Ko Samui is one of the most famous islands in the Gulf of ThailandBetween fine sandy beaches, coconut trees and green mountains, it attracts both lovers of relaxation and travelers looking for a little comfort.
Despite mass tourism in certain areas (hello Chaweng), the island has maintained a certain balance : you can still find quiet spots there, especially out of season or on the west side.
In this article, I give you an overview of the main beaches of Ko Samui, each time with a quick description of the atmosphere and some accommodation suggestions – whether you are looking for a sea-facing resort, a simple bungalow or a nice guesthouse.
Whether it's for a trip as a couple, with family or just to relax in peace and quiet, there is bound to be a corner that will suit youThe idea, as always, is to help you choose the beach that suits you best.
If you need it, here is a reminder of the other articles dedicated to the subject of hotels in Thailand:
- To choose your neighborhood in Bangkok: Where to stay in Bangkok?
- To choose your neighborhood in Chiang Mai: Where to stay in Chiang Mai?
- To choose your beach in Phuket: Which beach to stay in Phuket
- To choose your beach in Ko Chang: Which beach to take a hotel in Ko Chang
As with the other articles in this range, the idea is to define what characterizes the different beaches, with these centers of interest, and while we're at it, if you find your choice, I therefore offer you a selection of hotels to stay there.
Please note that the links provided are affiliate links, which means that if you book through one of these links, I receive a commission, a transparent way of giving me a helping hand to continue the blog and help me continue to share my ideas for visits and good deals with you.
The hotels reflect the personal choices I would make if I ever wanted to stay in Ko Samui again, based on budget ranges. The idea is to "narrow down" the wide range of hotels a little, hoping that my choices will suit you and save you time.
To find all available hotels in Ko Samui in one place, I recommend using cozycozy, a complete hosting comparator.
1- The main beaches of Ko Samui
If you've done any research on Ko Samui, you've probably seen names like Chaweng, the most famous, or Lamai, Bo Phut, the "challengers". Overall, the north and east coasts are the most popular, so if you're looking for a wide choice of hotels, restaurants and a lively side, this is where you should consider settling.
However, and fortunately, Ko Samui is large enough to offer quieter places that are not devoid of charm. In short, there will be something for everyone, whether you are with family, in backpacker mode or looking for a little luxury, Ko Samui will always be able to satisfy you.
To summarize, the main beaches with the most hotel choices and interests are as follows, more or less in order of popularity:
- Chaweng
- Lamai
- Bo Phut
- Mae Nam
- Choeng mon
- Nathon
- Bang Po
Now let's go into a little more detail about the different characteristics of the beaches that make up the island and the nearby attractions.
2- The northern beaches: charm and calm
The beaches on this coast are quieter than the east coast, which represents the peak of activity on the island. The northern beaches offer a good compromise between the "less crowded" side but still a choice of hotels and places to dine.
Afterwards, the further east you go, the quieter it usually is.
Bang Po Beach
Heading west, the first major beach north of Ko Samui is the long (4km!) Bang Po Beach (also spelled Bang Por). This relatively deserted and sparsely developed beach offers views of Ko Phangan. Note that its shallow waters aren't ideal for swimming, although they're perfectly adequate for snorkeling. Overall, it's a good spot if you're mainly looking for a quiet place to sunbathe and read in peace.
The beach is still evolving and has enough hotels to suit everyone's needs without spoiling the area too much. In recent years, it has even become a haven for luxury hotels, or even ultra-luxury hotels, as evidenced by the excellent... Moorea Boutique Resort Samuiwith private villas at 25,000 baht (but also more reasonably priced bungalows starting from 6,500 baht), or even the Four Seasons Resort, at 62,000 baht per night!
For even more peace and quiet, there is also the small stretch of beach furthest west, Thong Plu, which allows you to see the islands of the Ang Thong archipelago in good weather and enjoy fine white sand all to yourself.
