Best Padel and Tennis Courts in Koh Samui

Koh Samui is experiencing a massive boom in racket sports. While tennis has long been a favorite for the island's expat community, padel has quickly become the fastest growing sport here. New courts are opening up across the main beach towns, making it easy to find a game.

Playing racket sports in a tropical climate comes with specific challenges. The humidity is high, afternoon downpours can halt play instantly, and the midday sun is intense. This guide covers the best places to play padel and tennis on the island, detailing prices, court quality, and how to book a slot.

Best Padel Courts in Koh Samui

Padel has taken over the island's fitness scene. Because the sport is highly social, most clubs here are excellent for solo travelers looking to join a mix-in session.

Padel Arena Samui (Bophut)

Located just off the main ring road in Bophut, Padel Arena is one of the premier venues on the island. Its biggest advantage is that the courts are covered. This means you can play during the midday heat without direct sun exposure, and games are rarely rained out during the wet season from October to December.

• The Setup: Two high quality covered panoramic courts with professional turf. The roof is high enough that it rarely interferes with high lobs, which is a common issue with indoor setups.
• Prices: Court rental ranges from 1,000 to 1,200 THB per hour depending on the time of day. Racket rental is 100 THB per session. They also sell balls on site.
• Vibe and Community: Very active. They host regular social tournaments and Americano mixers where you can turn up without a partner. The on-site cafe serves cold drinks, protein shakes, and healthy snacks, making it a popular hangout spot after games.
• How to Book: They use the Playtomic app, which is the easiest way to secure a court and find open matches. You can also contact them directly via WhatsApp.

Samui Padel (Chaweng / Bophut Border)

This club is located near the International School Samui, making it highly accessible for those staying in Chaweng or Fisherman's Village. It is an outdoor facility, so booking early morning or late evening slots is highly recommended.

• The Setup: Two outdoor panoramic courts with excellent lighting for night play. The courts are aligned north to south, which helps prevent the sun from blinding you during sunrise and sunset games.
• Prices: Around 800 to 1,000 THB per hour. They offer discounts for package bookings if you plan to play regularly during your stay.
• Vibe and Community: This club has a strong local expat community. They run a very active WhatsApp group where players coordinate matches daily based on skill levels. It is easy to get added to this group if you ask the staff.
• How to Book: Message them directly on WhatsApp or Facebook.

The Padel Club Samui (Choeng Mon)

Situated in the northeast corner of the island, this club serves the Choeng Mon and Plai Laem areas. It is a scenic outdoor venue surrounded by coconut palms, offering a relaxed island atmosphere.

• The Setup: Outdoor courts with high quality turf and professional floodlights. The surrounding palm trees provide some wind protection, but the courts can get very hot between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
• Prices: 800 to 1,000 THB per hour. Racket rental and balls are available on site for a small fee.
• Vibe and Community: Friendly and welcoming to tourists. It is common to see players staying for a fresh coconut or a cold drink at the on-site cafe after their match.
• How to Book: Direct booking via WhatsApp or through their social media pages.

Best Tennis Courts in Koh Samui

If you prefer traditional tennis, Koh Samui has several well-established clubs. Unlike padel, which is concentrated in the busier northeast, tennis courts are spread across the island.

Samui Tennis Club (Maenam)

This is the hub for serious tennis players on the island. Located in Maenam on the north coast, it is run by passionate tennis enthusiasts who keep the facilities in excellent condition. The courts are located down Soi 5, which is a bit bumpy, so drive carefully if you are on a scooter.

• The Setup: Two well-maintained hard courts with professional windbreaks and high-quality floodlights. The surface is regularly cleaned to remove sand and leaves, which is a common issue on tropical outdoor courts.
• Prices: Court rental is 400 to 500 THB per hour during the day. Night play with floodlights costs an extra 100 to 150 THB per hour to cover electricity.
• Coaching: They have resident coaches offering private lessons for around 1,200 to 1,500 THB per hour, including court fees. This is one of the best places on the island to improve your game.
• How to Book: Booking in advance is essential, especially for evening slots when the temperature drops. Contact them via WhatsApp.

Santiburi Koh Samui Country Club (Maenam)

While famous for its championship golf course, Santiburi also offers premium tennis facilities. This is a luxury option located high up in the hills of Maenam, offering a quieter and more exclusive playing experience.

• The Setup: Multi-surface courts surrounded by manicured gardens. The courts are in pristine condition, though they can be exposed to mountain breezes.
• Prices: Higher than standard clubs, usually around 800 to 1,000 THB per hour for non-guests.
• Vibe: Quiet, exclusive, and highly professional. You will rarely find crowds here, making it ideal for players who want privacy.
• How to Book: Call the Santiburi reception directly to check availability and reserve a court.

Local and Resort Courts

Many mid-range and luxury resorts in Chaweng, Lamai, and Choeng Mon have tennis courts. Resorts like the Centara Reserve or the Ritz-Carlton allow non-guests to book their courts if they are not being used by residents. Expect to pay between 600 and 1,200 THB per hour. Always call ahead to confirm availability, as resort guests get priority booking.

Practical Tips for Playing in Koh Samui

Beating the Heat

The temperature in Koh Samui rarely drops below 28 degrees Celsius during the day, and the humidity often exceeds 80 percent. This makes physical exertion much more taxing than in cooler climates.

• Timing: The best times to play are between 7:00 AM and 9:30 AM, or after 5:00 PM. Playing at 2:00 PM on an outdoor court can lead to heat exhaustion very quickly.
• Hydration: Do not rely on water alone. Stop by any 7-Eleven on the way to the court and buy Royal-D electrolyte powder packets. They cost about 5 to 10 THB each. Mix one into your water bottle to prevent cramping and dehydration.
• Rainy Season: From late October through December, sudden downpours are common. If you book an outdoor court, check the cancellation policy. For guaranteed play during these months, book the covered courts at Padel Arena.
• Grip Maintenance: The high humidity means your hands will sweat significantly more than usual. Bring extra overgrips and a small towel to dry your hands between games. Many local players use grip powder or chalk to maintain a solid hold on their rackets.

Transport and Logistics

• Getting There: Most courts are located slightly inland from the main beach roads. Renting a scooter is the most convenient way to get around, costing 200 to 300 THB per day. Be cautious on the smaller side roads, as they can be sandy or uneven.
• Songthaews: These red passenger trucks run constantly along the main ring road. They are cheap, costing 50 to 100 THB per ride, but they will not take you down the side streets where the courts are located. You will have to walk the last 500 meters to 1 kilometer.
• Ride-Hailing: Grab and Bolt operate on the island. Bolt is generally cheaper, but prices are still significantly higher than in Bangkok. Expect to pay 300 to 500 THB for a one-way trip to the courts if you are staying in a different beach town.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my own padel racket to Koh Samui?

No. All major padel clubs on the island offer racket rentals for 100 to 150 THB per session, and they usually provide balls for free or a small fee.

Can I find players to play with if I am traveling alone?

Yes. Padel Arena uses the Playtomic app, which allows you to join open matches. Other clubs have active WhatsApp groups where they match players by skill level.

Are there covered tennis courts in Koh Samui?

No. Currently, all dedicated tennis courts on the island are outdoors. For covered racket sports, you will need to play padel at Padel Arena in Bophut.

How much does a private tennis coach cost in Samui?

Private coaching rates generally range from 1,200 to 1,500 THB per hour, which typically includes the court rental fee and balls.