While Samui is a relatively small resort, it boasts over 30 beaches according to official statistics. Naturally, every tourist has the question: "Which beach on Samui is the best to stay near?" The choice of coastline depends on several factors.
The beaches most often favored by tourists are Chaweng and Lamai, as they boast the most developed infrastructure.
Chaweng is Samui's most popular beach, located on its east coast and stretching for almost 5 kilometers.
On the north side, the seabed is gently sloping, while it becomes much deeper in the central and southern parts of Chaweng. The sand is fine and pleasant to the touch along the entire coast.
Chaweng is known for hosting a majority of Samui's parties and events. It's the liveliest beach on the island, with constant activity. However, unlike Pattaya and Phuket, the coastline becomes deserted as night falls.
This part of the resort boasts a range of tourist amenities:
The highly sought-after Chaweng offers accommodation to suit all budgets:
Who the beach is good for: Fans of outdoor activities and lively parties.
How to get there: By songteo (20 THB), taxi (from 250 THB), or minivan (from 130 THB) from Samui Airport or Nathon Pier.
Lamai is another highly popular beach in Samui, stretching for 4 kilometers. While it's not as lively as Chaweng, it still offers a vibrant atmosphere, making it suitable for both partygoers and those seeking a relaxed vacation.
Lamai offers a wide range of activities to keep visitors entertained:
Lamai provides affordable accommodation options, with hotels typically starting at 300 THB per night. Many tourists opt for cozy hotels such as:
Who the beach is suitable for: Ideal for all types of vacationers except families with very young children.
How to get there: Accessible by Songteo or taxi.
One of Samui's most tranquil beaches is located in the north of the island. The narrow strip of coastline is not crowded even in high season.
All the tourist infrastructure (stores, pharmacies, hotels, restaurants) is just across the road. However, nightlife in Bophut is completely absent.
The beach offers several highlights for tourists:
Popular hotels along the coast include:
Who the Beach Is Suitable For: Families with children of all ages and those seeking a relaxing vacation.
How to Get There: By Songteo (20 THB), taxi (from 160 THB), or minivan (from 130 THB) from Samui Airport or Nathon Pier.
One of the most fabulous beaches of Samui Island is located on the southern side of Chaweng. The width of the coast ranges from 15 to 30 meters, and the length reaches a kilometer. The sandy strip is surrounded by hills drenched in greenery.
Chaweng Noi Beach has a developed tourist infrastructure with a large number of hotels, cafes, restaurants, and spas.
Chaweng Noi is characterized by the following features:
Among the entertainment options, the beach offers:
The most popular local hotels (starting from 400 THB per night) include:
Who Would Suit: Families with children, couples in love, and those who like a relaxing vacation.
How to Get There: By songteo or tuk-tuk from other beaches, by taxi from Samui Airport.
The kilometer-long Chong Mon Beach is located in the northeast of Samui Island. The beach has the following advantages:
Chong Mon delights guests with:
Resting on both sun loungers and towels. Sun umbrellas are sufficient for a comfortable stay.
A highlight of a Chong Mon vacation is snorkeling off nearby Phan Noi Island, which can be reached on foot.
Popular hotels include:
Who would suit: Families with children, lovers of scenic nature, and those who love relaxing vacations.
How to get there: By tuk-tuk (from 200 THB) or taxi (from 400 THB).
A popular beach for family vacations is also Tongtakian:
What is worth one panorama: hills and jungle will enchant any traveler.
A quiet beach for a measured vacation is located northeast of the island. There are few vacationers in the area, but there are restaurants and hotels.
Almost all tourists go to Hua Tanon to play volleyball or take part in water sports.
The downside of the beach is that there are large boulders scattered in places.
In the east of Samui Island, not far from the Grandma and Grandpa rocks, there's a string of uncrowded beaches collectively called Hin Ta Hin Yai. It has all the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable vacation.
Who would suit: Lovers of secluded vacations.
How to get there: From neighboring stretches of coast (e.g. Lamai), by songteo (from 60 TNV).
Samui's smallest beach will charm any tourist with its tranquility. The length of this place is only about 300 meters.
People and entertainment are virtually non-existent here, but a couple of minutes' walk away is the neighboring beach, where you'll get plenty of that.
The beach itself is clean and surrounded by cliffs on both sides. Coral Cove is the perfect place for a paradise vacation.
Maenam Beach on Samui is preferred by Thais themselves, as well as those vacationers who are staying in Thailand for a long time or prefer to winter here. It is located in the northern part of the island, and reaches 5 kilometers in length. The water in the sea is a little turbid, because of the rivers flowing into the sea. But it is still not dirty.
There is virtually no flashy tourist infrastructure, particularly shopping malls and restaurants that attract attention with bright lights. Maenam, on the other hand, has the most laundromats, markets, and cafes with inexpensive food.
Lodging along the coast is made up of bungalows, guesthouses, and hotels that are immersed in fabulous exotic greenery (from THB 350 per night). You can stay in the following apartments:
Who the beach is suitable for: For those tourists who are focused on a long-term stay.
How to get there: By Songteo (from 50 TNV).
Samui has beaches to suit all tastes. You can get to any of them from Nathon Pier by tuk-tuk, songteo, or cab.
