My friend and I are going to Koh Samui. We're looking to spend about 2,000 baht per night for a room. We've narrowed it down to 3 places on Lamai.

Aloha Resort

http://www.sawadee.com/samui/aloha/

Samui Park Resort

http://www.sawadee.com/samui/samuipark/

Weekender

http://www.sawadee.com/samui/weekender/

What are your opinions on these places?

Also, what have you heard about the half moon party?

Thanks in advance.

Most people go to Lamai because it is cheaper and more in your face lady bars, some because it has a more laid back atmosphere.

For 2000 baht per night you can stay anywhere on the island.

Better to ask yourself what you are looking for, beach, shopping, restaurants, girls, bars. How long are you staying? In my opinion never book a hotel for longer than a few days, after that look around and decide if you want to stay or move.

Well I'm going with my female friend (not that kinda friend) for 4 nights. She wants to see nice beaches, nice nature, see a few bars, maybe one of those caberet shows, do some shopping, and get a massage/pedicure/blah blah blah. It'll probably be her only time in Thailand so she wants a nice experience. She picked Lamai becuase she wanted a not as noisy beach but also didn't want to on a beach that is practically dead.

We don't mind going around looking for places once we get there but I'm wondering if there will be a markup compared to the prices you can find on the Internet.

Well I'm going with my female friend (not that kinda friend) for 4 nights.  She wants to see nice beaches, nice nature, see a few bars, maybe one of those caberet shows, do some shopping, and get a massage/pedicure/blah blah blah.  It'll probably be her only time in Thailand so she wants a nice experience.  She picked Lamai becuase she wanted a not as noisy beach but also didn't want to on a beach that is practically dead. 

We don't mind going around looking for places once we get there but I'm wondering if there will be a markup compared to the prices you can find on the Internet.

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Personally I think like it sounds like Chaweng would suit you better, Lamai beach is pretty dead, shopping limited compared with Chaweng and general atmosphere does not cook like Chaweng, I like the beach at Chaweng though I must admit it is somewhat spoiled by too loud music pumping out of one or two bars , though you can walk past them. One of those cabaret shows will be in chaweng I think and much more massage on the beach and general choice.

I stay in Chaweng Gardens for 1000bht you can get a big room, air con with cable tv and small fridge , right on beach in the middle of town. stay 4 nights might give you 10% if you ask.

It would be easy enough to start in Chaweng if no like dive down to Lamai in half an hour or so.

I would recomend Lamai way before Chaweng simply because it still retains a village quality that Chaweng lost years ago. Everything that is available in Chaweng is also available in Lamai, although on a smaller scale. If you do decide on Lamai try the Lamai Wanta resort. A private chalet with all mod cons is about 1500B per night. It's right on the beach, has a beautiful pool and also happens to be accross the road from the best bar on Samui, The Lava Lounge.

Have a good holiday.

Chok dee

I live a little south of Lamai. If my wife and i want to go out for dinner, we go to Chaweng, if we have to do grocery shopping we go HuaThanon market or to Lotus Chaweng, normal shopping Chaweng or Nathon, out for the night Chaweng.

Lamai is a bit TOO much girly bars (most in the centre). And the few others are not my style.

You have a disco in Lamai, but 50% of its clients are bargirls, 45% men looking for bargirls and 5% feel a little lost like me. In Chaweng you have the Reggae pub. There the percentages are a bit better.

Lamai attracts a different kind of tourist than Chaweng. Chaweng is more nice if you are with your partner and/or children.

If you are here for a few days the little price difference between Chaweng and Lamai will not be a problem.