Independent, Bo Phut Beach Hotels

This upscale beach on the north shore of Ko Samui is three kilometres long and conveniently located near the pier for ferries to and from Ko Phangan. Visitors have their pick of 20 or so lodging choices, typically of the bungalow hut variety. A short drive from here is the Samui Monkey Centre, where trained monkeys fetch coconuts from palm trees, and Wat Phra Yai, home of the 12-metre Big Buddha statue.