Koh Samui

As of May 2026, Koh Samui, Chaweng, Lamai have 3,440 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 7% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Koh Samui generates ฿1.2M per year. High-performing properties earn ฿4.9M/year, while low-performing properties earn ฿383K/year. This massive revenue spread suggests that market rewards are highly concentrated, indicating that standard offerings are struggling to capture value as supply increases while total revenue contracts.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Koh Samui. Average annual revenue is ฿1.2M with 37% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to ฿4.9M/year. The performance gap highlights a bifurcated market where top-tier assets maintain distinct earnings potential despite broader downward pressure on average revenue figures.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Koh Samui is 37%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of ฿10K, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of ฿2K per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Koh Samui, with annual revenue of ฿3.0M. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Koh Samui market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Koh Samui area. Koh Samui: Lenient. No formal STR registration system. Hotels require licenses but private villas/condos operate informally. Minimal enforcement outside tourist zones. Chaweng: Lenient. Part of Koh Samui district. Same informal system. Commercial hotels monitored but private rentals largely unregulated. Light enforcement. Lamai: Lenient. Also Koh Samui district. No specific STR permits required for private properties. Hotels need licenses. Enforcement minimal, many operate without formal registration. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Koh Samui Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 7% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 22%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The contraction in RevPAR relative to supply growth suggests that the market is currently absorbing new inventory at the expense of individual property yield.

Launch around October, 2-3 months before peak winter season (January peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 0% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (November-October) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Koh Samui listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (96%), Tv (89%), Pool (88%), Balcony (64%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pool, Bbq, Gym, with Pool properties earning approximately 119% more (฿2.0M/year vs ฿935K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Koh Samui over the last 12 months: May: ฿46K, June: ฿51K, July: ฿69K, August: ฿72K, September: ฿41K, October: ฿39K, November: ฿44K, December: ฿89K, January: ฿118K, February: ฿106K, March: ฿93K, April: ฿81K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Koh Samui is ฿10K, up 8% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average ฿3K/night, 2-bedroom properties average ฿6K/night, 3-bedroom properties average ฿10K/night, 4+ bedroom properties average ฿27K/night. Rates peak in February and are lowest in November.

Guests in Koh Samui book an average of 32 days in advance, down 25% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 25 days, 2-bedroom: 33 days, 3-bedroom: 35 days, 4+ bedroom: 39 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Koh Samui Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 7%, revenue per listing decreased 22%, occupancy fell 17%, average nightly rates increased 8%, and lead time decreased 25%. These metrics signal a shift toward a last-minute booking environment where rising price points are failing to offset declining occupancy.

In Koh Samui, Thursday sees the highest booking demand while Sunday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Wednesday.