10 Best Beaches in Koh Samui: A Tropical Paradise Awaits

Bangkok Airways Round-Up

Koh Samui is renowned internationally for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, magnificent coral reefs, and well-preserved marine life just beyond the coastline. This paradise getaway in Thailand has so much to offer, whether you are a nature lover, adventure seeker, or cultural enthusiast.
A true jewel in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui sits in Surat Thani Province and boasts a vibrant natural landscape, both on land and beneath the waves, drawing explorers from around the world.

If you’re searching for the next getaway destination, look no further than Koh Samui in Thailand. The island offers a complete, rich experience in both nature and culture, ensuring your next journey will be fulfilling and memorable. To help you make the most of your trip, Bangkok Airways has curated below the top 10 pristine beaches of Koh Samui that you cannot miss.

Koh Samui: A Tropical Paradise for Beach Lovers

Koh Samui, located in Surat Thani, Southern Thailand, is renowned worldwide for its pristine beach, crystal-clear water, and well-preserved undersea nature. As the second-largest island in Thailand, following Phuket, Koh Samui captivates visitors with its breathtaking coastal beauty.

Covering approximately 236 square kilometers, Koh Samui can be easily explored within a couple of hours by a motorbike or car. Whether you are looking for relaxing retreats, kid-friendly beaches, snorkeling, or scuba diving, the island offers a wide range of activities on the beach and in the waters, making it a perfect getaway for nature explorers and adventure seekers alike.

Here’s a guide to the 10 best beaches in Koh Samui, you should definitely save for your next trip

Discover the 10 Best Beaches in Koh Samui

1. Chaweng Beach

No wonder Chaweng Beach has earned its reputation as a hotspot for beach lovers and partygoers. This 6-kilometer-long beach, nestled on the eastern coast of Koh Samui island, consists of 4 main parts: North Chaweng, Central Chaweng, South Chaweng, and Little Chaweng, also known as Chaweng Noi, located at the southernmost point of the beach.

Widely regarded as the most beautiful beach on Koh Samui, Chaweng Beach is a top attraction for travelers from around the world. From dusk until dawn, it offers extreme watersport activities such as jet skiing and parasailing, self-care retreats like yoga and spa, cooking classes, and vibrant nightlife spots.

With its great location, Chaweng Beach is easy to access and just 10 minutes away from the heart of the island. With its white sand set against the backdrop of crystal-clear sea and deep blue sky, the beach is lined with a variety of hotels, restaurants, bars, massage shops, and even Thai cooking schools.

Explore more about Chaweng Beach and its exciting activities: Chaweng Beach: Experience the Best of Your Koh Samui Adventure

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cVVASCUVMqEoXbrD8

2. Lamai Beach

Get ready to immerse yourself in serene nature. If you continue to travel further down to the south, about 11 kilometers from Chaweng Beach, you will find Lamai Beach, the second most popular beach in Koh Samui. It is known for its spectacular scenery, including various rock formations, Lamai Viewpoint, and panoramic sunset views.

This 4-kilometer-long beach offers a slightly calmer and more secluded atmosphere. Take a walk on ivory-white sands under the shade of coconut trees along the shore, and you will find Hin Ta Hin Yai (Grandpa and Grandma rocks), one of Koh Samui’s most iconic natural landmarks.

For an added adventure, hike to Lamai Viewpoint, a short 10-minute trek through the lush green mountains, and explore the tropical forest of Koh Samui. At this viewpoint, don’t miss the chance to try the 450-meter-long zipline for a thrilling bird’s-eye view of the island.

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8iGnNMCqLpQRL8mr8

3. Silver Beach

Escape the bustling beaches and recharge at Silver Beach, also known as Crystal Bay, renowned for its well-preserved environment. Situated between Koh Samui’s two most popular beaches, Chaweng and Lamai Beach, Silver Beach is about 9 kilometers away from Chaweng Beach and 3.5 kilometers from Lamai Beach.