Conversely, the closer you get to Mae Nam, the more hotels and restaurants you will find, the neighboring beach being a little more developed. The stretch of beach east of Bang Po, often referred to as Ban Tai (not to be confused with the beach of the same name, located on the neighboring island of Ko Phangan) and therefore considered a separate beach is a little gem on Ko Samui. The water is deeper there and will delight those who want a unique corner, not too crowded.
Apart from the hotels mentioned below, a good alternative if you are travelling with friends or family is renting a private villa, for example... Villa ChokThey offer a beautiful, decidedly modern villa with a swimming pool. With three bedrooms accommodating up to six guests, the entire villa costs €200 per night (in the low season; otherwise, expect to pay roughly double), which works out to less than €70 per night per couple. The only requirement is a minimum stay of five nights (unless there have been changes since).
Hotel suggestions I recommend in this part of the island:
Mae Nam Beach
If we continue further east, you will come across Mae Nam beach. This is also a very large beach, as I said above, a little more developed than its neighbor, even if it remains reasonable and the coconut trees are still there!
More geared towards backpackers than luxury, Mae Nam offers low-cost accommodation, except at its far end, which is more geared towards five-star hotels.
Deeper, it is more suitable for swimming all year round (be careful of the reefs which are sharp). You will also find various activities such as kite-surfing, jetski rental etc. There is also a pontoon used by the famous ferry company, Lomphraya at the very west of the beach (to go to Ko Phangan and Ko Tao).
If you're staying in the area and want to take a short trip to see some of the nature that Ko Samui has to offer, you can go to the Tan Rua Waterfall.
Hotel suggestions I recommend in this part of the island:
— Leelawadee Bungalow and Restaurant (further inland, held by the French)
— The Flow Samui Beach Resort (reasonable luxury option)
Bo Phut Beach
Formerly a simple fishing village, it's hard to imagine when you see how the beach has developed. Still quite quiet a few years ago, Bo Phut has gained a reputation recently. Just look at the choice of hotels, significantly larger (and more appealing) than before.
There are still a few old wooden houses, which contrast with the recent constructions, where chic restaurants and luxury hotels are appearing.
The atmosphere there is nothing like the inimitable Chaweng beach, but let's just say you shouldn't get bored in Bo Phut either. It's more of a place to stroll, and personally, it's a place I loved coming to in the evening to eat at one of the restaurants right on the beach, with my feet in the sand.
I think Bo Phut remains a good compromise between "too noisy/busy" and "too quiet/nothing to do".
One section of the beach has shallow, rather muddy water (especially in December), making it less than ideal for swimming. However, the rest of the beach boasts clear, shallow water, perfect for family outings. On a clear day, the beach offers views of Ko Phangan.
Among its advantages are its proximity to the airport, the Khun Si Waterfall or attractions such as the Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem temple. You will also be not far from Chaweng if you ever want to experience a bit more activity without being overwhelmed by it.
Hotel suggestions I recommend in this part of the island (yes, there are more!):
— J & Ariya Hotel (budget-friendly, close to the airport)
— ibis Samui Bophut (ideal for families)
Finally, special mention for the Lek Nana Pool Villa Bophut and its villas with swimming pools at very affordable prices (further inland)
Northeast tip
An area in its own right, which offers an alternative to Bo Phut, full of charm for those looking for a little privacy while remaining close to the action. You will have the choice between bays like Choeng Mon, the main and largest in the area, but also Samrong Bay or Thong Son Bay.
The latter is also considered one of the most beautiful in Ko Samui, it is very good for swimming, including with children, it will not be the most beautiful and fine sand but at least there are few waves, making it a safe place.
Here too, the offer remains varied with some luxury hotels having taken up residence there like the Six Senses in the far north, but around the Big Buddha beach (Bang Rak) and further inland, you will find quite a few cheaper offers which will delight backpackers (in addition to offering a beautiful view for the sunset).
In summary, you will have a good compromise between tranquility and proximity to the activity of an area like Chaweng.
Here too, outside of hotels, you will have a private villa option with swimming pool, which, in this case, comes to €230 per night for 3 bedrooms (capacity of 6 people), or less than €80 per room for total independence. For this option, it is at Villa Chamnan that you will need to reserve.
