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Lipa Noi Beach

A quiet, very shallow sunset beach on Koh Samui's west coast, south of Nathon, with no coral, calm water and wide flats at low tide.

4.3(735)
Directions

Plan your visit

Hours
Open 24 hours daily
Entry
Free

Check Monsoon Windows

Andaman coast beaches (Phuket, Krabi) have rough seas May–October. Koh Samui's beaches are roughest October–December, and Hua Hin's wettest months are September and October. Plan your beach trip around these windows for calm water and safe swimming.

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Finding your way around Lipa Noi Beach

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Getting there and around

  • Lipa Noi is on Samui's west coast, a few kilometers south of Nathon, just south of the Lipa Noi pier where Raja's car ferries from the mainland land.
  • Samui Airport is about 45 minutes away by car, and Chaweng 40 to 45 minutes across the island.
  • Nathon has the nearest shops, market and ATMs.

Details

Full opening hours
MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Why go, and how to do it well

Lipa Noi is the long, quiet beach on Samui's west coast, a few kilometers south of Nathon and just south of the pier where the Raja car ferries and Boonsiri boats from the mainland come in. It faces west across the Gulf, so this is where the island watches the sunset, and the land behind it is coconut palms, villas and small resorts rather than a hotel strip.

The water is why families come. The seabed is flat, sandy and free of coral, and it stays shallow a long way out. At low tide the sea pulls back a long way and leaves wide flats, so it's a beach for wading and paddling, and for a proper swim you'll want high tide.

Don't come for nightlife. There are a few beach restaurants and seafood places, and Nikki Beach Resort at the upscale end, and that's about it. Chaweng is 40 to 45 minutes across the island. Shade is patchy, and Nathon has the nearest shops if you need anything.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026

Tours that include Lipa Noi Beach

Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Lipa Noi Beach.

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Experience hints

Pair your visit. After Lipa Noi Beach, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.

Lipa Noi Beach, Lipa Noi, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand

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Tips for Visiting Beaches

Go Early for Empty Sand

Even the busiest beaches are nearly deserted before 9 AM. A sunrise walk is the best hour of the day on the sand, 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.

Lipa Noi Beach: Frequently Asked Questions

Can you swim at Lipa Noi Beach?

Yes, best at high tide. The seabed is flat, sandy and free of coral and stays shallow a long way out, which makes it good for small children. At low tide the sea pulls back and leaves wide flats, more for wading than swimming.

Is Lipa Noi Beach nice?

For a quiet beach and the sunset, yes. It faces west across the Gulf and has villas, small resorts and a few seafood restaurants instead of a hotel strip. It has almost no nightlife, so stay on the east coast if that matters.

How far is Lipa Noi from Samui Airport?

About 45 minutes by car. Chaweng is 40 to 45 minutes away and Nathon a few minutes north.

Is Lipa Noi Beach worth visiting?

Lipa Noi Beach holds a 4.3★ rating from 735 Google reviews — a strong rating for beaches in Koh Samui.

What are the opening hours of Lipa Noi Beach?

Lipa Noi Beach is open 24 hours a day — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

When is the best time to visit Lipa Noi Beach?

The best months to visit Koh Samui are January – September, 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).

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