5 Best Secret Beaches in Koh Samui

Samrong Beach and Thongson Bay are the northernmost destinations in Samui. Lying side by side on the small cape between Big Buddha and Choeng Mon beaches, they offer splendid views to Koh Phangan located some 10 km away. Both these coves are easily accessible as they host a good choice of hotels. These 2 coves (3, if you count the self-explanatory ‘Naturism Beach’, situated 100 metres east of Thongson Bay) are simply beautiful and feature clear crystal waters, powdery white sand, and the feeling like you have your very own private beach.

To get there, Simply follow the coastal road heading north starting at Bophut. Once passed Samui Big Buddha, turn left to take Tongsai Road which passes in front of Wat Plai Laem. Carry on heading north until you see signs to turn left toward Samrong Beach to get to Thongson Bay.

Thongtakian Beach, also known as Silver Beach, is a 250-metre-long cove located between Chaweng and Lamai beaches. You may have passed in front of it without noticing it many times since its main access path is through the reception and restaurant of the Silver Beach Resort.

Thongtakian is the perfect tropical paradise featuring soft sand, shaded patches, turquoise waters offering decent snorkelling and great kayaking, as well as a great selection of mid-range resorts. To get there, simply follow the Ring Road (4169) between Chaweng and Lamai beaches. Silver Beach is well indicated by the hotels’ signboards.

Thong Krut Beach and its accompanying Fisherman’s Village are the right destinations to get away from the crowds. Located between Laem Hin Koh and Laem Sor in the southern district of Samui called Taling Ngam, this bay offers a glimpse of the traditional way of life in Samui with its wooden shacks built on the beachfront, and the fishermen fixing their long-tail boats or repairing their nets for the next fishing trip.

Thong Krut hosts a few seaside restaurants that are often the main reason to visit. You can hire a boat here to go and take you to Koh Mudsum, Koh Tan or other islands located a short distance off the shore. When coming from Nathon Town heading south on the Ring Road (4169), take a right just after the police booth and follow road 4170 until you reach Thong Krut Village. 

Laem Yai is the northwestern tip of Koh Samui that features a lovely 200-metre protected cove facing north. Laem means cape in Thai, and Laem Yai forms the top-left corner of the island when seen on a map. It’s situated right between Bang Po and Nathon Town. Laem Yai is beachfront of the Four Seasons Resort. The area just south of Laem Yai is still considered part of Laem Yai and is also very peaceful. It hosts a few hotels as well as beachfront restaurants in a very large coconut grove.

This tranquil corner of Koh Samui is the perfect place to get away from it all, whether that be for a day or a longer stay. Offering the perfect strand for long walks as well as a great spot for watching a sunset, Laem Yai is unfortunately not the best beach for swimming, due to the low-level water, even at high tide. To get there, when coming from Maenam heading south on the Ring Road (4169), take a left on the small street (Soi Mae Niam Arayangkun). Carry on until you reach the beach (the last part of the road is a trail through the jungle).

Ban Tai Beach is a 2-km-long strip of white sand located between Bang Po and Maenam beaches. It is often mistakenly called Bang Po from which is only separated by a tiny rocky cape. Facing north, this beach is a haven of tranquillity featuring a good choice of resorts and bungalows. Despite its quietness, Ban Tai’s location a short distance from Maenam Village permits guests to enjoy the liveliness of weekly events such as Maenam Walking Street (every Thursday). Apart from the few hotels settled near or on the beach, you could find cool independent beach bars and restaurants on Ban Tai.

Two small streets lead to Ban Tai. When coming from Maenam, heading west on the Ring Road (4169), the first of them leads to Belmond Napasai Resort, and the second one leads to Mimosa and other resorts.