Choeng mon
Quite a few resorts and restaurants line the beach but don't spoil it too much. It's usually crowded without being excessive. The advantage is its proximity to Chaweng which makes it easy to get around. It's generally on this beach that you'll have the widest choice in terms of hotel ranges. There's normally an area with shops, especially massages, but lately, most of them were for sale or free to rent so the location doesn't seem to attract too many visitors who clearly prefer to go out on Chaweng or Bo Phut.
Thong Son and Samrong Bay
Small, quiet coves, they would be perfect if not so far away... Because the downside is that they are far from any transport, taxis do not venture into the area of their own accord, you have to order them in advance... Not necessarily the most economical...
So you have to go there with full knowledge of the facts, but if you have your own transport, then it is a widely considered option. As a result, there are mainly more "luxury" oriented hotels, even if there are always cheaper options.
Hotel suggestions I recommend in this part of the island:
3- The eastern beaches: the bulk of the activity
Chaweng and Lamai are undoubtedly the most touristic beaches of Ko Samui. But each one differs in its style. The advantage is that you can find everything, for all tastes and for all types of prices, I can't summarize better!
If you want to go out in the evening, this is also where it happens, especially in Chaweng, lots of shops, day and night markets, go-go restaurants, bars (and go-go bars), nightclubs, etc. It's almost too much and could put off more than one person.
This is where Lamai comes in! Personally, it is one of my favorite beaches, less chaotic than its neighbor to the north, it also has many amenities and a very beautiful beach.
Chaweng Beach
Ideal for party animals and those who want to enjoy "to the fullest" what Samui has to offer, it is also very close to the airport. The (very) long 7km beach is a parade of hotels, massage parlors, restaurants and will suit many tourists wishing to settle down for the holidays with everything within walking distance.
If you are here to relax this is not the best option, Lamai is probably already a better choice. The advantage is that there are still plenty of hotels, including villas again.
To name just one establishment in this category, the Samui Sun Villa, is of "modest" size (400m²) and has a swimming pool, garden, billiards and can accommodate up to 6 adults and 1 child thanks to the 4 bedrooms.
Otherwise, there are all options, from the cheapest to the most expensive, and you certainly won't get bored in the area.
Hotel suggestions I recommend on this beach:
— Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach (youthful atmosphere)
— Banana Fan Sea Resort (luxury option)
Coral Cove and Silver Beach
Located between the beaches of Chaweng and Lamai, and a bit like the area of the north-eastern tip, they offer a little haven of peace while remaining close to the liveliness of these 2 neighbors. Delimited by rocks, Silver Beach would almost have an air of Seychelles, but, quite small, it is sometimes very crowded, but certainly worth a look!
Note that the latter is also known as Crystal Bay or Thong Takian. These 2 coves are also quite suitable for swimming, with a decent depth.
Lamai Beach
Certainly the most famous beach after Chaweng, it allows you to "breathe" a little in front of the vibrant Chaweng. And unlike many places on the island targeting more and more the high-end, Lamai remains cheap with a more "good-natured" atmosphere.
So it would be an ideal place for families and those on a tighter budget who want to enjoy the many restaurants and shops. In addition to having a superb setting, Lamai is close to some must-see places for any visit to Ko Samui.
Starting with the famous duo of rock formations, the "Hin Ta and Hin Yai", an affectionate nickname given by the Thais and meaning "grandfather and grandmother". Lamai will also be a good starting point to go and admire the viewpoint at Jungle View 360°, a restaurant which, as its name suggests, allows you to see the entire island in 360° at an altitude of 630m.
You will also be quite close to Na Muang Falls, further inland to the west.
The major drawback of Lamai is the limited number of public access points to the beach due to the proximity of hotels. If you're not staying in one of them, finding access won't be easy, which I find unfortunate considering that it's about being able to access a space open to everyone (Thai law is clear on this point).
