All the beaches of Koh Samui and the best beaches of the island - a description from personal experience

Beach reviews Phuket, Samui, Phangan, Pattaya, Koh Chang, Krabi, Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Hua hin have already been written, now it's Samui's turn. Everything is also traditionally detailed with full descriptions and first-hand photographs, so to speak. If any of your friends are going to Thailand, do not forget to link to my blog :)

The beaches of Koh Samui are listed clockwise, starting with the one where we lived at the very beginning - Bang Po. And in order to better navigate where and what is located on Koh Samui, look at the map of the beaches at the end of the post, there you can click on a point on the map and follow the links to a detailed description with photos. Below is a description of ALL the beaches of Koh Samui (34 pieces).

The content of the article

List of the best beaches in Koh Samui

The best beaches for long-term stays in my opinion: Maenam, Chong Mon, Lamai. There is a good combination of tranquility, infrastructure and the beach itself. Suitable with reservations Bang Tai and Bang Po, since the sea is not enough for an amateur and infrastructure. And so, in general, the entire northern strip and the entire eastern strip are suitable for swimming and living, in fact, this is where everyone stops. Infrastructure is most in the Chaweng and Bo Phut areas, including hypermarkets there too..

From the point of view of coming on vacation or on vacation - I would not go far from the airport and stop at Lamae or Chaweng (including Chaweng Noi), in the extreme case on Bo Phute. The latter somehow did not sink into my soul at all. It is better to go to Maenam then, but in this case you will have to travel somewhere periodically, since there is not much to be found on Maenam. Lamai and Chaweng are the best beaches on the island, there are bulk services, and there is also a large supermarket on Lamai (Tesco). That is, I would choose Lamai for almost all scenarios.

I can also advise for those who want to live in the epicenter of civilization (bars, cafes, shopping center, nightlife) - Chaweng and specifically the center of Chaweng. Then everything will be within walking distance. But you need to understand that Samui is far from Pattaya, therefore «epicenter» there is an island scale.

Hotel for vacation or while looking for a house, you can book through RoomGuru, this is just a mega-service, you can immediately see in which booking system (Booking, Agoda, Hotels, etc.) the hotel you need is cheaper. And I also have my own detailed review. best hotels in Koh Samui.

Hotels on Koh Samui>

If you came to Koh Samui for the winter and are looking for housing, you can see the compiled by me personally directory of houses on Koh Samui, where more than 80 houses with a map and a photo.

Main beaches

Bang Po Beach

Bang Po will appeal to those who do not suit the depth and crowdedness of family Maenam. The beach is located in the north of Samui, next to Maenam. The building density of the coast is high, there are a lot of housing for rent, well-developed infrastructure and a ring road passes nearby. Bang It is shallower than Maenam, but the sea here is unclear, the bottom is muddy, closer to the edges of the beach, stone deposits begin at the bottom. The beach is suitable for swimming, especially with small children, but it is not particularly beautiful. Not crowded, not full of beach activities, with coarse yellow sand and many restaurants on the shore. More detailed description of Bang Po beach, with photos.

Bang Po Beach

Ban Thai Beach

Ban Tai is a famous place among the mothers of Koh Samui. The second name of the beach is Mimosa, after the name of the hotel and restaurant on the beach. The beach is on the outskirts, does not suffer from crowds, has only one, one hundred-meter, clean entrance to the water. Basically, the entire sea along Ban Tai is overgrown with algae, and the west of the beach is littered with huge stones. Lots of natural shade, shallow sea, few buildings on the shore. There are no noisy parties, beach vendors and drunken youth. All these characteristics combine to make an excellent family beach in the north of Koh Samui. More detailed description of Ban Tai beach, with photos.

