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Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s largest islands and a popular vacation paradise. Here you will find everything from simple hotels and solid mid-range options to luxurious beachfront resorts. They are spread all around the island, in hotspots such as Chaweng and Lamai, but also in quieter areas like Choeng Mon or the island capital Nathon. However, since not everyone wants to spend several hundred euros per night on their trip to Thailand, we are presenting some budget hotels on Koh Samui here.
Our 10 Tips for Affordable Hotels on Koh Samui
- 1. J4 Samui Hotel (Chaweng)
- 2. Dreamcatcher Boutique Hotel (Bophut)
- 3. Eden Extend Fisherman’s Village (Bophut)
- 4. Sea Sun Bed and Beyond (Bangrak)
- 5. So KohKoon Beach Resort (Bangrak)
- 6. Ampha Place Hotel (Maenam)
- 7. Leelawadee Bungalow and Restaurant (Maenam)
- 8. Samui Honey Cottages Beach Resort (Choeng Mon)
- 9. Palm Coco Mantra (Lamai)
- 10. Stay Inn Nathon Samui (Nathon)
- Koh Samui: Tours and Tickets
- How to Get to Koh Samui
All accommodations in this list have good reviews, and in the low season you can often snag a real bargain here. Do you prefer things quiet and relaxed or lively with plenty of nightlife? There is a suitable hotel for everyone. Not all hotels are located directly on the water, but this should give you a good overview of what Koh Samui has to offer even if you are traveling on a smaller budget.
1. J4 Samui Hotel (Chaweng)
Right in the middle of Chaweng, the J4 Samui Hotel is a great base if you want to stay centrally and be able to walk to many places. In the rooms, you have practical amenities for everyday life in the tropical climate. Air conditioning, a comfortable bed, and a private bathroom are all part of the setup. Depending on the room, there is also a balcony and a fridge, which is especially convenient for longer stays.
One big plus is the location with short walking distances to restaurants, shops, and the beach. You can head out spontaneously and be back at your room quickly in the evening. For exploring the rest of the island, Chaweng is also practical because you can easily start in many directions. If you are looking for straightforward accommodation that does not feel like a huge resort, this is a really good fit.
Book here: J4 Samui Hotel
2. Dreamcatcher Boutique Hotel (Bophut)
In Fisherman’s Village in Bophut, the Dreamcatcher Boutique Hotel welcomes you with a small, relaxed atmosphere. The rooms are modern and designed for comfort. You sleep in air-conditioned rooms and have a private bathroom. Practical basics such as a TV and storage space are also included. It is just right for a laid-back stay without a lot of frills.
The highlight is the prime location in the nicest part of Bophut. In the evening, you can simply head out and you will find restaurants and small bars right around the corner. The beach is also just a short walk away. On-site, there is also a place where you can grab something to eat or a drink in between. This makes the hotel ideal if you want to use Bophut as your base and love short walking distances.
Book here: Dreamcatcher Boutique Hotel
3. Eden Extend Fisherman’s Village (Bophut)
The Eden Extend is also one of the budget hotels on Koh Samui and is likewise located in Fisherman’s Village. It is ideal if you want to experience Bophut in a central location. The rooms are modern and feel more like a freshly renovated city hotel. You have air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a comfortable basic setup that makes your stay pleasant. Depending on the room, you can also expect a balcony or a small seating area. Tea and coffee-making facilities are also practical if you like to start your mornings slowly.
Thanks to the location, you are quickly at the beach and just as quickly at restaurants and markets. In the evening you can head out without needing a taxi. During the day, you can easily get to excursions heading north or east on the island. If you like Fisherman’s Village but do not want to sleep right in the middle of the hustle and bustle, this is a very well-rounded choice.
Book here: Eden Extend Fisherman’s Village
4. Sea Sun Bed and Beyond (Bangrak)
A good choice in Bangrak is the Sea Sun Bed and Beyond, especially if you want to stay in the northeast and value short distances. The rooms feel modern and are well equipped for a relaxed stay. Air conditioning and a private bathroom come as standard. Depending on the room type, there is also a balcony and practical extras such as a fridge. This gives you a comfortable base without the price getting out of hand.
A well-kept pool area provides relaxation in between. The property also has a bar or coffee spot, which is especially handy in the afternoon. Bangrak is ideal if you want to get to the Big Buddha quickly or need to head toward the airport. You can also reach the Fisherman’s Village or the lively Chaweng Beach quite easily from here.
Book here: Sea Sun Bed and Beyond
5. So KohKoon Beach Resort (Bangrak)
The So KohKoon Beach Resort is also located in Bangrak and is a good fit if you like staying close to the beach. The rooms are designed for a relaxed resort vibe. Air conditioning and a private bathroom are included. Depending on the category, there is more space and often a balcony or a small terrace. This gives you everything you need for an easygoing vacation on Samui.
