Beaches on Koh Samui - Travel information

Bophut

Bophut is an old fishing village that is undoubtedly one of the most charming beach spots on the island. Although many of the seafront shop houses have been converted into trendy restaurants and shops, there is still something special about the village, which retains its original heritage.

Several kilometers of white sandy beach and the calm waters of the bay make this a popular spot for relaxing, wining and dining. At night, the area is charming - quiet and intimate, and a wonderful alternative to the island’s more hedonistic locations. Samui Villas & Homes offers luxurious holiday villas for rent in Bophut. View Ban Reemo - View Dhevatara Residence - View Ban Kinaree - View Ban Khao - View Baan Bua Suwan - View Baan Fueng Fah - View Baan Khao

Big Buddha Beach & Choeng Mon

Big Buddha Beach is on the northeastern tip of Koh Samui, and as the name suggests, is home to the 15m-high Big Buddha statue. Like Bophut, it remains a tranquil and relaxed location, with a pleasing pace of life. Samui Villas & Homes offers luxurious holiday villas for rent in Big Buddha Beach (Bangrak). View Ban Haad Sai - View Baan Tamarind

Further eastwards, is Choeng Mon. This beach is only 15 minutes from Chaweng, but because it is in a protected cove, the water remains calm and clear.

Chaweng

With seven kilometers of fine white sands stretching down Koh Samui’s East coast, it is easy to see why Chaweng has long been established as the island’s most popular beach. The main beach lends itself to all kinds of Watersports activities, as well as offering social and scenic opportunities. Hundreds of bronzed bodies worship the Thai sun on these expansive sands but there is still enough space to get away from the crowds if you wish, allowing you to enjoy a more peaceful experience.

Beyond the beach, the center of Chaweng beach road features the island’s largest selection of eating, shopping and partying opportunities. International and local cuisines, souvenir and handicraft bargains, and a good range of bars, music venues and dance clubs are available to suit anyone’s tastes or mood. For a more intimate evening, there are plenty of bars and restaurants right on the beach, offering a relaxed view of the gentle waves and the starry skies above. Wining and dining on some of Samui’s seafood specialties, with the sand between your toes, is something not to be missed.

Coral Cove

Coral Cove is located about 10 minutes drive south of Chaweng, half way to Lamai. As the name indicates, the bay is composed by many small coves, ideal for swimming, and offers fantastic ocean views.

Coral Cove is out of the way of all the bars and night life night but still close enough to indulge for just a few baht with a taxi when you want.

Despite the fact that Coral Cove has no center for shopping and or nightlife, you will be amazed by the choice of restaurants and fine dininig on the rocks along the mainroad. Luxury Holiday Villas for rent in Coral Cove: View Eden Rock Villa

Laem Set

Laem Set is situated on the South East coast of the island. The south coast is very relaxing and there is no shopping or nightlife nearby though it is only a 20mins drive to Lamai or 30mins to Chaweng. Laem Set is an area which offers varied attractions for adults and children alike. The famous Butterfly farm is nestled in the hills above the beach, you will enjoy a lovely day out walking through tropical gardens filled with butterflies. Laem Set boasts some high end resort and spas offering a more holistic approach set in outstanding locations. You can also enjoy first class dining at these resorts.

Laem Set is the perfect spot for those who are looking for a more secluded and private accommodation. Luxury Holiday Villas for rent in Laem Set: View Baan Laem Set

Laem Sor

Laem Sor is famous for its ancient pagoda. This beach-front chedi may be the most beautiful place on the island. The chedi is actually rather old, but restored just a few years ago with glazed tiles that have a mustard color probably meant to be look like gold. Next to the chedi is a small 'meditation forest' of trees with places to sit and even a few tables. Surrounding the forest on two sides is a man-made lagoon with some mangrove trees planted along the ocean side.

This stretch of quiet beach has just a few private homes on it allowing it to retain its tropical serenity overlooking the islands of Koh Matsum and Koh Taen.

Luxury Holiday Villas for rent in Laem Sor: View Ban Mekkala - View Ban Sairee

Lamai

Lamai's attractions are its open market and the old monastery, which includes a local museum. Nature lovers will want to explore the paths just to the back of the beach road, where peaceful coconut and fruit (banana, pineapple, durian) plantations can be found, as well trekking trails leading into the island’s jungle interior.

The main beach road features attractions such as health and meditation centers and a Thai boxing school, whilst further along stand the famous Grandfather and Grandmother rocks, a favorite amongst Thai and foreign tourists. Samui Villas & Homes offers a beachfront holiday villa for rent in Lamai. View Baan Talay

Lipa Noi

Lipa Noi offers a serene ambiance with outstanding sunsets on the west coast of Koh Samui.

The beach boasts soft, white sand flanked by endless lines of coconut plantations. Far from the noise and bustle the surrounding atmosphere is peaceful and attractive. You can walk along the beach and choose from a number of Thai restaurants providing evening entertainment such as Thai dancing and acrobatics. In Lipa Noi area can also experience fine dining with spectacular sunsets. Luxury Holiday Villas for rent in Lipa Noi: View Baan Phulay - View Baan Saranjai - View Baan Rattana Thep - View Ban Suriya - View Baan Chao Lay - View Baan Tao Talay - View Baan Kilee - View Baan Samlarn - View Dhevatara Cove - View Waimarie

Maenam

Maenam, on the northern coast of Koh Samui is still very much a traditional Thai village, containing a variety of authentic wooden houses and shops, some over 70 years old. The beach is calm, clean and runs for approximately 4km - a great option for peace seekers. Samui Villas & Homes offers luxurious holiday villas for rent in Maenam. View Villa Lotus - View Villa Gardenia - View Villa Bougainvillea - View Villa Accacia

Plai Laem

Plai Laem is located in the top right hand corner of Samui. It is a quiet area offering many private villas and houses as well as all levels of hotels and resorts. This area is perfect for relaxing but within 10 minutes you can reach the bustling area of Chaweng for entertainment and shopping.

The Big Buddha statue is within walking distance from the beach and neighbouring Choeng Mon beach is about 5 minutes drive away. Luxury Villas for rent in Plai Laem: View Tassana Pra

Click here to view a complete list of: Koh Samui Luxurious Holiday Villas