Contents:
- 1. What to look for when choosing a beach?
- 2. Rating of Samui beaches
- 3. Bang Po Beach
- 4. Ban Thai Beach
- 5. Mae Nam Beach
- 6. Bo Phut Beach
- 7. Bang Rak Beach
- 8. Plai Laem Beach
- 9. Samrong Beach
- 10. Thong Sai Beach
- 11. Chong Mon Beach
- 12. Chaweng Yai Beach
- 13. Coral Cove Beach
- 14. Thong Takian Beach
- 15. Lamai Beach
- 16. Nahai Beach
- 17. Laem Set Beach
The island of Koh Samui, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is the epitome of tropical beauty and endless possibilities for the perfect beach holiday. Koh Samui attracts travelers with its diversity, offering remote secluded spots and picturesque bays.
What to look for when choosing a beach?
Choosing a beach on Koh Samui is a key point in planning your vacation. The island itself offers a variety of beaches and each of them has its own characteristics. Here's what you should pay attention to when choosing:
- 1. If fast and convenient transport accessibility is important to you, choose a beach that is close to the airport and main tourist areas;
- 2. Decide which type of beach you prefer - Chaweng with its wide sandy shore, Lamai with its beautiful natural formations or secluded Maenam. Each offers its own unique experience;
- 3. Beaches offer different levels of service. Make sure that the chosen beach provides the services you need - restaurants, shops, entertainment;
- 4. Assess the overall level of safety on the beach. Some beaches are equipped with lifeguard posts, which may be important for families with children;
- 5. If you are interested in water sports, pay attention to the availability of diving or surfing infrastructure.
Rating of Samui beaches
The beaches of Samui are a true treasure for sun and sea lovers. The ranking of Koh Samui beaches on this tropical island provides a variety of choices. Lovers of tranquility will enjoy the enchanting Maenam with soft sand and crystal clear water. Chaweng, considered the most popular, offers a variety of entertainment and bars. Bophut combines traditional charm with a modern atmosphere. Lamai attracts with its energy and opportunities for water sports. We'll tell you more about everything
Bang Po Beach
Bang Por is famous for its solitude. This beach is ideal for those looking for peace and quiet, away from the hustle and bustle[1].
Advantages
The advantages of the beach include a variety of establishments in its surroundings, offering traditional Thai dishes and fresh seafood. You can enjoy delicious cuisine right on the sand overlooking the sea. Bang Por also offers many budget accommodation options, including guest houses and apartments. This is a great place for those who want to save money on accommodation.
Disadvantages
For those looking for active recreation and entertainment, Bang Po may seem too quiet. The absence of clubs and vibrant nightlife is a feature of this beach. During low tide, the beach may have a rocky bottom, which makes swimming not so comfortable.
Ban Thai Beach
Ban Thai is famous for its unique atmosphere, reminiscent of the hippie movement. Here you will find cozy cafes and art galleries that give the place a unique character.
Advantages
Ban Thai has become famous for its legendary Full Moon Parties, which take place on nearby Haad Rin Beach. This place attracts lovers of nightlife. There are a variety of entertainment options on the beach and in the surrounding area. From water sports to meditation, there is something for everyone.
Disadvantages
Full Moon Parties may be too noisy for those who prefer a quiet holiday. The sound of music may create discomfort in some parts of the beach. Also, during the Full Moon Party, the beach can be crowded with tourists, which makes it less secluded and calm. Despite the hippie culture, the beach infrastructure may be less developed than some other places on the island.
Maenam Beach
Mae Nam Beach is a unique place on Koh Samui, with its own characteristics and attractive features.
Advantages
The beach has a spacious and wide beach strip with soft sand, which makes it an excellent place for walking and playing sports. Along the shore there are various restaurants and cafes offering a variety of Thai and world cuisines. This allows you to enjoy delicious food with a stunning view.
Disadvantages
For those looking for an active Leisure and entertainment options, Mae Nam can be a little quiet with limited water sports and nightlife options. Also, Mae Nam's remoteness from some key areas of the island can create difficulties in terms of transport accessibility.
Bo Phut Beach
Bo Phut Beach on Koh Samui offers a unique experience with a combination of traditional atmosphere and modern entertainment.
Advantages
The beach is famous for its fish restaurants, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and Thai cuisine. Bo Phut offers a variety of modern resorts and hotels with a high level of service and amenities for vacationers. The beach area has many shops where you can buy local goods, souvenirs and clothing[2].
Disadvantages
The beach does not offer many opportunities for water sports, which may disappoint active recreation enthusiasts. In restaurants in the old town, prices may be higher compared to other places on the island.
Bang Rak Beach
Bang Rak Beach on Koh Samui offers its visitors a unique experience with a combination of tranquility and variety of entertainment.
Advantages
Bang Rak is famous for its calm and cozy atmosphere, which makes it ideal for those who prefer a secluded and relaxed holiday. The beach is located close to the Famous Big Buddha, which provides an opportunity to visit this significant cultural attraction. The beach also offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, villas and guest houses, providing comfortable accommodation for different categories of travelers.
Disadvantages
The beach is not the center of active nightlife, and for those looking for evening entertainment, it may seem less interesting. The beach is located some distance from the central regions of the island, which may create certain difficulties with transport accessibility.
Plai Laem Beach
Plai Laem Beach on Koh Samui has its own character and appeal, offering visitors a unique experience.
Advantages
The beach is located close to tourist attractions such as the Big Buddha and the fishing village market, providing additional opportunities for recreation and entertainment. Some sections of the beach provide stunning panoramic views of the bay and surrounding islands, creating a unique visual experience.
Disadvantages
For those who appreciate lively nightclubs and bars, Plai Laem may seem less attractive compared to some other beaches. Some areas may have a rocky bottom, requiring caution when swimming.
