After several extended visits exploring Koh Samui’s coastline, we’ve put together this detailed guide to Koh Samui’s beaches to help you choose the right one for your visit. Each stretch of sand on Thailand’s second-largest island has its own character—from bustling tourist spots to quiet local favourites.
Based on our visits to Koh Samui between 2022-2024, this guide covers the main beaches around the island’s 52-kilometre coastline. We’ve included current prices, facilities and transport options as of December 2024, plus practical details about swimming conditions and accessibility at each beach. While tourist areas like Chaweng and Lamai offer extensive facilities, other beaches have limited amenities – we’ll help you know what to expect at each location.
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Quick Guide to Koh Samui’s Beach Areas
This overview shows the main characteristics of each coastal area based on our visits.
|
Area |
Beaches |
Best for |
Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
|
East Coast |
Chaweng, Lamai, Silver Beach |
• Shopping & nightlife |
• Fine white sand |
|
North Coast |
Bophut, Maenam, Bang Po, Choeng Mon, Thongson |
• Local atmosphere |
• Mix of tourist/local areas |
|
West Coast |
Lipa Noi, Taling Ngam |
• Quiet getaways |
• Limited facilities |
Prices and facilities mentioned in this guide were checked in December 2024. Beach conditions can vary by season.
Detailed Beach Guide
We’ve spent countless hours exploring these beaches, checking prices, and chatting with local vendors to bring you practical details about each stretch of sand around Samui’s coast.
Chaweng Beach
Location: Eastern coast, 10 minutes from airport
Best for: Shopping, nightlife, water sports, family swimming
If you are the sort of traveller who likes to be in the middle of the action then Chawang Beach on the eastern coast of Koh Samui, might be the right spot for you.
Stretching 7 kilometres along Samui’s eastern coast, Chaweng Beach is the island’s main tourist hub. Located 10 minutes from the airport, this white-sand beach combines practical convenience with extensive facilities.
The beach itself features gradually sloping shorelines with calm waters most of the year, making it suitable for families with young children. The northern end tends to be quieter, while the central area buzzes with activity.
The beachfront road houses the island’s largest concentration of hotels, restaurants, and shops. As of early 2025, most businesses have reopened post-pandemic, though some construction continues in the southern section.
Insider tip: If lying still in the sand is not your thing, Chaweng Beach has the greatest choice of activities to keep you occupied.
Water sports operators line the central section of the beach, with the most reputable companies clustered near the major resorts. Current activities include:
- Jet ski rental (1,500-2,000 baht/30 minutes)
- Parasailing (800-1,000 baht)
- Kayaking (200 baht/hour)
- Stand-up paddleboarding (400 baht/hour)
Evening Scene – Chaweng hosts the island’s largest concentration of beach clubs and bars. Notable venues include:
- Seen Beach Club at Avani: International DJs, modern cocktails, beachfront pool
- Arc Bar: Live music, casual atmosphere
- The Beach Republic: Sunday pool parties
The northern section offers quieter sunset dining options if you prefer to avoid the party scene.
Best Time to Visit – Visit between 7-9am for sunrise views and cooler temperatures for morning walks. The beach is quietest before 10am and after 5pm. During peak season (December-April), arrive early to score a good spot on the sand.
Silver Beach
Location: 6km south of Chaweng, between Chaweng and Lamai
Best for: Snorkelling, quiet afternoons, photography
Also known as Crystal Bay, this local favourite offers some of Koh Samui’s best snorkelling conditions. The beach sits on a small promontory, with Samui’s signature sea-smoothed boulders at each end creating perfect conditions for underwater exploration.
The crystal-clear waters teem with tropical fish, making it perfect for snorkelling. The gradually deepening water also makes it suitable for swimming, though the beach can get busy during peak hours.
Getting There:
The entrance is easy to miss – keep an eye out for signs for Silver Beach Resort. It’s a blink and you will miss it entry, we missed it 3 times! Look for the cluster of parked motorbikes outside a restaurant
While perfect for day trips, staying here requires your own transport as local amenities are limited and taxis are infrequent so consider this before booking one of the hotels on the beach.
Coral Cove Beach
Location: Southern headland, between Chaweng and Lamai
Best for: Photography, peaceful swimming, snorkelling
Sharing the same headland as Silver Beach, Coral Cove is a picturesque 200-metre bay framed by distinctive rounded boulders. The secluded location and natural rock formations make it one of Samui’s most photographed beaches.
The beach’s peaceful atmosphere is preserved by its limited development, with just a handful of small resorts in the area. You’ll find basic toilet facilities and a few simple food and drink options, but for more choices, Chaweng’s restaurants and nightlife are just a 15-minute taxi ride away.
While not ideal for an extended stay, Coral Cove makes an excellent day trip destination for when you a looking for a quieter alternative.
Lamai Beach
Location: Eastern coast, south of Chaweng
Best for: Beach walks, swimming, family holidays, dining
Lamai offers one of Samui’s finest walking beaches, with a long stretch of white sand perfect for morning strolls. The beach maintains a more relaxed atmosphere than Chaweng while still providing excellent facilities and dining options.
