authentic journeys

⚲ KOH SAMUI

 

 A Local’s Guide to Sun, Sea & Soulful Escapes

 

As a local travel designer, we have explored every hidden cove and lively bay on the island. Here is our personal guide to the best beaches on Koh Samui —where to stay, what to do, and why this tropical paradise should be at the top of your travel wish list.

 

 

Mae Nam – Laid-back Luxury and Sunset Silhouettes

If you're craving calm and authenticity, Mae Nam is the beach to watch. Tucked away on the north coast, this stretch of golden sand feels worlds apart from the more developed parts of Samui. It’s long, quiet, and lined with gently swaying palm trees—perfect for reading, beach walks, or simply doing nothing at all.

 

Mae Nam still holds a local village vibe, especially near the Chinese temple and small market streets. You’ll find friendly Thai families running simple beach bungalows alongside a few upscale resorts that blend seamlessly into the natural setting.

 

 

Insider Tip : The sunsets here are pure magic. With Koh Phangan silhouetted on the horizon, it's a golden hour photographer's dream.

 

Best For : Couples, slow travelers, and those who appreciate peace and simplicity over beach clubs and crowds.

 

 

 

Bo Phut – Boutique Charm Meets Local Culture

Bo Phut, nestled on the island’s northern coast, is where laid-back elegance meets old-world charm. Its gently curving beach is ideal for relaxed swims, while the nearby Fisherman’s Village blends rustic wooden shop-houses with chic beach bars and local street food.

 

 

Stay at:
Bo Phut Resort & Spa – A peaceful haven that blends traditional Thai architecture with lush tropical gardens and refined service. Perfect for couples and luxury lovers who want serenity with a splash of sophistication.

 

Insider Vibe : Don’t miss the Friday Night Walking Street in Fisherman’s Village—a lively yet relaxed market where you’ll find everything from handmade crafts to beachside mojitos.

 

Bang Rak & Big Buddha Beach – Peaceful & Underrated

This lesser-known gem on the northern coast is where local life and laid-back vibes come together. You’ll spot colorful fishing boats, local families, and the iconic golden Big Buddha watching over the bay.

 

 

Stay at:
B House Samui – A stylish boutique hotel tucked away on the quieter side of Bang Rak. Think beachy minimalist décor, personalized service, and a lovely café right by the water. It’s a favorite for slow travelers and design lovers.

 

Beach Bonus: From Bang Rak, it’s an easy hop to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao by boat. Or stay local and explore the nearby Plai Laem temple complex at golden hour.

 

 

Choeng Mon – Gentle Waters & Family Vibes

Just 10 minutes from the airport and Chaweng, Choeng Mon is a hidden gem on the northeast tip of the island. It’s ideal for travelers who want soft sands, calm seas, and a relaxed, upmarket atmosphere without being isolated.

 

The bay here is shallow, making it a hit with families and early risers. Resorts dot the beach, but they’re tastefully integrated, and the mood stays mellow from sunrise to sundown.

Local Secret: At low tide, you can walk across to the small islet of Koh Fan Noi—great for a mini adventure with kids or a romantic beach stroll.

 

Best For: Families, couples, and anyone seeking calm with easy access to both the airport and island highlights.

 

Chaweng Noi – Quiet Luxury with a View

Just south of the bustling Chaweng Beach lies its quieter, more elegant sister—Chaweng Noi. This crescent of powdery white sand is ideal if you want peaceful swimming, dramatic sunrise views, and a touch of seclusion without being too far from the action.

 

Stay at:
Chaweng Noi Pool Villa – A great midrange option with private pool rooms and a cozy, boutique-style atmosphere. It’s a sweet spot for travelers seeking comfort and value, just a short walk from the beach.

 

Local Tip : Early mornings are magical here. Grab a fresh coconut and stroll the empty shore as the sun peeks over the Gulf of Thailand.

 

Chaweng Beach – Lively, Young & Always On

Chaweng is Samui’s most famous beach—and for good reason. With its wide sandy stretch, buzzing nightlife, and beach clubs, it’s a great base for first-timers or those craving a more dynamic island experience.

 

 

Stay at:
COSI Chaweng – A smart and social hotel with tech-savvy features and a minimalist design. It’s youthful, fun, and perfectly placed for exploring the beach scene, cafés, and nightlife.

 

Did You Know ? COSI has a rooftop pool that overlooks the town—ideal for sundowners or catching up on travel photos with free Wi-Fi and a coffee in hand.

 

Lamai – Rugged Beauty and Old-School Charm

Often seen as Chaweng’s more bohemian cousin, Lamai Beach offers a mix of natural beauty, authentic Thai character, and a slightly retro feel that seasoned travelers adore. The southern part is quiet and scenic, while the northern end near Hin Ta & Hin Yai (Grandfather & Grandmother Rocks) has more energy with local restaurants, shops, and a touch of nightlife.

Lamai is also surrounded by jungle-covered hills, waterfalls, and small temples, making it a great base for both beach time and soft adventure.

 

Why Go: It’s still easy to find beachfront bungalows here—something rare in Chaweng—and the sand is soft, the water swimmable, and the vibe just right.

 

Insider Tip : Visit on a Sunday evening for the Lamai Night Market—smaller than Chaweng’s but far more local in flavor.

 

Best For: Independent travelers, returning visitors, and those who want a balance of beach, nature, and local life.

 

 

Set Sail: Boat Trip to Ang Thong Marine Park

No trip to Koh Samui is complete without a day out at Ang Thong Marine National Park—an otherworldly archipelago of 42 jungle-covered islands, secret lagoons, and limestone cliffs. It’s perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, or simply soaking in the cinematic seascape.

 

Thai Insider Recommends : Opt for a semi-private boat trip or local longtail charter for a more intimate experience. And pack reef-safe sunscreen—preserving this fragile beauty is part of the adventure.

 

BOOK A DAYTRIP WITH KAYAKING TO ANG THONG NATIONAL PARK ONLINE.

 

Insider Tip : Most travelers think of Thailand’s dry season as November to April—but Koh Samui dances to its own rhythm. While the west coast slows down during the monsoon, August to September is actually a secret high season on Samui. The weather is typically sunny and calm, the sea is crystal-clear, and the vibe is wonderfully mellow. So if you're dreaming of a last-minute summer escape—this is the time.

 

CHECK OUT ALL OUR HOTEL OPTIONS ON KOH SAMUI.

 

From the chic sands of Bo Phut to the gentle coves of Choeng Mon, the village calm of Mae Nam, and the raw energy of Lamai, Koh Samui truly has a beach for every soul. Add a boat trip to the emerald islands of Ang Thong Marine Park, and you've got the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation. Let Thai Insider Trips craft your island escape—one that blends beautiful beaches with hidden gems, cultural flavor, and unforgettable experiences.


Recommend by your Thai Insider.

𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗬𝗦.
𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘦. 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦.

#AuthenticJourneys #InsiderTripsAsia

 

 

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𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘴, 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘸𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘢 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘰 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘳𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘴 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵.