Luxuriate on your island in the sun

Lying 35 kilometres off the coast of mainland Thailand, Koh Samui was a sleepy fishing outpost lazing languidly out in the Gulf of Thailand. That all changed when the first tourists began to pour into this pristine paradise and today, Koh Samui accommodation is as varied as its beaches.

There are so many types of accommodation on Koh Samui that your most pressing decision will invariably be which part of the island to stay on. With the eastern coastline a vibrant hub of tourist activity for decades, these days many visitors look beyond popular Chaweng Beach for their idyllic island accommodation.

Save time and money at Maenam Beach

The original backpackers who first discovered Thailand's pristine beaches are these days more likely to base themselves in slightly more opulent surrounds, however the spirit of budget travel remains on relaxing Maenam Beach.

Maenam Beach accommodation ranges from rustic perched right on the waterline, to fully appointed resort-style villas. The Passage Samui Villas and Resort falls into the latter category, however even this 4-star resort remains reasonably priced, with the area renowned for its budget-travel options.

Check in to Chaweng

The undisputed hub of the Koh Samui economy is lengthy Chaweng Beach on the east coast of the island. Renowned for its soft, sandy shoreline and spirited nightlife, Chaweng is also home to the broadest range of accommodation on the island.

While backpacker dorms were once the norm at Chaweng, many have been replaced by slightly more upscale surrounds. Chief among them is Buri Rasa Village, which is designed to resemble a traditional southern Thai seaside village.