The water here is typically crystal clear and excellent for swimming, though visibility can decrease during wet season. Despite the beachfront cafes and bars, there’s always space for a quiet swim. Palm trees provide natural shade along the beach, and several excellent restaurants sit just steps from the sand.
Beachside massage services and plenty of space for relaxation make this an ideal spot for families, couples, or older solo travellers, while younger singles might prefer Chaweng’s livelier atmosphere.
The southern end of Lamai features one of Samui’s most visited attractions – the unique rock formations of Hin Ta and Hin Yai (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks). These naturally occurring formations, known for their distinctive shapes resembling male and female genitalia, have become one of the island’s most photographed landmarks.
Tip: If you’re in ‘culture mode’, Wat Khunaram is a short drive away, a temple notable for housing a mummified monk. The temple offers an authentic glimpse into Thai Buddhist culture and makes an interesting morning or late afternoon excursion.
Taling Ngam Beach
Location: Southwest coast
Best for: Sunset views, quiet beach days, family swimming
Located away from Samui’s busier tourist areas, Taling Ngam offers a peaceful alternative on the island’s western shoreline. This quieter stretch of coast provides an authentic glimpse of island life away from the main tourist zones.
The beach features soft sand and a small reef perfect for snorkelling. The shallow, calm waters make it a great choice for families with young children. The west-facing location offers some of Samui’s most spectacular sunset views, with the sky often turning dramatic shades of orange and pink.
Tip: The nearby Coconut Museum provides an interesting look at Samui’s traditional industry. The museum, showcasing the island’s famous export, makes an educational stop on the way to or from the beach.
Lipa Noi Beach
Location: West coast, north of Taling Ngam
Best for: Family swimming, quiet beach days, local food
Stretching for 3 kilometres along Samui’s western shore, Lipa Noi stands out for its family-friendly features. The beach’s gradual slope and absence of rocks or reefs creates ideal swimming conditions, particularly for families with young children.
The beach stretches out for 3 kilometers, and you will be able to find a nice quiet spot along the white sand to relax as the kids play in the sun.
Hin Lad Waterfall lies just a few kilometres inland, offering a refreshing escape from the beach. The well-maintained path through the jungle leads to the waterfall, making it an easy side trip for families. The shaded route provides welcome relief from the midday sun.
We often pop up to Nathon town for lunch – it’s Samui’s main town and sits just north of Lipa Noi. The waterfront restaurants here serve some of the best local food we’ve found on the island, and prices are much more reasonable than in the tourist areas. Try to visit before 11am or after 3pm though – the midday sun can be brutal on the exposed waterfront.
Bang Po Beach
Location: Northwest coast, north of Nathon Town
Best for: Seafood dining, snorkelling, quiet beach time
We love Bang Po for its laid-back local vibe – it’s one of those beaches that reminds us of how Samui used to be. From here, you get fantastic views across to Koh Pha-Ngan, especially beautiful during sunset. It’s refreshingly quiet compared to the eastern beaches, and that’s exactly how the locals like it.
There’s decent snorkelling around the small reef here, but check the tide times – we’ve found morning usually offers the best conditions. The real reason we keep coming back to Bang Po, though, is the food. Haad Bang Po Beach restaurant is a must-try – we’v eaten at beach restaurants all over Thailand, and this one consistently ranks among our favourites.
The seafood here is about as fresh as it gets – you’ll often see the local fishing boats coming in with the day’s catch. Most restaurants still cook the traditional way, and prices are about half what you’d pay in Chaweng. Try the salt-grilled fish if it’s available – it’s a local speciality that keeps us coming back.
Ban Tai Beach
Location: Northwest coast, eastern end of Bang Po
Best for: Quiet escapes, local experience, peaceful swimming
Here’s a tip for when you really want to escape the crowds – head to Ban Tai Beach. It’s a small, quiet stretch of sand at the eastern end of Bang Po that most visitors miss completely. We stumbled across it during our early explorations of the island, and it’s remained one of our favourite quiet spots.
The views across to Koh Pha-Ngan are just as good as from Bang Po, but you’ll likely have them all to yourself. You might see this spot called Mimosa Beach on some maps – named after the small resort here.
Finding it can be tricky – we drove past it three times on our first visit! Look for the Mimosa Resort signs and follow the small road towards the water. There’s usually a few scooters parked at the entrance, which is sometimes the only clue you’re in the right place.
Maenam Beach
Location: North coast, east of Ban Tai
Best for: Long walks, affordable beachfront stays, local atmosphere
If you’re looking for that classic palm-fringed beach without Chaweng’s prices, Maenam might be exactly what you need. We often send our budget-conscious friends here – you can still find affordable beachfront hotels, and the 5-kilometre stretch of sand gives you plenty of space to spread out.
The beach has kept its local charm, with enough facilities to be comfortable but not so many that it feels overdeveloped. It’s one of the few places left on Samui where you can find genuine beachfront bungalows for under 1000 baht a night.
The area has limited accommodation options, but if you are looking for a quiet spot, then the affordable options right on the beach could be a great choice for you.
