Koh Samui’s beaches attract travelers with clear emerald waters, soft sandy slopes and a thick curtain of palm trees. Koh Samui is one of the best islands in Thailand for relaxing holidays, enjoying the sun and the sea. Here you can meet sunrises and sunsets. However, on two beaches you can see either the sunrise or the sunset (Maenam and Bophut beaches).
Koh Samui: General information
Koh Samui is an island with a unique nature. It is located in the calm Gulf of Thailand in the south of Thailand. The hot, humid climate is very different from the rest of the state. The rainy season is practically not pronounced here. Most of the precipitation falls from early September to mid-December. Tropical rain can fall for several days without stopping.
There is never a tsunami on the island. The current strength is small. The sea is absolutely safe during the day, but it is not recommended to swim in the dark or during thunderstorms.
The seasons on Koh Samui, as well as on the nearest islands, do not coincide with other resort areas of the Kingdom of Thailand. The tourist season lasts all year round, the difference is only in the number of tourists. The only thing that can spoil the impression of a holiday in Koh Samui is strong and long tides. But on all the beaches of the island, they do not appear the same.
The period from the beginning of winter to May is considered the best for a beach holiday. To fully enjoy your stay in Koh Samui, you need to know:
- what are the most beautiful beaches on Koh Samui?;
- where are the most popular Koh Samui beaches, and where is the best place to swim?;
- places to relax with children;
- where to rent cheap housing.
We will try to give a detailed description of Koh Samui beaches with photos, answer these and other questions, and tell you about the best beaches in Koh Samui and their hotels. To make it easier to navigate, see the beaches of Koh Samui on the map of the island.
Koh Samui’s best beaches are located in the northern and eastern parts of the island. They are similar to each other. In the south-western regions, there are also interesting picturesque places, but they are less developed infrastructure.
Silver Beach, or Crystal Beach
A picturesque corner in a cozy bay, located between Lamai and Chaweng. Its length is approximately 300 meters. The sand is velvety, snow-white, the sea is clear, quite shallow, there are no waves. To swim, you need to move 100 meters away from the shore. There is, however, a small minus-the bottom is covered with corals, a lot of sharp stones.
You can get here through the Silver Resort hotel — admission is free. Hotels of various grades and numerous shops are located nearby. Despite the minor drawbacks, it is quite crowded. The nature around the beach is just made for photo shoots.
Where to stay?
The Crystal Bay Yacht Club resort is located 50 m from the beach. Guests are invited to stay in one of the comfortable villas located in the shade of palm trees and greenery. On the territory of the complex there are swimming pools, restaurant, parking. Customers can use Wi-Fi. The rooms are spacious, clean and comfortable. Price for a double room is $ 51-79 depending on the season (breakfast included).
Another famous hotel, Promtsuk Buri, is a 2-minute walk from the sea. The modern bungalows are surrounded by a tropical garden. The hotel complex is located in a cozy and quiet place. It offers a restaurant, bar, Parking, Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included. Hotel guests rated it 9.0 points out of 10. The price for accommodation is 59-115 USD.
Maenam Beach
It stretches along the northern coast for five kilometers. It occupies the third position in terms of size among all the beaches of the island and is best suited for a family holiday. Beautiful, clean with a convenient entrance to the sea. The bottom is smooth, without rocks. In winter, there are almost no waves on Manayem, children can swim here safely. The beach is covered with coarse yellow sand and planted with palm trees, which give a lot of shade. This is another plus, giving kids extra space, instead of a small patch of shade under the umbrella.
Already five meters from the shore, the depth is good for swimming. The disadvantage is that the water can be cloudy and there is practically no beach entertainment. Sun beds are provided only for hotel guests. But if you order a cocktail in any of the bars, they give you a chaise longue for free.
This place has a well-developed infrastructure, but lovers of nightlife will not like it here. At nightfall, life freezes, except for a few bars. Nearby points of interest include markets and supermarkets. Long-term rentals can be arranged profitably in the surrounding area.
Beachside hotels
Saree Samui Hotel offers excellent rooms. On the territory of the complex there are swimming pools, a spa, a restaurant with tables on the shore, a bar, parking and Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy free use of sun loungers. There are no noisy discos nearby. This is a good place to relax.
Saree Samui has earned guests a rating of 8.9.10. Prices for a double room start at $159.
Another great place for a relaxing holiday is Khwan Beach Resort. The complex has a communal swimming pool, as well as small private pools in individual villas. This Koh Samui beach hotel features a glamping area and an art gallery. Of course, guests can take advantage of standard Thai spa services, order a continental breakfast or a la carte dishes in the room. The cost of a night’s stay is $ 138-184.
Bo Phut Beachh
Bo Phut Beach is located in the north of Koh Samui, east of Maenam Beach. Its length is about 4.5 km, and its width is from 2 to 15-20 meters, depending on the location.
Pesokna Bo Phut is large and clean. You can always find a place in the shade under the palm trees, as this beach is not crowded. The entrance to the water is smooth, the waves are small. There is only one serious “but”. This Koh Samui beach has a lot of algae and in most of it the muddy bottom begins in 2-3 meters, and the water is cloudy. So you won’t see many swimmers.
At the same time, you can have fun here in a different way: ride jet skis, sunbathe, drink a cocktail or coffee in a cafe. Along the beach there are a large number of bars, restaurants, eateries, thanks to which, Bo Phut Beach on Koh Samui is a lively place both in the daytime and in the evening. Particularly popular is the Fisherman’s Village, one of Koh Samui’s must-see destinations.
