Best beaches in Koh Samui

Koi Samui in the south of Thailand is a dream destination for many holiday makers. This bucket list island enjoys average temperatures of 30 degrees and boars a massive 40 beaches. So when you are not seeing the sights and fancy lazing in the sand, you have a fantastic choice. Here are five of the best beaches in Koh Samui that you need to visit while you are there.

1. Maenam

If you are looking to really get away from it all, this could be the beach for you. Long, scenic paths lead down to this beach, where you will find beach huts nestled between luscious green palm trees, you may never want to leave. The sand is a darker yellow, and the waters are, as you would expect, crystal clear. Some great pictures for the amateur photographer as the sun goes down, and then why not chill with a drink at one of the beach bars.

2. Chaweng

For those that prefer more in the way of the hustle and bustle then visit Chaweng. Widely lauded as one of the best beaches on the island it isn’t hard to see why. Chaweng is the largest and most popular of Samui’s beaches and is approximately 7 km long, making it the longest beach on the east coast. It is lined with coconut trees and boasts year long, warm temperatures ranging around 28C/86F. So while it is busier, there are opportunities to find quieter patches for your lounge chairs, and there is plenty on offer in the way of food and drink. It is easy to lose a day here, especially with the chance to see the reef that hides in the sparkling waters.

3. Lamai

Lamai Beach is Samui’s second-largest resort area after Chaweng. Forming a wide sweeping crescent Lamai is another beach to add to your must-see list. There are lots of water-based sports on offer, and this is a great stretch of sea for swimmers. Iconic palms sway lazily over the white sands, and the beach is marked by giant granite boulders that sit just offshore. Not as chaotic as Chaweng but still offering plenty of restaurants and spas, this is a stunning place to spend a day.

4. Choeng Mon

Rather than forming one stretch of sand, Choeng Mon consists of a run of little bays. Tucked up on the northern tip of the island it’s another quieter beach if you are looking to get away from it all for a few hours. The largest bay has more of the beautiful fine white sand, and you can experience some excellent snorkelling on the rocks at each end. If you fancy some sea kayaking, you can head out to an inlet on the other side of the bay.

5. Bophut

Back to the darker yellow sand, Bophut is another widely acclaimed beach in Koh Samui. Although a lot of the beach is built up with hotels and resorts, it still offers some stunning views out into the water. With the sizzling temperatures and the clearest of blue waters, it is indeed not going to disappoint. If you fancy a meal while you are there, you have an excellent choice of cafes and bars as well as luxury resort restaurants.

By Kerrie Potts from exclusiveprivatevillas.com