By Kylian Dev
The east coast: the most famous beaches
White sand and clear water, with the most hotels and nightlife.
Chaweng
LivelyThe island's longest and most beautiful beach, about 6 km of white sand. The centre is busy with bars and clubs; the north end is calmer, with shallow water.
Chaweng Noi
QuieterA smaller bay just south of Chaweng, quieter, with a few resorts and beautiful water.
Silver Beach (Crystal Bay)
Small coveA small cove with granite boulders between Chaweng and Lamai. Calm, clear water, perfect for snorkelling.
Lamai
BalancedThe second-largest beach, a little calmer than Chaweng, with the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks at the south end and a Sunday night market.
Stay near these beaches: hotels at Chaweng or at Lamai.
The north coast: calm and family-friendly
Gentle beaches, views of Koh Phangan and a village feel.
Bophut and Fisherman's Village
CharmA beach in front of the charming Fisherman's Village, with its Friday night market. Coarser sand, but a lovely atmosphere.
Maenam
FamiliesA long, quiet beach with a view of Koh Phangan, popular with families and long-stay travellers.
Choeng Mon
ShelteredA pretty sheltered bay in the north-east, with calm water and upmarket resorts. One of the best for children.
Bang Po
LocalA quiet beach on the north-west with local seafood restaurants, good for snorkelling at high tide.
Stay near these beaches: hotels at Bophut or at Maenam.
The west and south: sunsets and wild coves
Fewer tourists, calm water and a more local side of Samui.
Lipa Noi
SunsetA long west-facing beach with very shallow, calm water and spectacular sunsets. Ideal with small children.
Taling Ngam
QuietA quiet beach in the south-west, departure point for some boats to Ang Thong.
Stay near these beaches: hotels at Lipa Noi or at Taling Ngam.
Which Koh Samui beach suits you?
A quick comparison to choose where to stay.
| Beach | Atmosphere | Best for | Sand and water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaweng | Lively | Nightlife, first trip | Fine white sand, clear water |
| Lamai | Balanced | Couples, all budgets | Beautiful, a little more swell |
| Silver Beach | Small and calm | Snorkelling | Clear water, boulders |
| Bophut | Village | Couples, restaurants | Coarser sand |
| Maenam / Choeng Mon | Calm | Families | Calm, sheltered |
| Lipa Noi | Very calm | Young children, sunsets | Very shallow |
My tips for Samui's beaches
To enjoy the island more.
- Stay on the north end of Chaweng or in Choeng Mon for a beautiful beach without the noise.
- Go to Silver Beach in the morning: the cove is small and fills up by noon.
- End the day on the west coast for the sunset, which is not visible from Chaweng or Lamai.
- Samui is bigger than it looks: count 30 to 45 minutes between the north and the south.
