‘The best beaches in Koh Samui are located in the North Eastern part of the island. This is where you’ll find popular beaches like Chaweng and Lamai which also happen to be where most tourists stay’
Koh Samui’s beaches are the answer for anyone seeking a serene tropical beach vacation in Thailand. With powdery white sand spilling into the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand. And waving palms providing the perfect balance of sun and shade, synonymous with beach getaways.
Whether you’re looking for a secluded cove to soak up the sun, a family-friendly haven of tranquility, or a lively beach filled with activity, Koh Samui’s diverse beaches offer lots of things to do for everyone, catering to all travel styles and tastes.
In this Koh Samui beach guide I will fill you in on the best beaches on the island. From secluded and peaceful coves to lively entertainment hubs by the coast. Everything is here along with hotel recommendations near each beach.
The Best Beaches in Koh Samui – Summary
The most beautiful beaches in Koh Samui are located in the north eastern portion of the island. This relatively compact area is where you’ll find popular Koh Samui beaches including Maenam, BoPhut, Choeng Mon, Silver Beach, Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach.
Chaweng beach and Lamai beach, both located on the east coast of Koh Samui, are the most popular beaches on the island. The surrounding area of both beaches has a large concentration of resorts, restaurants and even bars and clubs mostly in Chaweng.
Silver beach and Coral Cove are secluded beaches known for their tranquility and captivating surrounding landscapes.
BoPhut and Choeng Mon in north Koh Samui, strike the balance for convenience and tranquility with nice restaurants and a low key nightlife scene.
Chaweng Beach
Chaweng is the island’s most popular and liveliest beach. With its 7km coast of white sand slipping into azure waters, a host of beach activities and a beach road dotted with bars, restaurants and beach clubs. It’s the place to be if you want a vibrant atmosphere.
If the buzzy atmosphere in Chaweng gets too much, move south towards Chaweng Noi. It’s an equally gorgeous beach with formation adding adding a touch of unique character to this serene spot.
You May also like to read → Best Beach Resorts in Chaweng
Things to do in Chaweng
- Soak up the sun on the beach and cool off in the calm waters
- Stuff your face with local and western food at the local market
- Make a day trip to Koh Madsum and →meet the friendly beach pigs
- Go to the Green Mango Club for drinks and music
- Do →extreme water sports on a jetski
- Go to a Muay Thai fight at Phetbuncha stadium.
Chaweng Beach
Lively: Chaweng beach has various areas which are all different. If you want to be in the liveliest area, then definitely check out → Elephant Beach Club or for something cheaper → The Stay Chaweng.
Convenient: Moving north will be more quiet and there are some mid to high end beach front resorts. Take a look at → Chaweng Regent Beach Resort and for beachfront affordability → Lub d.
Quiet: Chaweng Noi in the southern area is a secluded part of Chaweng. There’s a really gorgeous beach which usually has calmer and often clearer waters. Resorts are also very affordable. These are 2 top recommendations → The Fair House Beach Resort and Hotel and → Sheraton Samui Resort in the mid range.
Related article: →Best area to stay in Koh Samui
Lamai Beach
On the east coast of Koh Samui, Lamai Beach is a stunning stretch of sand known for its laid-back vibe and natural beauty. It is quieter than its more famous neighbor, Chaweng, Lamai offers a perfect balance between relaxation and activity. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of beachfront dining options, indulge in water sports, or simply relax under the shade of swaying palm trees. The southern end of the beach is especially picturesque, with impressive rock formations such as Hin Ta and Hin Yai (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks).
Things to do in Lamai
- Check out Hin Ta – Hin Yai rock formations.
- Ride up to the Jungle Club or even better, → spend a night there.
- Visit the local food market along the main tourist road.
- Get lost in the jungle on this →adventurous ATV tour
- Try a →cooking class if you have the time
Lamai Beach
→ The Hive Hotel has a pool area that extends directly onto Lamai beach and rooms start at a very moderate price. Another option is → Am Samui Palace Hotel which has a huge pool and the beach is their backyard and rooms start from just $55. If you want to get pampered and don’t mind splurging a little then definitely check into → Ammatara Pura Pool Villa.
Bophut Beach
Located along the northern coast, Bo Phut is the best beach in Koh Samui for an idyllic and peaceful atmosphere. Directly facing the calm waters with a silhouette in the background of the mountains on Koh Phangan island and one of the best maintained tourist streets on the island.
A pedestrianized road parallel with the beach runs through the popular Fisherman’s village known for its fancy restaurants, chic cafes and cocktail bars along with beach lounges and upper end accommodation.
Things to do in Bophut
- Enjoy the peaceful beach – it’s magical in the morning
- Taste the best pizza and pasta at Gusto Italiano
- Watch the evening fire show at Coco Tams
- Reserve your spot on this → romantic evening cruise
- Visit the evening night market
- Visit the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Bophut Beach
→ Hansar Resort Samui brings together luxury with affordability and is located directly on the beach. If you don’t mind splurging a little then definitely take a look at → Anantara. As a personal favorite affordable option I would have to recommend → Pico Samui.
Silver Beach (Crystal Bay)
Located on the way to Lamai and nestled between jungle covered mountains on either end, Silver beach is a secluded spot away from its busier neighbors. While the beach is small and stretches only 250 meters, it makes up for this thanks to the peaceful and picturesque atmosphere.
Silver Beach
There’s a handful of accommodation here that blend in with natural enviroment.
The accommodation in Silver beach is very affordable and most rooms start for less than $50 a night. Our favorite is →La Mer Samui Resort. Other options include →Crystal Bay Yacht Club Beach Resort and also check out →Silver Beach Resort.
