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If you're craving some vitamin sea when in Thailand, Koh Samui is your place! Although this island isn't as famous as Phuket, it has some of the most beautiful beaches around. Not to mention, you'll get to enjoy the best beaches at Koh Samui more as there are smaller crowds. So to make your vacation count, visit the pristine beaches at Koh Samui! See which patch of sand suits your tastes best below. 1. Thongson Bay Beach Photo Courtesy of Koh Samui Guide Magazine One of the many hidden gems in Koh Samui is Thongson Bay and is definitely worth the visit. It’s the type of beach where you may end up alone if you drop by early, giving you a one-of-a-kind experience. Situated north, this beach offers gorgeous views of the nearby island of Koh Phangan. And you can find this hidden paradise ways away from the city, but it still has everything you need. From sun loungers to modest food stalls, Thongson Bay has got you covered. Also, you can rent out a kayak, allowing you to traverse the calm waters of the beach. Meanwhile, the beach itself has powder-like white sand, ideal for picture-perfect photoshoots! Finally, the water near its coast is shallow and clean, perfect for families with kids. Overall, Thongson Bay is perfect if you're looking to visit a beach that's not crowded, serene, and relaxing. Beach location: Thongson Bay, H3PG+H85, Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani, Thailand 2. Haad Thong Ta-khian (Silver Beach) Photo Courtesy of Hotels A small yet famous beach in Koh Samui is Haad Thong Ta-khian or Silver Beach. As its name suggests, the place is full of white sand and Ta-khian trees. And even if it's only 250 meters wide, this beach is among the best in Koh Samui. There are around four resorts and a couple of restaurants over the sandy beach. Here, you can rest on sun loungers, dine outdoors, or get a massage. In short, the place is the perfect getaway for families or couples looking to unwind. Moreover, since it's located on the east side of Koh Samui, most activities here are laid back. From snorkeling to kayaking, Haad Thong Ta-khian has it all. And not to mention, its emerald waters are crystal clear and made for swimming! Overall, Haad Thong Ta-khian offers visitors a serene and quiet escape from the city. Lay down under the beach's palm trees, enjoy the breeze, and bask in the view. Beach location: Silver Beach, Maret, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani, Thailand 3. Choeng Mon Beach Photo Courtesy of Justgola Another small yet noteworthy beach in Koh Samui is Choeng Mon. It's smaller and close to other resorts, but it's uniquely eye-catching. Tucked away in its private bay with gorgeous views and a clear ocean, Chong Mon is the perfect getaway! However, most accommodations at this beach are pricier than others in Koh Samui. Even the cheapest bungalows have a price tag. But, in exchange, you get a quality room, view, and a good time! So if you're all right with splurging some cash, visit Choeng Mon. Moreover, thanks to its discreetness, this beach offers guests a sense of privacy. As a result, Choeng Mon has become a popular destination for families. But, overall, it's the perfect location for people looking to unwind and relax. Aside from that, to get the most out of your visit to Choeng Mon, visit the nearby islet of Ko Fan Noi. Usually, during low tides, you can walk all the way. However, if not, you can rent a kayak from the beach. Finally, even though Choeng Mon is sought for its relaxing vibes, it's also famous for water sports. You can rent out some equipment to snorkel, scuba dive, or ski on the waters. Beach location: 24/3 Moo 5 ChoengMon Beach T, Koh Samui, 84320, Thailand 4. Lipa Noi Beach Photo Courtesy of Samuist For the perfect romantic getaway in Koh Samui, add Lipa Noi Beach to your itinerary. This place is famous for its spectacular views, particularly the sunset. Here, you get a full view of the incredible hues the sky goes through as evening arrives. Moreover, the waters here are calm and shallow. As a result, it's perfectly safe for kids and those looking to practice milder water sports. Such activities include kayaking or snorkeling. What's more, the place's discreet location and amenities let you enjoy it by yourself. After all, remoteness and a lack of convenient commodities translate to fewer visitors. So, if you want to get away from crowds, Lipa Noi is your beach! However, since Lipa Noi is remote, you have few options for food and entertainment. Anyway, you can always bring your vert own dishes to the beach. Overall, if peace and serenity are what you're looking for, visit Lipa Noi. 5. Chaweng Beach Photo Courtesy of Chawengburi Chaweng is the biggest beach in Koh Samui, famous for its shining clear waters and powdery white sand. But even if it's around seven kilometers long, it's often crowded. So if you’re looking for a quiet beachside location to chill, it might not be easy. Meanwhile, if you're looking to experience plenty of water-packed action, Chaweng Beach is your destination! From surfing to diving, there’s plenty of water sports to try at Chaweng. However, if you’re set on visiting the beach for serenity, try heading toward the south end. After all, visitors gather around the center of the beach where the shops and restaurants are. Here, you have a greater chance of being alone at both ends of the beach. Meanwhile, accommodations here are vast, and there's something for everyone. From modest bungalows to luxury resorts, any budget is welcome to Chaweng beach. And that's why it's one of the best beaches in Koh Samui. But on the downside, the beach sees plenty of ocean trash washing up on its shore. Fortunately, locals and staff from the nearby resorts sometimes clean these up. So, you'll