Many travelers choose hotels with a swimming pool on Bo Phut so that they can swim and enjoy the sea views in the shade on the beach. In the evening, there is an active life on the tourist street.
Choeng Mon Beach
A small beach, 1 km long and 10-15 m wide, is located in the north-east of the island. It is safe to swim here-it is shallow, there are practically no pricking stones, algae, high waves. It belongs to the category of family, and people come here with children. The coast is covered with grayish sand — so fine that when wet, it becomes like a liquid mush.
The beach is planted with trees that provide natural shade. Guests can also use a sun lounger and a plastic table for rent. The central part of the coast attracts a good entry into the sea, but the rest of the sites can not boast of these. Fragments of coral and rocks create discomfort and interfere with swimming. In order for an adult to swim, you need to move away from the shore by 40 m or more. But children here expanse-shallow water and enough space for frisky children’s games near the water.
Chon Mon has a well-developed infrastructure. Jet skis and kayaks are available for rent, volleyball courts are set up, there are many massage parlors and cafes, shops and markets. On the shore, they offer relatively inexpensive rental of a house or relax in luxury apartments.
What to see on your own in Koh Samui
Where to stay?
SALA Samui Choengmon Resort features a private beach area on Chong Mon. There are 2 swimming pools on site. The room has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Guests are welcomed by friendly and attentive staff. Vacationers staying at this hotel have the opportunity to use free Parking and Wi-Fi, access to the fitness and spa center. The price for a villa is $ 186-394 (breakfast included).
Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui offers options in the same price range. The rooms are located by the sea in the shade of a tropical garden. Free parking and Wi-Fi are available. The hotel has its own private beach with a length of 200 m, where customers are provided with everything they need. If desired, you can take baths with herbs in the SPA-salon or go to the gym for a workout. The price of a double suite is $ 184-260.
Chaweng Beach
A huge beach with a length of about 6 km with numerous hotels is one of the most well-equipped resort areas. It is visually divided into 3 parts.
The sea here is shallow, and there are always a lot of children swimming in it. Beach life is rich in various types of entertainment, bars and supermarkets, it does not subside even at night.
Chaweng Noi Beach
Its length is 1 km. The coast is characterized by fine sand, which is easy to clean, clear water and pleasant small waves. To the left there is a small reef where you can watch striped fish.
The beach is littered with expensive hotels, massage parlors work. Hotel complexes offer their guests free sun beds. They can be used by anyone who wants. You will only need to order a drink at the bar.
Coral Cove Beach
A romantic, secluded place where you can relax comfortably all year round. The coastline is small, only 130 meters. Coral Cove is surrounded on both sides by rocky cliffs. The water here is slightly cooler than on other beaches. In windy weather, high waves rise. It is good for adults to swim here — 5-7 meters from the shore is already quite deep.
The sand on the Coral is golden and coarse. On hot days, it is almost impossible to step on it barefoot — it is very hot. The sandy, clean bottom is covered with small pebbles that are pleasant to walk on. On the beach, people enjoy the light fresh breeze, the sound of the surf and the silence. On the shore there is only one cafe where you can enjoy cheap local cuisine.
Bang Po Beach
Bang Po is located in the north of Koh Samui, stretching in length for 3 km. Its width is the same everywhere — about 20 m. Bang Po is covered with coarse yellow sand, but the entrance to the water is not always pleasant — the bottom is littered with stones, and in some places it is covered with silt. You have to swim in special shoes and cover a distance of more than 50 meters on foot so that the water rises to waist level. Here it is good to swim with small children, preferably in the morning, before low tide. There are almost no waves, except on windy days, which is quite rare.
Only hotel customers can use the sun loungers. Beach umbrellas and sun loungers are not available for rent. However, thanks to the numerous palm trees and deciduous trees, it is quite possible to do without awnings, sunbathing on a straw mat.
The infrastructure is poorly developed, there are no entertainment and other services that abound on other beaches. There are only minimarkets, cafes and restaurants nearby. The nearest hypermarket can be reached in 15 minutes by car. But there are plenty of hotels and bungalows here — you can easily choose housing according to your financial capabilities and preferences.
Lipa Noi Beach
It belongs to the category of wild and deserted beaches that will appeal to lovers of peace and solitude. Its length is just over 4 km. On the shore there is fine grayish sand with many shells. The bottom is flat, sandy, sometimes with a silty coating. Swimming for an adult is not very convenient — you need to move about 100 m away from the shore to swim. In the evening, locals gather on the shore with whole families with a bunch of children.
Sun umbrellas are not needed here — there is enough shade from palm trees, which are whole thickets here. Sun loungers can be rented at any hotel. Entertainment options include jet skis and kayaks for rent, bars and a club. A few expensive hotels and villas make the beach special. It is located away from the bustling life and will delight those who want to relax from the hustle and bustle of the city. Lipa Noi is the perfect place for evening walks.
Lamai Beach
It is located on the eastern part of Koh Samui. Its length is about 4 kilometers. Many people call it the best beach, where it is pleasant to swim with the whole family. It has all the necessary infrastructure, numerous entertainment options for all ages, and you can go for a ride on water transport.
Lamai is often windy with high waves. The sand is not as white as on the neighboring beaches. Prices are relatively low. Winterers often stop here. Nearby there is a market, shops, various food establishments and discos.
If you are planning a stay on Koh Samui in Thailand, it is advisable to study the features of the beaches in advance, so that you will not be disappointed later. Koh Samui’s beaches are different in terms of infrastructure development, but all are clean, well-groomed and beautiful. We hope that a detailed description and photos of Koh Samui beaches will help you decide on a hotel and a suitable holiday destination for you.
