Join us as we share the best beaches on Koh Samui!
Koh Samui is a popular Thai island destination for tourists from all over the world. The island is 229 sq km and has a coastline of about 70 km.
While there are plenty of things to do on Koh Samui, beach life is probably the most popular tourist activity.
There are a variety of beaches to choose from, each with its own unique atmosphere.
The east coast is the busiest, with Chaweng and Lamai being the most popular destinations. The north coast is quieter, with Choeng Mon being a family favourite.
There are also several secluded and quiet beaches on the south and west coasts.
Whatever your preference, you will find the perfect beach on Koh Samui.
Chaweng Beach
Chaweng is the largest, most popular, and most touristy beach on Koh Samui.
It’s a long, lovely stretch of sand, about 7km from end to end, and generally speaking, it’s clean and attractive – though, as befits a place that’s so constantly busy, it can get a bit scuffed around the edges in places.
The sand here is fine and white, and the sea is almost always perfect for swimming.
As you’d expect with such a long shoreline, there are many ways to keep yourself entertained.
At the northern end, there is a tourist hubbub of hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, tattoo parlours, and souvenir shops.
In the middle section of Chaweng beach, the liveliest section, you have every conceivable option for dining and shopping, water sports or just about anything else you could imagine in a popular tourist destination.
At Chaweng’s southern extremity is a much more relaxed clutch of midrange resorts where it’s still possible to enjoy some peace and quiet.
Silver Beach
Further down the island’s east coast is Silver Beach, a popular beach for snorkeling on Koh Samui, paddle boarding and chilling out.
Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, soak up some sun on the sandy shores, or go for a walk along the beach.
If you get hungry at Silver Beach, don’t worry – plenty of restaurants and cafes are lining the beach.
Coral Cove
If you want to experience a quieter beach, head to Coral Cove. This small and secluded beach is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some of the best snorkelling on the island.
Located a little further down from Silver Beach, Coral Cove is easy to access, with parking by the beach.
The water is crystal clear with colourful fish and corals. We recommend getting there early in the morning when the sea is at its calmest for the best visibility. It’s also a good idea to wear water shoes as parts of the beach can be quite rocky.
Lamai Beach
Lamai beach is one of the most popular beaches on Koh Samui. It is 4 kilometres long and located on the island’s east coast.
The southern part of the beach is the widest and most popular with tourists, as it is here that you will find the majority of restaurants, bars and shops.
The northern part of Lamai beach is narrower and quieter, making it a more relaxing place to spend the day.
However, both parts of the beach offer stunning ocean views and provide a great place to relax and soak up the tropical atmosphere.
Maenam Beach
Maenam Beach is located on the north coast of the island of Koh Samui, about 10 minutes from Fisherman’s Village.
The beach gets its name from the Mae Nam river that flows into the Gulf of Thailand just south of the beach. Mae Nam means “mother water” in Thai, which is fitting given the crystal-clear turquoise waters here.
The sand at Maenam Beach is soft and white, and the beach itself is wide and spacious, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars in the area should you get hungry or thirsty.
Thongson Bay
If you’re looking for a hidden gem on the island of Koh Samui, look no further than Thongson Bay.
This secluded bay is located on the island’s north coast, away from the hustle and bustle of Chaweng and Lamai.
Although Thongson Bay is a bit off the beaten path, it’s worth the effort to get there. We were lucky as our Airbnb was a ten-minute walk from Thongson Bay, with our communal pool overlooking the beach.
If you are not within walking distance, renting a car or motorbike is the best way to get there.
Once you arrive at Thongson Bay, you can lounge on the beach, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can hire a kayak, paddleboard or jet ski.
While you are on the beach, you might see one of the pigs from the local beach restaurant taking a dip in the sea. If not, you can pop into the restaurant, and you’ll see them wondering about the tables.
Either way, eating at Thongson Bay Restaurant is well worth it, with a lengthy menu offering authentic Thai food alongside familiar western options.
Choeng Mon