This 250-meter-long beach has its unique charm in secluded surroundings and pristine nature, including ivory-white sand, shallow crystal-clear water, and long lines of shade from coconut trees.

Absolutely, this is the perfect retreat for families, couples, and friends seeking a peaceful beach escape. Located on the eastern coast of Koh Samui, this beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, strolling, and simply enjoying serene nature.

Discover more about the charms of Silver Beach and its thrilling activities: Silver Beach Koh Samui: A Seaside Paradise for Ultimate Relaxation

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8WZUhVHnP5usoBT99

4. Bophut Beach

Explore the rich local cultures at Bophut Beach, located in the northeast of Koh Samui. This beach has a historical charm as the renowned Fisherman’s Village with well-preserved wooden Chinese commercial houses along the beach.

The 2-kilometer crescent beach is famous for its Fisherman’s Village Night Market, held every Friday from 5.30 pm to 10.30 pm. Enjoy endless culinary options, whether you are craving authentic Thai flavors, international dishes from renowned restaurants, or quick takeaway street food from local vendors. Travelers can savor tasty dishes with extremely fresh seafood, harvested daily from the local waters at this market.

If the night is still young, Bophut Beach is a perfect spot for bar hoppers, with a variety of chilling bars and vibrant clubs available here.

For shopping lovers, Bophut Beach offers various local souvenirs, handcrafted goods, and stylish clothing to explore and bring home for your loved ones. Undeniably, this beach is a paradise on earth for foodies and shopaholics alike.

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CH7Unse7Fb3peDWM9

5. Maenam Beach

Ease your mind and connect with the local culture and people at Maenam Beach. This beach is well-known for its turquoise water with 5 kilometers of ivory-white shoreline. Situated to the north close to Bophut ฺBeach, Maenam Beach is one of the most picturesque spots on Koh Samui.

Travelers can enjoy the panoramic view of the Gulf of Thailand with a glimpse of the neighboring island, Koh Phangan. It also offers an authentic local lifestyle with a fishing village nearby.

Perfect for all groups of travelers from families, friends, and lovers, Maenam Beach offers various activities both in and out of water. The vast area of the smooth-sand beach allows explorers to picnic, stroll, and sunbathe. Those who are passionate about crystal-clear water can snorkel to explore the magnificent coral reef or rent a kayak and a stand-up paddleboard to enjoy the pristine nature.

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NpJFZJTKNCWQLogj7

6. Choeng Mon Beach

Choeng Mon is a 700-meter-long beach located on the northeastern coast of Koh Samui. This beach is relatively more secluded and peaceful than other major ones like Chaweng and Lamai. Choeng Mon offers calm, shallow water and white sand with plenty of shade from lush green trees.

For beach lovers, this is a perfect spot for swimming, picnicking, or paddleboarding. For adventure seekers, the well-preserved coral reef in this area is unmatched. Choeng Mon is, needless to say, a tropical haven for all groups of travelers seeking a peaceful retreat on the beach.

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dq3kBqMGWBD9sexz7

7. Lipa Noi Beach

Lipa Noi Beach is on the west side of Koh Samui, about 26 kilometers away from the bustling area of Chaweng Beach. This 4.5-kilometer-long beach boasts a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. The crystal-clear and shallow water of this beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The smooth white sand with shades of coconut palms allows travelers to lie down, loosen up, and breathe in the fresh and warm tropical weather.

Perfect for families, friends, and travelers with small children, Lipa Noi offers a less-crowded beach to enjoy the authentic atmosphere of the island. For the sun chaser, this beach is also one of the scenic spots to appreciate the sunset sky with hues of pink, orange, and gold.

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yRVSiASxL82XwveC8

8. Bang Po Beach

Bang Po Beach is one of those hidden paradises on Koh Samui with a pristine beach and emerald water. Located in the northernmost part of the island, it is approximately 17 kilometers away from the downtown area of Chaweng Beach, offering a serene environment with fewer tourists and more local communities.

