If you’re still having a tricky time choosing the best beaches at Koh Samui, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to get the lowdown on the top picks you should go for when soaking up sea and sand.
While all of the beaches in Koh Samui are awesome, a few set the bar even higher. Follow along to find out the best beaches at Koh Samui to take your vacation experience to a higher level.
The 10 Best Beaches at Koh Samui You Should Have in Your Bucket List
Chaweng Beach
Chaweng Beach is located in the eastern part of Koh Samui. It stretches about 7 kilometers (4 miles) from end to end and is deemed as the island’s longest beach.
Unlike what most people mistakenly think, Chaweng is not a single beach but is composed of four areas. These are Chaweng Noi also called as “Little Chaweng,” South Chaweng, Central Chaweng, and North Chaweng.
The typical temperature in Chaweng Beach is mostly warm all throughout the year. The climate in the area ranges from 25°C to 28°C, even during the rainy spells. Tourists consider Chaweng Beach as one of the best beaches at Koh Samui because of this consistent snug temperature.
Chaweng Beach is usually packed with visitors because of its diverse geographical attributes and tourist offerings. Besides the splendid views and nice weather, it’s also got all the amenities you need to have an unforgettable experience.
The place is a haven for snorkelers and swimmers because its waters are mostly calm thanks to an offshore reef. Divers also prefer exploring the area for the variety of marine life thriving in its coral beds and shoals.
However, Chaweng Beach can be noisy in the late afternoons and evenings because the coastline transforms into one big party. If you don’t mind a bit of revelry, then you’re going to love this place.
Lipa Noi Beach
Nestled in the remote western coast of Koh Samui, Lipa Noi Beach is best known for its majestic sunsets. The sky magically turns into a palette of yellow, orange, and red when the sun calls it a day.
Lipa Noi is a nice choice if you’re looking for a tranquil place to enjoy the sun and sand. Its waters are quite shallow and perfect for swimming and snorkeling. However, you’d have to go further from the shore if you’re hoping to do some diving.
Unlike most of its counterparts that can be easily accessed through the main highway, you’d have to travel some ways to reach this place.
Interestingly, tourists consider getting to Lipa Noi as an adventure because you will have to negotiate dirt roads while at it. Hopping on a scooter is the most popular way to get the Lipa Noi. It is also the most practical because you can enjoy the scenery and the ambiance as you go along.
One thing to keep in mind, though. Lipa Noi is not the place to go if you’re hoping to catch some nightlife and entertainment offerings. But it’s perfect if you’re planning to experience Koh Samui’s beauty with peace and quiet.
Thongson Bay
Thongson Bay is set on Koh Samui’s far northern coast, right in the vicinity of the Plai Laem cape. It is deemed as a top kayaking destination for its rocky shoals and coastline filled with coves to explore.
Unlike most beaches in Koh Samui, getting to Thongson Bay requires a bit of effort. You have to go further the coastal road when you arrive in Bophut. While some tourists consider the place as “remote,” there are many signs that will help you get there.
This place doesn’t have a many resorts and bars because its beach only stretches for about half a kilometer. While you won’t catch the typical Koh Samui nightlife here, you’re going to get loads of tranquility and calmness instead.
Compared to its counterparts that flaunt white sands, Thongson Bay is covered by grayish sand. What makes it interesting is that the grayish sand takes on a golden glow in the afternoon sun. The clusters of rocks along the coastline are also ideal places to explore to check out marine life.
Swimming and snorkelling in Thongson Bay can be a bit tricky because of its rocky sea floor. However, this can be fixed by putting on some swimming shoes. Just a quick reminder, though. This place is near some “naturist resorts” so it’s not a suitable option if you have children along.
Bophut Beach
Bophut Beach is considered one of the best beaches at Koh Samui for its sugar-like white sand and emerald sea. It is also close by the Fisherman’s Village and many other interesting establishments.
The whole beach stretches for about three kilometers and makes an awesome setting for a relaxing walk. There’s no need to worry about soaking up too much rays, while you’re at it, too. Bophut flaunts several coconut and palm trees along its coastline that provide a good amount of shade.
This place attracts a lot of tourists every year for the diverse activities that it offers. Besides being a nice spot for snorkelling and swimming, visitors can also do some flyboarding and jet skiing. You can even hop on a banana boat in case you’d like to explore the place in a different way.
Set in the northern region of Koh Samui, Bophut Beach is surrounded with restaurants, resorts, bars and similar entertainment hubs. Visitors who have already been to the place relate that everything you need is just a few steps away.
However, its nightlife scene is not as noisy and bustling compared to Chaweng Beach. This makes Bophut Beach a perfect choice if you’re spending a holiday with family or young kids.
Maenam Beach
Maenam Beach is really popular among backpackers and tourists who’d like to experience Koh Samui using a more adventurous approach. Visitors also share that it’s considerably cheaper compared to most of its counterparts.
Don’t take the whole “cheap” thing the wrong way, though. Maenam offers the same spectacular views and majestic waters that other beaches in the island have. The only difference is that it isn’t as developed for tourism compared to the others.
Although there are already a number of resorts and hostels in the area, their numbers are significantly lower compared to those that can be found in Bophut and Chaweng.
Moreover, Maenam Beach is the place to go if you’re looking to experience the mellower side of Koh Samui. The bars and entertainment establishments in the area usually close at 10 or 11 PM. Its brand of nightlife is also more relaxed and leisurely, which makes it ideal if you prefer peace and calm.
Lamai Beach
Lamai Beach ranks next to Chaweng when it comes to size. It is also popular for its very fine white sand that glints like crystal. Nestled in Koh Samui’s southeastern portion, this beach is a nice pick for budget-conscious travelers.
Unlike most of its counterparts, Lamai Beach has many cheaper options when it comes to food, accommodations, and entertainment. You can think of it as a place that gives you all the beauty and splendor of Koh Samui for less.
Additonally, Lamai Beach is also near the Hin Ta and Hin Yai or the Grandfather’s Grandmother’s Rocks. These are no doubt the most visited rock formations in Koh Samui’s southern coast. They are named as such because they resemble certain parts of the human anatomy.
Other cool places to check out in the area include Wat Khunaram and Wat Lamai. The former is the shrine where Luang Pho Daeng, also known as “the Mummy Monk,” is displayed.
Bang Po Beach
Bang Po is considered as one of the most diverse beaches in northwest Koh Samui for its unique location. This four-kilometer long beach is nestled between a lush tropical forest and the Gulf of Thailand.
Also known as “Bang Por,” this place flaunts the longest stretch of shoreline in the whole island. You can also find rocky coves and smalls hills in the area. You can even check out a portion of the Phong Phae River if you take a long hike on the beach.
While Bang Po Beach easily compares to Chaweng and Lamai as regards to size, it still isn’t as developed. This is because it is located in the far north of the Koh Samui. This isn’t a downside, though. You can still find many nice yet affordable accommodation options, bars, and restaurants in the area.
And given that there will be only a few other tourists when you visit Bang Po Beach, this is an ideal choice if you’re planning to get some serenity.
Choeng Mon
At only 700-meters long, Choeng Mon is smaller compared to other beaches in Koh Samui. It is located in the northeastern part of the island and is popular as a sea kayaking and snorkelling destination.
Choeng Mon Beach features a wide stretch of white sand and its waters have a sapphire blue shade. It flaunts a thriving ecosystem and you can spot a variety of marine life by just lounging on the shore. This makes it a haven for divers and snorkelers.
Tourists can also check out Ko Fan Noi, a nearby islet, when the tide is low. All you have to do is follow the sandbar and you will be able to reach the place easily.
However, Choeng Mon is pricier compared to other beaches in the Koh Samui. It is teeming with upscale resorts, hotels, restaurants, and bars. While there are cheaper alternatives in the area, they still cost a bit more compared to those in Bophut and Thongson Bay.
Taling Ngam
Taling Ngam is lovingly referred to by most tourists as a “wild beach” because it still isn’t adequately developed. This isn’t something negative, though, since this beach remains as one of the true backpacker hotspots in Koh Samui.
Taling Ngam Beach is located in the deep south of the resort island and used to be a fishing village. Compared to most of its counterparts that have well-kept shores, Taling Ngam’s typically has a lot of driftwood and coconuts. This gives the place a sense of pureness and a laid-back feel.
Its waters are generally shallow and clear. You’d have to move farther from the shore if you prefer to swim or snorkel in the deeper end. Besides seeing various sea creatures, you can also check out the Ang Thong National Marine Park archipelagos in the distance.
Taling Ngam mostly offers affordable accommodations for tourists. The most popular option is the traditional bungalow. However, you can simply hop on a taxi or a tuk tuk for a ride to the town center if you prefer a more upscale place to stay.
Silver Beach
Also known as the “beach of the Ta-khian trees,” Silver Beach is nestled in a little bay that faces Koh Samui’s northeastern tip. It is known for its sparkling clear waters and sand so fine, it almost looks and feels like confectioner’s sugar.
Silver Beach has a generally lazy atmosphere. It is a place where you will feel like lounging on the shore most of the day. The ambiance is laid-back and friendly. Tourists even swear that its white sand is so soft you can sunbathe on it for hours.
While this place is famous for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling, it also offers other activities for you to engage in. You can rent a sea kayak and explore the rocky shoals and reefs in the area. You can even get your Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certification here, too.
But the best thing about Silver Beach is that some of its parts remain free up to this day. You don’t have to stay in one of the accommodation options in the area to enjoy its sand and waters.
You can just spread a blanket on the beach, crack open a cold drink, and take in the beauty and splendor of the place.
And now we’ve covered the best beaches at Koh Samui, click here to check out the top accommodation options in the island.