Joanna James
With all this time spent indoors due to lockdown restrictions, you may be daydreaming about your next holiday; if it includes lazing on sun-kissed sands, thrilling water sports and enjoying all-night parties by the coast, then Koh Samui with its sublime beaches is the destination for you.
One of the most well-known beaches in Koh Samui, Chaweng Beach offers plenty of white sand shores for you to unwind and soak up the sun. Running for around 5 km, this beach is set amidst rocky headlands on both ends and offers plenty of accommodation options too. Water sports enthusiasts can look forward to trying kayaking, jet skiing, snorkelling or heading off on diving excursions. Chaweng is also the hub for nightlife in Koh Samui with areas such as Soi Reggae and Soi Green Mango home to lots of bars, pubs and clubs.
Another tourist hotspot, Lamai Beach is a palm-fringed stretch of white sand shore, ideal for spending lazy days working on that holiday tan or having a relaxing swim in the ocean. Set amidst a mountain backdrop and coconut groves which lend to the area's picturesque charm, the beach also has large granite rocks in some areas. One of the most popular things to do in Samui is to visit and photograph two of these rocks called Hin Yai and Hin Ta; they have an unusual story behind them and one has a rather phallic shape too!
If you are craving more seclusion on a coastal getaway full of seaside serenity, then Phang Ka Beach in the laid-back Taling Ngam area is the place to go to. Beachside properties the likes of Avani+ Samui Resort offer accommodation by the shore so you can look forward to endless hours in the sand and surf. Lush headlands are to be found on either side of this beach which is an ideal place for some yoga, stand-up paddleboarding or beach football and volleyball. Some resorts also provide free shuttles to Chaweng so you can enjoy the local nightlife too.
Another relatively quiet shoreline is to be found at Maenam Beach which looks out across to Koh Phangan. This is an excellent spot to head to if you are after a relaxed coastal retreat; you can spend your days lying in the sand, enjoying beach massages or reading your favourite book under the shade of palm trees. There is a local village here that offers a more traditional feel to the area, while the deep waters are perfect for swimming in the sea.
Yellowish sands and idyllic views await at the 3 km long Bophut Beach, another coastal area from where you can take in the sight of the island of Koh Phangan. Located within easy reach of Chaweng and the airport, this beach features good spots for swimming especially at its western end. Amongst the main draws is the well-known Fisherman's Village; here you will find traditional buildings including wooden shophouses as well as an array of restaurants and boutiques. On Friday evenings, you can combine your visit to Bophut Beach with some shopping at the popular Fisherman's Village Walking Street Market.
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