Koh Samui Beaches Guide
Chaweng Beach / Chaweng Noi Beach
Chaweng Beach is the major beach on Koh Samui and one that has developed tremendously since the early 1990s. The smaller Chaweng Noi Beach is south of Chaweng Beach, and here it is quieter on the beach itself than on the larger Chaweng Beach.
However, there are significantly fewer beach vendors here at Chaweng Noi, and jet skis can hardly be seen, which is why you can still relax on the beach while sunbathing. An advantage for many who vacation there is that they are spared from the party noise in Chaweng. You can also find some first-class hotels here. That is why Chaweng Noi is becoming increasingly popular.
Silver Beach / Crystal Bay
Silver Beach is only 250 meters of immaculate white sand, but don’t let that deter you. It is also referred to as Haad Thong Ta-khian or “the beach of the Ta-khian trees.” This is one of the island’s top beaches in terms of quality.
A total of four hotels and eateries rise up directly over the sand and provide sun loungers, outdoor dining, and lots of umbrellas for when you need to take a break from tanning.
The beach, which is on the east side of the island, offers a number of relaxed activities like snorkeling, Thai massages right next to the waves, and sea kayak rentals. If you can, get there early to enjoy the sunrise from the sand. The bay’s emerald waters are ideal for swimming as well.
For couples and anyone seeking a more sedate break, Silver Beach offers a peaceful haven among swaying palm trees. If you want to go somewhere more exciting (and crowded), you can always take a motorbike taxi for the ten minutes it takes to get to Lamai beach.
Thongson Bay
Thongson Bay is a bit of a well-kept secret among tourists; if you go there early enough, you can find yourself nearly to yourself. You can hire a beach lounger, get a quick bite to eat, or find a kayak to paddle across the quiet waters because the area is yet undeveloped and is therefore free of the rush and bustle.
Thongson Bay, which is only half a kilometer long and is situated close to Koh Samui’s northernmost point, provides breathtaking views of Koh Phangan from across the bay’s azure seas. While the majority of the beach here is composed of fine white sand, there are some sections where coral debris can be rough on the feet, especially as you approach the ocean.
In contrast, the shallow waters near the coast are ideal for families with young children and others who are a little hesitant to swim in stronger currents.
Choeng Mon Beach
Choeng Mon is particularly lovely despite its small size and proximity to other beaches. The beach offers a sense of isolation and draws primarily families and those seeking peace and quiet. It is tucked away in its own bay with breathtaking views over the azure ocean.
The islet of Ko Fan Noi is located at the far end of the beach. You can really walk to the island when the tide is low, but otherwise, you may rent a kayak to go there or you can circle the island before returning to your sun lounger on the main beach.
One of the greatest ways to indulge in luxury when visiting Koh Samui is to stay at the 22-villa Cape Fahn Hotel, which is located on the island. For visitors seeking a private island experience while yet being close to the conveniences of the “mainland,” the island’s private beach is a fantastic advantage.
Accommodations in Choeng Mon are more pricey than those in other areas of Koh Samui. Choeng Mon is well renowned for its luxury resorts and luxurious hotels, but even affordable fan-only bungalows are more expensive here. Additionally, the beach is located just beneath the airport, so guests should prepare for daily airplane overhead noise. However, in the evenings, tiny eateries put up tables over the beach, providing breathtaking views of the starry heavens reflected in the water.
Even though the majority of visitors to this beach come to unwind, the region is renowned for its many water sports opportunities. There are snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities, PADI training programs, and boat excursions to islands with abundant coral. Wat Plai Laem and the Big Buddha, two of the island’s most well-known tourist destinations, are located in Choeng Mon.
Maenam Beach
One of Koh Samui’s most reasonably priced beaches is still Maenam. On the beach, there are many bungalows that provide plenty of lovely views without breaking the bank. Luxury resorts are still available, it’s simply that there are many options available at both ends of the spectrum.
Since Maenam beach is approximately seven kilometers long, most visitors limit their exploration to a single section. You’ll find much more privacy if you go in either direction towards the end of it. However, wherever you end yourself, you won’t find much activity in the Maenam region. Instead, you’ll find a temple, a weekly night market, and numerous possibilities to swim in or kayak around the nearby azure seas.
The golden sands of Maenam beach are home to a large number of eateries, bakeries, and cafés that are surrounded by a row of palm trees. You’ll have a ton of options here, whether you want to eat on the beach with the ocean in your view or pack a picnic to enjoy in the shade.
Maenam is regarded as Koh Samui’s Chinatown as well. You can tell this since the area is marked by a number of miniature pagodas and gateways. This provides the island a new cultural perspective. Away from the bustle of beaches farther east, the small village backing up to the beach is distinctly laid-back and has plenty of places to hang out.
Bophut Beach
Bophut is undoubtedly one of the most stunning beaches on the island, despite not being the largest. The several beachfront hotels here keep the three kilometers of sand immaculate and reasonably quiet. Bophut is a welcoming area to unwind in the sun thanks to its gentle waves, clean seas, and rows of palm trees.
Fisherman’s Village is located right in the middle of the beach. Although technically this is also a part of Bophut Beach, the area’s unique atmosphere is considerably different because it is lined up with antique Chinese shophouses. Numerous side streets along the shore are teeming with shops, night markets, and entertainment venues. The best restaurants in Koh Samui can be found in this region of the coast, which also offers the cleanest beach and stunning views of the sea toward Koh Phangan.
Fisherman’s Village is also home to Bophut’s largest diving shops, the majority of which provide tours to Koh Tao and Ang Thong Marine Park.
Lamai Beach
The second-largest beach in Samui is Lamai Beach. Lamai, which is more laid-back than Chaweng, nevertheless has a ton of things to do, only at a slower pace. Lamai is a fantastic vacation spot for those on a budget because dining, shopping, and lodging are all less expensive there.
Lamai is just as stunning even when there are fewer people around. The backdrop is picture-perfect, with soft sand, clean lakes, and hills that have a blue hue in the distance.
When you need a break from the sun, the region around Lamai beach has a ton of alternative activities to choose from. Interesting nearby temples like Wat Lamai and Wat Khunaram offer fair-like activities and festivities, religious celebrations, access to local prehistoric treasures like a 2000-year-old ceremonial drum, and even the opportunity to visit a monk’s mummified body.
Lamai Beach is a well-liked launch place for boats traveling to the adjacent dive site of Ko Tao. The Lamai viewpoint, which offers breathtaking views of the ocean, is also accessible by climbing through the rain forest.