Everyone has their reasons for travelling to Koh Samui. But there’s one reason we all share – stunning, tropical beaches. With an estimated 40 beaches around the island, there’s bound to be one that floats your boat. Some are lively, some have fantastic views, and some are close to the action. That said, why limit yourself to just one? The island is small enough to drive around within two hours, so that you can experience a different beach for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

To help you choose, here are 5 of Koh Samui’s top beaches that can best give you the full island experience.

Chaweng Beach

It’s often the longest and the most beautiful beach on an island that is the most developed, and on Samui, that honour goes to Chaweng. Draped along the eastern shorelines of Koh Samui, Chaweng Beach is a lively seven-kilometre stretch of soft sandy beach. If you’re looking for the island’s largest shopping complex, open-air night markets, fine dining restaurants, or rustic beach bars, there’s a good chance you can find it in this vibrant neighbourhood. Even though it’s the most developed, Chaweng’s beach sprawl means you can still seek out a quiet spot under swaying palms to enjoy a fresh coconut and drink in the view.

Lamai Beach

Head south from Chaweng, and you’ll come across Lamai Beach on the other side of the cape. At four kilometres long, Lamai is one of the best beaches in Koh Samui for swimming, with calm, clear waters and gentle waves. It’s considerably smaller and has a more laid-back vibe, but with plenty of shopping, restaurants, and bars along its shores. Three times a week, Lamai Night Plaza walking street sets up with various wares and souvenirs to bring home.

Bophut Beach

Famous for its Fisherman’s Village, Bophut is a charming stretch of coastline dotted with wooden shophouses and open-air seaside restaurants. Bophut is home to a Friday night walking street, one of Koh Samui’s best beach shopping experiences on the island, that sets up in Fisherman’s Village. Outside the Village, the beachfront restaurants and bars in the area are atmospheric and casual, which, combined with its proximity to the airport, make Bophut a popular choice for visitors.

Mae Nam Beach

If you keep going west from Bophut, you’ll come across Mae Nam, a quiet stretch of beach looking out over Koh Phangan. Unlike other beaches in Koh Samui, the water is a fair distance from the ring road, allowing it to maintain the illusion of tropical seclusion. The sand here may not be as fine as at Chaweng, but visitors looking to spend a quiet day on the beach will enjoy the area’s relaxed local vibe and bustle-free stretch of sand.

Lipa Noi Beach

Lipa Noi is a remote beach on the western coast just south of Nathon, the island’s main car ferry pier, and far from the dazzling lights of Chaweng. Besides its tranquil nature, the beach is known for its shallow depth and fine sandy seabed, making it a popular spot for families with kids and for sunset hunters.

Stay Close to Koh Samui’s Most Beautiful Beaches

COSI Samui Chaweng Beach is your ideal base for exploring the nicest beaches in Koh Samui. Designed for modern travellers, it offers stylish rooms and social spaces that cater to a digital lifestyle. The hotel is located close to the popular Chaweng Beach, providing easy access to beach activities, shopping, and dining options. After a day exploring some of the best beaches in Koh Samui, Thailand, return to a place that gives you the comfort and connectivity your lifestyle calls for.