Ban Thai Beach

Mae Nam Beach

The third most popular beach on Koh Samui, after Chaweng and Lamai. The main characteristic of the beach is family. Here things are doing very well with self-rental housing, houses for every taste and price tag. Excellent infrastructure but lack of nightlife. After sunset, the entire area goes to sleep, except for the bars. The beach is wonderful, almost all of it is hidden under a continuous palm grove. The sand is yellow, loose, very soft. The depth of the sea allows you to swim despite the low tide, there are few beach vendors, there are no active hangouts, and there are no beach activities. More detailed description of Mae Nam beach, with photos.

Mae Nam Beach - Maenam Beach

W-Retreat Koh Samui Beach (W-Retreat Koh Samui Beach)

The private beach of the cool hotel W-Retreat Koh Samui with rooms, the price tag for which starts from 90,000 baht per day. The beach is perfectly licked and equipped with all the amenities that are reserved for hotel guests only. There are many sources of shade on the shore; the same palm grove grows here as on Maenam. The highlight of the beach is the sand spit, which goes into the sea for a couple of hundred meters, allowing you to take stunning photos. Sometimes the braid deteriorates after strong waves and becomes not so straight. Despite its closeness and exclusivity, outsiders' access to the beach is not prohibited. More detailed description of the beach W-Retreat Koh Samui, with photos.

Beach at W-Retreat Koh Samui

Bo Phut Beach

Bo Phut is located in the north of Koh Samui, next to the family-owned Maenam. The beach runs along the ring road at a sufficient distance. The gap between the road and the sea is built up with hotels, access to the beach is possible only through the territory of one of the resorts or on the Fisherman Village waterfront. Excellent infrastructure and beach activities. Very crowded and popular due to its good location. Macro and Big C hypermarkets are nearby. The beach itself is heterogeneous along its entire length. There are wild, unkempt fishing boats in the west, a busy, well-maintained central and deserted east. The sea is suitable for swimming only in the central part of Bo Phut. More detailed description of Bo Phut beach, with photos.

Bo Phut Beach - Bo Phut Beach

Bang Rak Beach

Bang Rak is located in the north of Koh Samui, one of the most densely populated and lively areas of the island. The high density of buildings on the coast limits access to the sea. There are mainly restaurants, commercial organizations, two piers, resorts and bars. Excellent infrastructure and beach activities on the shore. The airport and the ring road are nearby. The beach is shaped like a letter «U», and along the edges of the beach the sea is shallow and rocky. In the middle of Bang Rak, the sea is deep, but the proximity to the piers takes its toll. You can see oil stains and debris in the water. In winter, there are high waves and very muddy water. More detailed description of Bang Rak beach, with photos.

Bang Rak Beach

Plai Laem Beach

Play Lam will appeal to those who do not strive for a beach holiday in the classical sense. The beach is not crowded and is located in the north of the island. Basically, there are poor resorts, industrial buildings and fishing houses. The bottom of the sea is covered with silt and small stones, not at all suitable for swimming. The coast is mostly dirty, not cleaned, and the beach is not popular with tourists. There is almost no entertainment, houses are rarely built, but there is a choice. The infrastructure of the area is below average, there are only the most necessary services such as equipment rental and laundry. The main attractions of the island and the airport are very close. More detailed description of Play Laem beach, with photos.

Plai Laem Beach

Samrong Beach

Samrong is hidden behind the walls of the only hotel on the shore in the north of Samui. Access to the beach is not restricted by the hotel. It is not of much interest, especially if you live elsewhere. The beach is shallow, covered with algae and stones. No entertainment, no people, no beach equipment, you can come here just out of curiosity. The infrastructure of the area is poor, as this part of the island is located on the outskirts and is occupied mainly by expensive villas and hotels. More detailed description of Samrong beach, with photos.

