Neil Aronson Are you looking for an Island in Thailand to visit? Koh Samui is a great option if you want to visit Thailand’s best beaches and stay at spectacular hotels in nature and on the best beaches.
Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand, making it full of things to do. But also can get crowded. This article will focus on the best beaches and where to stay. But first some FAQ’s about Koh Samui.
Koh Samui offers a balance between natural beauty, cultural experiences, and modern amenities, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure. It is accessible by air and ferry from the Thai mainland, making it relatively easy for travelers to reach.
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Some Facts
Koh Samui is one of the most well-known and visited destinations in the country. It is famous for its stunning best beaches, lush rainforests, vibrant nightlife, and a wide range of recreational activities. It is recommended to try and go during lower tourists times. High season is January-April.
Nearby Koh Phangan Island is famous for its Full Moon Parties, which bring a lot of people, so check those dates if you either want to avoid it or join in.
Here are some key highlights of Koh Samui:
- Temples: The island has a few notable temples, such as Wat Phra Yai (home to the Big Buddha statue), Wat Plai Laem (known for its 18-armed goddess statue), and Wat Khunaram (housing the mummified monk Luang Por Daeng).
- Water Sports: Scuba Diving and Snorkeling of the best beaches is one of the more popular things to do in Koh Samui. Visitors can enjoy various water activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and jet-skiing.
- Nightlife: Koh Samui offers a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars, clubs, and beach parties. Chaweng and Lamai are the primary areas for nightlife.
- Shopping: You’ll find various markets and shops selling local products, souvenirs, clothing, and handicrafts. The Fisherman’s Village in Bophut is known for its Friday night walking street market.
- Outdoor Adventures: The island’s interior is hilly and covered in lush rainforests. There are opportunities for hiking, jungle trekking, and zip-lining.
- Cultural Activities: Koh Samui hosts various cultural events and festivals, including the Songkran (Thai New Year) celebration and the Buffalo Fighting Festival.
- Spa and Wellness: The island has numerous spa and wellness centers where you can indulge in massages and relaxation treatments.
- Culinary Delights: You can savor a wide range of Thai and international cuisines at the island’s restaurants and street food stalls. Try some fresh seafood, traditional Thai dishes, and exotic fruits.
- Island Hopping: Koh Samui is a great starting point for exploring nearby islands like Koh Phangan, famous for the Full Moon Party, and Koh Tao, a popular diving destination.
For a complete list of things to do, read the Things To Do section and visit Viator.
Getting To The Best Beaches
Koh Samui is located south of Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand, not far off the coast. There are several ways to get there so you can visit these best beaches. Of course by air is the quickest and most expensive. Many backpackers and people traveling around, will get there by buss, ferry, and train combination.
- By Air: The most convenient and quickest way to reach Koh Samui is by taking a direct flight to Samui Airport. Many domestic airlines operate flights to Koh Samui from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport), Chiang Mai, Phuket, and other major Thai cities. You can also find international flights from destinations like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
- By Ferry: You can take a ferry from several mainland piers in locations such as Surat Thani, Don Sak, and Donsak Pier to Koh Samui’s main piers, which include Nathon Pier, Lipa Noi Pier, and Maenam Pier. These ferry rides can vary in duration, with faster options taking around 1.5 to 2 hours and slower options taking 3-4 hours. The choice of ferry depends on your location and the level of comfort and speed you desire.
- By Bus and Ferry Combination: 12Go offers a combined bus and ferry service from Bangkok and other major Thai cities to Koh Samui. This option can be more cost-effective, but it involves a longer travel time.
- By Train and Ferry Combination: You can take a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then connect to a ferry to Koh Samui. This option is often chosen for its scenic train ride through the Thai countryside.
We recommend using AirAsia if flying. Or use 12Go which has all your options, from flights with Bangkok Airways, to busses trains and boats.
Chaweng Beach – For Active Scene
Chaweng is the most popular of the best beaches, and the beach with the most to do. It boasts a long stretch of soft white sand and is known for its vibrant nightlife, water sports, and various restaurants and shops. If you enjoy the hustle and bustle, Chaweng is the place to be. If your looking for more peaceful quieter choices, then look elsewhere on our list.
You can visit Wat Phra Yai, home to the Big Buddha statue, one of the island’s iconic landmarks.
Visit Wat Khao Hua Jook is a century-old Buddhist temple set on a hilltop north of Chaweng. This temple contains, according to the sign, a replica of Buddha’s footprint.
If you like modern shopping malls you can hit up Central Festival Samui, the islands largest with over 200 shops, bars, restaurants, and recreational activities.
Other activities include a luxurious spa day, taking in a Muay Thai boxing match at the Chaweng Stadium, or taking a cooking class.
Where To Stay:
Sareeraya Villas & Suites – Beachfront on the best beaches list, this property puts you close to attractions and interesting dining options. Be sure to set some time aside to visit Fisherman’s Village. Rated with 5 stars, this high-quality property provides guests with access to massage, restaurant and hot tub on-site.
SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort – 100 Moo 2, Chaweng
Chaweng Best Hotel & Hostel – Chaweng Beach Road
Sandalwood Luxury Villas – 211/7 Moo 4 Tumbon Mare. Escape the crowded beach, situated on the cliffs with views.
Choeng Mon Beach
Choeng Mon Beach is a beautiful and relatively quiet beach located on the northeastern coast. One of our best beaches, it boasts soft, powdery white sand and clear, shallow waters. It’s lined by lush greenery, including palm trees, giving it a picturesque tropical setting. We like that there are less people, but close to a lot of things to do and restaurants.
