Beaches · Koh Samui · Thailand
The best beaches in and near Koh Samui
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Gunther Dihlmann, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Chaweng (About 10 minutes from the airport). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in January–December.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 7
- Swimming season
- January–December
- Warmest sea
- 30°C (86°F)
The beaches
About 10 minutes from the airport · First-timers and nightlife
1.Chaweng
The island's longest stretch of white sand, with water sports, beach clubs and a quieter north end.
About 20 minutes south of Chaweng · Good-value beach stays
2.Lamai
Long beach with clear water and rocky headlands, more relaxed than Chaweng.
About 10 minutes north of Chaweng · Families
3.Choeng Mon
A sheltered crescent bay with calm, shallow water and upmarket resorts.
Between Chaweng and Lamai · Swimming and snorkelling
4.Silver Beach
Small cove with white sand, boulders and clear water for snorkelling.
About 15 minutes from Chaweng · Dining and sunsets
5.Bophut
Calm north-coast beach in front of Fisherman's Village, with views to Koh Phangan.
About 25 minutes from Chaweng · Quiet stays
6.Maenam
Long, quiet beach with calm water and village life.
About 40 minutes from Chaweng · Sunsets and young children
7.Lipa Noi
A shallow, west-facing beach with sunsets over the Ang Thong islands.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 27°C (81°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| February | 27°C (81°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| March | 28°C (82°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| April | 29°C (84°F) | 33°C (91°F) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 33°C (91°F) |
| June | 29°C (84°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| July | 29°C (84°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| August | 29°C (84°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| September | 29°C (84°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| October | 28°C (82°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| November | 28°C (82°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| December | 27°C (81°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$ · Best for first-timers, nightlife, shopping and beach
Chaweng
Samui's longest and most popular beach is a strip of white sand on the east coast, backed by resorts, restaurants, bars, clubs and the Central Samui mall. North Chaweng is calmer with clearer water, while the central section is the nightlife hub around Soi Green Mango. It is about 10 minutes from the airport.
- Good
- Widest choice of hotels and restaurants; Beautiful long beach; Close to the airport
- Watch out
- Crowded and noisy in the centre; Traffic on the beach road
- Nearby
- Central Samui, Soi Green Mango, Chaweng Lake, Lad Koh Viewpoint
Getting to the beaches
- Bus — Shared songthaews run along the ring road by day, stopping on request; agree the fare before getting on, as prices for visitors vary.
- Scooter — Scooter rental is popular and cheap, but the island's hilly roads and traffic cause many accidents; wear a helmet and check your insurance and licence.
- Car — Rental cars and jeeps are widely available and safer than scooters for families; the ring road is easy to navigate.
- Ferry — Ferries and catamarans to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao leave from Bophut, Bang Rak, Maenam and Nathon; car ferries to the mainland leave from Nathon and Lipa Noi.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in February–April. The busiest of those is February, so book early.
Beach safety
Scooter accidents are the most common cause of injury among visitors, so wear a helmet and avoid riding after drinking. Rip currents can be strong on east-coast beaches in the monsoon season; obey red flags. Jellyfish occasionally appear in the water, and some beaches have vinegar stations. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Koh Samui have beaches?
Yes: Chaweng, Lamai, Choeng Mon, Silver Beach, Bophut, Maenam and Lipa Noi.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Koh Samui?
Usually January–December, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Koh Samui?
Chaweng: The island's longest stretch of white sand, with water sports, beach clubs and a quieter north end.