Samrong Beach

Thongson Beach

Another children's beach on Koh Samui. The shallow waters, combined with the easy accessibility and relative liveliness of the beach, make it attractive for families. The sea is shallow here, in some places splashes of water are formed in the stones, after low tide. You need to move over the stones very carefully; under wet feet, dry stone becomes slippery. The entrance to the water is sometimes complicated by coral debris and algae. Behind a stone cliff to the right of the beach entrance, there is a hidden cove where you can sunbathe nude. The building is sparse, the infrastructure is undeveloped. More detailed description of Thong Son beach, with photos.

Thong Son Beach

Thongsai Beach

The private beach of Thong Sai Bay Hotel is easy to get to. Like Samrong Beach, Thongsai is a perfectly manicured strip of coastline. The sea in this place is very deep, at low tide it remains unchanged. Not suitable for an independent visit, since they do not allow using the hotel equipment, and without an umbrella there is nothing to do here - there is no shadow anywhere. A very wide beach, about 40-50 meters. No entertainment, beach vendors or infrastructure. Only a hotel with its own beach. More detailed description of Thong Sai beach, with photos.

Thongsai Beach

Chong Mon Beach

It is considered one of the family beaches, along with Maenam, Ban Tai and Tongson. Relatively well-developed infrastructure of the area, not the densest building of houses. There are four large hotels on the beach, but access to the sea is free via a bypass road. Lots of natural shade. Chong Mona has a shallow sea, grayish fine sand. The beach is lined with bars and massage houses, many restaurants, water activities and sun lounger rentals. It is always crowded here, whole families come. There are parking difficulties. More detailed description of Chong Mon beach, with photos.

Chong Mon - Chong Mon Beach

Chaweng Yai Beach

The most uncomfortable, but exotic part of Chaweng Beach. It is located north of the main Chaweng and consists of two halves - a shallow bounty and a deep rocky strip of the coast. The sea is not suitable for swimming, rather for walking along the bottom and taking photographs. Well-developed infrastructure and many hotels on the coast. Water activities and beach equipment are also presented in a wide range. Crowded on the shore, many bars and drunken youth, as well as a stone spit on the horizon, protecting from the waves. More detailed description of Chaweng Yai beach, with photos.

Chaweng Yai Beach

Chaweng Beach

The most popular and one of the most beautiful beaches in Koh Samui. Excellent infrastructure, lots of houses, hotels and resorts. Chaweng has everything you need for rest and life. Lively, noisy, crowded. The beach is popular and really beautiful all along its length. Chaweng in the central part has a deep sea, almost white sand and a clean entrance to the water. Lots of beach and water activities, tons of bars and restaurants, beach vendors, animations and gorgeous scenery. The most beautiful sea on the island is on Chaweng. More detailed description of Chaweng beach, with photos.

Chaweng Beach

Chaweng Noi Beach

Chaweng Noi is located south of Chaweng and is a smaller copy of it. It runs along the ring road, and a solid wall of hotels has been built between the sea and the road. The entrance to the beach is possible only through the territory of one of them. The beach is clean, well-groomed, deep sea with free entry into the water. Beach activities are presented in a stripped down form, there is a lot of natural shadow. An independent vacation is quite real, without the additional cost of renting a sun lounger. The beach is of different widths, with a very beautiful horizon. The infrastructure is hotel, there are no residential areas in the district. More detailed description of Chaweng Noi beach, with photos.

Chaweng Noi Beach

Coral Cove Beach

One of the few beaches in Koh Samui, which is deservedly popular with most people who have visited it. Due to its inaccessibility, many do not get here, but at any time of the year there are always a lot of people here. Despite the fact that the beach is on the outskirts and closed by the hotel, lovers of coral sand and azure sea still come with their rugs and umbrellas. There is no beach entertainment, no beach vendors or noisy youth. Very clean, beautiful, extremely picturesque beach in the east of Koh Samui. All the comforts of civilization are available in Chaweng or Lamai. Coral Cove is meant for contemplation and bathing. The sea is deep and clean. More detailed description of Coral Cove beach, with photos.

