a small cinema.

Bophut maintains village atmosphere while being thoroughly developed. You’ll find yoga studios, Muay Thai gyms, dive shops, and a laid-back expat community. It feels more “liveable” than Chaweng if you’re staying more than a few days.

Distance from…

• Airport: 5 km, 12 minutes
• Nathon Pier: 11 km, 20 minutes
• Big Buddha: 3 km, 8 minutes
• Chaweng: 6 km, 12 minutes

Cons of staying in Fishermans Village

Bophut has matured from fishing village to tourist hub, which means rising prices and increasing development. The authentic local feel is fading as more shophouses convert to tourist businesses.

Transport out of Bophut can be tricky outside the main village area. Songthaews are less frequent than Chaweng, and you’ll likely need a scooter or Grab to explore properly. The village walkability only extends about 1 kilometer along the main road.

Friday nights get very crowded during Walking Street. If you’re staying right on the main strip, expect noise and crowds until about 10pm.

Things to do in Fishermans Village

• Fisherman’s Village Walking Street: Every Friday 5pm-10pm. Browse handicrafts, eat street food (mango sticky rice, grilled seafood, pad thai), listen to live music, and watch fire dancers. It’s family-friendly and less chaotic than similar markets in Chaweng.
• The Wharf: Small shopping complex with boutique stores, restaurants, and a cinema. Not massive but useful for rainy days or air-conditioned shopping.
• Coco Tam’s beach club offers loungers, pool access, and good food.
• Shahda Yoga has excellent ocean views and daily sessions. Various spas along the beach road offer traditional Thai massage.

Recommended Fisherman Village Hotels

Luxury | Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort: Large upscale resort with colonial-style architecture, multiple pools, spa, and direct beach access in the village center.

Mid-range | Maya Resort Samui: Beachfront location with spacious traditional Thai pavilion-style rooms. Good pool and English/Irish breakfast included.

Budget | SimPly Stay: Beachfront location with basic but comfortable rooms. Best budget beachfront option in Bophut.

Choeng Mon

Best for: Families with young children, couples, travellers wanting beach clubs without party chaos, digital nomads needing peace and wifi

Choeng Mon sits on Koh Samui’s northeast coast with a 600-meter crescent bay that connects to a small island via sandbar at low tide. It’s quieter than Chaweng, attracts families and couples looking for calm water without total isolation. At low tide, walk across the sandbar to Ko Fan Yai island for an even quieter beach. This gives Choeng Mon a unique exploration element.

The shallow bay lets you walk 20-30 meters before needing to swim. Kids can play safely in ankle-deep water far from shore. The crescent shape blocks most waves, keeping conditions calm year-round. Space is never an issue. Even peak season feels uncrowded compared to Chaweng. The beach stretches enough that everyone spreads out naturally.

Beach clubs strike a better balance here. Carnival has pools and loungers with no minimum spend, just buy food or drinks. Pi Beach Club offers sunset luxury without Ark Bar’s party vibe.

Distance from…

• Airport: 4 km, 10 minutes
• Nathon Pier: 17 km, 30 minutes
• Big Buddha: 2 km, 7 minutes
• Chaweng Beach: 6 km, 15 minutes
• Fisherman’s Village: 3 km, 8 minutes
• Lamai Beach: 12 km, 20 minutes

Things to do in Choeng Mon

Choeng Mon Beach: Fine white sand curves around a protected bay. The sandbar to Ko Fan Yai appears at low tide – walk across to the island’s quieter beach.

Carnival Beach Bar: Free entry, no minimum spend. Pool with swim-up bar, beachfront loungers, treehouse seating above palms. No towels provided – bring your own.

Cons of staying in Choeng Mon

You need transport for most things beyond the immediate beach area. Scooter, Grab, or expensive taxis are necessary. Choeng Mon goes quiet after dinner, there are no clubs here which is something to consider. However, the beach bars have a good atmosphere you can still stay out until late.

Rocky patches make swimming awkward in sections. The beach is beautiful but not consistently swimmable everywhere. Additionally, there is no proper supermarket in walking distance. Small shops (Tops Daily, Lotus Fresh) cover basics, but weekly shopping means driving to Chaweng.

