Best Beaches in Koh Samui
5 places found in Koh Samui
Koh Samui's beaches wrap around the entire island, each with a distinct character. Chaweng Beach is the longest and most popular — 7 km of white sand with beach bars, water sports, and beachfront dining. Lamai is more laid-back with better snorkelling at its rocky southern end.
The northern beaches offer tranquility. Maenam has shallow, calm water perfect for families and paddleboarding. Bophut's Fisherman's Village combines a narrow beach with the island's most charming pedestrian strip. For something secluded, explore the southern coast around Thong Krut.
Where to stay in Koh Samui
Compare live prices across trusted booking sites — most rooms include free cancellation, so you can reserve now and decide later.
- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fees
- Compare live prices
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Best rates in Asia
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Hotels.com Rewards
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
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.
Ban Tai Beach
A calm, scenic beach on Koh Samui's eastern coast, ideal for swimming, relaxing, and beachside dining.
Choeng Mon Beach
A sheltered northern Koh Samui beach known for remarkably calm, flat water and a unique wave-meeting phenomenon.
Bang Po Beach
A quiet, curved bay on Koh Samui's north coast with soft sand, calm water, and a relaxed, unhurried pace.
W Beach
A tranquil palm-fringed beach on Koh Samui split between a private hotel section and a public stretch with water sports.
Find a place to stay in Koh Samui
Compare live rates across booking sites.
- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fees
- Compare live prices
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Best rates in Asia
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Hotels.com Rewards
Sponsored — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Koh Samui beach is best for swimming?
Chaweng and Lamai have the best swimming — long, sandy, with gradual depth. Maenam is excellent for families (very shallow). Bophut is narrow with a rocky bottom in places.
Are Koh Samui beaches crowded?
Chaweng gets busy, especially December-February. Lamai is less crowded. Maenam and Bophut are rarely packed. For empty sand, head to Lipa Noi on the west coast or Thong Krut in the south.
Is Koh Samui good for beach holidays with kids?
Excellent. Maenam's shallow water is ideal for young children. Chaweng has the most facilities and beachfront restaurants. Several resorts offer kids' clubs and family-oriented beach activities.