Hotel suggestions I recommend on this beach:
— DB Studios Samui – Adults Only
— Rocky's Boutique Resort – Veranda Collection Samui (nice luxury option)
Hua Thanon Beach
Located just south of Lamai, this small, quiet beach is another option for peace and quiet while remaining close to the action. Lined with coconut trees, it is a setting that lacks charm, although it has that little touch of tropical that we are looking for.
But it is not the most ideal place for swimming and not the cleanest beach.
On the southern part of the beach, you can take a tour of the Muslim village of Hua Thanon, which allows you to see a more rural and local side of Ko Samui, with its small mosque and its inhabitants, living mainly from fishing.
It remains an ideal base for some classic Ko Samui sightseeing. These include the temple with the mummified monk, Wat Khun Aram, and several waterfalls. Wang Sao Waterfall, Khao Yai Waterfall, but also the Na Muang 1 and Na Muang 2 waterfalls as well as Ta Nim (also spelled Tar Nim waterfall and magic garden).
Hotel suggestions I recommend on this beach:
— Pineapple Samui Hostel (inland)
— Tolani Resort Koh Samui (luxury option)
4- The southern beaches: nature and luxury
More limited in terms of hotel offers, this area is the one that I readily admit to knowing the least. And for good reason, this area is off the main road that goes all the way around the island. A scooter or your own transport is therefore preferable to get there, because there will be less public transport in this area.
Laem Set Beaches
You will find some luxury hotels in Laem Set, whose road leading there is rather beautiful and deserted. In fact, it is also a cape, what am I saying, a peninsula (I have to bring out this reference 😉 )
The only place here that is not a luxury resort is the atypical "Cool Bar", set there on the edge of the beach, which contrasts with the setting since here it is a good atmosphere in all simplicity. In any case, no swimming in the area but do not worry, the hotels necessarily have swimming pools if the area interests you 😉
Bang Kao and Laem Sor Beaches
You will find beautiful corners of nature, and it is quiet, perhaps too much for some. A few years ago, it was literally free of any construction. Without being alarming, a few small resorts and homes are developing in this corner which remains above all a rural Ko Samui.
Unfortunately, Bang Kao in particular is not impeccable in terms of cleanliness and don't plan on swimming too much, the south-east coast is shallow and too rocky. In the area, if you like alcohol, you can make an original visit by going to the rum distillery, yes yes! To do this, search for "magic alembic rum distillery".
Continuing further, you will pass the southern cape of the island, Laem Sor, with its small deserted cove but not really swimmable. It is a place to walk rather than to stay there. You can take a look at the passage at the pagoda of the temple of the same name as the beach, Wat Laem Sor.
Thong krut
If you find yourself in this area and are feeling a bit peckish, Thong Krut is the place to head. Thong Krut is a fishing village, so there are dozens of restaurants offering fresh produce that will satisfy fans of fish and shellfish.
Ban Phang Ka
For backpackers, it's on the side of Ban Phang Ka in the far west that you should find your happiness. On the other hand, plan your transport, because being relaxed is good, but finding something to eat and moving around is just as important!
It remains an excellent place to discover a “forgotten” part of Ko Samui, with a walk allowing a viewpoint on the area as well as the mangrove at the foot of the small hill!
5- The western beaches: long deserted beach
Let's continue our tour of the island's beaches. Continuing towards the west of the island, you will find long beaches, rather deserted. However, this is where you will arrive, because the ferries land at Nathon, the administrative center of the island.
Despite beautiful beaches, this part of the coast remains little developed and you will have every chance of walking alone or almost alone on these beaches.
Taling Ngam Beach
Taling Ngam is a beautiful, rather wild beach, undeveloped and therefore very quiet. Little infrastructure, it is THE beach to feel "alone in the world". It has another great asset, located to the west, it is a very good spot to come and admire the sunset, with a view of the islands of the Angthong National Park archipelago, what more could you ask for!
In fact, there are two distinct parts. The south is called the Virgin Coast, as the terrain is too steep to be used. If you manage to access a beach from Taling Ngam hill, you will probably be alone.
