On Chaweng beach, Koh Samui’s liveliest resort, you’ll find great value dining, entertainment and shopping. Not just ideal for nightlife, Chaweng also provides the longest stretch of white sandy beach on Koh Samui, lined with resorts like Rocky’s Boutique Resort and Silavadee Pool Spa Resort located directly on the sands.
For the most part, the main beach areas are crowded with bars and sunbeds but if you head to the quieter northern tip, you’ll discover a metre-deep lagoon perfect for exploring during the day. If you’re looking for spectacular scenery, then head to the southern end of Chaweng and hideaway in its hidden sandy coves and deserted beaches.
On Koh Samui’s north shore, spend a day exploring the village of Bo Phut and its popular beach resort. Known as the ‘fisherman’s village’, Bo Phut is home to a selection of bars, restaurants and boutiques. To suit this relaxing vibe, we’d recommend staying at the Bandara Resort & Spa situated directly on Bo Phut’s golden sands.
Compared to Chaweng, you won’t find beach vendors or watersport touts here, only a quieter fisherman’s settlement apart from at the Friday night market, where the streets become pedestrianised and you’re free to roam both the village and the mile-long beach, with its shallow waters and shaded hideaways.
Only ten minutes south of Chaweng, Lamai is Koh Samui’s second largest beach and is definitely a choice for those wanting a smaller and quieter resort. Lamai could even be called sleepy in comparison to Koh Samui’s livelier resorts, especially in quieter seasons.
With a selection of quaint beachfront seafood restaurants offering intimate moonlight dining on the sandy shore, Lamai beach is ideal for couples and if you’re looking for somewhere romantic to stay near Lamai, then Centara Villas offers both blissful relaxation and a secluded beachfront.
With waters on the northern part of Lamai beach being fairly shallow, if you want to take a dip then it’s best to head further south where you’ll also find the resort’s main shopping area on the main street that runs adjacent to the beach.
Both charming and idyllic, on Koh Samui you can soak up the island vibes in the bustling resort centres of Chaweng and Lamai, or find your dream hideaway on a secluded cove and escape from the world.
Far East 2021