Coral Cove Beach

Thong Takian Beach

Beach with four names. One of the most beautiful small beaches on Koh Samui. Located between Chaweng and Lamai beaches, in a beautiful bay between huge round rocks. It is separated from the whole island by the territories of three hotels. It has a hotel infrastructure, there are no sea entertainments and youth parties. Tongtakian is ideal for a beach holiday set against a backdrop of authentic tropical landscapes. A very beautiful place, very popular and always crowded. More detailed description of Thong Takian beach, with photos.

Thong Takian Beach

Laem Nan Beach

Lam Nan is located north of Lamai, along the territory belonging to expensive resorts. The building density here is not high, but the price of housing is far from budgetary. Despite the presence of luxury real estate, the sea on Laem Nan is very shallow, rocky, with a muddy bottom. Practically unsuitable for swimming, but you can observe tourists walking along the bottom, half a kilometer from the coast. It is quite a pleasant place for families with children. There are many sources of shade on the shore, little people, no noisy and drunken neighbors. A favorite destination for Farangs from Europe, many of whom come with their families. More detailed description of Laem Nan beach, with photos.

Laem Nan Beach

Lamai Beach, North (Lamai Beach)

Lamai is the most popular beach on Koh Samui after Chaweng. It has an impressive length, so Lamai's description is split into three parts. The northern part of Lamai is located near the island's ring road, has dense development and population. However, there are mostly commercial organizations, one large hotel, and several small ones. North Lamai is on the outskirts of this huge village, so there is no nightlife in the evening. The sea is shallow, the bottom is rocky, there is a pit for fishing boats and many of these boats. There are no beach activities, there are very few sections of the beach with clean sand. More detailed description of the northern part of Lamai beach, with photos.

Lamai Beach, North - Lamai Beach

Lamai Beach, Central part (Lamai Beach)

Lamai is the most popular beach on Koh Samui after Chaweng. It has an impressive length, so Lamai's description is split into three parts. Central Lamai is the perfect island getaway if you're not looking for seclusion. Lamai in this part has excellent infrastructure (including Tesco hypermarket), a large number of beach activities, dense development of both commercial and residential buildings. There is everything you need for a good rest on Koh Samui. The sea is deep, the sand is clean, light yellow and loose. More detailed description of the beach, with photos. There is not a single mouth of the stinking river. The only drawback of Lamai in the central part of the beach is the lack of sources of shade. We'll have to look for an umbrella for rent or bring our own. More detailed description of the central part of Lamai beach, with photos.

Lamai Beach, Central - Lamai Beach

Lamai Beach, South (Lamai Beach)

Lamai is the most popular beach on Koh Samui after Chaweng. It has an impressive length, so Lamai's description is split into three parts. The southern part of Lamai Beach is located along large vacant lots and is somewhat abandoned, although there is a Makro hypermarket and an Orthodox church. Here the sand is worse, the entrance to the water is rocky and overgrown with algae, there are no sources of natural shade. Beach entertainment didn't get here, even beach vendors don't go. People usually congregate on the northernmost outskirts of Lamai, near the Hin Ta Hin Yai cliffs. Access to the sea is limited to the resorts, with the exception of a private bridge that is built over a stinking river in the wasteland area. More detailed description of the southern part of Lamai beach, with photos.

Lamai Beach, South - Lamai Beach

Non main beaches

Hua Thanon Beach

One of the dirtiest and most unpleasant beaches on Koh Samui. Located in the east, just after Lamai Beach. Most of Hua Thanon lies along the fishing village of the same name and its surroundings. Here the beach is littered with boats and littered with fishing waste. Housing for rent is offered only in the interior of the island. The beach is located relatively close to the ring road. Very poor infrastructure, all purchases have to be done in Lamai. The sea is shallow, the bottom is rocky. It can be called more or less bathing in the area between the village and the temple. More detailed description of Hua Thanon beach, with photos.

