Samui Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

Koh Samui's small airport, owned by Bangkok Airways and with an open-air terminal set among tropical gardens, sits on the island's north coast, next to Bang Rak and the Big Buddha. Those who sleep in this area have the shortest transfer on the island, just a few minutes; those who want Fisherman Village in Bophut add a quarter of an hour, those aiming for Lamai, to the south, half an hour. There is no regular public transport: taxi, Grab or the hotel transfer are the norm wherever you choose to stay.

Bang Rak and Big Buddha

Airport area · The airport is right in this area, a few minutes by car from Bang Rak beach (Big Buddha Beach).

Best for: Those who want the shortest possible transfer from the airport, with views over the north coast towards Koh Phangan.

Pros

The shortest transfer on the island, handy for those arriving late or leaving early
Views over the north coast towards Koh Phangan from the hillside villas

Cons

A residential area with few restaurants besides those of the villas themselves
For Chaweng or Fisherman Village you still need a taxi or a rental scooter

Recommended hotels in this area

4 Bed Sea View in Bang Rak (KBR60): Hillside villa above Bang Rak, also known as The Outpost Samui, with views over the north coast and Koh Phangan; a few minutes on foot from the Big Buddha.

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Bophut and Fisherman Village

Neighbourhood · About 5 km from the airport, 15 minutes by car.

Best for: Those who want to dine and stroll in Fisherman Village in the evening, while staying relatively close to the airport.

Pros

Fisherman Village and its street of restaurants and boutiques reachable on foot from the area
Bophut beach is more sheltered, also convenient with children

Cons

In the evening foot traffic on the main street of Fisherman Village is heavy
A more modest beach than Chaweng, not the right choice for those seeking wide sand

Recommended hotels in this area

3 BR Villa walking distance to Fisherman Village - KBR26: Three-bedroom villa with a private pool, within 15 minutes on foot of both Fisherman Village and Bophut beach.

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Lamai

Neighbourhood · About 13 km from the airport, 25-32 minutes by car depending on traffic on the coastal road.

Best for: Those looking for a quieter beach than Chaweng, with a local night market and more moderate prices, accepting the longest transfer on the island.

Pros

Lamai beach and night market reachable on foot from the hotels in the area
Room rates generally lower than in Chaweng or Bophut

Cons

An area further from the airport, worth planning carefully if the flight is early in the morning
Fewer restaurants and less nightlife than Chaweng

Recommended hotels in this area

Centara Life Lamai Resort Samui: 3 minutes on foot from Lamai beach and under 2 km from the night market; garden, outdoor pool and a restaurant serving local cuisine.
AMAYA Resort: On Pracharakpattana Road in the Maret area, about 10 minutes from Lamai and Silver Beach; outdoor pool and a restaurant with a bar.

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