Koh Samui has tens of thousands of rooms and has been taken over by high-end establishments for the well-heeled. You will find some of the finest resorts of anywhere here, with fantastic views and access to beaches and nightlife, as well as places right out in the sticks. Chaweng and Lamai have the best entertainment; Choeng Mon the seclusion; and Bophut something in between.

You will find top quality hotels and resorts at all beaches and in all areas of the island, yet the northern parts generally have the most desirable retreats. The big hotel chains are represented on Samui and most of them come with a swimming pool as well as onsite restaurants and often spas.

For Chaweng Beach, the Amari Palm Reef Resort, Kondaburi Resort & Spa, Briza Beach Resort & Spa, and the Library have the best quality accommodation where you will generally be assured of outstanding service. Located just south of Chaweng, Lamai Beach is also a very popular destination and the Pavilion Samui Boutique Resort and Rocky's Boutique Resort are arguably the best accommodation here.

Chaweng Beach easily has the highest concentration of hotels and is the buzzing part of Koh Samui, with innumerable bars, cafés, restaurants and small shops. Chaweng also has the largest stretch of sand and can be found to the south of the airport.

Nearby Lamai is similar in disposition to Chaweng but more laid back and with fewer hotels. Resorts are along the beach and up in the hills.

Sala Samui and Tongsai Bay have the best rooms at Tongsai Bay, while Napasai at Mae Nam Bay and Baan Taling Ngam Resort & Spa on the west coast are also notable resorts.

Big Buddha Beach in the north of the island and very near the airport is more for the discerning traveller, with a much quieter beach and streets, yet is within reach of Chaweng for nightlife.

Located right on the northern tip of the island is Tongsai Bay, which lies around a promontory and is well sheltered. The high-end resorts here are scattered around the hillside and provide fantastic views.

Bophut Beach is a popular getaway for families and couples. It can be found between Mae Nam and Big Buddha Beach and although quieter and smaller than Chaweng, it has good shopping, eating and entertainment options. The Fisherman's Village is a popular tourist hangout.

Choeng Mon is a small and exclusive beach in the north, far from any bustle and having some of the best top-end resorts. Mae Nam is farthest from the airport and tourist crowds, while the south and west of Samui also have beaches and hotel choices but none of which are in the top-end bracket.