Koh Samui is Thailand’s second most popular island destination besides Phuket. Although it is less crowded than the latter, popular spots such as Chaweng and Lamai may be too lively for some.
Fortunately, for those seeking a more secluded and tranquil spot that’s not too isolated, Bang Kao Beach on the island’s south coast offers just that.
Far away from the crowds yet still having convenient amenities nearby, Bang Kao Beach is a family-friendly spot that offers the perfect place to sit back, relax, and revel in the beauty of Koh Samui and the Gulf of Thailand.
In this guide, we’ll give you everything you need about this peaceful beach and why it’s a great spot to visit on your next Koh Samui holiday.
Everything You Need to Know About Bang Kao Beach
Is visiting Bang Kao Beach worth adding to your Koh Samui itinerary? Well, here’s everything you need to know:
1. Vibe
Bang Kao is the longest stretch of beach on the southern coast of Koh Samui. There are no developments here, so you get raw, natural beauty untouched by commercialization. Thus, it’s perfect for those seeking a more serene and peaceful escape.
The vibe of Bang Kao is generally laid-back and quiet, offering a glimpse of local life. It’s home to a fishing village where fishermen anchor their traditional longboats at the shore. You can see them go to the sea in the morning or the evening, lugging in the fresh catch you can buy.
These unique features create a charming vibe to Bang Kao, making it perfect as a place to meditate, unwind, and spend a day on the beach with your family.
2. Beach
The beach itself features pale gold sand with shallow and calm waters. It’s fringed by a lush jungle and trees, offering shade for beachgoers. There are also a few corals that are perfect for a quick snorkeling activity.
Because of the calm and shallow waters, Bang Kao is great for swimming, kayaking, or snorkeling. There are no restaurants, hotels, or cafes on the beach, but some shops sell beverages and snacks at either end of the beach. It’s advisable to bring your food if you wish to have a picnic, just make sure you also bring your trash bags to bring with you.
How to Get There
Getting to Bang Kao requires you to have your transportation. There are no public transportation routes, so renting a car or scooter or having your private villa’s chauffeur take you to the beach are the only ways to get there.
Bang Kao is a 20-30 minute drive from the more popular beaches of Chaweng and Lamai, while it’s a 40-45 minute drive from the Samui International Airport.
Related article: Beaches of Koh Samui
When to Visit
Like the rest of Thailand, the best time to visit Bang Kao Beach in Koh Samui is during the dry season between November to February. However, March and early November are also ideal times for fewer tourists.
Related article: The Best Time to Visit Koh Samui: A Season-by-Season Guide
What to Do
Bang Kao is laid-back, and the townspeople practice a slow-living lifestyle. Activities in line with this general vibe include swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and sunbathing on the beach. Yoga and wellness retreats are occasionally held in private resorts and villas. A picnic on the beach with your kids is a great idea to experience in Bang Kao, as well as to experience local life.
For the more adventurous, hiking the town’s lush jungle may be a great idea. For culture fiends, a hidden Buddha temple in a cave and visiting the Laem Sor Pagoda offer excellent opportunities for exploration.
Island hopping can also be done from Bang Kao, where a boat tour can take you to Koh Madsum and Koh Taen.
Where to Eat
A few restaurants and cafes exist in Bang Kao, especially in town. Several beachside restaurants serve fresh seafood, local cuisine, and international menus. The Cool Bar offers fresh seafood and Thai classics while La Taverna serves Italian cuisine.
Related article: 10 Must-Try Thai Food When in Thailand
Where to Stay
There are a few hotels in Bang Kao, but Koh Samui luxury villas offer ideal group accommodation. A 10-minute drive from the beach is Villa Sairee, a gorgeous 9-bedroom beachfront oasis where you wake up to the sound of crashing waves and a lush private beach fringed with coconut trees. Other villas in Bang Kao may be further away from the beach.
Tranquil Escapes Await at Bang Kao Beach
Bang Kao is a beach and fisherman’s village that offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of Koh Samui’s more popular and crowded beaches. It’s for those seeking a quieter spot to enjoy the Gulf of Thailand while offering the raw and natural beauty of Koh Samui at its finest.
Make arrangements with your private villa concierge and take a private car to Bang Kao as part of your Koh Samui itinerary. Experience the charming local way of life, as well as the serenity of this secluded beach, while taking in the beauty of rural Koh Samui.
–
Featured Image: Bangkok Airways
The Luxury Signature represents and manages reservations of the finest villa rentals in Southeast Asia, specializing in some of the most stunning destinations including the islands of Phuket and Samui in Thailand, and Bali, Indonesia.
