About Samui
Samui, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is largest in an archipelago of more than 80 islands that includes the Ang Thong National Marine Park, a kayaking paradise and day Trip from Ko Samui.
Samui has many beautiful and pristine beaches, like Silver Beach, Chaweng, Lamai, Taling Ngam, and Natien. Besides plentiful nature, the island is also full of History and Culture.
While Samui is considered to be as commercialised as its big sister Phuket, it offers a great gastronomic landscape, from simple, yet delicious food stalls to star rated restaurants, happening cocktail bars and other event venues.
The Samui Beaches
Koh Samui beaches have some of the finest white sands in Thailand. Add to that the azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand and the endless coconut trees lining up the shore, and you have the recipe for tropical heaven.
While some of Koh Samui’s beaches are louder and busier with young solo visitors, many others offer plenty of quiet calm. Whether you’re looking for sports activities, a relaxing corner to sunbathe, or the perfect spot for a massage right on the sand, Koh Samui won’t disappoint. Pick your perfect patch of sand with our list of the best beaches on Koh Samui.
Our Favourites:
Bophut Beach
might not be the biggest beach on the island, but it’s definitely one of the most beautiful. The three-kilometer-long stretch of sand is relatively quiet and kept in pristine condition by the many beachfront hotels here. Soft waves, crystal-clear waters, and rows of palm trees make Bophut an inviting place to relax under the sun.
Silver Beach
(also known as Haad Thong Ta-khian or “the beach of the Ta-khian trees”) might be just
250 meters of pristine white sand, but don’t let that disappoint you. As beaches go, this is one of the best ones on the island.
Choeng Mon Beach
Despite its small size and proximity to other beaches, Choeng Mon Beach 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.
Chaweng Beach
is Koh Samui’s largest beach is known for its glistening azure waters and soft white sands. Although Chaweng Beach is seven kilometers long, its high popularity means it’s often crowded and rarely quiet. But if you’re looking for big waves, lots of action, plenty of water sports opportunities, and a chance to dive, then this is your beach.
Bang Po Beaceh
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 four kilometers long, this is one of Koh Samui’s largest beaches, 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 it.
Things to do in Samui
Capture the Golden Hour
Capture the Golden Hour
On the island of Koh Samui there are many places to enjoy a beautiful sunset such as the beaches of the west coast, or from temples such as Big Buddha and Khao Hua Jook. But, if you want to enjoy the sunset with a drink in your hand, we recommend one of the following bars: Jungle Club, TEMBO, CHI Beach Club.
Visit Ang Thong National Park
Visit Ang Thong National Park
The park is a natural reserve park composed by 42 charming small virgin islands where you will find some of the best beaches in Thailand. Building in the islands of the marine parks is forbidden, so its beaches have not become victims of the real estate boom. You can go there by speedboat or boat tours that offer you to visit some islands, do snorkel, and they include meals.
Visit Big Buddha Temple
Visit Big Buddha Temple
Wat Phra Yai temple has a large Buddha statue, 12 meters high. It is located at the eastern end of the north coast, on the small island of Koh Fan which you can visit by walking through a strip of land that starts from the eastern end of Bang Rak Beach. The Buddha itself doesn’t looks impressive, but the place offers nice views and the planes pass you very close.
Water Excursions
Water Excursions
If you want to combine an excursion with fresh water, you can visit one of the small waterfalls on the island. Among the best known you will find Na Muang 1 waterfall; is easy to get there and it has a small natural pool. After a short walk you will find the other, Na Muang 2. Another option, more beautiful but more difficult to access is the Khun Si waterfall, which gives you the opportunity to enjoy the jungle of Koh Samui.
Soak in the Panoramic views
Soak in the Panoramic views
Be sure to go to one of the viewpoints around the highest peak of the island. A recommended and not very crowded one is The Giant Summit restaurant, a bar in the middle of the forest with great views, delicious food and good prices. Another alternative is the Jungle Club, a mythical one of Koh Samui. It is a resort with a restaurant and bar where one can go up for a drink. It is much more famous than The Giant Summit, so more visited and more expensive too.
Diving Tours
Diving Tours
Koh Samui is not as good diving and snorkelling destination as Koh Tao or Koh Pha Ngan, but if you only do a sporadic dive and you prefer to stay on an island with the infrastructure and amenities like Koh Samui offers, then this may be the best option for you. Diving tours, which typically include two dives, leave Koh Samui around 09:00 AM and return around 03:00 PM. The best time for diving in the region is between March and October.
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