Reccommended Hotel in Choeng Mon

Luxury | Cape Fahn Hotel: Private island connected by sandbar. All rooms have private pools. Gym and spa. Ultimate luxury, small property.

Mid-range | Bay Beach Resort: Modern design, pool, restaurant. 2-minute walk to beach. Good value for quality.

Budget | PS Thana Resort: 2-minute walk to beach. Bright rooms with balconies, tropical gardens, pool. Best budget option.

Phai Laem

Best for: People seeking total peace, digital nomads, couples who prioritize quiet over nightlife, travellers who want “real” island life

Phai Laem runs along the northeast coast between Big Buddha and the northern tip of the island. At 2.6 kilometers, it’s more than three times longer than Choeng Mon but much quieter and less developed. Most of the beach is backed by private villas and small exclusive resorts rather than commercial development.

This is where Koh Samui still feels like an actual island rather than a resort destination. You’ll find empty stretches of beach with just palm trees, some rocks, and maybe a local fisherman. No jet ski touts, no beach clubs blasting EDM, no crowds fighting for loungers.

The narrow beach and lack of development mean you get genuine seclusion. Several sections have literally nobody on them even in high season. If you want to read a book, take a walk, or just stare at the ocean without interruption, Phai Laem is the answer.

Big Buddha temple is a 5-minute drive away, making Phai Laem convenient for one of Samui’s main attractions without being right in the tourist zone. The location also makes it easy to reach both Chaweng and Bophut in under 15 minutes.

A few excellent small resorts operate here (Skye Beach, Allure Resort) offering boutique experiences without the crowds of larger resort areas. You get personalized service and exclusive beach access.

Distance from…

• Airport: 6 km, 12 minutes
• Nathon Pier: 18 km, 30 minutes
• Big Buddha: 2 km, 5 minutes
• Chaweng: 8 km, 15 minutes

Cons of Staying in Phai Laem

Almost nothing is walkable. You need transport for restaurants, shopping, ATMs, and entertainment. The closest grocery store is a 10-minute drive. This isn’t a stroll-to-dinner kind of place.

Very limited dining options directly on or near the beach. Plailaem restaurant (family-run, excellent food, affordable) is about the only option without getting on a scooter. You’ll likely eat at your resort or drive to Bophut/Chaweng.

No nightlife whatsoever. If you want evening entertainment, you’re driving to Bophut or Chaweng. Even finding a casual beach bar for sunset drinks requires leaving the area.

Infrastructure is minimal. You’ll need to plan ahead for basic supplies.

Things to do in Phai Laem

• Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai): Five minutes away, making it convenient to visit early morning before crowds arrive. The 12-meter golden Buddha is Samui’s most iconic landmark.
• Wat Plai Laem: Colorful modern temple with 18-armed Guanyin statue and laughing Buddha surrounded by a lake. Just a few minutes from Phai Laem and makes a good pairing with Big Buddha.
• Beach walks: The 2.6-kilometer stretch is perfect for long quiet walks, especially early morning or late afternoon. You’ll have sections entirely to yourself.
• Plailaem Restaurant: Family-owned spot serving generous, affordable Thai food. The owners are lovely and it’s a rare local gem in an increasingly touristy island.

Recommended Phai Laem Hotels

Luxury | Skye Beach Resort: Small exclusive resort with direct beach access, infinity pool, and personalized service. Modern design with floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces.

Mid-range | Allure Resort: Boutique property with pool villas, intimate atmosphere, and beachfront location. Good for couples seeking privacy.

Budget | Deva Beach Resort: Spacious rooms, many have a tub on the balcony. Hotel has 3 swimming pools, a gym and spa.

Lamai

Best for: Budget travellers, backpackers, people who want beach life without Chaweng prices, mid-range comfort seekers

Lamai is Koh Samui’s second-longest beach at 4 kilometers along the east coast, south of Chaweng. It’s historically been the backpacker alternative to Chaweng, cheaper, grittier, more laid-back. The beach itself is beautiful with white sand and clearer water than Chaweng, backed by coconut palms rather than concrete.

Lamai offers better value than Chaweng for similar beach quality. You get the convenience of being in a developed beach town without paying resort prices.

The beach is actually nicer than Chaweng in parts, it’s less crowded, clearer water, and more natural backdrop. The southern end near Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks is particularly scenic. Swimming is generally good, though waves can pick up during certain months.

