10 BEST KOH SAMUI BEACHES- The Ultimate Guide
The Koh Samui beaches are some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. The soft white sand lined with palm fringed trees and turquoise water are a true paradise dream. If you want to have beach clubs and bars on the beach, then head over to Chaweng beach. But for a more quiet beach with less crowds, head over to Lipa Noi beach. In this Koh Samui blog post you will find our where all the best beaches on Koh Samui are.
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Best Koh Samui tours
If you want to explore the best of Koh Samui, and eventually the surrounding islands such as Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Ang Thong Marine Park and Koh Nang Yuan, then you can find the best tours here. All of these tours include air conditioned transport with hotel pick up and drop off, certified guides and sometimes also lunch and the entrance fees. You can reserve now and pay later, with cancellation up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
- ATV Quad bike safari tour in the jungle of Koh Samui. Explore Koh Samui on an ATV quad bike on this guided tour through lush jungles and dirt roads to get your adrenaline pumping.
- Beach Yoga Class & Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Koh Samui. Start the day mindful with a yoga class on a quiet beach. After that you will visit the highlights of Samui island such as the biggest waterfall, famous rock formations and beautiful pagoda’s and viewpoints.
- Traditional Thai cooking class with market tour. Learn how to make traditional Thai food in a half-day, small group cooking class. Choose four dishes to cook and take an educational tour of Koh Samui’s local market to discover the beauty of Thai herbs, spices, and vegetables.
- Go on a 4WD wild Jungle Safari tour with lunch. Enjoy a half-day tour visiting the highlights of Koh Samui in an 4×4 army jeep and have lunch at a mountain-top restaurant with beautiful views of the island.
- Koh Samui night market, sunset view at Laem Sor Pagoda and beach dinner. This private tour starts with a visit to the night market. Then you will visit the famous rock formations and Laem Sor Pagoda for a romantic sunset. To end the evening you will have a private dinner on the beach.
- Visit an ethical elephant home on Koh Samui. During this ethical, half-day program you have the opportunity to participate and spend quality time caring for elephants while observing their natural behaviour.
- Fishing and snorkeling trip with BBQ. Embark on a fishing journey with a traditional wooden fishing boat and fish in the Gulf of Thailand. Snorkel with the marine life at a special location and enjoy an amazing barbecue out at sea.
- Go island hopping to 5 secret nearby islands on a luxury yacht. Visit the 5 secret islands nearby Koh Samui and snorkel, swim or sea kayak to explore the coastline & mangrove forests. Feed the resident deers and pigs on Koh Rap island and have a lovely lunch on board of the luxury yacht.
- Visit Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan on this day tour. Enjoy sightseeing and snorkel at Ao Muang. Swim and snorkel at Koh Nang Yuan and hike to the top of the mountain for an incredible panoramic view.
- Ang Thong Marine park day tour. Explore Ang Thong Marine park from Samui and snorkel at Koh Wao or Koh Tay Plow. Visit Emerald Lake, go kayaking and hike up Mae Koh for the breathtaking viewpoint. Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board of the boat.
- Long tail boat tour to Coral and Pig Island. Go on an island hopping adventure and discover the beautiful coral reefs. Swim amongst colorful marine life and meet the friendly pigs of Pig Island Koh Madsum.
Koh Samui weather
If you are planning to visit Koh Samui, of course you want to go in the best months with the most sunny days. The monsoon usually lasts from October through December with November as the wettest month. February and March, on the other hand, are the sunniest months. January is (statistically) the coolest month and April the hottest time of the year. Broadly you can travel to Koh Samui from January until October to have the best chance on a sunny vacation.
Where to stay in Koh Samui
This depends on what you are looking for and what your budget is considering the Samui hotels or beach resort you can choose. If you’re looking for entertainment and nightlife you have to stay around the Chaweng area. But if you’re more into relaxing and quiet beaches, then book your accommodation around the more in the south or around Maenam beach area as it’s much quieter.
How to get to Koh Samui
There are several options to get to Koh Samui. Since this is the only island on the east coast that has an airport, it is the most convenient but also expensive way to get to Koh Samui. You can also come by boat (and bus) from the mainland of Thailand via Surat Thani and Krabi.
How to get around on Koh Samui
The best way to get around the island is by renting a scooter. If you have an international drivers license (which is very important if you don’t want to pay a fine when you get stopped by the police) and you download the map of Koh Samui offline on your phone, you’re ready to go! Always wear a helmet for your own safety, but police can also do checkpoints and you will get a fine if you’re not wearing a helmet.
10 BEST KOH SAMUI BEACHES
Maenam beach for quiet times
If you want to unwind and relax in an environment with no other people around, then head over to Maenam beach. In the North part of the island, you will find this piece of paradise which you don’t have to share with hundreds of other people. It was on our favorite beaches on Koh Samui. And with a lot of new resorts popping up in this area, it might be over with the peace and quiet in just a few years… There are no sun-beds or umbrellas for rent, and there is not a lot of shade on the beach. So if you need shade, you have to put on a hat or have your own umbrella.