Don’t miss the viewpoint at the northern end of the beach – it’s one of our favourite sunset spots on the island. You can either take a 15-minute hike up (bring water!) or do what we usually do and zip up on a scooter. The views across the beach and out to Koh Pha-Ngan are worth the effort.
While you’re in the area, we highly recommend visiting the Samui Elephant Sanctuary. It’s one of the few genuine ethical elephant facilities on the island, and we’ve been impressed with their commitment to animal welfare every time we’ve visited.
Bophut Beach
Location: North coast, east of Maenam
Best for: Local culture, dining, shopping, sunset drinks
Want to experience another popular side of Samui? Head to Bophut. While the beach itself isn’t our top pick for swimming, the Fisherman’s Village behind is a favourite evening spot on the island.
The mix of traditional shophouses, modern cafes, and local life gives this area a character that’s completely different from Samui’s other beach towns.
On weekends the walking street market transforms the village into a feast for the senses. We usually start at the eastern end and work our way through the food stalls (the grilled prawns near the entrance are always our first stop). Even on regular evenings, the atmosphere is magical, with fairy lights strung across the old wooden buildings and the sound of waves mixing with music from the bars.
One of our favourite spots is Coco Tams – we’ve spent many evenings here enjoying their fireshow and sunset cocktails. Grab a bean bag on the deck around sunset, order a cold Chang, and watch the show – it’s about as perfect as evenings in Koh Samui get.
Thongson Beach
Location: Northeast coast, between Six Senses and Choeng Mon
Best for: Photography, quiet mornings, boutique stays
Tucked between its better-known neighbours, Thongson Beach is one of those perfect little spots that most visitors miss completely. We discovered it during our endless quest to photograph every beach on Samui, and it’s become one of our favourite morning spots.
The beach itself has good swimming conditions, though the bay is quite open so check weather conditions before heading in. During low tide, the retreating water creates stunning patterns in the sand that photographers will love.
Early morning is magical here – arrive around 6:30am and you might have the whole beach to yourself, save for a few local joggers and the occasional monk walking between temples.
Look for the small temple entrance – the beach access road is right next to it. There’s usually a few scooters parked at the entrance, which is often the only clue you’re in the right place. A few small cafes have opened recently near the beach entrance – the coffee shop run by a local family serves excellent Thai-style breakfast.
Choeng Mon Beach
Location: Northeast coast, 5 minutes from Big Buddha
Best for: Family swimming, resort facilities, relaxed dining
Choeng Mon is our go-to recommendation for families who find Chaweng too busy but still want good swimming and facilities. This white-sand bay strikes that perfect balance – it’s developed enough to have everything you need, but quiet enough to feel like you’re actually on holiday.
The swimming here is excellent, especially in the middle section of the beach where the water stays deep enough even at low tide. We’ve found the northern and southern ends get a bit rocky, but the central stretch has powder-soft sand that’s perfect for beach walks and sandcastle building.
Several of the beachfront resorts, including the Kimpton Kitalay, welcome outside guests to their beach clubs and restaurants. You’ll find everything from casual Thai beach cafes to upscale dining, and most places will let you use their sun loungers if you’re buying drinks or food.
Getting around Koh Samui Beaches
Getting between Samui’s beaches is straightforward once you understand the island’s layout. The main 52-kilometre ring road runs around the island’s perimeter, connecting all major beaches. Most destinations are within a 30-45 minute drive of each other.
Transport Options:
- Rental scooters: 200-300 baht per day (the most flexible option)
- Songthaews (shared taxis): 60-100 baht per person for short trips
- Private taxis: 400-600 baht between major beaches
- Grab app: Available in tourist areas, prices similar to taxis
Driving Tips
If you’re comfortable driving on the left side, renting a car or scooter gives you the most freedom to explore. Just remember:
- Keep an eye out for scooters when turning
- Traffic is heaviest around Chaweng and during rush hours
- The road between Lamai and Chaweng can be steep
- Watch for sudden tropical showers between May-December
Koh Samui Beaches Map
Use this map to plan your beach-hopping route around Samui. The east coast beaches (Chaweng, Lamai) are most developed, while the west coast offers quieter, more local experiences. Most visitors base themselves on the east coast and make day trips to other beaches.
Quick Distance Guide:
- Chaweng to Nathon: 45 minutes
- Chaweng to Lamai: 15 minutes
- Chaweng to Bophut: 15 minutes
- Lamai to Bophut: 25 minutes
- Bophut to Maenam: 10 minutes
Getting to Koh Samui
There are several ways to reach Samui, depending on your budget and schedule:
By Air
- Bangkok Airways operates most flights (from 4,000 baht one-way)
- Direct flights from Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Phuket
- Flight time from Bangkok: 1 hour 15 minutes
- The airport is near Chaweng and Big Buddha beaches
By Ferry
- Regular ferries from Donsak pier on the mainland (from 400 baht)
- High-speed catamarans from Koh Pha-Ngan (from 300 baht)
- Ferries also leave from Chumphon 3 hours south of Hua Hin
- Journey time from mainland: 1.5-2 hours
From the Airport
Shared minibuses run to all major beach areas (150-200 baht per person), or grab a taxi (400-700 baht depending on destination).
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