The vibe here is more relaxed and less polished than Chaweng. It’s where you find small guesthouses, local restaurants mixed with tourist places, and a less manufactured atmosphere.

Nightlife exists but skews more chill. Reggae bars, pool halls, and small clubs rather than massive beach parties.

Distance from…

• Airport: 10 km, 20 minutes
• Nathon Pier: 8 km, 15 minutes
• Big Buddha: 14 km, 25 minutes
• Chaweng: 7 km, 15 minutes

Cons of Staying in Lamai

Lamai has a reputation for seediness that’s partially deserved. The main nightlife strip has go-go bars and a red-light district vibe, though it’s contained to specific areas and easy to avoid. Transport options are decent but not as frequent as Chaweng. You’ll wait longer for songthaews, and Grab coverage is less reliable.

Things to do in Lamai

• Hin Ta and Hin Yai (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks): Natural rock formations at the southern end of Lamai Beach that look remarkably like genitalia. Tourist trap but worth a quick photo stop. Small market nearby sells souvenirs.
• Lamai night market: Smaller than Fisherman’s Village Walking Street but cheaper and more local. Friday and Sunday nights. Good for cheap eats and inexpensive clothes.
• Namuang Waterfall: About 15 minutes inland from Lamai. Two-tier waterfall that’s actually worth visiting, especially the upper tier which requires a hike but rewards with a swimmable pool.
• Beach clubs: Lamai has a few like The Weather Forecast and Iyara Beach Club, offering loungers, pools, and restaurant service. More affordable than Chaweng equivalents.

Recommended Lamai Hotels

Luxury | Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa: Large upscale resort with modern rooms, multiple pools, spa, and beachfront location. Good for families wanting space and facilities.

Mid-range | Pavilion Samui Villas & Resort: Beach view location with private pool villas, short walk to beach. Includes a gym with a tropical view. Good value luxury without extreme pricing.

Budget | The Hive Hotel: Simple beachfront bungalows with fan or air-con. Very basic but right on the beach for under 1,000 baht per night.

Lipa Noi

Best for: Families with young children, people who want total quiet, sunset lovers, those seeking the “undiscovered” Samui

Lipa Noi stretches along the west coast facing the mainland and nearby islands. It’s a 2.5-kilometer beach that’s remained relatively undeveloped compared to east coast beaches. The sunset views are spectacular, the vibe is residential rather than touristy, and it’s where Thai families and expats go for peace.

The water at Lipa Noi stays shallow for ages. Children can walk out 30-40 meters and still be in knee-deep water. Combined with calm conditions most of the year, it’s probably the safest swimming beach on Samui for families with small kids.

Sunset views are unmatched. You’re facing west across the water toward the mainland and Angthong Marine Park islands. Every evening delivers a show, and you can watch it from nearly empty beaches without crowds blocking your view or photographers shoving past.

The atmosphere is authentically peaceful. Thai families come here on weekends, a few small resorts cater to quiet-seeking tourists, and expats live in villas along the coast. There are no jet skis, beach clubs, or touts. It feels like Samui did 20 years ago.

Nathon Pier is close (12 minutes), making Lipa Noi convenient if you’re catching ferries to other islands or need access to the main town for shopping and services.

Distance from…

• Airport: 14 km, 25 minutes
• Nathon Pier: 5 km, 12 minutes
• Big Buddha: 20 km, 35 minutes
• Chaweng: 18 km, 30 minutes

Cons of Staying in Lipa Noi

You’re isolated from everything else on the island. Chaweng is 30 minutes away, Bophut is 25 minutes, and even Nathon town requires a scooter ride. If you want to explore Samui, you’ll spend a lot of time on the road.

Restaurant and dining options are extremely limited. A handful of small local places and resort restaurants, but nowhere near the variety of east coast areas. You’ll eat at your resort often or need to drive for every meal. Nightlife wise, Lipa Noi is dead quiet after dark, which is great if that’s what you want, but terrible if you want any social scene.

The beach, while beautiful, has some rocky and weedy sections. It’s not consistently pristine sand along the entire length. Some parts are better for walking than swimming. Transport infrastructure barely exists. No regular songthaews, limited Grab coverage, and you’ll definitely need a scooter or rental car. While taxis are expensive and hard to find.