Hua Thanon Beach

Nahai Beach

Nahai is known as a favorite destination for windsurfers. Located on the east coast of Koh Samui. A very shallow, unbroken sea, which at low tide goes 300-400 meters from the coast. Built up with private villas and resorts that are not very friendly to outsiders. Nearby is one of the main tourist attractions - the zoo of tigers and sea animals. The infrastructure of the area is weak, not oriented towards a large influx of tourists. There are few people, mostly because of the beach. There is no entertainment, there is a lot of beach, there is little sea. More detailed description of Nahai beach, with photos.

Nahai Beach

Laem Set Beach

An inaccessible, little-known and unpopular beach on Koh Samui. A favorite place for supporters of secluded relaxation and uninhabited shores. Located in the southeast of Koh Samui in a sparsely populated area of ​​the island. There are hotels along the entire coast or a fenced building area. The hotels are quite expensive, they do not allow access to the beach through their territory, explaining that they value the safety of their guests. The sea is shallow, rocky, along the entire coast. More detailed description of Laem Set beach, with photos.

Laem Set Beach

Na Thien Beach

Natien is hidden behind the walls of the island's three large luxury hotels. It is a winding coastline with sandy beaches in between huge round boulders. Access to the beach is possible only through the territory of the hotels, but not all of them allow it. The sea is shallow, rocky, unsuitable for swimming. There are no beach activities, except for those offered by the hotels themselves. Perfect for a one-time visit, for the sake of the picturesque coast and horizon. You get beautiful photos. The Natien area is sparsely populated with poor infrastructure. More detailed description of Natien beach, with photos.

Natien Beach - Na Thien Beach

Bang Khao Beach

The longest beach in the south of Koh Samui. Located far from the ring road and the main densely populated areas of the island. The area around Bang Khao is poorly developed, the development is presented in the form of private villas and rare resorts. There is very little housing on the shore. The sea along the beach is disastrously shallow. Pits have been dug for fishing boats, but there are practically no normal areas for swimming. The bottom is silty, rocky. The beach is mostly wild, unkempt, with heaps of rubbish. Bang Khao is a favorite place «savages» and fishermen. There is nothing for a beach holiday, you need to bring everything with you. More detailed description of Bang Khao beach, with photos.

Bang Khao Beach

Thong Krut Beach

Thong Krut, like all the beaches in the south of Samui, has one big drawback for those who like to swim in the sea. Shallow water. The sea retreats with low tide for almost half a kilometer, leaving a rocky bottom. It takes about an hour to get to the nearest centers of island life. Tong Krut is the farthest corner of the island, beyond it is only Tong Tanoot. There is no infrastructure, few houses, few tourists. The beaches are deserted, dirty, wild. From here, it is convenient to hire a boat with a boatman for a ride to the southern satellite islands and swim on the even more uninhabited coast. More detailed description of Thong Krut beach, with photos.

Beach Thong Krut Beach

Thong Tanod Beach

Tong Tanote is the farthest corner of the island. Its only attraction is its remoteness. Few people, few houses, no infrastructure. It is a long way to the ring road, to Nathon to go about the same as to Lamai. This is the edge of the island. The sea is shallow, the bottom is rocky, the sand is coarse and yellow. Ideal for those looking for a desert island. More detailed description of Thong Tanote beach, with photos.

Thong Tanod Beach

Phang Ka Beach

Pang Ka is very similar to a flooded sand pit. The almost perfectly square shape of the bay in which it is located creates a lasting association. The sea on Pang Ka is extremely shallow, with an ebb tide it goes 400 meters and the bottom dries up. Except for the canal dug for jet skis, boats and boats. Oddly enough - there are some sea activities, sun loungers for relaxation and even offers sea tours. The main user of the beach is a contingent of neighboring hotels located on the slopes of the mountains and in the jungle, which do not have their own sea. More detailed description of Phang Ka beach, with photos.

