Looking for the best area to stay in Koh Samui with kids? This post will go through where to stay in Koh Samui with family and the best hotels in Koh Samui Thailand to help you find the perfect Koh Samui accommodation in Koh Samui for you and your family.
The island of Koh Samui is the second largest of the Thai islands, located in the Gulf of Thailand, 35km from the mainland and surrounded by the islands of Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Koh Nanguan.
There are some fantastic places to stay in Koh Samui for families and pristine beaches, and plenty of things to do. Whether you’re staying 1 day in Koh Samui or 4 days in Koh Samui, we’ll help you get your trip planning off to a flying start.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information.
Throughout this post you’ll see each accommodation recommendation labelled as either $ $$ or $$$.
$ = Family-friendly budget accommodation
$$ = Mid-Range
$$$ = High end/Expensive
Map of Koh Samui | Best Areas To Stay
Best Area to Stay in Koh Samui
The best part of Koh Samui to stay with your family depends on the atmosphere you’re looking for. Being one of the most beautiful places in Thailand, there are many options available. Areas to stay in Koh Samui range from tiny fishing villages and deserted tropical beaches to heavily tourist-orientated beaches with ample facilities. Aside from swimming on idyllic beaches, you can join a yoga retreat, do some hiking, or take a cooking class.
Best for:
Exploring the island – Chaweng
Luxury accommodation – Lamai/Chaweng Noi
Budget family accommodation – Mae Nam
Island-hopping trips – Lipa Noi
Tranquillity – Choeng Mon
Bangrak Beach (Big Buddha Beach)
Bangrak Beach is one of the main up and coming resorts of Koh Samui. There are plenty of beach bungalows here to suit all budgets and a range of souvenir and food shops to explore.
Places to stay in Koh Samui – Bangrak Beach
The Gardens (self-catering) $
These deluxe 2-bedroom villas feature a fully furnished kitchenette and balcony. Guests have access to a free shuttle bus to the Chi Beach Bar & Restaurant right on the beach, where there’s access to a large beachfront infinity pool, swim-up pool bar, sun-loungers and beanbags. You’ll also be just 5 minutes from Bophut beach and 10 minutes from Chaweng beach. Cots are NOT available, but extra beds can be provided at a cost.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Mae Nam
Although Mae Nam is often seen as a backpacker resort, you’ll find plenty of budget family accommodation with a good chance of staying right on the beach. The beach is the longest in Koh Samui with crystal clear water – one of the best places for swimming in Koh Samui. There are plenty of food stalls and souvenir shops here too.
If you’re looking for outdoor activities, Mae Nam is one of the best places to be. You’ll have the option to participate in Ziplining, Kite Surfing, tree climbing and more for an adrenaline-filled holiday.
For day trips from Koh Samui, Mae Nam is the starting point for many trips towards Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Best Place to stay in Mae Nam
Samui Zenity $
Just 5 minutes from Mae Nam beach. The star attraction here is the outdoor pool with a waterslide! A free shuttle service can be arranged to Mae Nam. Rooms sleep 2-4 adults + kids. Cots CAN be provided on request, and extra beds can be provided at an extra cost
View the latest price and availability for your dates here.
Shangrilah Bungalow $
The Shangrilah Bungalows are located just steps away from Mae Nam beach and a short drive away from the main tourist attractions in Koh Samui. The complex consists of bungalows overlooking green gardens and an outdoor pool. Rooms sleep 2-4 adults + kids. Cots and extra beds CAN be provided at an extra fee.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Adarin Beach Resort $$
Located on the 6km long Mae Nam beach, guests can choose between a spacious suite or a villa. There are two outdoor pools with fantastic views of Koh Phangan island. Rooms seep 1-4 adults + kids. Cots CAN be provided on request, and extra beds can be provided at a fee.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Lipa Noi
Close to the ferry port, Lipa Noi is the perfect place to stay if you’re arriving by ferry with kids. The water is crystal clear and shallow – perfect for kids swimming.
If you’re planning on self-planned day trips on local ferries, Lipa Noi is very convenient. You can easily visit Koh Phangan, Koh Nanguan and Ko Tao. You can start ticking off your Thailand bucket list with ample diving experiences, more pristine beaches and even a visit to Ang Thong national park.
