If you have been searching for Lanna Koh Samui, here is the essential update for 2026: the acclaimed Lanna Samui resort has been rebranded as Chi Samui Resort — same exceptional property, same Bangrak location, same design-forward philosophy, but operating under the Kalara Group's Chi brand with an upgraded beach club, refreshed interiors and enhanced facilities. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about the former Lanna Koh Samui resort in its new Chi Samui incarnation: the rooms, the pool, the spa, the beach club and exactly what makes it one of the most distinctive design hotels on the island.
According to TripAdvisor, Chi Samui Resort (formerly Lanna Samui) consistently earns high scores for design quality, staff hospitality and its exceptional pool — with the rebrand having added Chi Beach Club as a genuine point of difference over other Bangrak properties.
🏨 Check Chi Samui Resort (ex-Lanna) — Best Rate on Agoda →
Lanna Koh Samui — Now Chi Samui Resort
Previous name: Lanna Samui · Current name: Chi Samui Resort · Stars: 4-star boutique · Location: Bangrak, North-East Coast · Rooms: 75 suites + penthouses · Pool: Large outdoor + children's pool · Spa: Full service · Beach Club: Chi Beach Club (shuttle included) · Airport: 5 min · Fisherman's Village: 5 min · Chaweng: 10 min
Why Lanna Koh Samui Was Rebranded to Chi Samui
The Lanna Samui resort was developed and operated by the Kalara Group — a Koh Samui-based developer responsible for some of the island's most design-conscious properties. When the Kalara Group launched Chi Beach Club on Bangrak Beach in 2018, the natural evolution was to align the hotel brand with the beach club brand — creating a unified Chi experience that connects the resort's pool and spa with the beach club's waterfront setting.
The rebrand from Lanna to Chi Samui Resort brought several tangible improvements: refreshed room interiors with updated furnishings and technology, a formal shuttle service linking the resort to Chi Beach Club every hour from 10am to 7pm, enhanced spa programming and a new restaurant concept focused on wellness-oriented cuisine alongside the existing fusion bistro.
For guests who loved Lanna Koh Samui, the transition to Chi Samui Resort has been overwhelmingly positive — the design quality that made Lanna distinctive is intact, and the addition of dedicated beach club access adds a dimension that the original Lanna property lacked.
When searching for this property, you may find it listed under either “Lanna Samui,” “Lanna Koh Samui” or “Chi Samui Resort” depending on the platform and how recently listings have been updated. On Agoda, it is listed as Chi Samui Resort with hid=412386 — the most current and accurate listing for 2026 bookings.
Location — Why Bangrak is the Right Base
The former Lanna Koh Samui resort's Bangrak location is one of its strongest assets — a neighbourhood on the north-east coast that combines remarkable convenience with a genuine local atmosphere that Chaweng's tourist strip entirely lacks.
Bangrak sits between the airport (5 minutes) and Bophut's Fisherman's Village (5 minutes) — two of the island's most important travel hubs. Chaweng Beach and its restaurants are 10 minutes by taxi or the property's shuttle. Big Buddha temple is a 5-minute walk. Bangrak Pier for ferries to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao is 10 minutes on foot.
The neighbourhood itself is characterful — local restaurants, the Bangrak seafood strip, the Big Buddha market and a genuine mix of expats, long-stay visitors and Thai locals that gives it a community feel absent from the main tourist areas. Lanna Koh Samui regulars who return to find it now branded Chi Samui consistently note that the neighbourhood remains unchanged — one of the great stabilising qualities of Bangrak as a base.
