Top 7 Best Beaches in Koh Samui
November 09, 2026 05:32 AM
Last edited: November 09, 2026
Nam's pick
Nam · Editor at Thairanked
Nam is Thairanked's editor in Bangkok. She checks every business on her lists herself (the reviews, the photos, the details) and updates a list when something changes.
Koh Samui has a beach for every kind of traveller. Chaweng is best for nightlife and activities, while Lamai offers a more relaxed atmosphere. Silver Beach is a small bay with clear water, and Choeng Mon is great for swimming. For a quieter escape, head to Bophut, Maenam or the west coast. December to April is generally a good time to visit, while October and November bring more rain and rougher sea conditions.
Last checked by Nam on November 9, 2026
by Nam Thairanked
Nam is Thairanked's editor in Bangkok. She checks every business on her lists herself (the reviews, the photos, the details) and updates a list when something changes.
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Koh Samui's beaches range from busy Chaweng to quiet bays on the north and west coasts. East-coast beaches such as Chaweng and Lamai can have rough seas and heavy rain in October and November, while the west coast is the place to watch the sunset.
At a glance
| Rank | Place | Best for | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui | Foam cannons and beach bar battles | Ko Samui | Free |
| 2 | Lamai Beach | Ko Samui | ||
| 3 | Silver Beach (Crystal Bay) | Ko Samui | ||
| 4 | Choeng Mon Beach | Ko Samui | ||
| 5 | Bophut Beach (Fisherman's Village) | Ko Samui | ||
| 6 | Maenam Beach | Ko Samui | ||
| 7 | Lipa Noi Beach | Ko Samui |
1. Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui
Foam cannons and beach bar battles
Nam: The most popular beach on Koh Samui, stretching for around 7 km along the east coast. Expect white sand, plenty of beachfront restaurants, hotels, water activities and lively nightlife. Visit early in the morning for a quieter experience.
Highlight
Bar crews turn Chaweng Beach Road into a long water lane. You see foam cannons outside clubs, refill stations at mini-marts, and pickup teams with drums and buckets. DJs spin near the Green Mango area, and beach bars set splash lines along the sand. The vibe mixes party and pool energy, so you can swim in the morning, then join the street from noon onward. Taxis and bike taxis dodge the wet zones, so walk the core strip and use side lanes when you need a break. Many hotels sit close to the action, which makes easy resets for gear and showers. For groups that want a big soak without total mayhem, Chaweng hits the sweet spot.
Free
Essential Information
Koh Samui, Surat Thani
2. Lamai Beach
Nam: A beautiful sandy beach with a more laid-back atmosphere than Chaweng. It offers a good mix of beachfront restaurants, resorts and swimming spots. Don't miss the famous Hin Ta and Hin Yai rock formations at the southern end.
Highlight
A beautiful sandy beach with a more laid-back atmosphere than Chaweng. It offers a good mix of beachfront restaurants, resorts and swimming spots. Don't miss the famous Hin Ta and Hin Yai rock formations at the southern end.
Essential Information
Lamai, Maret, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani
Nam: A small, picturesque bay tucked between Chaweng and Lamai. Its soft sand, granite boulders and clear water make it a popular spot for swimming and snorkelling. It can get crowded due to its small size, so arrive early for the best experience.
Highlight
A small, picturesque bay tucked between Chaweng and Lamai. Its soft sand, granite boulders and clear water make it a popular spot for swimming and snorkelling. It can get crowded due to its small size, so arrive early for the best experience.
Essential Information
Crystal Bay, Maret, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani
See also
Nam: Located in the north-east of Koh Samui, this curved bay is known for its soft white sand and relatively sheltered waters. It is a good choice for swimming, relaxing and enjoying a quieter beach atmosphere away from the busy Chaweng area.
Highlight
Located in the north-east of Koh Samui, this curved bay is known for its soft white sand and relatively sheltered waters. It is a good choice for swimming, relaxing and enjoying a quieter beach atmosphere away from the busy Chaweng area.
Essential Information
Choeng Mon, Bo Phut, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani
Nam: A beach with a charming village atmosphere, backed by boutique hotels, restaurants and seaside cafés. Fisherman's Village is especially lively on Friday evenings, when its walking street market brings food stalls and local shopping to the area.
Highlight
A beach with a charming village atmosphere, backed by boutique hotels, restaurants and seaside cafés. Fisherman's Village is especially lively on Friday evenings, when its walking street market brings food stalls and local shopping to the area.
Essential Information
Bo Phut, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani
6. Maenam Beach
Nam: A long stretch of sand on Koh Samui's north coast, lined with coconut palms and beachfront resorts. It is generally quieter than Chaweng and Lamai, making it a good choice for travellers looking to relax away from the crowds.
Highlight
A long stretch of sand on Koh Samui's north coast, lined with coconut palms and beachfront resorts. It is generally quieter than Chaweng and Lamai, making it a good choice for travellers looking to relax away from the crowds.
Essential Information
Mae Nam, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani
Nam: A long, quiet beach on Koh Samui's west coast and one of the island's best places to watch the sunset. The water stays shallow far from the shore, which suits families with young children, but at low tide the sea pulls back a long way, so check the tide before you swim.
Highlight
A long, quiet beach on Koh Samui's west coast and one of the island's best places to watch the sunset. The water stays shallow far from the shore, which suits families with young children, but at low tide the sea pulls back a long way, so check the tide before you swim.
Essential Information
Lipa Noi, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140
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by Nam Thairanked
Nam is Thairanked's editor in Bangkok. She checks every business on her lists herself (the reviews, the photos, the details) and updates a list when something changes.