The northern part of Taling Ngam has a few hotels and places to eat. It will be a good starting point to visit the Ang Thong Islands archipelago, also known as the Five Islands.
Hotel suggestions I recommend on this beach:
— TRIBE by Aforetime (small budget)
— Aforetime House @ Samui (affordable budget)
— Sibaja Palms Sunset Beach Luxury Apartment (luxury option)
Thong Yang
"Squeezed" between Taling Ngam and Lipa Noi, you will find Thong Yang, a small stretch of beach among the beautiful beaches of Ko Samui and yet neglected, Thong Yang Beach is sometimes mapped as Lipa Noi Bay, but it is a priori beautiful and indeed a small beach apart to the south of Lipa Noi and to the north of Taling Ngam.
Lipa Noi
Moving up to Lipa Noi you will have a bit more choice in terms of accommodation. The beach is large and deeper so better for swimming, with the central part being the cleanest and most idyllic.
This is probably, along with Thong Yang, the best option to stay somewhere on the west coast. From Lipa Noi you can take a trip to Wanorn Waterfall, and possibly to Na Muang and Tar Nim Falls.
Nathon
Close to the arrival piers, you will find a few beaches to relax on if you want to enjoy yourself until the last moment before taking the boat again for the continuation (or end) of your stay in Thailand.
It is paradoxically a fairly undeveloped area, with a little air of the Thai countryside, we come across old wooden houses. Going up north, we can come across lots of simple little restaurants along the road that borders the seafront, there are also several small hotels if ever you want to stay in the area.
In this area, you can always take a look at the Hin Lat waterfall (also spelled Hin Lad Waterfall) and have a beautiful view of the beach from the Organic Farm & Coffee Shop.
Hotel suggestions I recommend on this beach:
— Boon Heritage House Koh Samui
— The mud
— The Humble Villas (luxury option)
Ko Samui in brief:
One of the island's major assets is its airport, which greatly facilitates access to the island, avoiding long bus and ferry journeys. But the latter being private, the cost is affected. For a tighter budget, the option combining bus (or train) and ferry crossing remains an economical alternative.
I would like to mention here, however, that a bridge project is currently being discussed. If it were to come to fruition, I believe it would be a disaster that could disfigure the island... Because a bridge would mean an increasing number of vehicles could circulate on the island, where space is limited... Wait and see...
To summarize the interesting areas: The entire northeast quarter should easily satisfy you, it roughly corresponds to the entire area around the airport, all the way south towards Lamai, a beach which for me remains a safe bet in Ko Samui. Overall, this entire part is the most developed of the island so it offers a wide choice and range of hotels, perfect for "first timers" discovering the island.
For a more tranquil atmosphere, head to the rest of the island, including inland if staying by the beach isn't a must. After all, some hotels offer incredible views from the central hills of Ko Samui!
You will find a lot of information on the site that helped me prepare this article: Samui Passion
Have you ever stayed in Ko Samui? Any opinions, any preferences? Leave me your comments!
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3 Comments
Hello
Very interesting. We are going as a family (4 adults including 2 young people aged 20) to Koh Samui for 12 days in August, we have already rented a villa for 6 days in Lamai. And now I am hesitating for the other 6 days, I was thinking about Chaweng, a villa too, where I could stay on Lamai for longer….,
We are going to rent a car or 2 scooters. Is it easy to get around the island. We are hesitating a lot and the date is approaching. Thank you for your advice
Hello,
For 4 I clearly recommend the car as much as I doubt that you all have a motorcycle license, a sine qua non condition to rent a two-wheeler in good standing (even if at the rental itself, few will ask for it, because for them, it's not their problem if you crash, unless you pay for the bike out of your own pocket...). For cars, an international license will be necessary but much less dangerous and practical for families. Afterwards, if you plan to explore the central lands, a 4x4 will be mandatory rather than a small family car.
A reference on Samui for renting: https://tontonsamuirental.com/
For accommodation, rather than two neighboring beaches, I would tend to say Lamai then Bo Phut in the north of the island.
Very interesting and relevant in the choices to be made during the trip