Airport (USM): 5 min taxi · Big Buddha Temple: 5 min walk · Bangrak Pier (Koh Phangan ferry): 10 min walk · Bophut Fisherman's Village: 5 min taxi · Friday Night Market: 10 min taxi · Chaweng Beach: 10 min taxi · Chi Beach Club: Shuttle every hour
Rooms & Suites — The Chi Samui Design Philosophy
The accommodation at the former Lanna Koh Samui — now Chi Samui Resort — comprises 75 rooms across four categories, each reflecting the design-led philosophy that made Lanna Samui one of the most acclaimed boutique hotels in the north-east coast area. The design language is contemporary Asian minimalism: custom teak furnishings, silk textiles, clean geometric lines and a sophisticated neutral palette that creates spaces that feel simultaneously luxurious and serene.
| Room Type | Size | Features | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Junior Suite | ~45m² | Kitchenette · Living area · Garden view | $65–120/night | Solo · Budget conscious |
| One Bedroom Master Suite | ~65m² | Separate bedroom · Living room · Kitchenette | $100–180/night | Couples · Long stays |
| Two Bedroom Luxury Suite | ~90m² | Two bedrooms · Full kitchen · Terrace | $150–260/night | Families · Groups |
| Penthouse Suite | ~130m²+ | Premium bedding · Private terrace · Best views | $200–400/night | Honeymoon · Special occasions |
All rooms at Chi Samui Resort (ex-Lanna Koh Samui) feature down comforters and premium bedding, minibars, in-room safes, flat-screen satellite TVs, high-speed WiFi (250+ Mbps) and en suite bathrooms with bathrobes, slippers and premium toiletries. The kitchenettes and living areas make the suites particularly good value for longer stays — the self-catering capability significantly extends the value proposition beyond a standard hotel room.
For the best value at Chi Samui Resort, the One Bedroom Master Suite is the sweet spot — separate bedroom and living area for the price of a superior room at most Chaweng properties. For families, the Two Bedroom Luxury Suite with full kitchen reduces dining costs significantly over a week-long stay. The Penthouse is the definitive Lanna Koh Samui experience — worth the premium for a special occasion.
The Pool & Spa
The oversized central pool was one of the defining features of the original Lanna Koh Samui — and it remains one of Chi Samui Resort's strongest assets. At approximately 25 metres with hydrotherapy beds, a shallow children's section and generous sun-deck space, it is one of the most functional and aesthetically impressive pools in the Bangrak area. The pool garden is mature and well-maintained, creating the sense of a genuine tropical oasis within the resort grounds.
The Chi Samui spa — the Secret Garden — offers a curated menu of traditional Thai massage, aromatherapy, body scrubs and wraps, anti-ageing facials and detox programmes. The spa treatment rooms maintain the property's design quality — natural materials, ambient lighting and the kind of considered detail that makes a treatment here more restorative than a generic hotel spa session.
| Treatment | Duration | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Thai Massage | 60–90 min | 1,200–1,800 THB |
| Aromatherapy Massage | 60–90 min | 1,500–2,200 THB |
| Deep Cleansing Facial | 60 min | 1,800–2,500 THB |
| Detox Body Wrap | 90 min | 2,200–3,000 THB |
| Couples Package | 2h | 4,500–6,000 THB |
Chi Beach Club — The Key Differentiator
The addition of Chi Beach Club access is what separates Chi Samui Resort (ex-Lanna Koh Samui) from any comparable property at this price point in the north-east coast area. Chi Beach Club opened in 2018 on a pristine stretch of Bangrak Beach — a premium beach club with sun beds, a beach bar, DJ nights and a restaurant serving quality international cuisine directly on the sand.
Guests at Chi Samui Resort receive complimentary VIP status at Chi Beach Club and free shuttle transfers every hour from 10am to 7pm — connecting the resort's pool and spa with a genuine beachfront experience that the property's inland location alone could not provide. This beach club access transforms the value proposition of the former Lanna Koh Samui significantly — you get a design boutique hotel inland at boutique hotel prices, plus premium beach club access as part of your stay.
Take the 10am shuttle from Chi Samui Resort to Chi Beach Club — arrive early before the sun beds fill up. Spend the morning on the beach, have lunch at the beach club restaurant, and return on the 1pm or 3pm shuttle. This leaves the afternoon for the resort pool, spa and Fisherman's Village dinner. The perfect Lanna Koh Samui day.
