Travel Guide to Koh Samui Thailand (Part 2): Best beaches and top experiences

Chaweng Beach

Stretching about 7km, Chaweng features powdery white sand and shallow, crystal-clear water, ideal for swimming and water sports. The beach is divided into North, Central, South, and Chaweng Noi. The Central area is the heart of the action, packed with famous beach clubs like Ark Bar or Elephant Beach Club. If you are wondering where to go on Koh Samui to enjoy the beach by day and vibrant music parties by night, Chaweng is the ultimate answer.

Lamai Beach

Despite being the second-largest beach on the island, Lamai maintains a slower pace of life with its characteristic golden sand and deeper blue waters, perfect for serious swimmers. The highlight of Lamai is the fascinating Hin Ta and Hin Yai (Grandfather and Grandmother rocks) in the south – a natural masterpiece tied to local folklore.

Silver Beach (The Crystal Bay)

Tucked between Chaweng and Lamai, Silver Beach (also known as Crystal Bay) is a hidden gem with the water so clear that you can see schools of small fish swimming around your feet even without a snorkel. Enclosed by giant granite boulders and lush greenery, Silver Beach creates a secluded space away from traffic noise. It is a perfect choice in the list of Koh Samui best beaches for those wanting to experience the feeling of “swimming in a natural pool” in the middle of the ocean.

Coral Cove Koh Samui

Located on the winding coastal road between Chaweng and Lamai, Coral Cove is one of the smallest beaches but possesses one of the richest underwater ecosystems on the island. The most distinctive feature is the natural coral reefs starting right at the water’s edge, allowing you to experience world-class snorkeling without the cost of hiring a boat. The water is emerald green and quite deep as soon as you leave the shore, ideal for observing colorful tropical fish hiding in granite crevices.

Lipa Noi Beach

Lipa Noi is the beach that offers the most comfort and freedom on the West Coast. The biggest difference here is the fine white sand, completely free of rocks or coral debris, combined with shallow water stretching hundreds of meters out. This turns Lipa Noi into a giant “natural pool,” where you can comfortably stroll through the cool water or let children play freely without worrying about sudden depth.

Choeng Mon Beach

Located at the Northeastern tip of the island, Choeng Mon Beach appears as a secluded oasis, possessing an elegant and discreet beauty. The charm of Choeng Mon lies in its soft, powdery white sand surrounding emerald-green, calm waters. The most unique highlight is the small islet Koh Fan Noi located right offshore. At low tide, a natural sand path is revealed, allowing you to experience walking through the sea to set foot on this pristine island. It is a wonderful moment to explore the coastal ecosystem or simply find a private corner to admire the entire bay from a completely new perspective.

Thongson Bay

Located at the northernmost point of the island, Thongson Bay is one of the best-kept secrets, where wild beauty has not yet been touched by mass tourism. You can spend hours snorkeling along the rocky outcrops at either end of the bay to observe schools of small tropical fish, or simply stroll along the deserted shoreline to pick up exotic shells washed up on the sand.

Bophut Beach

Bophut Beach is a wonderful intersection between natural beauty and the long-standing cultural soul of the island. More than just a beach, this place preserves the soul of the island through ancient wooden houses and the peaceful pace of a traditional fishing village. The beach stretches about 2km with characteristic fine golden sand and a view directly towards the majestic Koh Phangan. The sea surface at Bophut is as still as a lake, with warm, deep blue water – perfect for relaxing swims or kayaking along the coast to watch colorful fishing boats anchored in the distance.

Maenam Beach

Known as the “Paradise of Tranquility,” Maenam Beach possesses a “back-to-basics” vibe where nature takes center stage. The water is clear and has an ideal depth immediately off the shore, making it one of Koh Samui’s best beaches for actual swimming.

Ban Tai Beach

Nuzzled between Maenam and Bang Por, Ban Tai Beach is a “secret gem” often overlooked. Its “deadly” charm lies in the shallow, turquoise, and exceptionally calm water, thanks to offshore coral reefs acting as a natural breakwater. This makes it one of the safest and most ideal spots for relaxing, swimming, or simply floating on the water to wash away all fatigue.

