It’s quite clear that Thailand’s beaches are part of the reasons why people prefer travelling here or why some even choose to move here, they are crystal clear with soft sand and bright sun. But some beaches may be more suitable for those looking for more fun while others might be perfect for people who wish to retreat. Whatever you goal is, the following beaches are some of the most popular in Koh Samui.
Bophut beach is one of the most popular and it’s divided into the Bophut beach and the Big Buddha and Maenam beaches, two old places on the island that are perfect places to explore. Near this beach you will find the charming Fisherman’s Village, which seems to be one of the best places to go for a walk and admire the history of the island. Here you will find a lot of influences starting with the cute Chinese shop-houses and ending with the more modern French style buildings. In the various shops you will find a plethora of items, from various types of clothes to jewelry and even a few educational establishments where you can learn to scuba dive, for example. From here you can easily see the surrounding islands or try elephant riding in the forest.
One of the busiest and most popular beaches is Chaweng. A perfect place for those who like to party, Chaweng is the nightlife hub of Koh Samui as it is filled with clubs, bars and restaurants for every taste. Here is where all the wild parties, all the concerts and all the best bars are so if you want to experience that part of Koh Samui Chaweng is the place to go to.
Lamai Beach is the second largest beach and the second most popular after Chaweng. This is a perfect beach for those who want a more quiet stay in Koh Samui as it is a bit more toned down than Chaweng. However, here you will find a lot of dining and entertainment options as well as a lot of shopping centers and some great tourist sites to explore. The general atmosphere is always more relaxed and it is well known for its great views.
For those who prefer a more budget friendly beach, Maenam is known to be cheapest as the accommodation here is more affordable, the restaurants are cheaper and the bars are not as fancy. All these have made Maenam to be known as the backpacker beach. It features low priced bungalow where tourists can stay for longer and a lot more privacy than the other beaches mentioned before. However, Maenam does have its charm and is as entertaining as the other popular beaches.