The calm and shallow waters make it an ideal spot for swimming and various water activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. You can also take boat trips from here to explore neighboring islands.
This beach is mostly dominated with higher end resorts.
Where To Stay:
Cape Fahn Hotel – This is you high end resort on its private island just off Choeng Mon Beach. We have not stayed here, out of my price range, but I would if I could! All villas with private pool.
Melia Koh Samui Beach Resort – Beachfront modern hotel with beautiful facilities. This 5 star hotel offers multiple dining and pool options.
Island View Bungalows – Get a private bungalow on a budget. Featuring private balcony or terrace. Walk to the beach and shopping. Great budget option.
Lamai Beach
Lamai Beach is somewhat similar to Chaweng beach, and is one of the best beaches located on the east coast of Koh Samui, Thailand. It’s known for its scenic beauty, soft white sand, and clear blue waters, making it a great destination for beach lovers and tourists.
One of the best beaches I found for swimming and snorkeling. The calm and clear waters of make it an excellent place for activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Famous for Hin Ta and Hin Yai. These are the Thai names for the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks famous here. “Hin Ta” means “Grandfather Rock,” and “Hin Yai” means “Grandmother Rock.”
Just inland from Lamai Beach is Wat Lamai, a Buddhist temple with impressive architecture and intricate artwork.
Where To Stay:
Lamai Coconut Beach Resort – Beachfront and offer a layout option like a balcony or terrace. The hotel’s in-room entertainment is second to none, with television and cable TV provided to guests in select rooms.
The Fisherman’s Chalet – Small cabins hidden in the trees, featuring flat screen TV’s and Wi-Fi. Some units have balcony with ocean views.
Rocky’s Boutique Resort – is a private beachfront and boutique Samui resort. Features 47 elegant rooms and 3 spacious pool villas, and only a short walk to downtown Lamai.
Bo Phut Beach
Bo Phut Beach, located in the Fisherman’s Village area in the north of the island, is a charming and picturesque spot. Being one of the best beaches it has a mix of boutique hotels, bars, and restaurants. You can enjoy views of Koh Phangan Island in the distance and explore the historic Fisherman’s Village with its shops and eateries.
Smaller and quieter area than our first two best beaches. This is more my scene, peaceful but still things to do and places to go.
This area is a great jumping off point for ocean activities. Catch a boat tour to Angthong Marine Park. Rent Jet Skies, wakeboarding, kayaks, and great for swimming.
Where To Stay:
Mantra Samui Resort – Nestled up above the beach in the trees. Only one KM from the Fisherman’s Village. Spectacular views and beautiful grounds.
U Samui Resort – Located east by a couple Km of the Fisherman’s village. But good location as you are also closer to the Big Buddha and the airport. Maenam Beach, another best beaches is located 6 Km to the west.
Mae Nam Beach
Mae Nam Beach is a quieter, coconut tree lined, and less crowded of the best beaches in the northern part of the island. It’s an excellent place for a peaceful and relaxing day by the sea. You can find some mid-range and budget accommodations here.
From the elongated golden beach you have a beautiful view of the island of Koh Phangan.
Santiburi Samui Country Club is located nearby, Koh Samui’s only championship golf course.
Where To Stay:
Escape Beach Resort – Relax amung the coconut trees by the beach. Great place to unwind. Rates around 1500 baht.
Lipa Noi Beach
Located on the western coast of the island, Lipa Noi Beach is known for its calm and shallow waters. It’s a good choice for families and those who want to watch the sunset. This area is more serene and less developed compared to the eastern beaches.
Lipa Noi is one of the islands best swimming beaches due to its white sand and the lack of underwater dangers, like jagged chunks of rock and coral found on some of the island’s other beaches.
Lipa Noi is home to some of the island’s most popular seafood restaurants. Likewise, the lodging options run the full range to fit nearly every travel budget.
Great area to walk to restaurants and the Lipa Noi Pier is close by for boat trips.
Where To Stay:
Nikki Beach Resort And Spa – Fantastic bargain right on the beach. Take walks on one of the best beaches and stroll to get coffee at The Outback Cafe.
Kanok Buri Resort – Also located right on the beach, this mid-range hotel is a great bargain.
Bonus Tours And Things To Do
There are many other smaller beaches and well as islands close to Koh Samui. So your options don’t end here. Keep exploring. I use Agoda for all our hotel bookings.
Koh Samui has no shortage of things to do, being Thailand’s second largest island. Learn more about these activities on Viator. Here are 16 things you can do, besides bars and restaurants!
- Watersports: Snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and sailing.
- Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
- Wat Plai Laem
- Butterfly Hill
- Fisherman’s Village
- Night Markets
- Adventure Activities: Try zip-lining, ATV rides, and jungle trekking.
- Angthong National Marine Park: Take a day trip to this pristine marine park.
- Namuang Waterfalls: Visit the two Na Muang waterfalls.
- Island Hopping: Explore the nearby islands like Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, known for their scuba diving and Full Moon Party, respectively.
- Elephant Sanctuary
- Treetop Adventures: Visit treetop adventure park with ziplines and high ropes courses.
- Thai Cooking Classes: Learn to cook traditional Thai dishes in a cooking class.
- Thai Boxing (Muay Thai): Watch or participate in a Muay Thai boxing match.
- Cultural Shows: Attend cultural performances, such as Thai dance and music shows.
- Island Cruises
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