→ Banyan Tree Samui is an exclusive resort close Silver Beach.
Coral Cove
Not many beaches in Koh Samui are as picturesque as Coral Cove. With its stunning setting nestled among lush landscapes and rock formations jutting out of the clear waters. With its sandy bay spilling into clear water and snorkeling opportunities just meters from shore. You can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, grab a drink from the chill beach bar and also enjoy exploring the marine life.
Coral Cove
Accommodation in Coral Cove beach is quite limited since it is after all a very laid back spot. However there are a few options.
→Coral Cove Resort is a gorgeous property nestled on the side of the hills and just a short walk to the beach. Another option is →Coral Cliff Beach Resort Samui featuring a pool looking over the bay and beautiful sea-view rooms surrounded with lush jungle.
Choeng Mon
Whether you want to relax on the soft sand, enjoy a quiet swim, or take a leisurely walk along the shore, Choeng Mon provides a serene and welcoming atmosphere. Nestled on the northeastern tip of Koh Samui, this beach is ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape without being too far from the island’s main attractions. Its calm, shallow waters make it a favorite for families, while the surrounding area offers a selection of upscale resorts, cozy beachside restaurants, and charming local cafés.
Choeng Mon
→SALA Samui Choengmon Beach would be the top choice as it’s located directly on the beach, has a pool and luxurious rooms and over 2K reviews have rated this as an exceptional resort. In the same price range is →Melia Koh Samui which is also on the beach and equally luxurious. The most affordable option that is also on the beach, has a pool and is also highly rated is →PS Thana Resort with rooms starting at around $50.
Thongson Beach
Thongson Bay is a hidden gem on the northeastern tip of Koh Samui, offering a serene escape in a secluded setting. Its crystal-clear waters, powdery sand, and surrounding natural beauty make it one of the island’s most picturesque beaches. With just a few low-key resorts and a laid-back beach bar, it’s the perfect spot for a peaceful day trip or a quiet overnight stay. Hidden away at the end of a winding road, it feels like a true paradise — ideal for those looking to escape the busier tourist spots.
Thongson Beach
While Thongson Beach is secluded, there are various options when it comes to places to stay. →Melati Beach Resort is a gorgeous property complete with a pool almost directly on the beach and fancy rooms. If you don’t mind staying being a short walk from the beach take a look at →Daniel’s Home or even this incredible →Villa with sea views.
Lipa Noi Beach
For those seeking a quiet escape with stunning sunsets, Lipa Noi on Koh Samui’s west coast offers the perfect retreat. Lined with palms and almost untouched by crowds, this scenic beach is ideal for capturing exotic photos in a laid-back tropical setting. While not the best for swimming, the real magic happens at sunset, when the sky transforms into vibrant shades of pink, yellow, and orange. With only a few accommodations available, it’s an affordable and peaceful alternative to the island’s busier spots.
Lipa Noi
→Nikki Beach in Lipa Noi is arguably the most famous resort on this part of the island. It’s an upscale property famous for it’s pool and Sunset cocktail bar. →The Siam Residence Boutique Resort is also an excellent options with rooms in the mid range area. And →Viva Vacation Resort offers spacious rooms at an affordable price and there is also a pool onsite.
Beaches in Koh Samui – Information
Tides in Koh Samui
Koh Samui, along with the other islands in the Gulf of Thailand, experiences tides that can significantly impact your beach experience. The tide in Koh Samui generally rises during the night and stays high until around midday, reaching its lowest level in the evening.
In addition to the daily tide cycle, there is also an annual pattern. From around August to February/March, Koh Samui experiences its highest tides, which coincides perfectly with the island’s peak season between December and March — the ideal time to visit.
However, from March to September, the island experiences lower tides, with the water level dropping by at least 50 cm. Coupled with the daily tides, this can affect certain beaches more than others, with popular spots like Chaweng, Choeng Mon, Bo Phut, and Thongson Beach being the most impacted during these months.
FAQ’s about the beaches in Koh Samui
Which is the best beach area to stay in Koh Samui?
→Bophut is a favorite destination with families and couples who don’t mind splurging a little. Also →Lamai offers a broad appeal and attracts a range of tourists for its affordable accommodation and various dining and entertainment options. Meanwhile →Chaweng is the most popular destination and you’re never too far from anything.
Which beach is best in Koh Samui?
Chaweng and Bophut are the best beaches in Koh Samui. There’s various amenities nearby and the beaches are both clean and have calm waters. However, without regarding any amenities the most stunning beach itself would have to be Thongson beach.
Can you walk from Chaweng to Lamai?
Walking from Chaweng to Lamai will take around 3 hours. While it is possible, it’s not very sensible and also most of the route will be along a main-road with no side walk which isn’t very safe.
Conclusion
We’ve covered the top beaches worth visiting and provided suggestions for activities in each area.
If you’re ready to plan your Koh Samui holiday and like any of the recommended accommodations, be sure to book in advance to secure your ideal hotel. Availability can be limited for stays over three days, especially for week-long visits.
I hope this guide helps you choose your favorite beaches. Happy planning and enjoy your holiday!
HEY, just so you know…
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As more luxury beach resorts are built in Chaweng, is the authentic and tranquil atmosphere of the beach being compromised for the sake of tourism and profit? Are there sustainable ways to preserve the beauty of the area while still attracting visitors?”,
“refusal
The tranquil atmosphere has definitely been compromised in certain areas. But Chaweng beach stretches for a long distance. The main resort strip is about 1 km long and just south from here there is little development such as Chaweng Noi which has crystal clear water and just a few resorts dotted further back.