- Updated: 17h March 2023
Koh Samui beaches often referred as the most beautiful in the Gulf of Thailand. It offers all the makings of a fantastic beach vacation, complete with sand, sea and anything under the sun.
With an area of 228.7 square kilometers, Koh Samui is the second biggest after one of Asia’s top vacation destinations, which is Phuket island in the Andaman Seas, complete with charming bays, lagoons, hills and characteristic rocky outcrops.
Besides exploring Koh Samui’s beaches, there’re also awesome things to do. Easy access to top vacation spots on the island with your rental bikes and jeeps are probably the best means of transport.
If you like a day trip to tranquil and post-card perfect beach to the nearby islands in the National Park, there are boats charters from several Koh Samui’s beach towns.
Here’s 5 awesome Koh Samui’s beaches, secluded villas and resorts, where to eat and best beach clubs and bars for your next island getaway.
- Bophut Beach
- Lamai Beach
- Silver Beach
- Chaweng Beach (North & Noi)
- Taling Ngam Beach
Also View
1. Bophut Beach
Bophut is one of the last Koh Samui beaches where you can still feel the island’s laid-back vibe. Also known as the Fisherman’s Village and famous for sunset vibes and seafood.
The 2km long strip is a quaint village on the east side of Samui where nightlife have been strongly discouraged. Most of the beach activities at night are low key in the off-season.
The crescent shape bay with sandy beach flanked by swaying coconut palms, small restaurants and beach-side bars are perfect trips for couples and family vacations.
The waters are clean and calm which is great for swimming and sun-tanning. There are certainly no pole-dancing girly bars here. Certainly a great beach vacation spot for couples to spend some quality time together.
The small beach side town is 15 minutes from the airport and takes almost the same time to travel to Chaweng beach by car or motorbike. It’s also the main pier for ferry departure to Koh Phangan.
Best Villas With Stunning Views
The Sandalwood Luxury Villas is located on a steep slope with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand. It is the perfect beach escapade for romantic couples.
Koh Samui beaches and restaurants are approximately 15 minutes drive away, so its best that you rent a vehicle or bike to get around the island. The private sun terrace at the pool villa are fantastic, cozy and clean.
If you don’t mind waiting to go visit one of the beaches in Samui, there is a shuttle service for free which can be booked at the villa’s front desk. Sandalwood Luxury Villas is ideal for visitors seeking exclusivity and the ocean views make the stay memorable.
- Address: 211/7 Moo 4, Lamai Beach, Maret 84310 Thailand
- Contact: +66 77 448 982
- Stunning View
- Website
Fun Things To Do
- Bophut is the best beach area to stay if you want to experience the fame monthly Koh Phangan Full Moon Party. Speedboats operates almost hourly making return trips easy and fast.
- At the western end of the Fisherman’s Village, you can rent jet ski which is less expensive than in Phuket.
- Try Go-carting for some fun. The track is located on the main road. Just ask any locals for direction.
- There are massage and manicure by the beach, cooking class or get a cool Tattoo at reasonable price.
Bophut beachfront restaurants
- There are several minimarkets and souvenir shops as well as a few somewhat interesting Chinese-themed restaurants.
- Small restaurants on the beach serve up affordable seafood with humongous menu.
- There are several pubs and few bakeries serving traditional European-style snacks and pub grub, as well as fine restaurants serving a wide range of French, Italian, and British cuisine.
- The Friday Walking Market in Bophut is always a hit. The strip will be lined with food, souvenirs and snacks kiosks.
2. Lamai Beach
Lamai beach is located on the east side of Samui stretching 4km with sandy shoreline and deep waters. This beach town is the preferred beach vacation for older couples.
The water is at the deepest in Lamai beach center where all the main activities are. If you love open water swimming, this is the perfect beach location for you.
Lamai is approximately 6 km of long winding, uphill and downhill ride from Chaweng beach. It’s a chill-out holiday spot to laze around and it’s super low-key as well.
Great for older visitors to just relax on the quiet beaches isolated by huge boulders and rocks. The beach is punctuated with rocky outcrops so some of the bungalows and resorts are cut off from each other.
There are a number of girly bars located along the town strip (small road), affordable restaurants, food market and shops selling clothes and souvenirs.
A handful of cafes and restaurants on the strip opens pretty early. One of those that I go for early breakfast is Will Wait Bakery & Restaurant, where you can get affordable freshly baked pastries and breakfast set.
Best Secluded Resort To Stay
Formerly named Rocky Bungalow a few decades ago, Rocky’s Boutique Resort Koh Samui under Veranda Collection has transformed into a TripAdvisor award winning boutique resort.
Flanked by a weather station and a Buddhist temple, it has one of the most secluded Koh Samui beaches. Even getting here is pretty treacherous as you have to maneuver quite a steep slope from the main road.
Although the waters are not good for swimming (full of rocks), the resort’s set-up is super idyllic and peaceful. The beachfront rooms are perfect for couples and it has an amazing beach bar on top of a boulder which linked to the landscape pool.
You can’t find a more peaceful and secluded beach in Samui than this one. Rocky’s Boutique Resort Koh Samui is a hidden gem with gorgeous scenery, excellent accommodations, wonderful service and excellent cuisine.
- Address: 438/1 Moo 1, T. Maret, Amphur Koh Samui
Suratthani 84310, Thailand - Contact: +66 77 332 888
- Facebook/verandacollection.samui
- Stunning Location
Fun Things To Do
- Take a diving course at one of those Padi license Dive School.
- Gyms are available on the strip. The most affordable gyms in Samui island.
- Visit Lamai beach walking street on Sundays for a large range of food stalls, live music and children activities.
Lamai Beach food
- Next to Lamai beach main cross-junction near McDonalds, a good choice of vendors open for business from around 4p.m.
- This is a spot to return to for meals in the evening because of the low food prices.
- There are a few non girly bars and pubs closest to the shoreline and one of my favorite is Samuirockbar.
- You can catch the sunset and mellow up while relaxing on the humongous rock formations at Hin Tai Hin Yai.
3. Silver Beach
Silver Beach is a small lagoon punctuated with boulders but wide enough to accommodate visitors who likes strolling along its fine sandy shoreline.
The sand is powdery, light and doesn’t burn your feet, which is perfect for tanning while you walk up and down the seaside. The waters are clean and it’s one of Koh Samui top beaches for swimming.
Best Beach Resort For Couples
Silver Beach Resort Koh Samui like other big beach resorts in Lamai or Chaweng which have 2 sections, near the beach and across the strip (road).
On the roadside, there are affordable fan rooms and outside the hotel, there’s a small family store offering essentials and groceries.
Facing the beach, the hotel’s beach bar has inexpensive drink package. Three small beers for 200 baht, plus discounted cocktails during happy hour.
Awesome local staffs, fantastic food and drinks made for experience. No shady Palm trees or beach umbrella on the resort’s beach, so you need to find a good spot near the pool.
- Address: 124/4 Moo 4 Tongtakien Bay, Maret 84320 Thailand
- Price Range: Economy USD$46 at Booking.com
- Free cancellation
- Excellent Location
4. Chaweng Beach
Chaweng is the most popular beach vacation in Koh Samui and are preferred by younger crowd. There are also other lovely beaches to explore which fits perfectly for all types of beach goers planning a vacation to Chaweng beach.
Chaweng beach comprises of Central, North and Noi are the heartbeat of the island for its diverse activities catering to the younger visitors with nightlife, beach entertainment and anything under the sun.
North Chaweng
North Chaweng Beach is a great location to enjoy the tons of nightlife and shopping while Central Chaweng is where all the established villas and resorts are located. A number of superb restaurants and good for swimming as well.
Chaweng Noi
Chaweng Noi is the most quietest and perfect for those looking for undisturbed tanning and spending some peaceful time with your partner. The beach is a short distance away from central Chaweng.
5. Taling Ngam Beach
Located in the southern part of Koh Samui, Taling Ngam Beach is a hidden gem in Thailand. This stunning beach is known for stunning private villas and resorts on a hillslope offering breathtaking sea view as well as the nearby islands.
A tranquil fishing village with shallow waters and muddy sea bottom, not recommended for swimming. It’s pretty small compared to other Koh Samui beaches, around just under a kilometer in length.
What you’ll discover is a secluded and uncrowded beach with spectacular sunset with a super peaceful and laid-back ambience. Along the way, there is a market and beautiful viewpoints.
There are several amenities including beach chairs and umbrellas, as well as small restaurants and cafes for you to grab a bite or a refreshing coconut drink.
Koh Samui Beach Vacation Guide
Flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui
Depending on your vacation in Thailand, there tons of ways to travel from Bangkok to Koh Samui. If you’re short on time, take a domestic flight from Bangkok directly to Koh Samui.
Cheaper Option: International tourists traveling into Bangkok can fly to mainland Surathani via Thailand’s domestic airport and catch the nearby express ferry at Donsak Pier across to Koh Samui. The sailing time is pretty fast, approximately 1 hour non-stop to Nathon Pier in Samui.
You can book online for Surathani Airport+Van+Ferry transfer package on 12go.asia which is pretty reliable for Asia travel route.
This route is popular for European tourists because of costly airfare especially on Bangkok Air (Bangkok-Koh Samui-Bangkok flight route).
What is the best time to visit Koh Samui's beaches?
The Gulf of Thailand has few primary phases. You should expect sunny weather from December to February (dry season), with little rain and breezy winds that helps to keep you cool indoors as well as outdoors.
Due to the breezy and sunny weather, sea-sports activities are great at this time. March to May, you will notice a constant rise in temperature averaging at 32°C.
June and July have beautiful sunshine with short downpours creating the perfect picture postcard scenario to hit the beaches of Koh Samui.
What is the best way to get around Koh Samui's beaches?
What I like about Koh Samui is that you can explore all the beaches on your own without getting lost. There is only a main ring road running along the coastline.
It take about 45 minutes by jeep or motorbike to complete the loop. All the inner streets, lanes and tracks leading to the beaches and resorts are displayed clearly with signboards.
Renting a jeep is the best option but ensure the vehicle is covered with insurance. Motorbike is not a good option if you consume alcohol.
In fact, you can rent a vehicle upon arrival at the ferry jetty in Nathon (Koh Samui’s principal town) and drive to your beach resort. The main ring road is pretty well-paved leading to all beaches in Samui and rental cost for vehicles are cheaper here.