Best Places to stay in Lipa Noi
Lipa Lodge Resort $
Set right on the beach, you’ll be getting fantastic value for money here. There’s an outdoor pool surrounded by tropical gardens. Rooms sleep 2-4 adults and range from a beachfront double room to a family villa. Cots and extra beds are NOT available.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Nikki Beach Resort and Spa $$$
Offering beachfront bungalows, the Nikki Beach resort is one of the best beach resorts in Koh Samui and has a huge range of facilities. There’s an outdoor pool surrounded by tropical gardens as well as fitness facilities and massage treatments on offer. Guests are served a luxury breakfast each morning. Rooms sleep 2-10 adults + kids ranging from a pool access suite to a 5 bedroom poolside villa
. View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Chaweng
Chaweng is the largest resort town in Koh Samui, located in the North East of the island and where a large proportion of visitors decide to stay. This is where I stayed on my first trip to Koh Samui, and I had nothing to fault.
There’s a huge amount of accommodation to choose from and loads of food options including a night market.
Chaweng beach is one of the largest (6km) and most popular beaches in Koh Samui, with plenty of water-sports activities. There’s a long street where you can pick up plenty of souvenirs. They may be a little more expensive than you would find in Bangkok, but you’ll still find amazing deals. You’ll also find most of the best attractions in Koh Samui here.
Best Hotels in Chaweng
Chaweng Garden Beach Resort $$
This fantastic family-run complex is just steps away from Chaweng Beach. For food, guests are served a buffet breakfast and have the option of getting food from the beachside restaurant and evening grill. There are two outdoor pools and a massage service available. Rooms sleep 2-4 adults + kids. Cots are available on request, and extra beds can be provided at a fee.
View the latest price and availability for your dates here.
Chaweng Regent Beach Resort $$$
Right on the beachfront, you’ll be in the perfect location here. You can choose between two outdoor pools and the spa facilities. You won’t be far from the centre of Chaweng, where you can pick up souvenirs and try local delicacies. Rooms sleep 2 adults + kids. Cots CAN be provided on request, and extra beds can be provided at a fee.
View the latest price and availability for your dates here.
Chaweng Noi
Chaweng Noi is just a 20-minute walk from Chaweng. The area is one of the best places to stay in Koh Samui for families as you can have the best of both worlds. Accommodation is usually on the luxury side, but there are still deals to be found.
Best places to stay in Chaweng Noi
Baan Sukreep Resort (Self Catering to Bed and Breakfast) $
The Baan Sukreep resort is the perfect option for a family in Koh Samui. The complex is just 4 minutes away from Chaweng Noi Beach and features a large outdoor pool and daily buffet breakfast. There’s also a poolside bar which serves European food. Families can choose between staying in a deluxe bungalow or a family villa with the option to upgrade and have a kitchenette. Rooms sleep 2-4 adults + kids. Cots and extra beds CAN be provided at a fee.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Impiana Resort Chaweng Noi $$
This family-friendly resort has a large pool and beachfront bar located right on Chaweng Noi beach. Rooms sleep 2-4 adults, and there’s the option to upgrade to a sea view room. Extra beds can be provided at a fee but no cots.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Sheraton Samui Resort $$
The Sheraton Samui resort is set right on Chaweng Noi beach with many facilities. There’s a beachfront infinity pool and another pool surrounded by gardens. There are also sports facilities and a spa onsite. 4 restaurants are located on-site serving a range of international dishes. Rooms sleep 2-3 adults + kids. Cots CAN be provided on request, and an extra bed can be provided at a cost.
View the latest price and availability for your dates here.
Bophut
Bophut is located on the northeast of Koh Samui. The resort features a stunning 2km beach and plenty of up-market resorts. This is one of the most popular areas in Koh Samui for families.
One of the main attractions of Bophut is the Fishermans Village which shows off the heritage of Koh Samui. Here you can see the Thai-Chinese influence on the island. You’ll also be very close to one of the best markets in the Thai islands catering to tourists from all over the island.
Best Places to stay in Bophut
OYO 927 Samui Platinum Hotel $
This is one of the best beach hotels in Koh Samui. There are 18 well-maintained rooms and two outdoor swimming pools. Rooms sleep 2-3 adults + kids. Cots and extra beds are NOT available.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Hotel Ibis Bophut Koh Samui $$
The Ibis hotel is located right on Bophut beach in a quiet area. Rooms are fully equipped with all the facilities your family needs with the option of having a sea view balcony room.
The hotel features a lovely outdoor pool and garden with sunbeds and umbrellas overlooking the beach.
Breakfast is served as a buffet, and you can eat at the on-site restaurant for lunch and dinner for an extra cost. Rooms sleep 2-3 adults + kids. Cots ARE available on request. Extra beds can be provided at an extra cost.
View the latest prices and availability for the Ibis Hotel here.
Bandara Resort & Spa koh Samui $$$
This 4-star resort is set right on Bophut beach. The complex features four outdoor pools surrounded by tropical gardens. Guests can choose from a variety of treatments at the Bandura Spa. The on-site restaurant serves a range of European and Asian dishes. Guests can choose between a double/family room or a deluxe villa suite. Rooms sleep 2 adults + kids. Cots and extra beds are free of charge for those under 4, and extra beds can be provided at an extra cost for those over 4.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Choeng Mon
If you’re looking for a quiet place to stay, Choeng Mon is your place! The crystal clear waters and white sand draw in visitors from all over the island. Here, you’ll be a 15-minute drive away from the main resort – Chaweng.
Best Places to Stay in Choeng Mon
Idyllic Samui Resort (Bed and breakfast) $$
The Samui resort is just 15 minutes from Choeng Mon beach, and there’s a free shuttle service run by the hotel. Due to its location a little out of town, you’ll be getting excellent value for money and fantastic facilities. Each villa has its own private pool, and most have a kid’s pool. Studios have access to a public outdoor pool. Rooms and villas sleep 2-10 adults + kids depending on the room type chosen. Cots ARE available on request, and extra beds are provided at a small fee.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Melia Koh Samui $$$
The Melia Koh Samui is just steps away from Choeng Mon Beach. The complex features two luxury outdoor pools surrounded by gardens. There’s also the opportunity to visit the spa, take part in watersports and go scuba diving. There’s also a games room and daily entertainment. Rooms sleep 2-3 adults + kids. Extra beds can be provided at a cost, and cots ARE provided free of charge.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Lamai Koh Samui
Just south of the bustling resort of Chaweng, Lamai is slightly smaller, but you’d still have all the facilities. Lamai beach is one of the best beaches in Koh Samui, with crystal clear waters and white sand.
There’s a great street market where you can try all the traditional Thai dishes at low prices. Kids will love the Coco water park.
Best Places to stay in Lamai
Samui Harmony Resort $
This budget hotel is amazing value for money and one of the cheapest family-friendly properties in Koh Samui. Rooms come with a fridge and balcony. Kids under 6 stay free. The hotel is located right in the heart of Lamai.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Centara Villas Samui $$
Set in the countryside nearby Lamai, guests can take advantage of the free shuttle service to Chaweng and Lamai. The complex features two swimming pools and a massage centre. Rooms sleep 2-3 adults + kids. Cots can NOT be provided, and extra beds can be provided at an additional cost
View the latest price and availability for your dates here.
Banyan Tree Samui $$$
The Banyan Tree is one of the most exclusive 5-star resorts in Koh Samui. Guests stay in villas with a deluxe balcony and sea views with private infinity pools. The resort also features a fitness centre, massage facilities, a beauty shop and sports, including diving and cycling. Rooms sleep 2-4 adults + kids. Cots can be provided on request and cots at a fee.
View the latest price and availability for your dates here.
Best 5 Star Hotels in Koh Samui
Seeking out the best accommodations in Koh Samui? If you’re looking for 5 stars Koh Samui experience, here are the best 5-star resorts in Koh Samui and the best 5-star hotels in Koh Samui:
Sheraton Samui Resort (Chaweng Noi) $$
Nikki Beach Resort and Spa $$$
Melia Koh Samui (Choeng Mon) $$$
Best 4 Star Hotels in Koh Samui
Impiana Resort (Chaweng Noi) $$
Idyllic Samui Resort (Choeng Mon) $$
Chaweng Regent Beach Resort $$$
Bandara Resort and Spa (Bophut) $$
3 Star Hotels in Koh Samui
Baan Sukreep Resort (Chaweng Noi) $
OYO 927 Samui Platinum Hotel (Bophut) $
Adarin Beach Resort (Mae Nam) $$
Chaweng Garden Beach Resort $$
