Samui Beaches by Area in Koh Samui and Koh Tao
Part of the Koh Samui and Koh Tao travel guide — see every topic in All Koh Samui and Koh Tao Guides.
Koh Samui is Thailand's second largest island, after Phuket. A ring road runs all the way around it, so no beach is far from another. Each coast has a different feel. The east has the long, busy beaches. The north is calmer and good for families. The south and west are the quietest parts of the island. This guide helps you pick the right area before you book a room.
Chaweng
Chaweng is the longest and busiest beach on Samui. It sits on the east coast, not far from the airport. The sand is white and soft, and the water is clear on calm days. Behind the beach there are many hotels, shops, cafes and restaurants. The north end of the beach is quieter, and a reef keeps the water calm there. The middle part is the most crowded. Chaweng is a good choice if you want everything within walking distance. It is less good if you want a quiet stay. Chaweng Noi is a small, calmer bay just south of the main beach, with a few larger resorts.
Lamai
Lamai is the second busiest beach on Samui. It sits on the south-east coast, a short drive south of Chaweng. The beach is long and wide, with golden sand. The town behind it is smaller and more relaxed than Chaweng. At the south end of the beach are two well-known rock shapes, Hin Ta and Hin Yai. Many visitors stop there for photos. The sea at Lamai can have stronger waves at some times of year, so check the conditions before you swim. Lamai suits people who want shops and places to eat nearby, but at a slower pace than Chaweng.
Bophut and Fisherman's Village
Bophut is on the north coast. Its old centre is called Fisherman's Village. It has a narrow street of old wooden shophouses, now full of cafes, small hotels and restaurants. The beach here is long and calm, with soft sand and gentle water. The sand is a little darker than at Chaweng. Bophut is popular with couples and families. It is close to the airport and to the piers for boats to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Next to Bophut are Bangrak, near the Big Buddha, and Choeng Mon, a quiet bay with clear water. Mae Nam, further west, is a long, quiet beach with simple bungalows and resorts.
The quieter south and west
The south and west coasts are the quiet side of Samui. There are fewer hotels and fewer people. The west coast faces the sunset, and from some beaches you can see the islands of Ang Thong in the distance. Nathon is the main town on the west coast and the port for car ferries from the mainland. South of Nathon, Lipa Noi has shallow, calm water, which is good for small children. Taling Ngam has a few large resorts on the hills above the sea. In the south, small bays and fishing villages are good for a slow day. A car or scooter is useful here, as public transport is limited.
Samui Beaches by Area at a glance
| Getting there | Samui airport is in the north-east, about 15 minutes by car from Chaweng and Bophut |
|---|---|
| Getting around | Taxis, ride apps, shared songthaew pickups and rental scooters or cars |
| Cost | Hotels in Chaweng and Bophut cost more; the south and west are often cheaper |
| Best time | About January to August; the heaviest rain is about mid-October to early December |
| Good for families | Bophut, Mae Nam, Choeng Mon and Lipa Noi |