Pray for peace at Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple)

Location: Bo Put, Koh Fan Island, Koh Samui
Opening hours: 06:00 AM – 06:30 PM

Located on Koh Fan Island, Wat Phra Yai is a symbol of peace, standing majestically against the deep blue sky and sea. This pagoda is famous for its colossal gold-plated Buddha statue standing 12 meters tall, which was built in 1972. The statue dominates the hilltop in the “Mara” posture, symbolizing enlightenment and victory over all temptations.

You can slowly ascend the intricately carved Naga Staircase to reach the temple’s highest place. From this vantage point, a panoramic view of Bang Rak Bay and the island’s northern coast unfolds before your eyes, with endless stretches of turquoise water.

Enjoy the old lifestyle in The Nathon Old Town

Location: West Coast, Koh Samui

Nathon Old Town charms visitors with its rows of classic Chinese-style wooden shophouses that have stood for decades along narrow streets. The architecture is a unique fusion of the heritage of the first settlers and the essence of the sea.

If you visit on a Saturday evening, you can immerse yourself in the lively Walking Street night market, which features an array of specialty street foods and exquisite local handicrafts. This is the perfect destination for those seeking a soulful and authentic cultural experience while deciding where to go on Koh Samui during their Koh Samui tour.

Go kayaking and hiking in Ang Thong National Marine Park

Opening hours: 08:00 AM – 04:30 PM

Kayaking through ancient limestone caves is the best way to immerse yourself in the region’s unique marine ecosystem. You’ll glide through majestic natural archways, explore hidden lagoons, and gaze at vibrant coral reefs nestled beneath the emerald waters.

You can also trek to the viewpoints on Koh Wua Talap island to enjoy panoramic views of the 42 islands of the Ang Thong archipelago. Don’t miss a visit to the Emerald Lagoon (Talay Nai) – a stunning saltwater lake encased by sheer limestone cliffs, creating a mystical atmosphere straight out of a movie.

See rare dolphins in Khanom Bay

Taking a private boat to spot the rare Indo-Pacific pink dolphins is truly the highlight of this excursion. The thrill of scanning the horizon and the pure joy of seeing those distinctive pink fins emerge will undoubtedly be a core memory of your time in Koh Samui.

Beyond the dolphin watching, your private charter will take you to Koh Nui, a small island steeped in the legend of the monk Luang Phor Tuad, who famously “turned seawater into fresh water.”

Watch the Fire Show at Koh Samui

Location: Chaweng Beach, Bophut, Koh Samui
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Right on the powdery sands of Chaweng, skilled performers lead you into a mesmerizing visual feast featuring brilliant fiery whirls, dramatic juggling techniques, and stunning fire spark effects set to vibrant music. Within the upscale beach club atmosphere, the flickering flames reflecting off the night sea not only create a high-energy ambiance but also provide the perfect backdrop for impressive check-in photos and videos.

Visit the Samui Elephant Sanctuary

Address: Bophut and Chaweng Noi, Koh Samui.
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 02:00 PM – 05:00 PM

A visit to Samui Elephant Sanctuary is an opportunity to connect with nature most humanely and sustainably on the island. This multi-award-winning sanctuary provides a haven for elephants rescued from the trekking and logging industries, allowing them to live a life of dignity and freedom in a semi-wild environment.

Instead of riding or watching performances, guests can participate in preparing food, observing these gentle giants as they roam freely, socialize, and bathe in mud pits, offering a profound and ethical insight into wildlife conservation.

Explore Koh Phangan

While globally renowned for its high-energy Full Moon Party, this island is also a “hidden gem” boasting pristine beaches, untouched rainforests, and adventurous trekking trails.

From snorkeling at the Koh Ma marine park to finding inner balance at world-class meditation and Yoga retreats, Koh Phangan is the perfect destination for those seeking a blend of bohemian spirit and pure, natural beauty.