Plage de rêve à koh Samui
The Dream Beaches of Koh Samui: A Complete Guide
Koh Samui is a paradise island located in the Gulf of Thailand, about 700 km south of Bangkok . It is the country's second largest island, after Phuket, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia . Koh Samui is famous for its white sand beaches , turquoise waters , coconut palms , Buddhist temples , vibrant nightlife and local gastronomy . But what is the best beach in Koh Samui? What activities can you do on site? What are some practical tips for preparing your trip? In this comprehensive guide, we present the dream beaches of Koh Samui, as well as the essential information to fully enjoy your stay.
The best beaches in Koh Samui
Koh Samui has over 40 beaches, each with its own charm and ambiance.Depending on your desires, you can choose a quiet and isolated beach, a family and friendly beach, a festive and trendy beach, or even a beach suitable for water sports. Here is our selection of the best beaches in Koh Samui:
Chaweng :
- It is the most popular and lively beach on Koh Samui. It extends over 7 km long, offering a wide strip of fine sand and crystal clear water. It is the ideal place for swimming, sunbathing, jet-skiing, kayaking, parasailing or even snorkeling. In the evening, the beach turns into a real entertainment center, with numerous bars, restaurants, nightclubs, markets and fire shows. Chaweng is also the most developed district on the island, with a wide variety of hotels, shops, spas and services. If you are looking for a dynamic and festive beach, Chaweng is made for you.
The May :
- It is the second busiest beachfrom Koh Samui, after Chaweng. It is located in the southeast of the island, and measures approximately 4 km long. It offers a magnificent landscape, with golden sand, granite rocks, palm trees and clear water. Lamai is a versatile beach, suitable for both families and young travelers . It offers many activities, such as swimming, surfing, stand-up paddle, fishing, yoga and even massage. In the evening, Lamai also offers a festive atmosphere, but more subdued than Chaweng. Here you will find bars, restaurants, live music lounges, cabarets and night markets. Lamai is also a good starting point for visiting nearby attractions, such as the Grandfather and Grandmother (Hin Ta and Hin Yai), natural rock formations shaped like genitals, or Wat Lamai, a Buddhist temple which houses a cultural museum.
Bophut :
- It is a beach located in the north of the island, which stands out for its authentic charm and peaceful atmosphere .It is approximately 3 km long, and offers white sand, calm water and splendid views of the neighboring islands . Bophut is an ideal beach for relaxing , walking, admiring the sunset or even kayaking. But the real asset of Bophut is its fishing village, called Fisherman's Village . It is a historic district, which has retained its traditional architecture, with wooden houses, artisan shops, cafes and restaurants. On Friday evenings, the village hosts a night market, where you can taste local specialties, listen to music, buy souvenirs or enjoy street shows. Bophut is a beach that will appeal to lovers of culture and tranquility.
Maenam :
- It is a beach located in the north of the island, next to Bophut. It is approximately 5 km long, and offers fine sand, clear water and breathtaking views of the island of Koh Phangan. Maenam is a quiet and discreet beach, which is perfect for travelers looking to recharge their batteries, far from the crowds and noise . It is also popular with backpackers, because it offers inexpensive accommodation, such as bungalows or guesthouses. Maenam is a beach ideal for relaxation, reading, meditation or even golf, thanks to the 18-hole course of the Santiburi Samui Country Club. It is also a good starting point for exploring neighboring islands, such as Koh Phangan, Koh Tao or the Ang Thong Marine National Park, by taking a boat from the small port of Lomprayah.
Lipa Noi :
- It is a beach located to the west of the island, facing the mainland. It is approximately 3 km long, and offers soft sand, shallow water and spectacular sunsets . Lipa Noi is a secluded and peaceful beach , suitable for travelers seeking privacy, romance or simplicity. It is also suitable for families with young children , as the water is calm and safe.Lipa Noi is a beach that invites contemplation, walks, picnics and even massages. It is also close to the Big Buddha Temple, one of Koh Samui's most famous attractions, which houses a 12-meter-high Buddha statue.
Activities to do in Koh Samui
Besides the beaches, Koh Samui offers many other activities to do, whether on land, water or in the air. Here are some examples :
Visit Buddhist temples :
- Koh Samui has more than 80 Buddhist temples , which demonstrate the cultural and spiritual richness of the island. Among the most notable are Wat Phra Yai , which houses the Big Buddha , Wat Plai Laem , which houses a statue of the goddess of mercy Guanyin, Wat Khunaram , which houses the mummy of the monk Luang Pho Daeng, or Wat Ratchathammaram , which houses a golden stupa.
Go snorkeling or scuba diving:
- Koh Samui is surrounded by coral reefs, which are home to exceptional marine flora and fauna. You can observe colorful fish, turtles, rays, sharks and even dolphins while snorkeling or scuba diving. The best spots are around neighboring islands, like Koh Tao , Koh Nang Yuan , Koh Phangan or Ang Thong Marine National Park .
Going on a jungle safari :
- Koh Samui has lush nature, with forests, mountains, waterfalls, rivers and plantations. You can discover the local fauna and flora by going on a safari in the jungle, aboard a 4x4, a quad, a buggy, a bicycle or an elephant. You can also go trekking, ziplining, canoeing, rafting or even paintball.
Go shopping :
- Koh Samui is a paradise for shopping enthusiasts, as it offers a wide variety of products at very affordable prices. You can buy clothes, jewelry, accessories, souvenirs, works of art, cosmetic products, spices, fruits or even flowers, in the many markets, boutiques, shopping centers or art galleries