9 Best Beaches in Koh Samui: Travel Guide & Extra Tips

When we first visited Koh Samui, we were totally unprepared for how much we’d love its beaches. From the soft, white sands of Chaweng — where we caught the best fire show we’ve ever seen (we’ll get to that later) — to quiet, hidden coves you’d never expect to find on such a popular island, it truly has a beach for everyone.

If we could only recommend one beach, it’d be Silver Beach. This quickly became a favorite with its soft sand, calm turquoise water, and some of the best snorkeling we’ve found on this island.

And for those looking for something a little different, yes — there’s even a naturism-friendly beach here. We spent an afternoon there, and honestly, it felt more relaxed than we imagined.

In this guide to the best beaches in Koh Samui, we’re sharing our personal favorites, a map to help you plan your trip, practical tips on where to stay, and ideas for the perfect beach-hopping itinerary.

Whether you’ve got a weekend or a full week, this list will help you find the perfect stretch of sand to match your style.

Map of all the best beaches in Koh Samui

Koh Samui Best Beaches

1. Silver Beach

Let’s start with our favorite — Silver Beach. Tucked between Chaweng and Lamai on the island’s east coast, this small 250-meter stretch of powdery white sand is everything we look for in a beach: calm, clear water, a relaxed vibe, and amazing snorkeling just a few steps from shore.

This quickly became a favorite during our trip, and even after multiple visits, it still feels the same.

The water here is perfect for swimming (during a low tide, you need to go further), and on calm days, you’ll spot colorful fish swimming around the rocks at either end of the beach — so bringing a mask and snorkel is a must if you love exploring underwater.

One of our favorite things about Silver Beach is that you can enjoy a massage right there on the sand. We treated ourselves to a one-hour massage during one of our visits, and honestly, it was absolutely amazing.

If you want a relaxed beach day without the crowds of Chaweng, Silver Beach is the perfect spot.

It has everything you need for a full day — from beach bars and casual restaurants to cozy cafés and sunbeds for rent — so you can easily spend the whole day here without ever leaving the sand.

We recommend Silver Spoon for a relaxed meal near the beach — tasty dishes, a cozy setting, and great service that makes you want to come back again and again.

2. Lamai Beach

Lamai Beach felt like the more relaxed version of Chaweng the moment we arrived. A long, golden stretch of sand with calm, clear water makes it perfect for everything from a gentle swim to a leisurely beach walk.

On bright days, it’s ideal for paddleboarding or even catching the sunrise. We loved that it’s never packed, but unlike some quieter spots, you won’t feel like you’re on a ghost island either — there’s just the right amount of life to keep things interesting.

Getting there couldn’t be easier. Lamai sits just 15–20 minutes south of Chaweng, and there’s plenty of parking right off the main road or next to the beachside restaurants.

Spending a whole day here is super easy because you have everything you need right on the sand — beach bars, restaurants, cafés, and plenty of sunbeds for rent if you want to stretch out and relax.

There are even beachfront hotels, so waking up to the sound of the waves is a perfect start to the day.

We found that prices are often more reasonable than in Chaweng, which makes Lamai Beach perfect if you want a beautiful beachfront stay without the higher price.

For a laid-back meal right on the sand, we recommend Baobab Restaurant — great food, friendly vibes, and the kind of spot where you can linger for hours with your feet in the sand.

3. Chaweng Beach

Chaweng Beach is the busiest and most famous beach in Koh Samui — and honestly, it deserves the hype. The sand is soft, the water is warm and clear, and the vibe shifts throughout the day: calm in the morning, lively by afternoon, and full-on beach party by night.

One of our favorite memories here was celebrating our first wedding anniversary at Elephant Beach Club, sipping drinks and sharing shisha while watching the best fire show we’ve ever seen.

The performance lasted well over an hour, with flames lighting up the sky and music setting the perfect backdrop — an unforgettable night.

Chaweng is also home to some of the most expensive beachfront hotels on the island. We stayed close by but still had to walk about 10 minutes to reach the sand because there are just a few public access points.

While the water here is perfect for swimming, Chaweng isn’t great for snorkeling — for fish and coral, head to Silver Beach or Coral Cove instead.

What we love about Chaweng is that, despite its lively energy, it still has quieter corners if you walk further down the beach.

It’s the perfect spot if you want a mix of everything: great swimming during the day, endless options for food and drinks, and vibrant nightlife when the sun goes down.

We really recommend Thai Kitchen Restaurant — nothing fancy, just fresh, flavorful Thai dishes and generous portions that hit the spot after a long beach day.

4. Coral Cove Beach

Tucked between Chaweng and Lamai, Coral Cove is one of the most scenic small beaches on Koh Samui. The beach itself is tiny — barely 200 meters long — but what it lacks in size, it makes up for with clear turquoise water, soft sand, and some of the best snorkeling on the island.

The water here is usually calm, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Colorful fish can often be spotted near the rocky edges of the cove, so bringing a mask and snorkel is highly recommended if you’re planning to spend some time in the water.

