Silver Beach (Crystal Bay)
Small, boulder-framed and almost absurdly photogenic, this is the cove everyone means when they talk about Samui's prettiest quick swim. Officially Haad Thong Ta-khian, unofficially Silver Beach or Crystal Bay, it tucks in between Chaweng and Lamai: a few hundred metres of pale sand, aquamarine water that stays clear over a sandy bottom, and granite boulders at each end that give the snorkelling its point. A handful of low-key resorts and restaurants back the sand, so an unplanned afternoon works fine here. Come early or late — it's small enough that a few dozen people change its character completely.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Silver Beach (Crystal Bay), round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Koh Samui
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui (Soi 1 Branch)
Ethical elephant sanctuary in Maenam offering daily hands-on encounters with rescued elephants in a jungle setting.
Wat Phra Yai
A 12-metre gilded Buddha, free entry and 360-degree views over the bays: half an hour well spent.
Central Samui
Air-con when you need it, open-air wings when you don't, and a food court worth the trip on its own.
Hin Ta Hin Yai
Two rude-shaped rocks, free to visit, worth twenty minutes and a coconut ice cream on the way out.
Silver Beach (Crystal Bay): Frequently Asked Questions
Is Silver Beach (Crystal Bay) worth visiting?
Silver Beach (Crystal Bay) holds a 4.2★ rating from 2,968 Google reviews — a strong rating for beaches in Koh Samui.
When is the best time to visit Silver Beach (Crystal Bay)?
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 Silver Beach (Crystal Bay) located?
Silver Beach (Crystal Bay) is at 124 F3H8+4G2, 4, Tambon Maret, Amphoe Ko Samui, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.
Location Info
124 F3H8+4G2, 4, Tambon Maret, Amphoe Ko Samui077 448 542www.facebook.com/SilverBeachKohSamuiVisitor 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 Silver Beach (Crystal Bay)
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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
Coral Cove Beach
A small rocky cove with proper snorkelling, best before the 10am crowd rolls in.
Lamai Beach Bridge
A scenic bridge in Lamai offering a pleasant spot to pause and take in coastal views on Koh Samui.
Lamai Beach
Chaweng's calmer sibling: long, clean sand, easy swimming, and coconut shacks instead of five-star polish.
Chaweng Noi Beach
Quieter than its big neighbour, with clear water and rock formations, but sea lice can spoil a few days.
Similar Beaches Across Thailand
Patong Beach
Three kilometres of white sand with jet skis, loungers and Bangla Road behind it, so come for the noise, not the calm.
Thong Nai Pan
Two horseshoe bays on Phangan's northeast corner, calm water, jungle behind, and no party noise.
Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat)
No road in, which is exactly why it stays quiet once the last longtail leaves.
Freedom Beach
Crystal water and soft sand, but you pay 100 baht and earn it on a steep climb back up.
Where to stay near Silver Beach (Crystal Bay)
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