Bang Kao Beach: Bang Kao lies on the southwest tip of Koh Samui, which is the least developed part of the island. A few resorts lie scattered sparsely across the beach area. For tranquility-seeking tourists, this is the right place to be. 

The beach surroundings are neat and clean. As the beach is not in the usual tourist circuit, it is normally uncrowded. You can have the sand and the sea for yourselves. The 2km beach has flat sand along the water edge and soft, fine and white powdered sand all over.

Bang Po Beach: Bang Po Beach lies at the northwest tip of Koh Samui, between the towns of Maenam and Nathon. As the beach is located at a distance from the regular tourist areas, it is quiet and peaceful. This beach is the haunt of local youths and fishing enthusiasts.

Big Buddha Beach: This beach lies in the Gulf of Thailand near the north end of Koh Samui. The beach is officially known as Bang Rak. It got the popular name from the 12m tall Buddha statue on top of the hill at Koh Farn at the west end of the beach.

Bophut Beach: Bophut Beach comprises of two parts – The Fisherman’s Village at the east end of the bay and the Bophut beach, which runs from the village to the west end. The village is home to average to high-end restaurants, bars, cafés and boutiques. The beach area has a row of luxury resorts with a few budget guesthouses still holding ground. For budget bungalows, nearby Maenam is a better option.

Chaweng Beach: Chaweng is the most beautiful and well-known beach of the island. The white powdered sand, crystalline water and coconut palm fringed beach is perfect for a dream holiday.

You get to enjoy the tranquility only until seven in the morning. As the beach area gets lit up by the sunlight, hordes of vendors and massagers flood the beach. The place will be flooded with deck chairs and jet-skis. It will be a complete mess with lots of noise and hustle-bustle. If you like to spend your vacation among the clutter and clatter, then this is the right place for you.

Chaweng Noi Beach: This beach is a part of the famous Chaweng beach, lying to its south around a promontory. Chaweng Noi means Little Chaweng.

The beach is beautiful with fine white sand and aquamarine waters. Coral reefs are located close to the land with two small islands near it. This makes it the perfect destination for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking.

Choeng Mon Beach: Choeng Mon beach is located at the northeast corner of the island, among an array of small bays. Private land developers own most of these bays. Choeng Mon is one of the last remaining public beaches in the area. It is popular among tourists for its secluded location and presence of tourist resorts and bungalows.

Coral Cove Bay: This bay is located on the eastern coast of the island between Chaweng and Lamai. The rock-filled coastal line of the bay is one of the most spectacular ones in the island. The cliffs dotting the coast offer picturesque views of the bay and the sea.

Hua Thanon: Hua Thanon, a village lying at the end of the road in the southern coast, is inhabited by Muslim fishermen. The only attractions of the place are the local market and the restaurants serving fresh seafood. A visit to the village will introduce you to the authentic village life.

Laem Set: Laem Set is located on the south coast of Koh Samui. As the sea here is to shallow, it is not suitable for swimming. The rock formations on the beach and the coconut palms swaying in the breeze makes it picture perfect.

Lamai Beach: Lamai beach is located to the south of Chaweng beach, with a few bays lying in-between. While in Chaweng, everything from the sand and water to the facilities are excellent, in Lamai, all these are below par. The sand is not white enough, the beach is not long enough, the restaurants and bars are not good enough. Lamai is said to be the poor cousin of Chaweng.

Lipa Noi: This beach lies on the west coast of Koh Samui. Uncrowded beach and crystal clear water are the main attractions here. It is perfect for a laid-back holiday. The sunset views are excellent. The main car ferry pier of Koh Samui is located nearby, which makes it the first choice of people driving to the island from mainland.

Mae Nam Beach: This is one of the hidden treasures of Koh Samui. It is located on the north coast of the island. For years, tourist guides have under-rated this delightful beach, in spite of its natural beauty and excellent facilities.

Nathon: Nathon is the major port of Samui, located on its northwest coast. The express and night ferries from Surat Thani arrive here with tourists, on the way to other beaches and islands in the Gulf of Thailand.

With the main car-ferry of Koh Samui located close by, Nathon is an obvious choice for tourists driving from the mainland. The presence of white powdery sand and the absence of rocks ands coral make it the perfect choice for tourists with children. The shallow water is another plus factor.

Plai Laem: This area lies on the northeastern tip of Samui. Koh Samui International Airport is just 5 minutes away. Here you will find all ranges of accommodation from budget to luxury hotels and resorts, with a few private villas also in the fray. The quiet atmosphere attracts tourists, as the place is a short 10-minute drive from the busy Chaweng, which is loaded with shopping and entertainment centers.

Taling Ngam: This beach lies on the west coast of Koh Samui, just to the south of Nathon Town. As the area is not as developed as other parts of Samui, it offers a rustic experience to the tourists. Taling Ngam is most famous for the sunset views with Angthong Marine National Park in the foreground.

Thong Tanote: This beach located on the south coast of Samui offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Thailand. The beach area is devoid of shops and nightlife is conspicuous by its absence. For these, you should drive 20 minutes to Lamai or 30 minutes to Chaweng.