Facilities are limited, with just a small beachfront restaurant and a few sunbeds available for rent, which keeps the atmosphere peaceful and uncrowded. Despite being close to the busier areas of Chaweng and Lamai, Coral Cove has a quiet, laid-back vibe that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle.

It’s an ideal stop for a relaxing morning swim or a lazy afternoon, especially if you’re planning to visit nearby Silver Beach or Lamai Beach the same day.

5. Bo Phut Beach

Bophut Beach is one of those spots where the atmosphere makes up for what the beach itself lacks. The sand is very coarse, and during our visit, the water wasn’t as clear as other parts of Koh Samui.

That said, it might have just been the timing — we’ve seen plenty of reviews mentioning clean, swimmable water here, while others shared experiences like ours.

What we loved about Bophut is that the beach is never overcrowded, and there’s no vehicle noise, making it surprisingly peaceful. In some areas, palm trees provide natural shade, perfect for laying down your towel and relaxing without renting a sunbed.

There are also plenty of nice restaurants nearby when you’re ready for a meal. We recommend spending time at Fisherman’s Village Night Market, right next to the beach.

It’s one of the most charming areas on the island, with food markets, boutique shops, and bars that come alive at night. Some restaurants even have direct beach access, so you can enjoy dinner with your toes in the sand while listening to the waves.

Bo Phut Beach is also known for its great fire shows once the evening starts. If you’re after a laid-back evening with easy access to good food, live entertainment, and a relaxing vibe, we truly recommend this beach.

For a meal on the beach, we recommend Red Moon, a cozy spot with a warm, laid-back atmosphere and some of the best Thai and fusion dishes — perfect for a sunset dinner after a day at the beach.

6. Naturism Beach

Yes, Koh Samui even has a naturism-friendly beach, tucked away on the north side of the island, next to Thongson Beach. It’s secluded and a little tricky to reach, which is exactly why it’s remained a naturist spot for so long. Surrounded by jungle, it feels completely hidden from the busy parts of the island.

We parked our scooter on a dirt road and followed a small path leading down to the sand, but you can also access it from the right side of Thongson Bay by taking the concrete path, walking up the steps toward the chalet on the hill, and then continuing along the rocks — the trail is well-marked and even visible on Google Maps.

During our visit, there were just two other people on the far end of the beach, but we’ve read that during high season, you might see more visitors.

Rocks frame both ends of the beach, and during low tide, the water is very shallow with stones under the surface, so we didn’t really swim — just relaxed and lay in the water instead. It’s probably better for swimming during high tide.

What we loved most was how natural and comfortable it felt to be naked here. You can walk back and forth along the beach easily, and nobody will offend or bother you. Of course, some people might look — that’s normal — but it never felt awkward or uncomfortable.

If you’re looking for something a little different in Koh Samui and don’t mind a bit of a walk to get there, this peaceful, open-minded spot is one we truly recommend experiencing at least once.

7. Lipa Noi Beach

On the quiet west coast of Koh Samui, Lipa Noi Beach is perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful day by the sea. The water here is shallow and calm, making it one of the safest beaches for swimming, especially for families with kids. The sand is soft and clean, and the wide shoreline means it never feels crowded, even during the busier months.

What we loved most about Lipa Noi is how relaxed it feels compared to the eastern beaches. There are just a handful of restaurants and small beach bars here, and plenty of natural shade from the trees, so you can easily spread out a towel and enjoy the beach without needing to rent a sunbed.

Snorkeling, however, isn’t great here. There’s not much to see underwater, so we preferred to swim and relax instead.

We highly recommend staying until evening, as the sunsets here are truly incredible. Watching the sky turn shades of orange and pink while the water stays perfectly still is a moment that never gets old.

For a quick and tasty bite, we recommend stopping by Uncle Chang Kitchen, well-known for serving some of the most authentic and flavorful Pad Thai on the island — simple, fresh, and always delicious.

It’s a bit removed from the main tourist hubs, so we suggest renting a scooter or car if you’re not staying nearby. The trip is worth it, though — especially if you’re after a quieter beach day away from the crowds.

8. Maenam Beach

Maenam Beach is one of the most peaceful stretches of sand in Koh Samui, and we loved how easy it was to reach it. The beach is long, lined with swaying palm trees, and even during high season, it never feels crowded.

Swimming depends on the tide — we recommend coming during mid or high tide if you want to enjoy a proper swim. During low tide, the water is super shallow and stretches far out, so it’s better for wading or simply relaxing near the shore.

What we really enjoyed was the view of Koh Phangan in the distance. There are a few restaurants and cafés scattered along the beach, and we recommend stopping at one of them for a cold coconut or a fresh seafood lunch.

The only minor downside is the noise from water scooters when they pass close to shore, but it’s only occasional. Walk a bit further down the beach, and you’ll easily find a quieter stretch where it’s just you, the sand, and the sound of the waves.

If you’re spending the day here, Nana Beach is a spot we really recommend. It’s one of the top-rated restaurants on the beach, with a super relaxed vibe, great Thai and seafood dishes, and the perfect setting for enjoying a drink while listening to the waves.

