Useful Information
Koh Samui Beaches
Koh Samui has a multitude of beaches with sometimes very different atmospheres. Small non-exhaustive list and summary of the main ones :
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Chaweng: On the east coast, the most touristic and animated. You will find a large choice of hotels directly on the beach or slightly behind but also a multitude of restaurants, bars or beach clubs and shops. The largest shopping center of the island is there: the Central Festival. The sand is white and thin and swimming very pleasant. However to advise to people who are looking for tranquility and an "intimate" side.
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Lamaï: The "second" beach of the island, located on the east coast, in terms of attendance and fame. Its atmosphere is more quiet than Chaweng and gives it a feeling of a "small village". Here too, as in Chaweng, the hotels on the seafront are numerous and the choice is wide. Although the sand is not as fine as on other beaches of the island, its southern part which is dotted with granite rocks gives it an air of Seychelles. There is also a plethora of restaurants and bars to enjoy the "night life". A night market and free Thai boxing fights take place there once a week.
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Bophut: Well known for its "center" called "Fishermen's Village" which was originally a small fishing village but which has transformed over the years into a shopping street on one side and seafront restaurants of the other. The street is very narrow, it gives an impression of walking street where it is pleasant to walk in couple or family. Although the rates are higher than elsewhere on the island, we must recognize that the restaurants are, in general, more well designed. Located on the north coast, the view of Koh Phangan adds to the charm of the place.
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Crystal Bay: On the east coast of Koh Samui, a few minutes far from Lamaï, Crystal Bay beach will delight lovers of fine white sand. The limestone rocks at its extremities give it a lot of character and are more reminiscent of a cove whose intimate side is accentuated by its size much smaller than those of the beaches of Chaweng or Lamaï. Ideal for families with young children because the funds are shallow and allow swimming safely. There are plenty beachside restaurants and you can easily find something to eat for every budget!
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Coral Cove: Its access is not easy to find during a first visit but the search worth it ! Nestled between two rock formations, Coral Cove Beach, which is approximately 200m long, has a very pleasant and quiet atmosphere. Perfect for a moment of relaxation or some photos memories of your holidays. It is also one of the few beaches on the island where you can snorkel and watch the marine life. Be careful though to the cuts, its funds being covered with very sharp little rocks.
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Lipa Noï: To the west and in the more "wild" and authentic part of the island, its orientation will allow you to enjoy fabulous sunsets in peace. The shops are few and the atmosphere has a country look ! Its arc-shaped form and panoramic views of the islands of Angthong National Park worth a visit. You will easily find beach restaurants from the simplest and cheapest to the most luxurious. Resorts-hotels are less numerous than elsewhere on the island but are all on a human scale and friendly !
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Mae Nam: The neighbor, north of the island, of Bophut but less touristic. Its arc-shaped gives it a certain cachet and its orientation a sensational view of Koh Phangan at fifteen km. There is no such thing as a "small village" as in Lamai or Bophut, and its main part is a single street overlooking a small harbor at its end. But the hotels and restaurants on the waterfront are not lacking and will satisfy all budgets and desires.