Dining at Chi Samui Resort
| Venue | Cuisine | Setting | Price | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fusion Bistro | Thai · International fusion | Pool garden | $$ | Breakfast · Dinner |
| Poolside Bar | Cocktails · Light bites | Pool terrace | $$ | All day |
| Chi Beach Club | International · Grills · Seafood | Beachfront | $$$ | 10am–late |
| In-room dining | Full menu | Suite | $$ | All hours |
The Bangrak location of the former Lanna Koh Samui puts you within walking distance of some of the island's best independent dining. The Bangrak seafood strip serves fresh grilled fish at 80–300 THB per dish. Bophut Fisherman's Village — 5 minutes by taxi — has the best restaurant scene on the island. The combination of resort dining and local Bangrak eating makes Chi Samui Resort's food-and-beverage proposition exceptionally strong for the price tier.
Wellness & Fitness
The wellness programme at Chi Samui Resort (the evolved Lanna Koh Samui concept) is one of the most comprehensive at any property in this price range on the island. Beyond the spa, the property offers:
- Fully equipped gym — cardio machines, free weights and resistance equipment · Open daily
- Yoga studio — daily yoga classes · All levels welcome · Both group and private sessions
- Meditation sessions — scheduled group sessions and one-to-one options via the spa
- Sauna and steam room — dry and wet options · Open daily
- Tennis courts — available for guest use with racket hire
- Swimming pool (25m) — with hydrotherapy beds · Children's pool adjacent
The combination of gym, yoga, spa, sauna and pool in a single property at $65–180/night entry price makes Chi Samui Resort (ex-Lanna Koh Samui) one of the best wellness-value properties on Koh Samui — significantly more comprehensive in its wellness offering than much more expensive resorts on the island.
Who Is Chi Samui Resort Right For?
| Guest Profile | Right for Chi Samui (ex-Lanna)? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 👫 Couples | ✅ Excellent | Design · Pool · Beach club · Romantic atmosphere |
| ❤️ Honeymooners | ✅ Good | Penthouse suite · Spa · Beach club access |
| 👨👩👧 Families | ✅ Good | Kids pool · Two-bedroom suites · Kitchen |
| 💻 Digital nomads | ✅ Excellent | 250+ Mbps WiFi · Suite kitchenettes · Quiet pool |
| 🧘 Wellness seekers | ✅ Excellent | Yoga · Gym · Spa · Sauna · Pool |
| 🎉 Party travellers | ⚠️ Limited | Quiet neighbourhood · 10 min to Chaweng nightlife |
| 💰 Budget backpackers | ❌ Not suitable | Entry from $65 — design hotel pricing |
Chi Samui vs Competitors in the Area
| Chi Samui (ex-Lanna) | Anantara Bophut | Hyatt Regency | Bophut Resort | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price entry | $65/night | $320/night | $250/night | $70/night |
| Design quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Beach access | Via shuttle · Beach club | Direct beachfront | Sea view · Pool | Near beach |
| Pool | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Large | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Wellness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Comprehensive | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Best for | Design · Wellness · Value | Beachfront luxury | Sea views · Modern | Budget beach |
How to Book at the Best Rate
- Search “Chi Samui Resort” on Agoda — the property may still appear under “Lanna Samui” on some platforms, but the Agoda listing is fully updated to Chi Samui Resort for 2026 bookings.
- One Bedroom Master Suite for best value — the separate bedroom and living area at $100–180/night is the most practical room for couples. The Studio Junior Suite at $65–120 is the entry option — smaller but equally well-designed.
- March for best weather-to-price ratio — peak-season conditions at shoulder-season rates. The same suite costs 20–25% less in March than in January.
- Ask about long-stay rates — the kitchenettes make this property specifically suited to digital nomad long stays. Contact the property directly for monthly rates which can be 30–40% below the standard nightly rate.
- Book with free cancellation — Agoda offers free cancellation on most Chi Samui room categories. Always book refundable where possible.
