Around 2 million people visited Koh Samui in 2024, and this number is going to explode in the upcoming years. Have you ever wondered what makes this island so famous among tourists from all over the world? Well, there are many reasons, but beaches are the biggest of them all. There are around 40 beaches around the island’s 50 km coastline. Surprisingly, all of them are worth visiting, but practically it is not possible. This is why we have researched for countless hours and developed this guide on the best beaches that you must explore during Koh Samui Holidays. Join us as we explore it.
The 5 Most Amazing Beaches in Koh Samui
Chaweng Beach
- Location: Eastern coast of Koh Samui
- Top Activities: Shopping, nightlife, water sports, and family swimming
Chaweng Beach has the honor of being one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Thailand. It is much more than sand and water. The place is full of fun and excitement from morning till night. During the daytime, the sun shines bright, and you can see people of all ages enjoying various activities or sipping cocktails. Some are doing paddleboarding, some scuba diving, or some flying through the sky on parasails. There are plenty of safe swimming areas for families as well. When you are not having fun with the water, the dry land is equally welcoming. There are many streetside stalls offering cool drinks, sweet fruit, or even beachside massages. You can get a fun henna tattoo or snack on tasty treats without leaving the sand. Just a short walk away, you’ll find places to shop, try local street food, or buy handmade gifts.
As the sun begins to set, the beach gets more magical and lively. Restaurants by the shore sparkle with lights, and you can enjoy dinner while watching performers playing with fire. Late at night, the music is turned on, and people dance under the stars.
Silver Beach
- Location: 6 km south of Chaweng Beach
- Top Activities: Snorkeling, quiet afternoons, and photography
Sliver Beach is known by a couple of other names as well (Thong Takian Beach or Haad Thong Ta Khian), so don’t be confused if you see them at local signboards or maps. The beach is situated between Lamai and Chaweng, which are the busiest spots in Koh Samui.
The reason this beach is in the second spot is its beauty. Although it is only 250 meters long, it is way more fascinating than many top beaches in Asia. The sand is soft and white, and the water is calm and clear with a greenish-blue shade. With a backdrop of big round rocks, the beach looks even more amazing.
The best thing to do here is snorkeling, as the water is shallow and easy to swim in, and near the rocks, you can see lots of colorful fish, coral, and sea creatures. The influx of tourists has increased in the past years, but Silver Beach is still relatively peaceful and calm. If you are looking for a peaceful time with your spouse or family, make sure you plan a beach day here.
Lamai Beach
- Location: Eastern coast of Koh Samui
- Top Activities: Beach walks, swimming, family holidays, and dining
If you want to explore a wide range of water sports during your Koh Samui holidays, then Lamai Beach is the ideal spot for you. You can go swimming, ride a jet ski, paddle on a board, or even try parasailing high above the ocean. If you like adventures, there’s a zip line nearby with amazing views. The first sight of the beach is amazing and good enough to relax your mind. As it is a big beach, you’ll find plenty of places where you can rest or read your favorite novel while sipping a tasty cocktail.
There are plenty of small shops, and you’ll find many local people offering Thai massages at very affordable prices. If you like exploring and views, then go to the viewpoint with a big rock known as Overlap Stone. The whole beach is visible from this point. After the sun sets, the beach comes alive with pretty cafes and restaurants. Don’t forget to try the local seafood; the cafes on the beach make it better than even the 5-star places in Thailand. When you have had your fill of the beach, you can visit temples, mummified monks, or a Thai boxing match. It won’t be an exaggeration if we say that Lamai Beach is one of the most versatile beaches in Koh Samui.
Coral Cove Beach
- Location: Between Chaweng and Lamai, on the southern side of the island
- Top Activities: Photography, snorkeling, walks, and swimming
Coral Cove is quite similar to Silver Beach, as both of them are located in the same headland. The beach is not that big, and this is what makes it more special. People don’t go here because of its small size and fewer number of activities. However, if you are looking for some calm and peaceful moments, this beach is the one for you.
The big rocks stand tall around the bay, which gives the impression of a secret hideout. And trust us, it is no different. The palm trees in the area provide a natural and cool shade, allowing visitors to sit here and relax without being disturbed by the sun.
Just like all the other beaches in Koh Samui, the water on this beach is amazing too. Its deep blue-green sets up the mood and environment for snorkeling and other water sports. However, there is one drawback of visiting this beach. There aren’t many shops or sitting arrangements here. You will have to bring your own stuff with you. So don’t forget to research the things you need for a beach holiday if it is your first time.
Lipa Noi Beach
- Location: North of Taling Ngam on the western coast
- Best for: Local food, family swimming, and peaceful environment
If you want to cut out all the noise during your beach holiday, this 3 km long stretch of white golden sand is perfect for you. It is considered one of the safest beaches in Koh Samui for the little kids to play and swim without worrying about sharp rocks or coral because the water stays shallow for a long time. The sunsets here are truly stunning. As the sun goes down, the blue sky changes its appearance to warm orange. You can find plenty of small Thai restaurants, cozy hotels, relaxing spas, and even a fancy beach club if you are looking for something extra and amazing.
You can reach Lipa Noi without any issues. The best way to go there is to rent a scooter from nearby towns like Nathon or Chaweng. You can rent a car as well if you want. The drive is around an hour, and the views on the road are truly amazing. If you want something more, you can go for hiking in the forest, explore waterfalls, take a yoga class, or shop for local crafts at the nearby markets. There are plenty of things to do and explore around this beach.
Final Words
We hope that it will be easier for you to plan your beach holidays in Koh Samui. If you are still having any confusion, feel free to contact Virikson Holidays. They are one of the leading tour operators in the UK and offer amazing holiday deals.