Phang Ka Beach

Taling Ngam Beach

Taling Ngam is considered the pearl of the west coast of Koh Samui. Vastly varied along its entire length, Taling Ngam is located along a wild, unpopular coastline with ordinary tourists. The coast is partly covered with stones, partly it breaks off at the rocks. The coast is mostly unkempt, muddy, with a shallow sea and a muddy bottom. The main spit of Taling Ngam is its authenticity and stunning sunsets overlooking the Five Islands. There is little housing in the area, the infrastructure is in Thai shops and laundries. The ring road is very far away. The edge of civilization. More detailed description of Taling Ngam beach, with photos.

Taling Ngam Beach

Lipa Noi Beach

Lipa Noi, aka Tong Yang, is a long, two-part beach. Lipa Noi is located on the western coast, right after the administrative center of Samui - Nathon. Fine, gray sand, in places clean, in places deserted. The sea is shallow, with a muddy bottom. There are many trees scattered along the beach providing natural shade. The Lipa Noy area is located far from the ring road, there are few houses and shops in the area. There is no infrastructure, but there is one of the coolest entertainment bars - Nikki Beach. Basically, family people rest here, many mothers with children. More detailed description of Lipa Noi beach, with photos.

Lipa Noi Beach

Nathon Beach

The administrative center of Samui, with all the ensuing consequences. Nathon is a mini-town, with two huge piers, a fleet of different-sized ships, boats and boats. Half of the conditional beach is sewn into concrete and is a promenade, and the second is a wild beach with mangrove trees. The advantages of Nathon are its well-developed infrastructure, proximity to major government offices, a ferry and distance from the noisy Chaweng. Cons - the sea is incapable, shallow, dirty. Great for photo shoots on wet seabed after low tide. A favorite spot for local photographers. High building density, but these are mainly houses of local residents. More detailed description of Nathon beach, with photos.

Nathon Beach

Bang Makham Beach

Bang Makham, or Bang Makam, is conventionally called the beach. It is located in the north of Koh Samui, and runs along the ring road. Almost half of this road runs at a distance of five meters from the water's edge. The beach itself appears only at low tide, when the seabed is exposed. The sand is very white, but everything is littered with stones and pebbles, marine debris and teeming with marine life. In the east of Bang Khao there is a small stretch of sandy beach, opposite the only resort. The rest of the space is not suitable for swimming or sunbathing. This beach is suitable for romantic shots with a motorcycle or a car against the backdrop of the sea. More detailed description of Bang Makham beach, with photos.

Bang Makham Beach

Laem Yai Beach

Laem Yai is a beach that only becomes a beach at low tide. When the sea leaves, a shallow bottom is exposed, covered with fine white sand, which dries quickly in the sun. Water remains in small and large puddles, in the middle of which islands for rest are formed. The beach is located on the outskirts of the main busy areas of Koh Samui. Buildings around Laem Yai are extremely rare, only three or four resorts and hotels. There is no infrastructure, except for a plastic pier and a reggae bar. The place is wild, not crowded, hidden by a palm forest. Stones of different sizes are scattered along the shore, there are no beach activities. As well as people. More detailed description of Laem Yai beach, with photos.

Laem Yai Beach

Thong Plu Beach

Tong Plu is located on the very edge of the northern coast of Samui, near the beginning of the Nathon Hill - a pass over the mountains. There are literally 30 meters between the sea and the ring road, where about a dozen resorts are located. The sea is incapable, shallow, with a rocky bottom. It is not crowded, there are practically no tourists, except for the local inhabitants. The infrastructure of the area is scarce, everything you need has to be bought in Nathon, which is about 5 minutes away. The building density of the houses is low, there are many workshops for the processing of wood and stone. More detailed description of Thong Plu beach, with photos.

Thong Plu Beach

Koh Samui beaches map

Koh Samui beaches

Koh Samui beaches:

Samui beaches map, north

Samui beaches map, south

P.S. Likes and re-posts are welcome :)

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