Things to do in Lipa Noi

• Beach relaxation: That’s basically it, and that’s the point. Long walks on empty sand, swimming in calm shallow water, watching sunsets without crowds.
• Nathon town: 12 minutes away, it’s Samui’s main town and ferry port. You’ll find Tesco Lotus for groceries, local markets, street food, and more authentic Thai life than tourist areas.
• Angthong Marine Park day trips: Many tour boats depart from nearby piers. The marine park offers 42 islands with kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and stunning viewpoints. Full-day tours around 2,500 baht.

Recommended Lipa Noi Hotels

Luxury | Nikki Beach Resort & Spa: Stylish beachfront resort with signature white décor, multiple pools, spa, beach club, and upscale dining. Party atmosphere compared to Lipa Noi’s usual vibe.

Mid-range | Lipa Bay Resort: Small intimate resort with pool villas and bungalows set in gardens. Quiet, personal service, and good restaurant.

Budget | Rajapruek Samui Resort: Direct beach access with two pools. Rooms are simple but with all the necessities. Open air restaurant is beautiful at sunset.

Mae Nam

Best for: Budget to mid-range travellers, people who want local life mixed with beach access, families, long-term visitors

Located on Koh Samui’s north coast between Bophut and Nathon. Mae Nam is the longest beach on the northern side of Samui and has retained more local character than most tourist areas. The main village sits away from the beach with markets, local restaurants, and a working-town atmosphere.

The beach is long, wide, and beautiful. Fine sand, calm water, palm trees, and actual space to spread out. During weekdays even in high season, you can find sections that are nearly empty, while the shallow water makes it good for families.

Mae Nam village maintains authentic Thai character. Walk 10 minutes inland from the beach and you’re in local markets, Thai street food stalls, and shops selling to residents rather than tourists. It feels like a real town that happens to have a beach.

Several Muay Thai gyms have set up in Mae Nam, attracting fighters and fitness enthusiasts for training camps. The community around this has created good cafes, healthy food options, and a different type of traveler than typical beach tourists.

Distance from…

• Airport: 9 km, 20 minutes
• Nathon Pier: 7 km, 15 minutes
• Big Buddha: 10 km, 18 minutes
• Chaweng: 11 km, 20 minutes

Cons of Staying in Mae Nam

Mae Nam has minimal nightlife. A few small bars and restaurants but nothing approaching Chaweng or even Bophut’s scene. The beach, while long and beautiful, isn’t as stunning as Choeng Mon or as developed as Chaweng. Some sections have rocks, seaweed, or aren’t well-maintained. It’s perfectly nice but not spectacular.

The area lacks the polished resort feel. Mae Nam is more functional than beautiful – working town with a beach rather than beach resort. Some find this authentic, others find it underwhelming.

Transport into Mae Nam village from beachfront accommodation requires walking or cycling. The village and beach are separated, so you can’t walk to restaurants and shops as easily as Bophut or Chaweng.

Things to do in Mae Nam

• Mae Nam Walking Street: Thursday nights, smaller and less touristy than Fisherman’s Village. Good street food, local crafts, and casual atmosphere. Mainly Thai families with some tourists.
• Muay Thai training: Several gyms offer classes and camps. Lamai Muay Thai and Por Silaphai are well-regarded. Drop-in classes around 500 baht, week-long camps 8,000-12,000 baht.
• Kayaking to Ko Bon: Small island visible from Mae Nam beach, about 20 minutes by kayak. You can rent kayaks on the beach for 300-400 baht and paddle over for snorkeling.
• W Retreat: The W Hotel is in Mae Nam and allows non-guests to use facilities for a fee. Beach club access, infinity pools, and restaurants. Day pass around 1,500 baht.

Recommended Mae Nam Hotels

Luxury | W Koh Samui: Stylish modern resort with bold design, excellent beach, infinity pools, spa, and upscale dining. The chicest option in Mae Nam.

Mid-range | Napasai, A Belmond Hotel: Boutique resort with beachfront villas, beautiful grounds, pool, and quality restaurant. Quieter luxury option.

Budget | Coco Palm Beach Resort: Basic bungalows right on the beach. Fan-cooled rooms for under 1,000 baht. Perfect for backpackers.