Samrong Beach
Samrong Beach on Koh Samui provides its visitors with a secluded place for a calm and measured holiday.
Advantages
Clean water and a rich underwater world make the beach a suitable place for snorkeling and observing colorful underwater inhabitants. Around the beach there are resorts and hotels providing a high level of comfort and service.
Disadvantages
The beach infrastructure may provide a limited selection of restaurants and shops, and the distance of the beach from the central areas of the island may create difficulties with transport and travel to other places.
Thongsai Beach
Thong Sai Beach on Koh Samui attracts tourists with its cozy atmosphere and beautiful natural scenery.
Advantages
Tong Sai is famous for its quiet and secluded environment, which creates excellent conditions for relaxation and meditation. The beach is surrounded by picturesque natural scenery, including palm groves and white sand, creating ideal conditions for walking and relaxing. Along the coast of the beach there are exclusive resorts offering a high level of service and comfort.
Disadvantages
Thong Sai is not the center of active nightlife and may be less attractive for those looking for entertainment after sunset. Public transport to other parts of the island may be limited, making travel difficult.
Chong Mon Beach
Chong Mon Beach on Koh Samui is a cozy corner that attracts tourists with its picturesque nature and variety of entertainment.
Advantages
Chong Mon is a great place for family holidays and romantic walks. Soft sand and a cozy atmosphere create ideal conditions for a holiday for two or with children. The beach offers a variety of activities including water sports, island hopping and smooth sailing excursions. There is always something interesting for everyone here.
Disadvantages
Due to its popularity, the beach can beCan be overcrowded during the high tourist season, reducing privacy. Restaurants and cafes in this area can offer higher prices compared to less tourist areas of the island.
Chaweng Yai Beach
Chaweng Beach on Koh Samui is one of the most famous tourist areas, offering a variety of activities and excellent beach conditions. Let's look at the main advantages and disadvantages of this beach.
Advantages
The beach offers its visitors beautiful white sand and clear waters, creating ideal conditions for swimming and relaxation. Chaweng has a developed tourist infrastructure - restaurants, bars, shops and various entertainment venues are within walking distance.
Disadvantages
During the peak tourist season, the beach can be crowded with visitors, creating a busy and noisy environment. For those who prefer peace and quiet, noise from nightlife entertainment may be a drawback.
Coral Cove Beach
Coral Cove Beach on Koh Samui is a secluded area with picturesque scenery and unique nature.
Advantages
The beach offers its visitors beautiful white sand and clear waters, creating ideal conditions for swimming and relaxation. Chaweng has a developed tourist infrastructure - restaurants, bars, shops and various entertainment venues are within walking distance.
Disadvantages
Due to its seclusion, the choice of restaurants and bars may be limited, and for a variety of culinary experiences you will have to look elsewhere. Those looking for an active nightlife may feel the lack of variety of entertainment that more tourist areas offer.
Thong Takian Beach
Laem Nan Beach on Koh Samui is a secluded spot that retains its natural beauty. Let's look at the main advantages and disadvantages of this beach.
Advantages
Laem Nan is renowned for its quiet and secluded environment, making it an excellent choice for a relaxing and romantic getaway. The beach remains untouched and uncrowded by tourists, maintaining its natural beauty and authenticity. Exclusive villas are located around the beach, providing individual conditions for a comfortable stay.
Disadvantages
Due to some changes in sea level, the ebb and flow of the tides can greatly change the appearance of the beach, which is important to consider when choosing a time to relax. Due to its seclusion, entertainment and nightlife options may be limited, which may not be suitable for those looking for an active holiday.
Lamai Beach
Lamai Beach on Koh Samui is a popular tourist destination offering both amazing natural beauty and a variety of entertainment options.
Advantages
Lamai Beach has a well-developed infrastructure - many restaurants, bars, shops and entertainment venues are in close proximity. The area around Lamai offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses and villas to suit a variety of budgets.
Disadvantages
During the peak tourist season, the beach can be crowded with visitors, especially in the central area. Also, during the peak tourist season, prices for various services and entertainment may be higher.
Nahai Beach
Nahai Beach is a quiet and secluded spot on Koh Samui, offering visitors tranquility and natural beauty.
Advantages
This beach is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including dense rainforest and clear waters, making it ideal for nature lovers. Around the beach you can find luxury villas and resorts providing a high standard of accommodation with individual conditions.
Disadvantages
Public transportation to Nahai Beach may be limited, making renting a vehicle a recommended option. As with many beaches, sea conditions may vary depending on the season, which should be taken into account when planning your visit.
Laem Set Beach
Laem Set Beach is a quiet and secluded cove on Koh Samui that attracts travelers seeking to enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Advantages
The beach is surrounded by natural beauty, including lush rainforests and crystal clear waters, creating the perfect setting for a holiday in harmony with nature. Near the beach, you can find local restaurants serving traditional Thai dishes, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the local culture.
Disadvantages
Despite the presence of luxury villas and resorts, the infrastructure around the beach is limited, which may be a disadvantage for those looking for more times variety. The road to Laem Set Beach can be rough and difficult, especially during peak tourist season, which can make getting around difficult.
References:
[1]. Dobrovolskaya Y. Yu., Kravchuk T. A., Savchuk D. A. Fitness tourism-innovative direction in the tourism market //Problems and innovations of sports management, recreation and sports and health tourism: Collection of materials of the IV All-Russian scientific and practical conference (07-08 June. – 2018. – No. 2018. – P. 440.
[2]. Seredina E. V., Pantaruk Ch. ACTIVITIES OF THAI ORGANIZATIONS IN ATTRACTING RUSSIAN TOURISTS: USING POSITIVE EXPERIENCE // RMAT Bulletin. – 2020. – No. 3. – pp. 106-114.