Koh Samui, neighbourhood by neighbourhood
Where you stay changes the trip. 6 areas, and I would not book until you know which crowd you are joining.
Chaweng
Koh Samui's largest and busiest beach town: 7 km of white sand, the main nightlife strip, the best shopping, and the most hotel choice.
Lamai
Samui's second-largest beach town: cheaper and calmer than Chaweng, with Hin Ta and Hin Yai, and a Sunday night market.
Bophut & Fisherman's Village
Old Chinese shophouses, good restaurants, and Koh Samui's best weekly market on the north coast: a quiet base with real character.
Maenam
The quietest of Koh Samui's north-coast towns: a long undeveloped beach, lower rates, and a ferry pier to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Choeng Mon
Calm coves and upscale resorts on Koh Samui's northeast cape: close to the airport, and quieter than Chaweng, without giving up the water.
West Coast
Koh Samui's quieter local side: the main ferry port in Nathon, sunset views, shallow water at Lipa Noi, and a local pace.