Silver Beach

Best for: Complete escapists, honeymooners, digital nomads on long stays, people who hate crowds

Silver Beach is one of the least developed beaches on Samui, just 1 kilometer of coastline with a handful of small resorts and basically nothing else. The area attracts people specifically seeking isolation.

The beach itself is beautiful – white sand, palm trees, clear water, and a peaceful curve that feels untouched.

Several excellent small resorts have set up here (Silver Beach Resort, Santi Samui, Laem Sila), offering boutique experiences with direct beach access and personalized service. You get resort quality without sharing the beach with 200 other guests.

The location on the south coast means you’re away from all major tourist infrastructure, which is both the point and the appeal. You can disconnect completely. Nearby fishing villages like Hua Thanon offer authentic local life, morning markets, fishing boats, small temples, and Thai restaurants serving residents rather than tourists.

Distance from…

• Airport: 16 km, 30 minutes
• Nathon Pier: 12 km, 25 minutes
• Big Buddha: 20 km, 35 minutes
• Chaweng: 14 km, 25 minutes

Cons of Staying in Silver Beach

One major drawback here is that nothing is walkable except your resort and the beach. Silver Beach is where you come to read books and stare at the ocean. Restaurants, shops, ATMs, and entertainment all require driving. The nearest 7-Eleven is 10 minute walk away.

Dining options are basically your resort restaurant or a 15-minute drive to Lamai or Hua Thanon. If you want variety or casual dining options, you’re getting on a scooter every time.

Things to do in Silver Beach

• Hua Thanon fishing village: 10 minutes away, it’s one of the last working fishing villages on Samui. Morning market is excellent for breakfast – fresh fish, local snacks, Thai coffee. Very few tourists visit.
• Secret Buddha Garden (Tarnim Magic Garden): About 30 minutes into the jungle interior. Hillside garden with statues, waterfalls, and mountain views. Worth the drive if you want a half-day adventure.
• Lamai activities: 15 minutes north, Lamai offers all the water sports, nightlife, and dining that Silver Beach lacks. Many Silver Beach visitors do day trips to Lamai for variety.

Recommended Silver Beach Hotels

Luxury | Banyan Tree Samui: luxury resort with private pool villas, exceptional service, and direct beach access. Such a romantic place to stay on your honeymoon in Koh Samui.

Budget | Crystal Bay: modern rooms overlooking the white sands of Thong Takien Bay. Facilities include outdoor pool ans restaurant.

Best Time To Visit Koh Samui

Koh Samui has two decent seasons and one to avoid. December through March is peak season with dry weather, calm seas, and the most tourists. Beaches are busy but never unbearable, and you’ll pay top prices for everything. April through June gets very hot but stays mostly dry with fewer crowds and better deals. September through November is shoulder season with mixed weather, occasional rain, but still plenty of sunny days and lower prices.

July and August are monsoon months. Skip them unless you get a massive discount. Rough seas shut down water sports, and rain interrupts most days. Many beach clubs close or cut hours. If you’re locked into summer travel, aim for June or September instead of the July-August monsoon peak.

Is Koh Samui Expensive?

Koh Samui sits in the highend for Thailand. Chaweng and Choeng Mon run expensive with meals costing 150-300 baht and beach loungers 200 baht. Mae Nam and Lamai offer better value with the same meals at 80-120 baht. Transport is cheap if you rent a scooter (200-250 baht/day) but taxis are a ripoff at 300-500 baht for short rides due to the local taxi mafia. Overall, you can do Samui on 1,500-2,000 baht/day if you stay in cheaper areas and eat local, or easily spend 5,000+ baht/day in resorts with beach clubs and Western food.

Related Posts

4 Days In Bangkok For First-timers
1 Day In Bangkok
Where To Stay In Bangkok: 9 Best Neighbourhoods
14 Fun Things To Do In Aonang
Phi Phi to Maya Bay: Straightforward Guide
Ari Bangkok Neighbourhood Guide
Silom Bangkok – Eat, See, Stay Guide
19 Best Things To Do In Naha – Complete Guide
How To Spend 1 Day In Ho Chi Minh
24 Hours In Hoi An
13 Best Things To Do In Danang
How To Visit Singapore On A Budget
31 Best Attractions In Busan