For adventurers, there is a hiking route nearby where travelers can walk through tropical greenery to a breathtaking ocean viewpoint, offering stunning panoramic views of Koh Samui from above.

This 4-kilometer-long beach features a variety of local restaurants, cafes, and bars where travelers can enjoy the authentic taste of Thai food. Travelers can also find many wellness centers and massage and spa retreats along the beach, perfect for unwinding your body and soul from all worries.

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GKMAJjJZtKNci2xk6

9. Taling Ngam Beach

Taling Ngam Beach offers a tranquil and secluded atmosphere with less touristy surroundings. Located on the west side of Koh Samui, this beach features crystal-clear water and white sand with lush green plants along the coastline, making it an ideal spot for sunset walks.

One of its most charming features is a signature romantic nature walkway along the beach with white stepping stones and a stunning beachfront view. Sunset watchers are highly recommended to visit Taling Ngam Beach to enjoy the shades of orange and pink sky over the glistening sea with views of small islands on the horizon.

Location:https://maps.app.goo.gl/VXdbqE2Eqb3vLrMp7

10. Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park

Mu Ko Ang Thong is the national park nestled to the east of Koh Samui, consisting of 40 small islands that stretch across 102 square kilometers. This breathtaking archipelago is well-known globally for its well-preserved nature and pristine beach. Because of its stunning scenery, Mu Ko Ang Thong has its name for a purpose because “Ang Thong,” in Thai, means “Golden Basin.”

The island is approximately 20 kilometers away from Koh Samui, making it the perfect getaway for a 1-day trip to explore emerald waters and white sandy beaches. For unforgettable snorkeling and scuba diving experiences, nature explorers are highly recommended to visit these scenic diving spots, including Koh Sam Sao, Koh Thai Phlo, and Koh Wua Kan Tang. Other exciting water sports activities like kayaking and paddleboarding are also highly recommended here.

For those seeking adventure on land, don’t miss the chance to visit Ko Wua Ta Lab, the center island of Mu Ko Ang Thong. This unmissable gem features 400-meter-long scenic trails to the Pha Jun Jara’s viewpoint offering a bird’s-eye view of surrounding islands, dense greenery, and the endless deep blue sea from above.

Another must-visit spot is Koh Mae Ko, a small island famous for its well-preserved emerald lagoon embraced with high cliffs and vibrant tropical forest. Travelers can hike up to the observation point to appreciate the stunning view of the pristine nature here.

Before planning your visit, be sure to check the opening period, as the national park has seasonal closures to allow the ecosystem to thrive.

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3aTPQz6kezwDWBhz7

Best time to visit Koh Samui: A Seasonal Travel Guide

December – February (Peak season)

This is the perfect time for a trip to Koh Samui, as this season promises you pleasant weather with sunshine, clear blue sky, and shimmering waves. The temperature is expected to be around 25-30°C, making it perfect to enjoy both land and water activities.

March – May (Hot Season)

During this season, travelers can expect higher temperatures at Koh Samui ranging from 26 to 35°C, so make sure to bring sunscreen and UV protect outfits. This period is also a fantastic time to explore the Songkran Festival, Thailand’s famous New Year celebration, held from April 13 to 15.

June – November (Low season)

Travelers during this period can expect a cooling breeze and rainy season with temperatures varying from 24 to 30°C. This charming period is ideal for exploring the vibrant green nature of Koh Samui, including waterfalls, tropical forests, scenic viewpoints, and hiking trails.

Explore more details of the seasonal travel guide to Koh Samui: The Best Time to Visit Koh Samui: A Detailed Weather Guide

Explore More Travel Destinations in Koh Samui, Thailand

Explore 10 best beaches in Koh Samui: Travel with Bangkok Airways

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore a tropical paradise in Thailand. Sunbathe on the best beaches in Koh Samui, dive into the crystal-clear waters, explore vibrant marine life, immerse yourself in local culture with the islanders, and witness breathtaking sunsets over the horizon. Bangkok Airways makes your trip to Koh Samui easy and convenient with comprehensive premium services, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable journey.

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