barely encounter garbage when in Chaweng. In conclusion, Chaweng beach is perfect for adventurous travelers looking to mingle, get wet, and have fun! 6. Maenam Beach Photo Courtesy of Trip Do you want to save some money but still wish to have fun at the beach? Then choose Maenam beach. It’s one of the more modest beaches in Koh Samui. However, luxury resorts are still available for those looking to splurge. You can rent out bungalows here for a modest price. So not only will you get cheap yet comfortable accommodation, but you'll also enjoy breathtaking views! And you get to experience all of these without burning through your pockets. Being seven kilometers big, most stick to a single area instead of exploring the entirety of the beach. And the most common spot most guests gather in is the center. So if you're trying to get away from crowds and enjoy your alone time, go to either end of the beach. Here, you'll get more privacy. But regardless of the place you end up in, going around the Maenam area is hassle-free. Adorned by palm trees and golden sands, Maenam beach lets you enjoy luxury—minus the money! 7. Bophut Beach Photo Courtesy of Living + Nomads One of the most scenic beaches in Koh Samui is Bophut beach. This place is a small yet picturesque beach, offering a more intimate experience. At three kilometers long, this beach is quiet and well-managed. And there are plenty of beachfront hotels you can stay at here. Azure waters and rows of palm trees surround the beach, perfect for unwinding under the sun. And this place has some of the cleanest sands and waters in Koh Samui. So if you're looking for a quick getaway, the small beach of Bophut is ideal. Meanwhile, if you're in an adventurous mood, the beach also has dive shops. Here, you can rent out some equipment for snorkeling, diving, and more. Also, these shops offer guided trips to nearby marine parks, beaches, and islets. Aside from that, right in the center of the beach is the Fisherman's Village. Here, you can see small local eateries and boutiques, giving you a distinct feel of Thailand's old era. Plus, there are also night markets and entertainment establishments in the area. 8. Taling Ngam Beach Photo Courtesy of Thai2Siam Tucked away in the less famous part of Koh Samui, this small beach is remote and mostly wild. That means it has undergone minimal development. And there's only a handful of hotels and restaurants nearby. So if you're looking for untouched paradise, Taling Ngam is your place. Also, its unkept coastlines, palm trees, and coral pieces make the place even better. It gives you a little taste of an all-natural beach, giving you a one-of-a-kind oasis. And its remoteness gives you a chance to enjoy the beach to yourself. The accommodations here are basic and don't have air conditioning. However, the closest hotel is around 20 minutes away, so this shouldn't be an issue. Meanwhile, if you want to shop, there are tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis available in the area. Aside from that, you can rent out a kayak to explore deeper waters since the waters near its coast are shallow. Regardless, Taling Ngam is perfect for swimming, paddling, and diving. But what makes this quaint beach stand out in Koh Samui is that it gives you a gorgeous view of the archipelagos making up the Ang Thong National Marine Park. Finally, Taling Ngam offers some of the best views of the sunset on the island. And you can watch the day end from one of the few restaurants on the coast. 9. Bang Po Beach Photo Courtesy of Living + Nomads Nestled between Thailand's Gulf and a vibrant rain forest, Bang Po is a picturesque beach you need to visit in Koh Samui. It offers a nearly hidden stretch of powdery white sand, perfect for those who want to relax. Stretching four kilometers long, Bang Po is one of the biggest beaches on the island. But since it's situated in the northwest, far from the touristy areas, it doesn't get as many guests. However, this means you get to enjoy Bang Po to yourself most of the time. So, it's a win-win situation! Also, compared to other beaches on Koh Samui, this one has seen minimal development. With this, you can still see fishermen on the bay, so you'll likely meet locals when in this area. Additionally, the beach offers a stunning view of Ko Pha Ngan, which will be challenging to beat. Finally, the crystal clear and calm waters of this beach make it perfect for swimming! And not to mention kayaking. You can rent out the equipment needed at the beach or nearby diving shops. Overall, Bang Po is your place if you want a quieter beach with reasonable prices and delicious food! Beach location: Bang Po Beach, HXH2+HPW, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84330, Thailand 10. Lamai Beach Photo Courtesy of TimeSamui This beach is the second largest in Koh Samui, but it's less crowded than Chaweng beach. It's more laid-back and lesser-known among tourists. But despite this, it still offers plenty of activities—albeit at a slower and leisurely pace. However, don't underestimate this paradise. After all, fewer guests do not make the place any less breathtaking. You still get to enjoy crystal-clear azure waters, soft white sand, and a gorgeous view of nature! Moreover, since it's not well-known among tourists, prices are lower on this beach. From dining to accommodations, you can save a baht or two when in Lamai. So for those on a budget, visit this place! Aside from that, the beach's location gives you other activities to try when you want to take a break from the sun. You can visit temples, Wat Lamai and Wat Khunaram, where you can witness traditions come to life. Also, you can hike through Lamai's rain forest to reach its pique viewpoint. Here, you can see its surrounding waters better. 