🏨 Book Chi Samui Resort — Best Rate on Agoda →
Chi Samui Resort (ex-Lanna Koh Samui) — Check Availability
4-star boutique · Design hotel · Beach club included · From $65/night
Practical Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Check-in / Check-out | 2pm / 12pm · Early/late on request |
| WiFi | 250+ Mbps · Free throughout property |
| Parking | Free on-site |
| Airport distance | ~3 km · 5 min taxi (150–200 THB) |
| Beach shuttle | Hourly to Chi Beach Club · 10am–7pm · Free |
| Nearest hospital | Bangkok Hospital Samui · 15 min |
| Pets | ✅ Pet-friendly |
| Kids club | ✅ Yes · Plus kids pool |
| Languages | Thai · English |
Getting There
| From | Transport | Price | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koh Samui Airport (USM) | Taxi / Grab | 150–200 THB | 5 min |
| Nathon Pier (ferry) | Taxi | 400–550 THB | 30 min |
| Chaweng Beach | Taxi / Grab | 150–200 THB | 10 min |
| Bophut / Fisherman's Village | Taxi / Grab | 100–150 THB | 5 min |
Lanna Koh Samui — Activities & Day Trips from Bangrak
The Bangrak location of the former Lanna Koh Samui puts you within easy reach of the island's best activities and day trip options. Here is what you can do from the Chi Samui Resort base:
| Activity | Distance | Price | Book Via |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) | 5 min walk | Free | — |
| Wat Plai Laem (18-armed statue) | 10 min taxi | Free | — |
| Koh Phangan ferry | Bangrak Pier · 10 min | 200–250 THB | 12Go Asia |
| Koh Tao ferry | Bangrak Pier · 10 min | 450–600 THB | 12Go Asia |
| Ang Thong Marine Park | 45 min speedboat | 1,800–2,500 THB | Klook / GYG |
| Bophut Friday Night Market | 5 min taxi | Free entry | — |
| Chaweng Beach & nightlife | 10 min taxi | 150–200 THB | — |
| Thai cooking class | Various nearby | 1,200–2,000 THB | Klook |
| Ring road scooter tour | From resort | 150 THB/day | Tonton Samui |
The proximity to Bangrak Pier is one of the most underappreciated advantages of staying at the former Lanna Koh Samui location. Koh Phangan — home to the Full Moon Party and some of the Gulf's best beaches — is 30 minutes and 200 THB away. Koh Tao, the world-class diving island, is 2 hours and 450 THB. No other hotel in the Bangrak area offers this combination of resort quality and island-hopping convenience.
Lanna Koh Samui — Best Time to Stay
| Month | Weather | Pool | Chi Beach Club | Room Price | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December–February | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect | Excellent | Peak atmosphere | +35–50% | Best conditions · Book ahead |
| March–April | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | Excellent | Good crowds | Standard | Best value — recommended |
| May–August | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mixed | Good | Quieter | −10–20% | Good for pool focus |
| September–November | ⭐⭐ Monsoon | Usable | Variable | −25–40% | Cheapest · Indoor focus |
Lanna Koh Samui — The Neighbourhood Guide
Staying at the former Lanna Koh Samui puts you in one of the island's most interesting and genuinely local neighbourhoods. Here is what Bangrak offers within walking distance:
The Bangrak Seafood Strip: A row of open-air seafood restaurants directly on the waterfront, serving fresh grilled fish, tiger prawns, blue crab and squid at local prices. A full seafood dinner for two with beer costs 500–800 THB — a fraction of equivalent quality at Chaweng's beach restaurants. The strip operates from 6pm daily and is a firm favourite of the local expat community.
Big Buddha Market: The market around the Big Buddha temple operates daily with local street food, fresh fruit, souvenirs and the usual market mix at genuine local prices. The temple itself — a 12-metre golden Buddha on a small island causeway — is one of Koh Samui's most photographed landmarks and is within walking distance from the Chi Samui Resort grounds.
Bangrak Beach: The beach at Bangrak is not the island's finest — narrower and less manicured than Chaweng or Maenam — but it is genuine, local and uncrowded. Chi Beach Club occupies the best stretch. Worth a morning walk from the resort regardless of whether you use the beach club.
Local restaurants: The back streets of Bangrak have several excellent local Thai restaurants serving authentic food at 50–100 THB per dish. The resort team can direct you to the current best options — staff knowledge of the immediate neighbourhood is one of the advantages of a small boutique property with long-serving staff.
