Koh Samui is undoubtedly one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands. An oasis of natural beauty, the island is blessed with picturesque waterfalls, mountainous jungle, turquoise waters and some stunning white sandy beaches. The next few months provide the best time of the year to travel to the idyllic Island, as it will be blessed with plenty of warm sunshine and the waters will be at their clearest and calmest until the rainy season starts in October. Therefore we thought it would be perfect timing to give an overview of our favorite beaches on this famously laid-back island.
Maenam: Located on the northern coast of the Island, with views of Koh Phangan, this 7km long beach retains some old Samui character. There are some resorts and cafés lining the shore, but on the whole it’s pretty peaceful, with a more laid back atmosphere, popular with backpackers. The sea is very calm, so ideal for swimming and the beach is a really good option for those who might want some peace and quiet, without being too isolated.
Lamai: There is good reason as to why this is one of the Islands’ more populated beaches. With its incredibly fine, white sand and iconic, swaying coconut trees, the beach is Samui at its picture perfect best. The crystal clear waters are also swimmable all year round and the beach is not as busy, or overcrowded as Chaweng Beach. Also next to Lamai is Coral Cove, a beautiful spot in a secluded bay, protected by massive granite boulders, offering some fantastic snorkeling.
Bophut: The 2km long, narrow strip of sand might not be the best on the Island but Bophut Beach is a great place to view some amazing sunsets and is another lovely spot to relax. Set back from the beach, Bophut’s charming Fisherman’s Village has been transformed in recent years, with a few quality restaurants overlooking the sea. The village is a good place to explore, with its narrow streets, lined with old Chinese shop houses and some more modern buildings, housing upmarket boutiques. Bophut is a much quieter area than Chaweng beach and is a good place for families, or those who want to avoid the crowds. Also once a week on a Friday night, there is an excellent ‘walking market’, where the streets are lined with small stalls and vendors, often accompanied by some live music.
Bang Kao: Whilst not the best beach on the Island for swimming, (only really good when the tide is in) it is one of the more beautiful spots on Samui and a real favorite of ours. Situated on the southern coast and in area of the Island which is hardly developed, with only a small handful of few hotels, it’s a perfect spot to read a book in peace and quiet, or go for a nice walk along the beach.
If you have questions about Koh Samui or any other Thai Islands contact our expert local specialists, based in Bangkok who can assist you be creating an original itinerary that matches all your needs. Simply get in touch or send us an inquiry today and we’ll help you plan your dream beach vacation in Asia.