11. Coral Cove Beach Photo Courtesy of Koh Samui Guide Magazine This beach looks and feels like it just came out of a postcard. In this place, you'll find crystal clear waters and rows of beautiful palm trees and rocks. As a result, you get to enjoy picturesque scenery while chilling on the beach. Also, the waters on the coral cove are calm, making it perfect for swimming and kayaking. But what makes this Koh Samui beach unique is that it has a small reef nearby. With this, you can snorkel and enjoy the underwater views. So, if you have kids, this should be a great family activity to try. You can find this small beach a little off the main road between the largest beaches in Koh Samui. Nestled between Chaweng and Lamai, only a few people stop by at this gem. And trust me, they're missing out! So if you’re searching for a beach with fewer crowds and more intimacy, Coral Cove beach is your place. Beach location: Coral Cove Beach, Maret, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand 12. Ban Tai Beach Photo Courtesy of My Guide Koh Samui Another hidden gem in Koh Samui is the Ban Tai beach. This place is one of the quietest, serene, and remote beaches on the island. You can find it in the northern part of Koh Samui, giving you a little private piece of paradise. Also, you can explore the nearby Bang Por beach. After all, Ban Tai is just a smaller of that beach. When in Ban Tai, you get to enjoy clear waters and many swaying palm trees. Also, it rarely rains in the area, so you can bask in the sun all you want. Aside from that, you also see a gorgeous view of Koh Phangan, a nearby island, which also has some fantastic beaches. Beach location: Ban Tai Beach, HXM9+GRJ, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84330, Thailand 13. Bang Por Beach Photo Courtesy of Thai Property Group Because of its large reef, Bang Por isn't the best place for swimming. However, if adventure is what you're looking for, then this beach is for you! It offers several water activities, including snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. Aside from that, despite being a spot for water sports, the beach is tranquil. It gives you an excellent break from the loud and busy cities of Thailand. Also, you can stay at several nearby beach huts or hotels, allowing you to enjoy this piece of paradise more. Above all, this beach has some of the best views around. So to make the most out of your visit, dine in one of its many outdoor restaurants. Overall, if tranquility and adventure are what you want, go to Bang Por beach. 14. Bangrak Beach (Big Buddha Beach) Photo Courtesy of Luxury Villa Samui This quaint beach is nestled in the village of Bangrak, giving you a quiet getaway in Koh Samui. Its name comes from the island's big buddha, which you can see from the place. Hence, its name. You can also visit the monument via scooters, which you can rent on the beach. Moreover, you can also rent boats to visit the nearby beaches of Haad Rin on Koh Phangan. Aside from that, if you're looking to extend your stay at Big Buddha beach, there are many resorts here as well. But despite this, the place doesn't get as crowded as other beaches on this list. So if you're looking to enjoy some quality time alone, add Big Buddha to your list. Also, one of the reasons why few tourists visit the place is the more well-known beaches of Chaweng, and Choeng Mon is nearby. Either way, Big Buddha beach is a gem of itself, giving you views of clear pristine waters and fine sand. Beach location: Big Buddha Beach, Bangrak village, Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani, Thailand How to get to the Best Beaches at Koh Samui The quickest and most convenient way to get to Koh Samui and its beaches is a direct flight to the island. Despite being less popular than Phuket, Koh Samui still has an international airport. So whether you're visiting from other parts of Thailand or the world, going by plane is your best bet. On the other hand, bus and train options are also available if you're traveling across Thailand. This saves you money, but it increases your travel time ten-fold. But if you're willing to go through the journey, it can save you a lot of money. Meanwhile, when traveling throughout Koh Samui, you can rent tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis. Just be wary of the prices to avoid getting scammed. Frequently Asked Questions Q: What are the best beaches at Koh Samui for swimming? A: Some of the best beaches for swimming on the island have calm waters, such as Maenam and Bophut. Meanwhile, if you're looking for adventure, visit Chaweng or Silver beach. Q: Are the waters clean at Koh Samui? A: Most of the beaches in Koh Samui have crystal clear waters as it's not popular among tourists yet. So you get to enjoy a nearly untouched paradise by yourself! There are also plenty of private beaches in the area with azure waters and fine sand. Q: Where is Koh Samui in Thailand? A: Koh Samui is located in the heart of Thailand's Gulf. It's the largest island, the Chumphon Archipelago, and is nearby several resort islands. To its north, you can find the famous resort islands of Ko Nang Yuan and Ko Tao. Q: What's the best month to visit Koh Samui? A: If you're visiting Koh Samui for its beaches, the best months to go here are between December to February. This period is known as the dry season, making it perfect for beach hopping! During this, the weather's mostly warm and is scarce from rain. Final Thoughts Koh Samui is one of the best island destinations to unwind and relax. And the best beaches at Koh Samui lets you experience everything the island has to offer. From azure waters to fine sands, these beaches guarantee a fun and unforgettable time! So, for your next trip to Thailand, visit Koh Samui and its fine beaches to get a taste of paradise.