Koh Samui is one of
Thailand's largest island, and also popular for its beachgoers looking for long stretches of white sand and clear water stretching to the horizon. The island is reachable by ferry from the mainland, and there’s also an international airport that receives regional flights from large urban centers like
Bangkok.
Lipa Noi
Lipa Noi’s proximity to the island’s ferry port makes it a great choice for visitors who want to hit the beach without wasting valuable time traveling all over the island needlessly. Lipa Noi is one of the islands best swimming beaches due to its white sand and the lack of underwater dangers, like jagged chunks of rock and coral found on some of the island’s other beaches. The water is shallow and increases very gradually, making it possible for an adult to stand with their head above water more than 100 meters out.
Lipa Noi is home to some of the island’s most popular seafood restaurants. Likewise, the lodging options run the full range to fit nearly every travel budget. The waterfront sports a few ritzy seaside villas, but there are inexpensive bungalows available that are just a hop, skip, and jump from the beach too.
Silver Beach
Characterized by the majestic boulders jutting from its aquamarine water and stretches of ruggedly beautiful beaches reminiscent of Tom Hanks’ island sanctuary in Castaway, Silver Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll likely ever see no matter where your travels do. By the size, Silver Beach is one of the smallest islands and it’s also home to a few of the island’s original resorts that have been catering to foreign travelers for decades.
Crystal Bay Beach Resort and Silver Beach Resort are a few of the most popular, sporting private stretches of beach that are typically reserved for their guests, but rumor has it that it’s really a public beach and that they just post the no trespassing signs to keep the riff-raff out.
Snorkeling is particularly fun in the clear, boulder-strewn waters, and depending on the tide, you’re likely to see a variety of fish and marine crustaceans.
Bophut Beach
Known for its alluring Fisherman’s Village, exotic local markets, and swanky, comfortable seaside resorts and restaurants, Bophut Beach has a little something for everyone. Bophut Beach is a narrow arc filled with white sand and framed by majestic clusters of palm trees. For those interested in doing some cultural sightseeing, the Big Buddha Temple just inland is a magnificent place that’s well worth the trip, especially for those who’ve never seen a real-life Buddhist Temple up close and personally.
Dining and lodging options abound, and unlike many other nearby beaches, there’s plenty to see and do to fill your time if you can only stand laying on the beach for an hour or two at a time.
Taling Ngam
Due mainly to its proximity to the Anthong Marine National Park, Taling Ngam is one of the cleanest and most picturesque of all of Koh Samui’s beaches, and it probably won’t be overdeveloped anytime soon. It’s located on the island’s southwest corner nearest to the mainland, making it a convenient option for those who’d rather get their fill of quality beach time instead of exploring.
Taling Ngam’s remoteness is its greatest asset for many visitors, but for those who prefer to be close to town, it’s probably not a good choice. Nathon is the largest nearby town and is about 20 minutes away by taxi, and Chaweng is about an hour.
Source touropia