Read here our complete guide to Maenam beach
Silver beach
If you drive further south after you’ve passed Chaweng, you’re getting close to Silver beach. Tucked away in a bay with crystal clear water and kind of hidden behind a resort, you will find this beautiful beach. Surrounded by rocks and private sandy areas, this beach offers a chilled atmosphere and is certainly one of the best beaches in Koh Samui. There is a restaurant where you can order drinks and food or just sit back and relax for a while. There are no sun-beds or umbrellas for rent, but you can lay under a big tree which gives enough shade on a hot and sunny day. For another tranquil Koh Samui beach, head over to Coral Cove beach which is next to Silver beach located in another small bay.
Read the complete guide to Silver beach here
Chaweng Noi beach with the softest sand
Chaweng is without a doubt the most popular beach on Koh Samui. It’s situated right in the middle of the most touristy part of the island with lots of resorts in the close area. In peak season this beach gets really busy as it’s so easily accessible. But that doesn’t stop this beach from being beautiful! The white sand is so soft and you have all the luxury of beach bars and clubs nearby you. Head as far north as possible on this beach for the most beautiful part!
Bophut beach & Fishermans village
Bophut beach is situated on the north part of the island and offers a pleasant mix of a beautiful white sand beach with good swimming possibilities, luxury resorts and nightlife fun at Fisherman’ Village. Especially on Monday and Friday when the night market is held. But also on the beach are many possibilities to buy some food and fruit at small fruit stalls made from boats situated on the beach. If you like watersports, there are lots of options on this beach. You can rent a jetski, kano or windsurf board.
Read more about Bophut beach here and about Fishermans Village here.
Lamai beach
Lamai beach Koh Samui is a stunning white sand beach situated on the South East coast of the island. With lots of bars and restaurants, you’ll have plenty of choice on where and what to eat for lunch and dinner. The amazing powdery white sand and turquoise waters are the perfect combinations for a relaxing day. Read here our complete guide to Lamai beach.
Within the area of Lamai beach you can also explore Overlap Stone Viewpoint and Hin Ta & Hin Yai rocks.
Lipa Noi beach for a great sunset
A kind of hidden spot as access to this beach is not that easy and obvious. Once you arrive at the beach, you will understand why this is the best place for people who are looking for privacy and a great sunset. There are some abandoned houses, fisherman’s boats, but there is no more than that. There are no food stalls around, so if you want to spend some time at this beach, take your own beers and drinks with you. And of course don’t leave the trash on the beach but take it with you 
Read here the complete guide for Lipa Noi beach.
Ban Tai beach
Ban Tai beach is often said one of the more secluded and secret beaches in Koh Samui. But located on the north part of the island and close to Maenam village and Maenam beach, there are still plenty of shops and restaurants close by. The 2 kilometre long Ban Tai beach is a beautiful soft white sandy beach with overhanging palmtrees, giving the perfect paradise feel. The water is calm en perfect to take a dip in. Ban Tai beach is the perfect spot for families and peace seekers for the quiet surroundings and calm water.
Choeng Mon beach
This beach is a tucked away on the North East side of Koh Samui and has everything you need for a relaxing day at the beach. The white sand is super soft and the beach itself is not very busy. Although there is everything for your convenience. Sunbeds, a shopping street on 10 seconds walking from the beach, restaurants. It’s together with Tonsay and Thongson Bay the perfect getaway if you’re staying on the North East side of Koh Samui.
Thongson bay
The beach in Thongson Bay is covered with grey fine sand with an addition of small pebbles and seashell dust. It is not too wide, especially at high tide. On both its ends the shore and the bottom are covered with little stones. To get to Thongson Bay, follow the signs directing to Thongson Bay Bungalows and follow the winding road that goes around the walls of a spa-hotel called ‘Melati’. After that sand replaces pavement, and the way goes on through a grove of coconut palm trees. Out of all the beach entertainments, only kayaks can be found on Thongson Beach. So if you want more entertainment and choice of restaurants, you need to go to Chaweng or Bophut beach.
Taling Ngam beach
Located in the South West of Koh Samui, Taling Ngam beach is Samui’s third longest and narrowest beach. It is considered being one of the most beautiful beaches of Koh Samui, so I guess you should check it out to see for yourself! This part of Koh Samui is also considered as ‘paradise corner’ with fewer tourists and wilder nature. The Taling Ngam beach faces west, so it’s also a great place to watch the sunset. It offers a beautiful view of the Ang Thong National Marine Park and Five Islands, making it one of the most attractive areas of Koh Samui. Sharp stones, pieces of dead corals and hordes of diverse sea creatures makes you want to wear water shoes or flipflops on this beach. Especially when you enter the sea where you might have sea urchins, so be careful! Because there are no restaurants or food stalls around, you need to take your own food and drinks with you while relaxing on this beach.
More Koh Samui travel inspiration
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog post about the best beaches in Koh Samui. Besides relaxing on the beautiful Koh Samui beaches, there is much more to do on the island. But you can also explore the surrounding islands like the Anthong marine national park or go to Koh Phangan for the beautiful nature, Koh Phangan hikes or the monthly full moon party!
The smallest island of the three Thai islands in this area is Koh Tao which is some of the best and cheapest places on earth to learn diving!
Read more about Koh Samui and all the best things to do in our other blog posts:
