Ban Tai Beach
Ban Tai Beach is a 2-km-long strip of pristine white sand located between Bang Por and Maenam beaches on the Northern coast. With it's majestic sunsets and views to Koh Phangan and Ang Thong National Marine Park it's hard to match. It is often mistakenly called Bang Por from which is only separated by a tiny rocky cape. Facing north, this beach is a haven of tranquillity. Apart from the few hotels settled near or on the beach, you can find cool independent beach bars and restaurants on Ban Tai beach.
Laem Yai Beach
Laem Yai is the northwestern tip of Koh Samui that features a lovely 200-metre protected cove facing north. Laem means cape in Thai, and Laem Yai forms the top-left corner of the island when seen on a map. It’s situated right between Bang Por and Nathon Town. Laem Yai is beachfront of the Four Seasons Resort. The area just south of Laem Yai is still considered part of Laem Yai and is also very peaceful. It hosts a few hotels as well as beachfront restaurants in a very large coconut grove.
Bang Por Beach
Bang Por beach sits right between the Gulf of Thailand and the thick tropical rain forest, offering an almost hidden stretch of soft white sand for those looking to relax. At almost 11-km-long, this is Koh Samui's longest shoreline, but since it's located on the northwest coast (away from the main areas), it doesn't receive as many tourists. If you're looking for a quieter destination with great prices and local food, this is the place.
Compared to other beaches on the island, Bang Por has seen little development. Local fishermen still visit the bay, and the food choices around are more of the local, simple variety set in thatch-roof shacks. Plus, majestic sunsets and the splendid view of Ko Phanagn across the water makes it hard to match.
Maenam Beach
Maenam is a peaceful beach with excellent views of Koh Phangan. Many of its resorts are located at the end of long, rambling pathways, affording a degree of privacy unavailable elsewhere. Maenam beach is almost 7-km-long, so most people stick to one area rather than trying to explore the whole length of it. Head towards the end of it in either direction, and you'll find a lot more privacy. Any area you end up in, however, you'll find very little hustle and bustle on Maenam Beach.
Bophut Beach
Bophut is really 2 places: Bophut Beach, which sweeps down several kilometres between Bangrak and Maenam beaches, and the charming Fisherman’s Village. The latter is perhaps one of the oldest places on the island and takes up the eastern section of the beach. It has a reputation that stretches way beyond Samui for being the most elegant and well-preserved place on the island. Bophut Beach itself is a 3-km-long strip lined with resorts for all budget levels. You can enjoy a great view of Koh Phangan, located some 12 km north of the beach.
Thongson Bay & Samrong Beach
Samrong Beach and Thongson Bay are the northernmost destinations in Koh Samui. Lying side by side on the small cape between Bangrak and Choeng Mon beaches, they offer splendid views of Koh Phangan.
Thongson Bay is a sort of well-kept secret among visitors – the kind of beach where you might end up almost on your own if you arrive early enough. Because the area is underdeveloped, it remains away from all the hustle and bustle but still offers the basic amenities so you can rent a sun lounger, grab a quick bite to eat, or find a kayak to take on the calm waters.
These 2 coves are simply beautiful. They offer crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and the feeling like you have your very own private beach.
Choeng Mon Beach
Despite its small size and proximity to other beaches, Choeng Mon is uniquely beautiful. Hidden away in its own bay with stunning views over the crystal blue ocean, the beach offers a sense of privacy and attracts mainly families and those looking for peace and quiet.
At the farther end of the beach, you'll find the islet of Ko Fan Noi. During low tide, you can actually walk to the island – otherwise, you can rent a kayak to get there or circle it before heading back to your sun lounger on the main beach.
Chaweng Beach
Chaweng Beach is a popular stretch of powdery white sand in Koh Samui. The wide bay is the focal point for the development of the island's tourism industry. Its majestic 7-km-long crescent of shoreline is bordered by rocky headlands on either end, with an offshore reef and the tiny island of Koh Matlam to the north.
Although Chaweng Beach is 7-km-long, its high popularity means it's often crowded and rarely quiet. If you have your heart set on visiting Chaweng Beach but want some peace and quiet, head to the south end of the beach – most visitors congregate in the center, where the shops and restaurants are set up.
Silver Beach
Silver Beach or Crystal Bay is a 250-metre-long tropical beach paradise set in a charming little bay facing northeast of Koh Samui. Also known as Haad Thong Ta-khian the beach hosts 4 long-established hotels and restaurants, which occupy the full length of the beach.
You can still access Silver Beach for free, even if you’re not a hotel guest. Silver Beach offers a quiet escape under the swaying palm trees, and it's perfect for couples and those looking for a calmer getaway. You can always grab a motorbike taxi for a 10-minute ride to Lamai beach if you're looking for a more lively (and busier) destination.
Lamai Beach
Lamai is Koh Samui's second-largest resort town after Chaweng. Lamai Beach itself is lovely – a stunning crescent of palm-fringed powdery white sand. There's a deep central stretch of water that’s great for swimming and water sports. Large granite boulders are the landmarks of Lamai Beach – the most famous of them being Hin Ta and Hin Yai, at the southern end of the beach.
Lipa Noi Beach
Lipa Noi is a convenient choice for anyone driving to Koh Samui from the mainland. The beach has fine white sand, and there are no rocks or coral in the water. If you're looking for the perfect place on Koh Samui to catch a sunset, this is it. Not only does the sky turn into an incredible rainbow of reds and yellows as the evening arrives, but the reflection on the beach means you'll get the illusion of walking on perfect pink sands.
Lipa Noi's remoteness and the lack of entertainment also means fewer tourists and a much quieter destination if you're looking for sand and sea away from the crowds. There are a few well-spaced bungalow operations, as well as more upscale resorts. Apart from the beach and a few cool beach bars, there's little else to do in the area – its very remoteness is what makes it most attractive to many visitors.
Taling Ngam Beach
Located in the less touristy southwest corner of Koh Samui, Taling Ngam remains a mostly wild beach. This means little development, only a few hotels and restaurants opening up over the sand, and a sometimes unkept coastline – palm branches, coral pieces, and coconuts can often be found on the sand.
The ocean is shallow near the coast, but rent a kayak and find your way to deeper azure waters for great swimming, diving, or just some leisurely paddling. In the distance, you'll be able to see some of the archipelagos that make up Ang Thong National Marine Park. Taling Ngam Beach also offers some impressive sunsets,