On the property, you can relax by the pool and do not have to head out every time. There is also a restaurant, which is especially convenient on quieter days. The location is great if you want to stay flexible between the airport, Bophut, and Choeng Mon. For trips to different parts of the island, Bangrak is generally a good starting point.
Book here: So KohKoon Beach Resort
6. Ampha Place Hotel (Maenam)
In the quieter Maenam area, the Ampha Place Hotel is perfect if you want a more relaxed stay and are looking for a budget hotel on Koh Samui. The rooms are pleasantly spacious and have practical amenities for a longer stay. Air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a fridge are included. Many rooms also have a balcony. That is exactly what makes it so comfortable when you just need a break in between.
A highlight is the pool area, where you can really wind down. Maenam is also a pleasant area if you do not want hustle and bustle every day. At the same time, you can get to Bophut quickly if you want to experience the Fisherman’s Village in the evening. The pier for a trip to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao is also not far away.
Book here: Ampha Place Hotel
7. Leelawadee Bungalow and Restaurant (Maenam)
If you prefer bungalow vibes to a classic hotel in Maenam, then Leelawadee is ideal. You stay in a smaller complex that feels pleasantly relaxed. The bungalows are air-conditioned and have a private bathroom. Practical features such as a fridge and often a small terrace are included, so you can start your mornings at an easy pace.
The property has a pool area that is perfect for quiet days. There is also a restaurant if you do not want to head out every evening. Maenam is a good base to explore the north of the island. At the same time, you can get to Bophut or Bangrak quickly if you want more restaurant options from time to time.
Book here: Leelawadee Bungalow
8. Samui Honey Cottages Beach Resort (Choeng Mon)
The Samui Honey Cottages Beach Resort is located in Choeng Mon and delivers a really nice island vibe. You stay in bungalows, often surrounded by tropical greenery. The accommodations have air conditioning and a private bathroom. Depending on the bungalow, you also get a terrace and practical basics such as a TV and storage space. This works really well if you want something more personal than a large hotel.
A highlight is the beachfront location because Choeng Mon is noticeably calmer than Chaweng. The property also offers a pool and a restaurant, so you can easily spend a relaxed day without much planning. At the same time, you can quickly reach other places like Bophut or Chaweng if you want more going on in the evening. Overall, it is a very good mix of tranquility and convenient connections.
Book here: Samui Honey Cottages Beach Resort
9. Palm Coco Mantra (Lamai)
The Palm Coco Mantra is located in Lamai and feels like a small retreat. The rooms are designed for comfort and are a good fit if you like to keep things relaxed. Air conditioning and a private bathroom are included. Many rooms have a balcony, which is always a plus on Samui. Depending on the category, you get more space, which is especially pleasant if you are staying several nights.
The property has a pool where you can really relax. There is also a restaurant if you want to eat at the hotel in between. Lamai Beach is a nice alternative to Chaweng because you have plenty of restaurants and markets, but it often feels a bit calmer. The location is also convenient for trips to the south or into the island’s interior.
Book here: Palm Coco Mantra
10. Stay Inn Nathon Samui (Nathon)
In Nathon on the west side of Koh Samui, the Stay Inn is a practical budget base. The rooms are simple but comfortable enough for a relaxed stay. You have air conditioning and a private bathroom. Practical extras such as a fridge and often a balcony are included. Depending on the room, sea views are also possible, which makes the west coast especially beautiful in the evening, as you can watch the sunset from here.
Nearby, you will find many local restaurants and small shops, because Nathon is a rather authentic part of the island. The pier is also not far, which makes arrival and departure straightforward. There is also a nice small night market every evening. If you are out and about during the day by scooter or car and prefer to arrive somewhere quiet in the evening, Nathon is a great fit for that. Especially if you want to experience more of the island than just the area around Chaweng and are looking for a budget hotel on Koh Samui.
Book here: Stay Inn Nathon Samui
Koh Samui: Tours and Tickets
Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way you can get to know Koh Samui in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for Koh Samui.
How to Get to Koh Samui
The easiest and fastest way to Koh Samui is with a direct flight from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. The international airport of Koh Samui was built by Bangkok Airways and therefore the price for a flight ticket is kind of more expensive, because they preserve a monopoly – with a few exceptions.
It’s cheaper when you go to Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat on the mainland of Thailand. Airlines like AirAsia, Thai Lion Air and Nok Air fly to those cities from the Don Mueang airport in Bangkok. At the destination airport, you can take a bus to the Donsak Pier or Tapee Pier and from there, a ferry to Koh Samui.
You can find the cheapest flights to Koh Samui on Skyscanner. I absolutely can recommend Thai Lion Air by the way.
Note: Bus and train connections are also available if you want to arrive even cheaper. However, the travel time increases a lot. Tickets and information on times can be found at our partner 12go.asia.
Do you know of any other affordable hotels on Koh Samui that you would recommend? Feel free to write about your experiences in the comments.