9. Choeng Mon Beach

Choeng Mon Beach quickly became one of our favorite spots in the north of Koh Samui. The sand is soft, the water is calm and crystal-clear, and it’s just perfect for swimming or floating around for hours.

What we really loved was the tiny island just off the shore. During low tide, you can actually walk across the sandbar to get there, which makes for a fun little adventure and great photos.

It reminded us of the sandbar on Koh Phangan, which is on Mae Haad Beach. If you’re planning to visit Koh Phangan, definitely check out this beach; it’s our favorite spot for snorkeling.

Choeng Mon isn’t crowded, even in high season, and there are enough cafés and beach bars around to keep you fueled with coconuts, cold drinks, or a quick lunch.

There’s also free parking in the sandy lot near the middle of the beach, or you can enter through one of the resorts or restaurants along the shoreline.

For a relaxed meal or sunset cocktails, we recommend Carnival Beach Village – Beach Club, one of the best-reviewed spots in the area with great music, fresh seafood, and a laid-back vibe right on the sand.

If you’re looking for a bit of activity, this is also a great spot for trying something new. You can rent a paddleboard, take a sailing lesson, or even hop on a jet ski or e-foil if you’re feeling adventurous.

How to get around Koh Samui

Getting around Koh Samui is pretty straightforward — but you won’t find any public buses here. If you’re planning to explore beyond your resort or hop between beaches, it’s worth sorting out your own transport.

By scooter

For us, renting a scooter was the easiest and most flexible way to get around. Prices usually start at 200–300 THB per day, and you’ll find rental shops pretty much everywhere. It’s ideal if you want to explore beaches at your own pace, stop whenever something catches your eye, and avoid parking headaches.

Just make sure you have an international driving license, and keep in mind that most places will ask for a passport or ID as a deposit. We always left an ID and kept our passports with us. Also, be careful on the hills and after rain — the roads can get slick fast.

By car

If you’re not comfortable on a scooter — or if you’re traveling with kids, friends, or just a lot of luggage — renting a car is a great option. The roads around Koh Samui are generally in good condition, and having your own car gives you freedom, comfort, and a break from the heat.

We recommend booking online through Discover Cars — it’s easy to compare prices, full insurance is affordable, and you can cancel last minute if your plans change. Most rentals are automatic, and driving on the left is manageable if you take it slow at first.

Parking at most beaches is simple, especially if you arrive before midday. And honestly, having A/C and somewhere to throw your sandy bag and towels is underrated.

By Songthaew

These are the red pickup trucks that act as shared taxis. They’re one of the cheapest ways to get around and can be fun for short rides, but they don’t follow set routes or schedules. You’ll need to flag one down and ask where it’s going.

We used them once, and while it’s part of the island experience, it’s not the most reliable way to get to specific beaches.

Best time to visit Koh Samui

Koh Samui has a slightly different weather pattern compared to the rest of Thailand, so it’s worth planning your trip with the seasons in mind — especially if you’re here for the beaches.

The best time to visit is generally from late December to early April. This is the dry season, when the weather is sunny, the sea is calm, and the water is clear — perfect for beach hopping, snorkeling, and just lying in the sun without worrying about sudden rain.

The shoulder seasons — April to June and September to early November — can be a great time to visit if you want fewer crowds and lower prices. You’ll still get plenty of sun, but with the occasional short rain shower (especially in the afternoons).

We like this time of year because everything feels a bit quieter, and you can often grab a beachfront table without a reservation.

The rainy season usually hits between mid-October and early December, with the peak in November. It doesn’t mean non-stop rain, but there can be days when it’s cloudy and wet, and the sea gets rougher — which isn’t ideal for swimming or boat trips. Some beach bars and restaurants may close temporarily too.

If beach time is your priority, we’d recommend January to March for the best weather and sea conditions.

Quick Tips and Local Insights

• Tide timings matter: Some beaches (like Coral Cove or Maenam) are best enjoyed at mid or high tide — otherwise, the water can be too shallow for swimming.
• Always carry cash: Many beach bars and small restaurants don’t accept cards, especially in quieter areas.
• ATMs charge a flat fee: There’s a 7€ withdrawal fee (around 250 THB) every time, no matter how much you take out — so it’s way better to withdraw a larger amount once instead of making lots of small withdrawals.
• Don’t expect lifeguards: Most beaches don’t have them, so swim carefully — especially if the waves pick up.
• Respect local customs: Topless sunbathing and nudity aren’t culturally accepted (except on naturist-friendly beaches), so best to keep it modest elsewhere.

Final thoughts

Koh Samui has a lot of beautiful beaches — and the best part is how different each one feels. Whether you’re after calm water and palm trees, quiet snorkeling spots, or a beach with fire shows and music, there’s something here for everyone.

If you’re short on time, we’d say start with Silver Beach and Choeng Mon for the calm water and relaxed vibe, then head to Chaweng in the evening for the full beach nightlife experience. For something quieter, Maenam and Lipa Noi are both perfect for slow days and peaceful swims.

We hope this guide helps you figure out which beaches are worth your time and which ones match your style of travel.