Updated on July 14, 2025

As an island paradise, one of Koh Samui’s most cherished resources is its vast, incredibly beautiful coastline speckled with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. These beaches are revered by guests from all walks of life. If you would like to spend a day on the seaside, here are some of the best beaches on Koh Samui.

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7 Must-Visit Beaches in Koh Samui

Many of the beaches in Koh Samui are spaced far apart on the island, so you will need to arrange for transportation to and from the beach. That doesn’t mean they are no less worthy of a day trip, though. A number of these beaches are also popular with families as well as aquatic sport enthusiasts. It all depends on the vibe you’re after.

1. Chaweng Beach

Chaweng Beach is a place unlike any other. One of the most gorgeous beaches to be found on the island is ensconced by a wonderful tapestry of resorts, nightlife, restaurants, markets, commercial developments and more. Without a doubt one of the most popular areas in all of Koh Samui, Chaweng Beach is a fantastic destination for party seekers and beachgoers alike; often the two are fused seamlessly!

With its 5-kilometer white sandy beach, Chaweng provides plenty of room for everyone paying a visit to the ocean. For surfing, water sports, relaxing on the beach or taking a gentle swim, this beach truly provides it all. The warm shallow waters just off the coast provide a great setting for swimming for all ages, with very soft and forgiving sandy seabeds and not a lot of rocks.

2. Choeng Mon Beach

Not too far from Chaweng on the northeast coast is Choeng Mon, which is just as popular as Chaweng but attracts a more family-friendly crowd. With soft white sand, warm water, and a wide array of restaurants for every appetite, Choeng Mon has quickly become a guest favorite among Koh Samui beaches. It’s no wonder that many resorts have also set up their own establishments by the beach, too.

Water sports enthusiasts can also find fun things to do in Choeng Mon. Jet ski rentals are available, and kayakers can also paddle out to the nearby island of Koh Fan Noi when wave conditions permit. But it’s just as good of a place as any to just enjoy the water and get some rays on the sand.

3. Lamai Beach

Also a fairly developed resort beach, Lamai is perhaps Chaweng’s slightly more peaceful cousin. Wonderfully pristine, the sparkling clear waters of Lamai perfectly compliment the picturesque white sand, stretching long and lazily over the shore. This is a fantastic place to swim, explore some water sports, or have a gentle and relaxing time soaking up the sun, sand and surf. The beautiful and pristine coastline is truly a sight to behold.

Even with the development of new resorts in the area, Lamai still provides a very laid back and almost private atmosphere. You can walk around the beach and marvel at the rock formations of Hin Ta and Hin Yai, or wait until after sunset to venture into the town proper to check out a Muay Thai match. You can even grab a bite of street food at the weekend night market.

4. Lipa Noi Beach

For anyone looking for a truly secluded, elegant and unspoiled beach experience, Lipa Noi is an amazing selection. Although dotted by a few bungalows, luxury villas, and a few restaurants and resorts, Lipa Noi is still peaceful and calm compared to other beaches. The warm shallow waters remain low enough for most people to walk up to 100 meters out past shore, given the right tidal conditions.

This distance from the hustle and bustle gives Lipa Noi its distinctive atmosphere of peace, tranquility and immersion within a pristine natural wonderland. The fine white sands of Lipa Noi are plentiful along its expansive coast, virtually free of any rocks or coral. A wonderful place for snorkeling, swimming, or water sports, Lipa Noi is perfect for swimmers of all strengths and people of all ages.

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5. Bophut Beach

Bophut Beach is a wonderful spot for play and relaxation, with 2 kilometers of brilliant white sandy coastline bordered by the calm waters of the sea. Although the water is calm and easy to swim in, it’s best for soaking up the sun’s rays and spending a whole day on the shores, culminating in a lovely sunset and a few drinks at the famous Coco Tam’s bar.

While Bophut has since become more developed with new resorts, bars, and restaurants, the beach remains family friendly and is also an excellent destination for lovers and honeymoons. Situated near the historical and interesting Fisherman’s Village, Bophut Beach is sure to provide something for everyone who visits its shores.

6. Maenam Beach

A five-kilometer long beach popular for surfers, Maenam Beach can be found in the northern coastline of Koh Samui, west of Bophut. The beach is located close to Santiburi Golf and Country Club and the nearby Maenam Pier with ferries to Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. Maenam Beach is a perfect holiday destination for the entire family if you want to just relax without the loud music from bars and clubs.

During the time when tourists just started to explore the island, this was one of the few beaches where you can find hotels by the beach.

7. Bang Kao Beach

Among the beaches in the southern coast of Koh Samui, Bang Kao Beach is gaining ground as another guest favorite on Koh Samui. Without the usual resort developments and bustling restaurants, Bang Kao is day-trip worthy for its pure sands, clear water, and quiet atmosphere. It’s best to go here if you’re the type who enjoys quiet moments on the beach, especially if you love walking on the sand or doing yoga by the shore.

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Plan Your Day on The Beach on Koh Samui

Koh Samui has an endless array of lush beaches, some of which are home to the most elegant villas on the island. But even if your villa isn’t located on the beachfront, you can still find time to spend the day at any of Koh Samui’s popular beaches with the right planning.

The best way to plan a beach trip on Koh Samui is to coordinate with the Guest Experience Services staff at your villa, who can make arrangements for you and your group in advance. Guest Experience Services can plan your trip to the beach by booking transportation to and from the beach of your choice, with options for side trips, restaurant reservations, and even packed snacks.

With the summer-like tropical weather year-round, there are many opportunities to spend a day at a beach on Koh Samui itself. Give yourself the chance to experience a Koh Samui beach during your trip, and find out why guests keep coming back to the island to make more beachfront memories.

Discover more day trip-worthy attractions with our Koh Samui Travel Guide.