Where to stay in Koh Samui for the beaches? Here are the 5 hotels that I tested while touring the island on the most beautiful beaches!
Among the many hotels in Koh Samui, are you looking for the best accommodation options on the most beautiful beaches on the island? Well, in this article, I give you my opinions on the 5 hotels that I tested all around the island and on Koh Tao: Samui Natien Resort, Crystal Bay Beach, Royal Beach Boutique, Koh Tao Relax Freedom Beach and Pico Samui.
My experience, my comments and my photos may help you to choose among these 5 hotels in Koh Samui the one that suits you best. Whether you prefer a luxurious stay, a pristine white sand beach, a lively, romantic or bohemian atmosphere, it is essential to choose the hotel that will best suit your desires.
To help you choose where to stay in Koh Samui, I review 5 hotels, evaluating their locations, services, pros and cons to help you make an informed decision when booking your hotel in Koh Samui.
Where to stay in Koh Samui to go around the island?
Koh Samui is one of Thailand's most visited paradise islands, attracting travelers from all over the world. With its pristine beaches, tropical landscapes and relaxed atmosphere, it is the seaside destination to be favored for a stay in Thailand in August.
Myself, I went in August to go around Koh Samui in 15 days to discover the most beautiful beaches of the island. Thus, on each beautiful beach, I tested a different hotel:
- 3 nights in Samui Natien Resort (Chaweng Beach)
- 2 nights in Crystal Bay Beach Resort (Silver Beach)
- 2 nights in Royal Beach Boutique Resort (Lamay Beach)
- 3 nights in Koh Tao Relax Freedom Beach Resort in Koh Tao
- 3 nights in Pico Samui (Bophut Beach)
How to choose a hotel in Koh Samui?
Before booking a hotel in Koh Samui, it is important to consider some key factors:
- First, determine your budget and accommodation preferences. Koh Samui offers a range of options, from luxury resorts to small bungalows on the beach.
- Next, consider the location of the hotel. Do you want to be on a quiet beach or do you prefer to be closer to bustling downtown Chaweng? See my post: Which coast to choose in Koh Samui?
- Finally, list the amenities and services you want to have, such as pool, spa, restaurants, and shuttle services.
Once you have assessed these factors, you can start comparing the various hotels in Koh Samui.
My criteria for the 5 hotels tested in Koh Samui
To select the 5 hotels that I tested in Koh Samui, here are the main criteria that I took into account:
- First, the location: I only chose hotels located in front of a beautiful beach. This allows easy access to the beach and a relaxing day by the water. In addition, a hotel with a view of the beach or a balcony makes it possible to enjoy a dream stay even more.
- Another important criterion is that of the equipment and facilities offered by the hotel. A beach hotel should ideally provide beach chairs, umbrellas and towels for guests to use during their stay. Guests therefore do not need to bring their own beach equipment, allowing them to spend a comfortable and carefree day at the beach.
- The quality of accommodation and service is also an important criterion for choosing a hotel in Koh Samui. The hotel should offer clean and comfortable rooms with modern amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi and a private bathroom.
- The outdoor facilities and equipment are also important in choosing a hotel in Koh Samui. Thus, I chose hotels with a well-maintained outdoor space, terrace, swimming pool and restaurant.
- And with regard to the price criterion, I have selected hotels whose prices are correct for Koh Samui (between 80 € and 110 € per night). But these prices can be lower depending on the periods when you go to Koh Samui.
Where to stay in Koh Samui to visit?
Regarding excursions and tourist sites to visit, as Koh Samui is a very small island (Taweeratpakdee road of 50 km which goes around the island), whatever the place you choose, you can easily and quickly access the sites. tourist attractions and night markets. Especially since taxis and public transport are not expensive.
Where to stay in Koh Samui on Chaweng Beach
The Samui Natien Resort is a boutique hotel located just north of the famously beautiful Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui. The friendly and attentive staff are always ready to help you and make your stay as pleasant as possible.
I had chosen as type of accommodation a private bungalow in the middle of the tropical gardens of the hotel. It was very clean, modern, well equipped with air conditioning and very good wifi.
Samui Natien features an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant that serves delicious Thai and international cuisine, prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Advantages of staying in Koh Samui in this hotel
For those wishing to explore the surrounding area, the location of this hotel is quite close to the main tourist attractions of Koh Samui, such as the Big Buddha or the splendid temples of Wat Plai Laem. This hotel is also well placed for the entertainment of downtown Chaweng (10 minutes on foot). It is also very close to the Central which is the largest shopping center in Koh Samui just 15 minutes walk from the hotel as well as the night market.
With its calm and peaceful atmosphere while being very close to the animations of Chaweng, are also appreciable.
The facilities at Samui Natien Resort are excellent. The swimming pool is well maintained, ideal for cooling off after a day spent exploring the island. The hotel restaurant serves authentic Thai cuisine, prepared with fresh, local ingredients at affordable prices.
Last advantage of staying in Koh Samui at the Samui Natien Resort is its low price. Indeed, compared to other hotels along Chaweng Beach, this hotel is one of the cheapest!
Disadvantages of staying in Koh Samui in this hotel
There is no entertainment within the hotel. Nevertheless, the Samui Natien is an excellent choice for travelers looking for peaceful and comfortable accommodation on one of the most beautiful beaches in Koh Samui.
Where to stay on the most beautiful beach in Koh Samui?
Located on the beautiful beach of Crystal Bay also called Silver Beach, I tested the hotel Crystal Bay Beach which is the best placed hotel on the beach. Indeed, all the rooms of this hotel offer a breathtaking view of this heavenly beach which looks a bit like the beaches of the Seychelles.
The hotel also offers a small outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant (Thai and international dishes).
Advantages of Crystal Bay Beach
The rooms of the Crystal Bay Beach hotel offer breathtaking views of the most beautiful beach in Koh Samui. You wake up every morning with an extraordinary panoramic view.
Another advantage of staying in this hotel is the calm of the rooms on the seafront located at the very end of the hotel (the farthest from the access to the beach). We feel a unique, privileged and relaxing experience perfect for a romantic stay or for couples in search of tranquility.
Disadvantages of Crystal Bay Beach
However, there are a few downsides to staying at this hotel. Indeed, having booked the deluxe double room, I expected to find a beautiful large well-equipped room. But in fact, the room was old, poorly equipped and limited in terms of cleanliness. It is therefore not a luxury establishment and I was a little disappointed with the state of this hotel.
Also, there are no deckchairs on the beach. There are only about ten deckchairs on the small terrace facing the beach and they are always occupied.
If you want to be closer to the entertainment, bars, restaurants, shops, the location of this hotel is not ideal. You will need to take a taxi or a collective to get to the center of Lamay.
Finally, the value for money at the Crystal Bay Beach is not one of the best on the island given the dilapidated state of the establishment. But the exceptional location of this hotel makes it possible to forget the disadvantages listed above.
Where to stay in Koh Samui on a quiet beach?
The Royal Beach Boutique is a charming boutique hotel on the seafront located in Lamay facing a very pretty beach. This property offers spacious, elegant and modern accommodation with a private balcony or terrace. Hotel facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, gym, spa, lounge bar and restaurant offering Thai and international cuisine.
Advantages of staying in Koh Samui at the Royal Beach Boutique
- The amenities at this hotel are top notch.
- The beach is beautiful and almost deserted.
- The swimming pool is large and very pleasant.
- The proximity to the rocks of Grand Father and Grandmother (5 minutes walk).
Disadvantages of staying in Koh Samui at the Royal Beach Boutique
Lack of entertainment for young people. This very quiet hotel is more suitable for families, retirees or young couples.
Where to stay on a heavenly beach near Koh Samui
In addition to the hotels that I tested on this island, there are other remarkable accommodation options very close to Koh Samui: In Koh Tao.
Koh Tao Relax Freedom Beach is a resort that offers a relaxed atmosphere and breathtaking views of two heavenly beaches.
Advantages of Koh Tao Relax Freedom Beach
The bungalows perched above the sea are comfortable, offer a privileged stay experience and an incredible view:
The hotel restaurant offers delicious cuisine with a varied selection of Thai dishes.
The hotel is right next to one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the island of Koh Tao:
Disadvantages of Koh Tao Relax Freedom Beach
You have to take a boat to go in 2h30 to the island of Koh Tao where this magnificent hotel is located. However, the prices are ridiculous and the hotel has a shuttle that picks you up and brings you back for free. See here to book a catamaran or a fastboat: https://12go.asia/en/travel/koh-samui/koh-tao?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1sHW4djq_AIVhbrVCh0egQCDEAAYAiAAEgLVjPD_BwE
Where to stay cheap in Koh Samui
The Pico Samui is a small family hotel located opposite Bophut Beach. It has modern rooms, with a contemporary design.
With its infinity pool and restaurant overlooking the beach, Hotel Pico Samui is ideal for travelers looking for a relaxing stay and a peaceful ambience.
Benefits of Hotel Pico Samui
- The location of this hotel is nice: It is only 15 minutes walk from Fisherman Village and close to all tourist attractions in northern Koh Samui.
- Rooms at Pico Samui are comfortable, quiet and well-appointed.
- There is a large TV with free Netflix in all languages.
- Breakfasts are taken facing the beach and are hearty and delicious.
- The rooms of this small hotel are not expensive compared to other nearby hotels.
Disadvantages of Hotel Pico Samui
The deckchairs and parasols are starting to age and could be replaced.
You still don't know where to stay in Koh Samui for the beaches?
If you can't decide on just one hotel, why not book them all and visit all the best beaches and tourist sites on the island. See my itinerary for visit Koh Samui in 2 weeks :