Koh Samui, any recommendations

[Moominho]

Hi,

I'm travelling with the missus to Koh Samui for a week. I've been to Thailand a few times before, but never to Koh Samui, does anyone have any recommendations of decent places to stay, and any good places to go? Ideally, I would like to be on a decent beach, and not too far from the nightlife. I was advised to stay in Lamai, is that a good idea?

Budget is around £50 a night, so I can't get a top end hotel unfortunately, but something decent and beachfront would be nice.

I did search on the forum, there were some brilliant posts but these were about 5 years ago. In particular, there was a post from cheddar which was very useful, I would particularly like to see the sunset at Ban Taling Ngam Resort after reading his post.

Any up to date information would be much appreciated. Thanks

[vixen1700]

Haven't been there since 1998, but found Bophut to be the nicest and least commercial part of the island.

[turbobloke]

Chaweng was lovely when we visited.

Wherever you decide to stay, you'll enjoy the landing and arrivals 'lounge' as well as the main reason for being there of course!

[audidoody]

Bophut for relative peace and quiet

Chaweng if you enjoy places like Faliraki and Magaluf

[turbobloke]

audidoody said:

Bophut for relative peace and quiet

Chaweng if you enjoy places like Faliraki and Magaluf

Which bit of Chaweng? Rarely has a beach been more peaceful and a short walk to local eateries more pleasant.

Never been to those other places as they just lack any appeal whatsoever.

[audidoody]

[turbobloke]

Blimey, is that what you saw or an internet pic? I'll take a look. Not that I've got any digital photos of my own from Chaweng to share

It'a almost as though I've never been there - which for that view happens to be the case. No particular cherry picking in the photo then on which basis try these.



Both options do well enough in reviews.

TripAdvisor Chaweng

TripAdvisor Bophut

It's clear that Bophut comes out marginally on top across the categories and it's got more reviews too, very popular - is that good or bad?!

In the generally positive feedback on Chaweng a critical review commment said:

Bit far from the action, too far to walk without sweating to death

That's why we liked it, we stayed put for a peaceful and romantic holiday

Choose carefully, OP, and good luck

[turbobloke]

It looks to me as though the issue is whether we're talking about a resort that caters for your needs, or a tent on the Koh Samui street equivalent of Chatuchak Market.

OP, whatever you do and before you opt for 10 days on Cleethorpes beach instead, if it comes down to a choice between Bophut and Chaweng go for Bophut. If you ended up in a hotel on that street in the pic posted by audidoody it would obviously be my fault!

The position elsewhere is little different though. We've also had some great times at the Blue Wave, Hua Hin. This has marginal reviews on TripAdvisor but we knew what it was like before going there as tourists. Which pic do you think represents what we experienced...yes I know it's obvious really! The second image could have been the view from our room and the beach wasn't packed at any time, it was exactly like the pic and we were left alone with hardly anyone about and next to no vendors.





Spot the pattern:

Another supposedly negative review from TripAdvisor this time on Blue Wave Beach Resort said:

The hotel is quite far from the main Hua Hin beach and the centre

Which as before with thw Koh Samui resort is why we liked it so much and had a great time.

[Moominho]

turbobloke said:

That's why we liked it, we stayed put for a peaceful and romantic holiday

Choose carefully, OP, and good luck

Cheers turbobloke, both options look great. I like the idea of being a bit away from the main area, especially as I will have transport.

[toon10]

We stayed here http://www.samuibeachvillage.com/villa/baan-tawan/ and had a lovely break.

We went to Chaweng and Lamai and enjoyed both. It might be a bit out of where you want to be but closer to Lamai. Mopeds can be hired on just about every inch of the island so if you're happy to get about that way then not a bad location. The site also puts on free transport to and from both locations but you have to book at reception and you would need to be back at the pick up point at a certain time which is more restrictive.

Here's a couple of shots of the beach at the resort.





We didn't get to Bo Phut so can't comment on whether that would be a better shout for you or not.

[sunnygym]

Bit of a bump

Looking to go Bangkok for 3 nights then flight to Koh samui for 11 nights, looking at staying at lipa noi

Any recommendations for things to see / do / I may rent a car depending on what the roads and driving is like

Me the wife and 2 kids

Thanks

[DJC76]

No point renting a car it’s bloody tiny, rent a songthaew with driver with local knowledge for a day to take you round, or a scooter.

[vtgts300kw]

11 nights is a decent chunk. Have you looked into also spending time on Koh Phangan? Plenty of options away from the party aspect of the island.

[sunnygym]

I haven’t, tbh we went over Xmas and NY and moved about quiet a lot so looking to just chill for 11 nights ( will do some activities- days out but wanted to stay in one place )