Koh Samui, an island off the east coast of Thailand, is full of enticing beaches present on all of its sides. When it comes to beaches, there are so many options to choose from that it’s sometimes difficult to decide which ones to put on the top of your to-visit list. Keeping that in mind, we have prepared a list of 5 most alluring Koh Samui beaches that you shouldn’t miss.
1. Chaweng Beach
This beach is Samui’s favorite beach with lots of hotels, restaurants and shops nearby. This four-mile swath of soft sand surrounded by coconut trees has the clearest water available on Koh Samui. The beach is usually loaded with tourists, vendors and individuals doing a variety of aquatic sports. You won’t find much relaxation here, but it’s fun and convenient for individuals that want plenty of activities going around them.
2. Lamai Beach
This beach, just south of Chaweng, offers a great respite to those looking for a convenient and less hectic experience. Although there are many accommodation options available with plenty of restaurants and a healthy nightlife, Lamai Beach is always less crowded compared to other beaches of Koh Samui.
3. Mae Nam Beach
With plenty of inexpensive bungalows, a few 5 star resorts and serene environment, Mae Nam is the preferred choice of those willing to stay in a relaxed environment. The view of the neighboring island of Koh Phangan that you get from the beach gives the tourists one more reason to stay on Mae Nam. Though it is generally quiet here, you will still find many good spots to eat and drink.
Mae Nam is also known for its low-key charm and straightforward lifestyle. It is easy to find a budget friendly accommodation and dine in seaside café stands. For people seeking luxury, there are many high-end resorts waiting to pamper their guests with all the luxuries they have on offer.
4. Big Buddha Beach
This beach, situated near to the Samui Airport, hosts Ko Samui’s best known landmark, a 35-foot tall Buddha statue. The beach is less crowded than others, but at the same time it is less scenic, since there’s often lots of boat traffic going on all the time. Still, this beach is great for people looking to have budget friendly accommodations. This beach is also the point from where you get the ferry to Had Rin for the famous full moon party.
5. Bo Phut Beach, Koh Samui
Bo Phut (occasionally spelled Bophut) is actually a northern Koh Samui seaside, just a brief jaunt from the Big Buddha landmark. Everybody loves Bo Phut for its charming fisherman’s village and several kilometers long stretch of sand full of leaning palms. Among all the beach locations on Koh Samui, Bo Phut is known to have retained its traditional feel. The beach still has many signs of imperial times when it was a French outpost. Bo Phut also has many upscale resorts where guests can immerse themselves in the world of relaxing aromatherapy.
With more than twelve beach locations and bays and countless accommodation options from luxurious resorts like Rocky’s Resort, luxurious hotels and spas to thatch huts and inexpensive bungalows, Ko Samui has an abundance of options for any discerning traveler.
John Chen is a travel writer currently located in Bangkok, Thailand. He likes writing about Thailand and he writes not only about traveling in Thailand, but also about business, culture, education economy and food.
