This Ko Samui Beach guide wishes to invite you on what is perhaps the ultimate adventure journey of a lifetime. It's a great opportunity to explore Thailand's finest and probably best loved beaches. If you haven't been here before, you might never have guessed that somewhere on this vast planet of ours is this wondrous tropical island. Ko Samui is truly what dreams are made of and if these dreams would be a reality, you wouldn't ever want to wake up, would you.
I am absolutely convinced that many a seasoned travel writer get some of their best inspirations whilst on some of these most beautiful island beaches. And so begins my journey as a travel writer.
I would love you to stay tuned into many more adventure travel stories of mine as the road gets longer and longer. There is, like the vast universe itself, no end, only the beginning. Your journey begins right in front of you so let the adventure begin.
If ever there were more appealing beaches in Thailand, then the beaches of Ko Samui have got to be right on top of the list, then again once here, you will be the supreme judge. It can be extremely difficult to try and describe and or explain to you the the absolute natural beauty of these stunning locations.
Now to be very honest, the best time to be here isn't necessary in season (before Christmas and after New Year) as it can become very crowded especially on the most popular Ko Samui beach. During the rest of the year and including the rainy season, you will be assured of a fantastic time.
Arial View of Chaweng and Lamai Beach
Ko Samui Beach Guide
Chaweng Beach
Chaweng Beach is a magnificent beach extending for approximately 6 Kilometers (4 miles) along a palm fringed stretch of silky soft sandy coastline. The Beach is situated on the east coast of Ko Samui island and overlooking the coast is some equally impressive crystal clear emerald-blue waters and an easily accessible coral reef. The reef itself can be reached from two small islands off this Ko Samui beach. In fact you could simply walk through the shallow waters to one of them. The other larger island of the two is a bit further out but will no doubt provide you with some excellent opportunities to enjoy some snorkeling and or kayaking.
Now because of the beautiful reefs found around here, you are welcome to make use of the many diving schools where you could even take your license. Other beach activities found here include jet-skiing, para-sailing, wind-surfing and wake-boarding. You can rent any number of the water sport transport from speedboats to banana boats to canoes. And all this for your absolute pleasure. Not to be outdone, you could even hire a catamaran for the day. With so much to do and so little time, it would be best to get going as soon as possible.
Because of it's popularity, Chaweng Beach is the most developed of all the island's beaches. For it is here that you will find the best hotels and resorts. Again you will also find all manner of restaurants from the top 5 star eateries to the more casual communal sit down open air types. There are also many souvenir and clothing stores, including the notorious tailor shops that seem to follow you around wherever you go. And of course there are the ever present bars and clubs pumping out rock, reggae and techno music to anyone who cares to listen.
If you prefer somewhere a little quieter, then try the northern part of the beach as it less crowded than it's central parts. Please remember that to stay cool on the beach, you can always find many local food and drinks vendors passing by offering anything from fruits, ice cream to local Thai food for your convenience.
Chaweng Beach View from a Reastaurant
Ko Samui Beach Guide
The North Island Beaches
There are a number of beaches along the north coast of Ko Samui. They may not be the prettiest on the island, but they do create a superb platform to wonderful panoramic views across the ocean, particularly those towards Ko Phangan.
Maenam is the most westerly beach being an exposed four kilometre bay with a relatively narrow white shoreline with slightly coarser sand unlike that of the east coast. What this beach does have, is a rather laid-backed atmosphere to it and permits you to spoil yourself with good safe swimming. You are also likely to find the most budget travellers despite some recent upmarket developments. What you won't find here are the razzle dazzle bars and nightclubs. For that you'll have to take a late night songthaew to either Chaweng or Lamai.
The next bay is Bophut which is similar in stature to Maenam, though remarkably different in atmosphere and facilities, that being the more noticeable Italian and French influence. It's a quiet beach with a wholesome family feel to it attracting a mixture of young as well as an older crowd. At the east end of the bay is the fishing village of Ban Bophut where you'll find a few small hotels, a sprinkling of internet cafes, supermarkets, travel agencies and one second-hand book store.
Vendor selling fruit on Chaweng Beach
Ko Samui Beach Guide
Lamai Beach
Lamai Beach is the second most popular Ko Samui beach. This smaller neighbour also on the east coast can be found a few kilometers around the corner just south of Chaweng Beach. This is a pretty little piece of paradise particularly down at the beaches southern end. Lamai beach takes on the shape of a crescent moon with hundreds of coconut trees bending over the blue-green waters thus giving it a very tranquil feel. There are also some strange looking rock formation dotted about. Just be very careful when swimming as the sea is wavy and can be quite deep in parts.
Although there are far fewer tourists here at this Ko Samui beach, it does however attract many backpackers. Lamai beach also dishes out all the usual suspects when it comes to water sports such as jet-skiing, wake-boarding, wind-surfing, para-sailing and so on. Again you can rent a variety of motorized boats for your private use. At the southern end of the beach in an area called Hin Ta Hin Yai, you will find a wide range of souvenir shops. You will also find a number of go-go bars, pubs and discos.
View over Lamai Beach
Ko Samui Beach Guide
Big Buddha Beach
No one can quite understand why anyone would want to spend so much time at Bangrak Bay unless of course you enjoy the resonating sound of traffic from the adjacent road or have an infectious fascination for roaring overhead airplanes. The bay is that close to the new airport. Big Buddha Beach is the other name often referred to this Ko Samui beach. It's a small bay located right on the north eastern part of the island with views overlooking two small offshore islands. On one of the islands is a twelve metre high Buddha which can be seen from miles away. The enormous statue silently gazes down on sun-worshippers and is considered a well known landmark here.
