Bang Po Beach
Sandy stretch popular for snorkeling, yoga & sunsets, with bars, seafood eateries & simple lodgings.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Bang Po Beach, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
This beach is good for families, there are not big waves and the sand is nice. However, most of the restaurants and resorts took over the beach in most parts, but you can use their beach chairs for free if you order something. We went further up nearly 2km and the beach was nicer here. More shade from the trees and quieter. The sand is coarse but the beach was wider. If you're around consider stopping for lunch at Pad Thai , very local restaurant with cheap delicious food.
This is a relatively quiet and less crowded beach, with only a few shops around, making it perfect for those who enjoy a peaceful retreat and just want to relax at the hotel. The sand here is a bit coarse, and it's not ideal for swimming due to the many rocks and reefs beneath the water. At the very least, you shouldn’t swim too far out.
This a really lovely beach, the sand is soft and the sea is warm. We had a nice stroll up and down looking at all the restaurants and private villas. It wasn’t very busy at all, just a scattering of people, but overall it was pretty empty!
Tips for Visiting Beaches & Islands
Check Monsoon Seasons
The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) has rough seas from May to October. The Gulf coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) is roughest from October to December. Plan your island-hopping around these windows.
Snorkel Gear Is Cheap to Buy
Rental gear is often scratched and ill-fitting. Buy a decent mask and snorkel at a Tesco Lotus or Big C for 300–500 THB — cheaper than two days of rentals and much more hygienic.
Book Ferries on 12Go.Asia
The 12Go platform lets you compare ferry operators, times, and prices between islands. Book a day or two ahead in high season. Avoid the cheapest operators if reviews mention safety concerns.
Also Popular in Koh Samui
Wat Phra Yai
Massive, circa-1972 gilded Buddha statue at the colorful Phra Yai temple complex.
Central Samui
Koh Samui's largest mall blends indoor and open-air shopping with local markets, dining, and family amenities.

Hin Ta Hin Yai
Storied natural rock formations known for bearing a resemblance to male & female genitalia.
THE COCOON - SAMUI VIEWPOINT
Hilltop restaurant and bar with panoramic jungle and ocean views, open daily 9am–11pm.
Similar Beaches & Islands Across Thailand
Patong Beach
Phuket's most famous beach with clear waters and vibrant atmosphere

Mu Ko Similan National Park
This serene national park features white-sand beaches & vibrant coral reefs popular among divers.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
January – August
Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)
Rainy season
October – December
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: July – August & December
Getting there
Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). Ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs — a cheaper option.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas