Best Beaches in Koh Samui : Complete Guide to Thailand’s Island Paradise

Chaweng Beach is one of the largest and most active beaches in Koh Samui. This beach is also popular in terms of its nightlife, delicious food, and water sports such as jet skiing and swimming. 

• Highlights: Nightlife, beach clubs, and shopping streets nearby.
• Best Time: December–March for calm seas and clear skies.
• Facilities Available: Sunbeds, jet ski rentals, restaurants, night markets, and restrooms.

Tip: Arrive early in the evening to have a glimpse of sunset colours and street performers along the beach promenade.

Compared to Chaweng, Lamai Beach is less crowded. It is one of Thailand's most well-known locations, known for its fine sand and stunning rock formations.

• Highlights: Natural rock formations (Hin Ta & Hin Yai).
• Best Time: December–April for warm weather.
• Facilities Available: Massage huts, beach bars, small eateries, and sun loungers.

Tips: Try the newly made, locally made coconut ice cream by the rocks; it is a favourite amongst the locals and the tourists.

Bophut Beach combines traditional experiences with modern comfort. This fisherman village is dotted with some of the quaint Thai restaurants and boutique shops. It is among the finest destinations in Thailand to swim and kayak.

• Highlights: Fisherman’s Village Night Market.
• Best Time: January–March for calm waves.
• Facilities Available: Boutique resorts, seafood restaurants, kayak rentals, cafés.

Tip: Visit on a Friday evening to enjoy the walking street market and try local seafood delicacies.

Maenam Beach is a 7 km stretch of golden sand facing Koh Phangan. It’s famous for its laid-back vibe, stunning sunsets, and budget-to-luxury beachfront resorts in Thailand. Thus, it is among the favourite spots for couples and long-stay travellers.

• Highlights: Stunning sunset views of Koh Phangan.
• Best Time: Sunset hours, November–March.
• Facilities Available: Budget bungalows, local food stalls, hammocks, and yoga retreats.

One of Koh Samui's distant beaches is Silver Beach (Haad Thong Ta-Kian). Its tranquil atmosphere and clear waters make it the perfect spot for swimming and snorkelling.

• Highlights: Calm turquoise waters ideal for snorkelling.
• Best Time: Morning or early afternoon to avoid crowds.
• Facilities Available: Restaurants, snorkelling rentals, sunbeds, and shaded areas.

With its fine sand, shallow waters, and laid-back vibe, Lipa Noi is one of Koh Samui's best family-friendly beaches. It is well-known for having serene sunsets, swimming, and a cosier atmosphere.

• Highlights: Shallow water is safe for children.
• Best Time: December–March for calm seas.
• Facilities Available: Family resorts, beach cafés, picnic spots, and playgrounds.

Taling Ngam is a remote area on the west coast of Koh Samui with beautiful views of sunsets and high-end resorts. This is a must-add beach to your 7-day Thailand itinerary if you’re seeking privacy and serenity.

• Highlights: Panoramic sunset views over the Gulf of Thailand.
• Best Time: Evening for sunsets.
• Facilities Available: Luxury resorts, infinity pools, and fine-dining restaurants.

Tip: Visit early evening to enjoy the sunset with a private picnic

Choeng Mon Beach is a small, crescent-shaped harbour, which is quite famous for its shallow waters and good white sand. It has a sophisticated, relaxed environment and a child-friendly beach, which is safe for swimming.

• Highlights: Romantic setting with calm waters.
• Best Time: Morning and evening for peaceful walks.
• Facilities Available: Boutique resorts, romantic restaurants, kayak rentals, spa huts.

Bang Rak Beach is one of the best Koh Samui beaches in 2025 for travellers who want to have leisure and sightseeing. It has also been nicknamed Beam Suntory because of the 12-metre golden monument of the Big Buddha situated nearby.

• Highlights: Proximity to Big Buddha Temple.
• Best Time: Early morning for temple visits and calm waters.
• Facilities Available: Restaurants, cafes, sunbeds, and small shops.

Coral Cove is the ideal place to visit in case you’re looking for hidden beaches of Koh Samui. The bay remains mostly less crowded and has good coral reefs where snorkelling and underwater photography may be done.

• Highlights: snorkelling among vibrant coral reefs.
• Best Time: Morning for calm water and better visibility.
• Facilities Available: Sunbeds, a small café, and limited parking.

• Wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life
• Carry cash, as in smaller places, do not take cards.
• Use the ride-sharing app like Grab for transportation.
• Get to the beaches to enjoy the best snorkelling experience.
• A must-do activity on Koh Samui is island hopping, which allows visitors to discover nearby islands.

Beaches in Koh Samui 2025 are ideal for any kind of tourist, from lively nightlife filled at Chaweng to the laid-back sunsets in Taling Ngam. All the beaches will leave you with amazing lifetime memories, be it snorkelling in the coral cove or just lying on the sand in Lipa Noi. Still daydreaming? But not anymore. Check out Pickyourtrail’s Koh Samui tour packages for a budget-friendly and hassle-free trip experience.