Bangrak Beach
Come for the walk, not the swim. This stretch on Koh Samui's eastern side, over in the Bo Put area, is one of the quieter bits of coast on the island, and the bay views are genuinely lovely early in the morning or after dark when the lights come on across the water. Restaurants run up and down the sand, so you can stroll a while and then sit down somewhere for a meal. That's the best use of the place.
The swimming is where it falls apart. Reviewers describe a mushy, uneven seabed, rocks you can't see until you're standing on them, and glass in the sand. Water clarity gets mixed reviews at best. Some parts of the shore narrow to almost nothing. Plenty of people still enjoy it for the calm and the scenery, just go in with your eyes open and keep your shoes on.
One other thing: hawkers work the beach and a few are persistent. A firm no the first time saves you the third and fourth.
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Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Bangrak Beach — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Bangrak Beach, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Quiet and relaxing different vibe. Less people more nature. Water less rubbish but not the best beach on samui for sure. Beautiful vibe an scenery
A lovely beach walk, with plenty of restaurants dotted up and down it. It was very windy while we were there so we didn't go swimming in the water but wandering up the beach was pleasant. I will say that the hackers that walk up and down the beach can be a bit pushy though, we had the same person pass us a few times & each time they tried to sell us something we didn't want or need.
Possibly the worst beach on the island. Pretty dirty and a lot of glass in the sand. The seabed is all mushy and weird, plus there’s a lot of rocks in the water which you cannot see. So definitely not safe for swimming.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 294 reviews on Google.
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Bangrak Beach: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bangrak Beach worth visiting?
Bangrak Beach holds a 4.3★ rating from 294 Google reviews — a strong rating for beaches in Koh Samui.
When is the best time to visit Bangrak Beach?
The best months to visit Koh Samui are January – August, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in July – August & December — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon).
Where is Bangrak Beach located?
Bangrak Beach is at H343+V8J, 4171, Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.
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). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas
Where to stay near Bangrak Beach
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Tips for Visiting Beaches
Check Monsoon Windows
Andaman coast beaches (Phuket, Krabi) have rough seas May–October. Gulf beaches (Samui, Hua Hin) are roughest October–December. Plan your beach trip around these windows for calm water and safe swimming.
Go Early for Empty Sand
Even the busiest beaches are nearly deserted before 9 AM. Sunrise walks on Kata, Chaweng, or Railay are magical — and you'll beat the heat for a morning swim.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Many Thai marine parks ban chemical sunscreens that damage coral. Bring reef-safe (mineral/zinc-based) sunscreen from home — it's harder to find and pricier in Thailand.
Nearby Places
Bo Phut Beach
A relaxed northern Koh Samui beach best known for its charming Fisherman's Village dining and evening atmosphere.
Chaweng Beach
The island's longest, loudest stretch of sand, and it makes no apology for it.
Choeng Mon Beach
A sheltered northern Koh Samui beach known for remarkably calm, flat water and a unique wave-meeting phenomenon.
Thongson Beach
A sheltered, quiet beach on Koh Samui with calm waters, palm shade, and a noticeably relaxed atmosphere.
Similar Beaches Across Thailand
Patong Beach
Phuket's most famous 3km beach on the Andaman Sea, buzzing with water sports, dining, and nightlife.
Thong Nai Pan
Thong Nai Pan is the pair of horseshoe bays on Koh Phangan's northeast corner that many rate the island's best all-round base — Thong Nai Pan Yai, the larger southern bay with a village feel and family resorts, and Thong Nai Pan Noi, the more polished northern bay where the island's smarte.
Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat)
Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat) on Koh Phangan's north coast is the island's poster child for earned seclusion — a wide crescent of soft sand backed by jungle hills, with no road in.
Freedom Beach
A secluded white-sand beach near Patong with crystal-clear water, far removed from the crowds.
Where to stay near Bangrak Beach
Find hotels in Koh Samui on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
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). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas