The Best Beaches to Visit in Koh Samui, Thailand
Escape to Koh Samui and discover the best beaches the island has to offer
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Koh Samui, the second largest island in Thailand after Phuket, is the tropical paradise we all dream about. White sand beaches are lapped by turquoise waters, palm trees sway in the breeze, beach clubs keep the trendy crowd dancing into the early hours and secluded coves beckon you. Beach hopping is essentially a way of life here. For your next trip to this island paradise, here’s our run-down of the very best beaches to visit in Koh Samui – add these to your bucket list.
1. Chaweng Beach - The Iconic One
Chaweng Beach is Koh Samui’s crown jewel and its most famous stretch of sand. Spanning nearly 7km, this beach boasts powdery white sand, clear turquoise waters, and a lively, buzzing atmosphere. By day, you’ll find people sunbathing and swimming in the gentle waves. But as night falls, Chaweng transforms into a nightlife hub. Beachfront bars and clubs light up the shore, with everything from fire-dancing shows to world class DJ sets. For those who enjoy their beach life with a cocktail in hand and some entertainment, Chaweng Beach is where it’s at.
2. Lamai Beach - The Balanced One
Just south of Chaweng lies Lamai Beach, a slightly quieter but equally beautiful alternative. The crescent shaped shoreline has soft sand aplenty and calm waters, making it a beautiful spot for swimming and sunbathing. Lamai also boasts dramatic rock formations, including the famous Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks, where you can dive into some local folklore too.
To us, Lamai has that perfect balance between tranquility and atmosphere. The beachfront is lined with boutique resorts, casual restaurants and local bars, which means there’s always something to do. On Sunday evenings, the Lamai Night Market brings the place to life with street food stalls, live music and local crafts.
Source: The Deck Beach Club, Koh Samui
3. Bophut Beach - The Bohemian One
Bophut Beach, located near the Fisherman’s Village, has a beautiful blend of laid-back charm and sophistication. The golden sands and calm waters are ideal for swimming, while the beach’s proximity to the charming streets of Fisherman’s Village means you can be sunbathing one minute, then enjoying fresh seafood and shopping at boutiques the next. By night, the beach has a distinctly boho feel, with candle lit tables, rows of bean bags for relaxing and palm trees strung with fairy lights. If you’re around on a Friday night, don’t miss the Walking Street Market at Fisherman’s Village, where the place comes alive with street performers and street food.
4. Maenam Beach - The Quiet One
Stretching for over 5km on Samui’s northern shores, Maenem beach is a quiet respite from the world. The waters here are calm and the sands are golden. Palm trees gently sway and the mountains of Koh Phangan can be seen in the distance. The vibe here is relaxed and peaceful, a place to indulge in a massage, drink some fresh juice and read your book. It’s here that you’ll find boutique resorts and wellness retreats, making the most of this idyllic corner of Koh Samui.
5. Silver/Crystal Beach - The In-The-Know One
Silver Beach, also known as Crystal Beach, depending on who you ask, is a small, secluded bay nestled between Chaweng and Lamai. This hidden gem is a favourite among those in the know, where you can really feel like you’re living the island life. The bay is protected by large rocks at each end, which are perfect for snorkelling, while the gentle waters are ideal for a cooling swim. The backdrop of local eateries and little resorts nestled among the palm trees gives the place a desert island feel. Regulars to the Koh Samui make a beeline here, and for good reason.
6. Lipa Noi Beach - The Family One
The wide, sandy bay of Lipa Noi Beach is a haven for families and those looking for some peace and quiet. With shallow, rock-free waters, the waters here are safe for children to swim and play, with soft sand and no waves. Lounge beneath the shade of a coconut palm here and you’ll feel there’s nowhere else in the world you’d rather be. Sunset seekers will find Lipa Noi particularly special. Thanks to its westerly facing position, as the day fades, the beach provides one of the best spots on the island to catch the sun dip below the horizon. The sky here turns every shade of gold and pink in a breathtaking display of colour. A few beachfront resorts and local restaurants are dotted along the shore, if you fancy sipping on a cocktail to watch the show.
Source: Hug Koh Samui
7. Bang Po Beach - The Romantic One
Stretching for 5km along Koh Samui’s north coast, Bang Po is largely untouched, save for a few resorts and restaurants along the shoreline. Music undulates gently from a nearby bar, fishing boats bob in the shallows and couples take a dip in the water. The long beach is refreshingly quiet and largely untouched by commercialised tourism, giving the place a unique energy of its own. Small seafood shacks serve freshly caught fish and shellfish and time seems to slow down.
Source: Coral Cove Resorts, Koh Samui
8. Coral Cove - The Hidden One
Between Chaweng and Lamai, you’ll find the small beach of Coral Cove. It’s peaceful and uncrowded, but the real magic of this place lies beneath the turquoise water. Located on a coral reef, the beach provides amazing snorkelling, with schools of colourful fish darting around vibrant coral just off-shore. The lack of shade and rocky shoreline mean that it’s not really suited to families and those simply looking to sunbathe, so you’ll find it delightfully quiet, despite how beautiful it is. The dramatic boulders on either end give way to swaying palm trees, with a couple of restaurants to grab some lunch.
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