The coastline of Koh Samui unfurls in a shimmering loop of turquoise bays, fine white sand and gently swaying palms. Long, lively stretches like Chaweng and Lamai draw sun-seekers, families and beach-club lovers, while the north shelters quieter coves with a more understated appeal. In the west, tropical sunsets steal the show, bathing the sea in fiery orange hues.
All beaches in Koh Samui are publicly accessible by law, but reaching some requires a little persistence as you weave through pricey resorts or boulder across rocky outcrops in search of the island’s few remaining hideaways. And with bars, restaurants and watersports as plentiful as seashells, Koh Samui lends itself to long, beach-filled days.
All our recommendations have been hand-selected and tested by our destination expert to help you discover the best beaches in Koh Samui. Find out more below or for more inspiration, see our guides to the island’s best hotels, things to do, restaurants, and bars and nightlife.
Chaweng
Chaweng is Samui’s longest and liveliest beach, with four miles of clean white sand lined with everything from resorts and restaurants to bars, shops and watersports hubs. It is the island’s party centre, but its calm waters and family-friendly activities still make it a versatile choice for most holidaymakers.
Insider tip: Head north to the smaller natural bays for a noticeably quieter atmosphere.
How to get there: Public access can be found towards the southern end or via one of the many beachfront resorts.
Chaweng Noi
Just around the headland, this crescent of powdery sand is a calmer alternative to its neighbours – backed by bamboo hut bars, mid-range resorts and hardly any beach vendors. Attracting a more laid-back crowd, there’s less to do here but certainly more to enjoy.
Insider tip: The little viewpoint just a few hundred metres from the southern tip is worth a detour.
How to get there: Scramble across the rocky pinnacle from Chaweng at low tide or loop around via the main road.
Lamai
Livelier than north-coast beaches but noticeably calmer – and better value – than Chaweng, Lamai is an excellent all-rounder. The sand here is coarser, but the water deepens quickly, making it particularly good for swimming. The north side is busiest, with limited natural shade, so find a spot under an umbrella to take the edge off the midday heat.
Insider tip: Walk south to the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks, one of Koh Samui’s most interesting natural formations.
How to get there: Lamai is easy to reach, with songtaews and tuk-tuks passing the beach every few minutes.
Thongtakian (Crystal Beach)
This tiny cove is hidden off a corner of the main island ring road, but don’t let its tucked-away location fool you: it can get surprisingly busy with guests from the nearby resorts. Still, the sand is soft, the water clear and, in low season, it’s an idyllic spot for sunbathing by yourself.
Insider tip: The seabed gets rocky not far from the shore, so it’s best to bring swimming shoes.
How to get there: Pay around THB 40-80 to park in one of the resorts and access the beach through their properties.
Bophut
One of the most appealing beaches on the north coast, Bophut combines golden sand, turquoise water and a genuinely great food and bar scene. There’s lots to do here, but the beach truly shines after dark thanks to night markets at Fisherman’s Village and fire shows at Coco Tam’s.
Insider tip: Time your visit around low tide, when the beach is at its widest.
How to get there: Taxis and songtaews run regularly to Bophut and are easier than finding parking.
Maenam
Palm-fringed and much less populated than Koh Samui’s other main beaches, Maenam offers long, quiet stretches of sand ideal for those seeking a slower pace. The water generally is calm and great for swimming, and there are a handful of restaurants for refreshments.
Insider tip: The western tip is particularly scenic – just hike up to the viewpoint for some incredible vistas.
How to get there: Take a songtaew or tuk-tuk from Bophut.
Bang Por
Bang Por rewards the effort it takes to reach it. Set along Samui’s north-west coast, it remains one of the island’s quietest beaches, with limited development and a distinctly local feel.
Insider tip: Bring a snorkel; on calm days, visibility can be excellent.
How to get there: Book a songtaew or tuk-tuk and arrange a return pick-up.
Choeng Mon
Families love Choeng Mon, a small cove on the island’s northern tip. Sheltered, gently shelving waters are perfect for paddling in and there are cheap loungers for hire. While there are few activities out on the water, low tides offer some great rock pooling.
Insider tip: When the tide is out, you can walk across the sandbank to explore the beautiful Koh Fan islands.
How to get there: Park near the Bay Beach Resort and walk down.
Thongson Bay
Crowds are rare at this beach hidden between luxury resorts; most who make the journey come for peace rather than facilities. Snorkelling can be surprisingly good when conditions allow, but this is primarily a place to slow down – bring a picnic, a good book and relish the tranquillity.
Insider tip: A discreet naturist-friendly beach can be found nearby.
How to get there: Thongson Bay is relatively remote, so hire a return tuk-tuk or drive there yourself.
Nathon
Nathon isn’t great for swimming, but it makes this list because of its incredible sunset views. More commonly frequented by commuting locals than tourists, it offers a glimpse of island life that many resort areas lack.
Insider tip: Pick up some snacks from the night market and settle in by the pier to watch the sunset.
How to get there: Songtaews make loops of the island and stop here regularly.
Lipa Noi
With wide, palm-lined beaches, shallow waters and glorious sunsets, Lipa Noi is west coast Koh Samui at its most appealing. It feels quietly exclusive without the price tag of staying at a luxury resort, and while it’s low-key by day, the central resorts bring energy to evenings.
Insider tip: Sunday brunch at Nikki Resort is a fun, boozy day in the sun.
How to get there: Drive yourself or hire a return tuk-tuk – it’s far from Chaweng.
W Beach
You don’t have to be a guest to visit this striking beach that’s part of W Koh Samui Resort. All the better, as the narrow sand spit that appears at low tide is one of the island’s most photogenic spots, and is best enjoyed at sunset.
Insider tip: Stop at the resort’s bar, Sip, for a sunset cocktail.
How to get there: Arrange transport to the resort and schedule a return pick-up.
How we choose
Every beach in this curated list has been chosen by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of areas and styles, from popular city beaches to lesser known corners – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.
About our expert
Aydan Stuart
Aydan Stuart is a writer and travel expert who has lived in Thailand for more than 15 years. When not at his desk in Chiang Mai, Aydan can be found exploring wild mountain trails, discovering hidden beaches, hosting radio shows and seeking out fun, whisky-infused atmospheres.