To keep it short, Koh Samui is all about the best beaches. Social life, partying, water activities, and sunbathing all happen on the beach. Probably you’re visiting this paradise-like island partly because of world-class beaches, too.
Our pick of the best beaches around Koh Samui is Chaweng Noi beach (most beautiful), Silver beach and Coral Cove beach (best snorkeling), Lipa Noi beach and Choeng Mon beach (most quiet). Overall, Koh Samui does not disappoint, giving you an assortment of beautiful beaches alongside fantastic experiences to make them all worth it. Fortunately, all the best beaches are just a short ride from one another.
Koh Samui most beautiful beaches
The most beautiful beach in Koh Samui is Chaweng Noi (small Chaweng). This beach features turquoise waters, white powder sand, tiny beach bars, palm trees in the background, and no tourist crowds with jet-skis during the peak season. Chaweng Noi is very safe and gorgeous for swimming throughout April-September.
Interestingly, a list of Koh Samui’s best beaches always starts with a mention of the Chaweng Beach, which lies next to Chaweng Noi. Being the biggest beach on the island, it also looks to be the most developed of all the beaches around. The only tradeoff to all the fun you could have here is that it also happens to be the busiest of the bunch. So don’t expect any serenity here as in Chaweng Noi – unless you can get there very early before the crowds start trooping in.
Thongson Bay is another gem among the most beautiful beaches in Koh Samui. Surprisingly, it might not have made the list of many tourists and travelers. Still, we think that you are missing out on a unique beach experience by not going there. Stay in Koh Samui for long enough, and you will be used to beaches with soft white sand. That is not what you get at the Thongson Bay – as the ground is shining with a beautiful hue of grey sand. While you might imagine that this is not so great to look at, wait till you see the sand against the clear waters and lush, green hills around this beach. That, and it is also almost impossible to get a sunburn from the sand here since they don’t reflect the rays of the sun like the soft white sands would.
Koh Samui snorkeling beaches
Among the best snorkeling beaches in Koh Samui is Silver Beach. If you are lucky to visit the Silver beach when the tides are gentle, there is no telling how many fish species you would encounter underwater. However, snorkeling is not the only thing that makes Silver beach one of the best beaches in Koh Samui. Being a much smaller beach, it offers the kind of calm and serenity that you would miss out on at most popular Chaweng Beach.
Not far away from Silver Beach, a tiny Coral Cove Beach is likely the best snorkeling beach in Koh Samui. A combination of majestic boulders against the picturesque landscape makes this location one of the most aesthetically pleasing on all of the island. Coral Cove beach offers a secluded and relaxed vibe where you can enjoy a good book with the sound of waves and freshly-picked coconut juice. Just make sure you snorkel off the beach past the big rocks to the right to enjoy the most of the fishes.
Koh Samui quiet beaches
Choeng Mon beach is among Koh Samui’s most quiet beaches. This hidden beach on the northern part of the island promises fewer crowds and relaxation in a lush tropical paradise. With soft sand, bright blue waters, surrounding rocks, and tiny coral reefs, Chong Mon beach is worth visiting.
On the opposite side of the island, many travelers might not rate Lipa Noi beach high on their radars, but this is another one of Koh Samui’s quiet beaches. The secluded Lipa Noi beach is characterized by extremely shallow waters, which makes it even safer for the younger ones coming with you on the journey. Pair that with an absence of rocks and a no-show for corals, and you will see why we love to take families here.
Other best beaches in Koh Samui
The long coastline at Bophut Beach, famous for watersports, could do the magic for you. The most memorable part of Bophut Beach is Fisherman’s Village. It is also a must-visit destination for a Friday’s Night Market with plenty of cozy shops, cafes, and street vendors. A nearby Bangrak area is renowned for stretching towards the Big Buddha statue that is exquisite for paddleboarding.
If your trip to Koh Samui would allow for it, we recommend exploring some of Lamai beach and kitesurfing on Maenam beach. Lamai beach is known for its iconic rocks, calm and shallow waters that are perfect for swimming. Lamai is the second busiest beach after Chaweng. The best thing about it all – is that all other best beaches on Koh Samui can be accessed via a short drive anyways.
Beaches on Koh Samui are not enough? You can always charter a private boat with Islander to explore scenic beaches on nearby islands. These include Koh Phangan, Koh Tao & Koh Nang Yuan, Koh Madsum, as well as plenty of deserted beaches across the Angthong National Marine Park.
