Koh Samui / Beaches

Koh Samui beaches

Koh Samui has more than it's fair share of beautiful beaches, ranging from quiet, laid back beaches with few people and authentic Thai villages to beaches that are busy, with modern resorts with lots of people and attractions. Click on the beach name for a description, map and pictures.

Maenam

Located fairly close to the port of Nathon, Maenam beach had some of the first bungalows on Koh Samui. Maenam beach is a four kilometer stretch of firm, clean sand and sparkling water. Maenam is located on the north side of Koh Samui, east of Bang Po. The warm water is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, sailing and other water sports. There is an interesting village here with a definite Chinese influence. Lots of wooden shophouses with a Chinese flavor, and even a small Chinese temple! There are plenty of interesting shops and restaurants in the village. Many tour companies and dive shops. There is accommodation for all budgets.

Bo Phut Beach is sleepy little fishing village located on the north side of Koh Samui, between Maenam and Big Buddha. Bo Phut Beach is one of Koh Samui's older settlements, maintaining it's Samui authenticity, while welcoming charming restaurants, bars and cafes, many directly on the beach. Lots of dive shops and tour companies for all of your travel needs.
There is one pier at Bo Phut for speedboats to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Koh Nang Yuan and Angthong National Marine Park.
The beach at Bo Phut is three kilometers long and is white smooth sand. Water skiing and other water sports are popular here. Swimming is best at the eastern part of the beach, as there is a lot of seaweed and algae in the bay.
Bo Phut is known for its charming, quaint and romantic atmosphere, perfect for those seeking privacy, peace and quiet.

Chaweng

Chaweng Beach is located on the eastern side of Koh Samui, directly across the island from Nathon. Without a doubt, Chaweng Beach is the most popular place for people to stay on Koh Samui. Chaweng Beach is an international tourist destination and here you will find accommodation to suit every budget.
Chaweng is also the nightlife capital of Koh Samui. There are many different bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, beerbars, shopping, whatever you are looking for, Chaweng has it all! As Chaweng Beach is an international destination, you will find wonderful restaurants with delicious food from all over the world.
The beach at Chaweng has beautiful, soft, white sand and is over seven kilometers long. The water here is clean and clear, not too deep and is ideal for swimming. As with any popular spot, Chaweng Beach offers many different types of water sports; wave runners, para-sailing, canoes, and catamarans are but some of the activities offered. Chaweng has the most dive shops on Koh Samui, most catering to all levels.
The main road in Chaweng runs parallel with the beach and is lined on both sides with hotels, bungalows, shop, restaurants, cafes and bars. Heading north on the Chaweng Beach road will take you directly to the airport.
Despite all of the activity here, there are still many places you can turn to for peace and quiet in this neat little town.

Lamai

Lamai Beach is situated on the east side of the island, south of Chaweng Beach. Though not as popular as Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach offers nearly everything that Chaweng does, on a scaled down version.
Lamai Beach is a growing town in transition. Here you will find people that have been coming to Koh Samui for years (before there was much development) meeting, greeting and getting to know families that are here for their first time. As Lamai Beach grows it will become more international, like Chaweng Beach.
Lamai Beach is a good location for couples, and the single crowd alike. There are many reasonably priced bars and restaurants, some situated overlooking the beach. Along the main section of the beach road (accessed via the highway) are many shops, Internet cafes, bars, restaurants, travel agents and hotels. There is even a gym offering Thai boxing lessons (Muay Thai)! And of course, your choice of dive shops.
The beach at Lamai is five kilometers of beautiful, crescent shaped, white sand. The beach is lined with palm trees. Lamai beach is the second longest beach on Koh Samui and the water here is deeper, clearer and sometimes rougher than Chaweng.
There are some interesting rock formations at the southern end of the beach. These rock formations are a natural point of interest in themselves and are known at Hin Ta and Hin Yai (Grandfather and Grandmother rock).
Lamai Beach is home to a number of health spas where you can go to pamper and treat yourself for the day. Also, there is a neat little monastery with a small museum that is worth a look.