7am: Sunrise walk to Big Buddha (10 min) → 8am: Breakfast at resort bistro → 10am: Shuttle to Chi Beach Club → 1pm: Lunch at beach club restaurant → 3pm: Return to resort pool → 5pm: Spa treatment → 7pm: Taxi to Bophut Friday Night Market (if Friday) or Bangrak seafood strip → 10pm: Resort bar nightcap
Lanna Koh Samui — Guest Experience Summary
What guest reviews of both the original Lanna Koh Samui and the current Chi Samui Resort consistently highlight:
| Category | Guest Consensus | Score Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Design & Aesthetics | One of the most visually impressive properties at this price point | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Pool Quality | Exceptional — one of the best hotel pools in the north-east area | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Staff Warmth | Consistently praised across both Lanna and Chi eras | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Breakfast Quality | Eggs benedict with salmon frequently cited as exceptional | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| WiFi Speed | 250+ Mbps — consistently reliable for remote work | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Beach Club Access | Chi Beach Club access well-received since 2018 addition | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Location | Perfect for airport, temple, Fisherman's Village access | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value for Money | Strong consensus that quality exceeds the price point | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Chi Samui Resort (ex-Lanna Koh Samui) is the best design boutique hotel in the Bangrak area — and one of the best value design hotels on the entire island. At $65–180/night for well-designed suites with kitchenettes, a world-class pool, comprehensive wellness facilities and complimentary Chi Beach Club access, it substantially over-delivers on its price point. The rebrand from Lanna to Chi has improved rather than diluted what made the original property special. For digital nomads, wellness-focused couples and design-conscious travellers, it remains the top recommendation in its tier and location.
FAQ — Lanna Koh Samui / Chi Samui Resort
Is Lanna Samui still open?
Yes — Lanna Samui is open in 2026 but operating under its new name, Chi Samui Resort. The property was rebranded by the Kalara Group when it launched Chi Beach Club in 2018. The physical property, location and design quality remain unchanged — the rebrand brought updated interiors, enhanced spa programming and the addition of complimentary Chi Beach Club access for all guests.
Where is Lanna Koh Samui / Chi Samui Resort located?
Chi Samui Resort (formerly Lanna Koh Samui) is located in Bangrak on the north-east coast of Koh Samui — approximately 3 km from the airport (5 minutes by taxi), 5 minutes from Bophut Fisherman's Village and 10 minutes from Chaweng Beach. Bangrak Pier for ferries to Koh Phangan is 10 minutes on foot.
Does Chi Samui Resort have beach access?
Chi Samui Resort (ex-Lanna Koh Samui) does not have direct beachfront access from the resort grounds — it is an inland property set in a garden. However, all guests receive complimentary VIP access to Chi Beach Club on Bangrak Beach, with free shuttle transfers every hour from 10am to 7pm. The beach club has sun beds, a bar and a beachfront restaurant directly on the sand.
What is the difference between Lanna Samui and Chi Samui Resort?
They are the same property. Lanna Samui was rebranded as Chi Samui Resort by the Kalara Group — same location in Bangrak, same building, same pool and spa facilities, same design philosophy. The key changes post-rebrand: refreshed room interiors, addition of Chi Beach Club access for all guests (with hourly free shuttle), updated wellness programming and the new Chi brand identity replacing the Lanna name.
How much does Chi Samui Resort (Lanna Koh Samui) cost?
Chi Samui Resort rates start from approximately $65–120/night for a Studio Junior Suite and range to $200–400/night for the Penthouse Suite in 2026. Prices vary by season — peak season (December–February) commands a 30–50% premium over shoulder season rates. March offers peak-season weather at significantly lower prices. Book via Agoda for the best available rate with free cancellation.
Continue Reading
- Where to Stay in Koh Samui — Best Area Guide
- Koh Samui Bophut Hotels — Complete Guide
- Bophut Walking Street — Best Guide to Friday Market
- Scooter Rental — Explore from Bangrak
- Best Samui Beach Resorts 2026
Some links are affiliate links. InsideSamui.com earns a commission via Agoda at no extra cost to you. Room prices are indicative for 2026 — always check current availability on Agoda. Updated 2026.