Top 5 Beaches of Koh Samui

Koh Samui is an island off the east coast of Thailand with tantalizing beaches on all sides. With so many Koh Samui beaches to choose from, it's hard to decide which ones to put at the top of your to-lounge-on list. We've made a list of recommended Koh Samui beaches based on some great hotels we think will make your Koh Samui resort or beach experience pretty special. Try getting off the two major Koh Samui beaches of Chaweng and Lamai for a retreat at these less-visited paradises.

Bangrak Beach, Koh Samui

The Bangrak (or Bank Rak) beach is nicknamed Big Buddha beach because of an impressive Buddha statue that reflects the setting sun beautifully. The advantages of this northern Koh Samui beach is that it is close to the airport, and it is also the point from where you can catch the ferry to Had Rin for the famous full moon party.

Our top pick for lodging in Bangrak Beach is the Kluaymai Beach Bungalows. This Koh Samui hotel is a good low budget option, with an unbeatable location right on the beach.

Chaweng Noi Beach, Koh Samui

Chaweng Noi Beach (not to be confused with Chaweng Beach) is just south of Chaweng Beach. It offers itself as a quieter, more peaceful counterpart to Chaweng – one of the hottest and wildest beaches of Koh Samui. Get lost in the coconut groves and dine in the small-scale beachside restaurants.

On this eastern Koh Samui beach, we recommend a stay at the Marco Polo Resort. For enjoying traquility of sun and sand, the beach is just a two minute walk, and for revelling in the nightlife scene, the Chaweng main strip is just a ten minute walk.

Maenam Beach, Koh Samui

On the northern coast of Koh Samui, Maenam has retained its low-key charm and simple way of life. This is a great spot to enjoy the nature and tranquility of the island and remove yourself from the pulsating party scene that define other Koh Samui beaches.

There are services for both budget extremes on Maneam beach. The deal-seeking can find modest, simple bungalow accommodations such as Harry's Bungalows and dine in seaside restaurant stands. For luxury-seekers, high-end Koh Samui beach resorts such as Paradise Beach Resort will pamper its guests and point the way to 5-star dining options as well.

Bo Phut Beach, Koh Samui

Bo Phut (sometimes spelled Bophut) is a northern Koh Samui beach, just a short jaunt from the Big Buddha landmark. People love Bo Phut for its quaint fisherman's village and its several-kilometer stretch of sandy beaches lined with leaning palms. Of all the Koh Samui beaches, Bo Phut is recognized for retaining its traditional feel. It is still reminiscent of the French outpost that it was during imperial times.

Of the Koh Samui beaches, Bo Phut is the most specialized in upscale beach resorts. Two of our favorites are Peace Resort for mid-range luxury and high-end The Scent Hotel, where guests can get lost in a world of relaxing aromatherapy.

Laem Yai Beach, Koh Samui

Perhaps the most secluded Koh Samui beach on our list, Laem Yai is on the far northwest corner of the island, with a little more distance from the major beach hubs. Here you can enjoy the best of Koh Samui beach past-times, like watching the picturesque sunsets, idyllic walks along the palm-tree fringed beaches, and even taking a kayak out to sea.

Accommodations on Laem Yai beach tend to be on the higher end for Koh Samui beaches. For a night or two of tranquil indulgence, we suggest the Mai Samui Beach Resort Spa. In chic surroundings that meet 5-star standards, you can relax or participate in activities like cooking classes.