If you’re planning a beach holiday to Koh Samui, then you’ve probably heard of the hotspots Chaweng and Lamai. But as lively and lovely as those beaches may be, sometimes you just crave a little slice of paradise all for yourself, right? Don’t fret; we’ve listed down for you Koh Samui’s best secret and hidden beaches that will give you the solitude and sanctum you need away from the hordes of tourists. So pack your sunblock, sunglasses, and your favourite book, and let’s enjoy a day of fun under the sun!
Silver Beach (Thong Ta-khian)
First on our list, let’s venture to Silver Beach, affectionately known by locals as Thong Ta-khian. Nestled between Lamai and Chaweng, this 250-metre stretch of white sand provides plenty of room for those wishing to lay back and listen to the sounds of the sea.
Known as ‘The Beach of Trees’, its name alone tells you all you need to know about this space – surrounded by vegetation, it’s the perfect spot to relax with a good book under the shade of beautiful trees. If you want to get a little workout in, you can also rent kayaks for a few hundred baht or work your upper arm strength on an outdoor climbing wall.
How to get there: Just take a scooter or walk if you’re close to the area and access it through the Silver Beach Resort (on the east side of Samui).
Laem Yai Beach
Let’s keep this exploration going at Laem Yai Beach. Now if you go searching for it on Google, you won’t find much at all. This beach could well be the most secluded in all of Koh Samui. Tucked away in the northwest of the island, this lovely cove boasts around 200 metres of white sandy beaches with very shallow waters. Now, I suppose that’s not ideal if you fancy a swim, but it is perfect for laying your towel and getting a tan without too many people around. There are also a few resorts in the area, but it’s nothing compared to the other beaches in Samui.
How to get there: Just follow Ring Road all the way and stop at the Movenpick Resort. You can enter through there.
Samrong Beach & Thongson Bay
These twin beaches are renowned for their tranquil atmosphere, something quite difficult to find in a place as festive as Koh Samui. It could be because of their location on the very northern tip of the island, where not many go. Though this place is quite far from the hotspots of the island, it’s still very accessible by car or scooter, and there are quite a few resorts and villas around the area as well. Make sure to bring your snorkelling gear because the underwater life here is teeming with vibrant marine critters.
How to get there: Take the road that goes to Bophut. When you’re there, look for Arayaburi Resort to enter Samrong Beach and Melati Resort to enter Thongson Bay.
Ban Tai Beach
Up on the northern coast of Koh Samui lies another unspoiled enclave known only to a select few tourists – Ban Tai Beach. This gorgeous beach is home to a handful of boutique res orts, but what it boasts most is its pristine two-kilometre stretch of fine white sand. This remains one of the longest beaches on the island, so you’re guaranteed to find your own private slice of paradise. It remains clean, uncrowded and perhaps the most serene spot on the island. You can even go on fishing excursions or kiteboarding when the winds are in favour.
How to get there: Rent a car or scooter and drive North where Bophut is. On the east side of the north, you’ll find Ban Tai Beach.
Thong Krut Beach
Despite being somewhat overlooked, Thong Krut Beach on the southern coast of Koh Samui truly deserves recognition. Known locally as the fishermen’s village, its beauty remains a pleasant surprise for many visitors. Those seeking a more traditional Thai experience will find what they’re looking for here. The beach is also renowned for its seaside seafood shacks serving fresh catches of the day. Spend your day taking in the laidback atmosphere and stunning coastline while enjoying some delicious Thai food and ice-cold Chang beer.
How to get there: To get to Thong Krut, take the island’s Ring Road heading south. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you pass the local police booth.
Silavadee Beach
Silavadee Beach is located on its own little rocky outcrop on Koh Samui’s east coast. Only accessible to guests of the luxury resorts that fringe the secluded bay, it offers visitors true peace and quiet with its striking rock formations and sparkling emerald waters. The beach is perfectly serene, allowing you to fully unwind and forget about the outside world beyond these shores. Many couples choose Silavadee as the idyllic setting for their wedding, given its privacy and picturesque backdrop. Its gentle beauty makes it well worth visiting if you’re in need of complete rest and relaxation in the lap of luxury.
How to get there: The beach is a short ride east from Chaweng or Lamai by local bus, motorcycle taxi or car. You can enter it through Silavadee Pool Spa Resort.
Phang Ka Beach
Our final stop is Phang Ka Beach – tucked away to the southwest, this hidden paradise offers shallow, reef-sheltered waters ideal for snorkelling and sunsets that are too iconic to forget. The coastline is lined with single-story bungalows on the right side, and rising from the left are lush, green coconut-covered hills. It’s incredibly peaceful here, and you may even spot a little white egret wading along the sandbanks. These exotic birds are usually seen in zoos, but in Phang Ka, you’ll find them by the shallow waters trying to catch small fish for lunch. It’s a charming glimpse of wild beauty right on the shore.
How to get there: Follow the Ring Road onto road 4170 and then you’ll find a crossroads by Snake Farm, and a 7-Eleven, and the temple Wat Kee Ree Mas. There you’ll see a blue sign in a gold frame for ‘Pang-Ka Road’. Follow the sign and stop when you see Chom View and Pang Ka Paradise Resort restaurants, you can access the beach through there.