Joanna James
Koh Samui is among the most popular islands in Thailand with plenty of amazing beaches, great for water sports, top restaurants, good accommodation and a vibrant nightlife to make your stay truly special.
It is a protected marine park with a collection of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand and is just a boat ride away from Koh Samui. The islands have spotless sandy beaches, dense jungles, mangroves, limestone cliffs, waterfalls and obscure grottoes. Nearby there is an extent of around 100 square metres of sheltered land reserved for conservation purposes of wild creatures and aquatic life. The beaches here are magical; however, the visibility is lower than in other diving sites. But the scenery is bound to compensate for all that. Also, the unique surface caves let you swim straight through them. A magnificent display of delicate coral life, stingrays and plenty of fish can be observed in these areas. This is a haven for snorkelers.
Chaweng is Koh Samui's biggest town and is home to one of the best beaches on the island. It is very popular with foreigners and has a vibrant nightlife centred on the beach with clubs and restaurants. One can find many types of accommodation – be it a Koh Samui family resort the likes of Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort or similar other options.
This beach is a short distance away from the Koh Samui Airport and is located on the northeastern coast of the island. There are two offshore islets, Koh Fan Yai and Koh Fan Noi, and this area is famous for its water sports-related activities. Other than snorkelling, you can find sea kayaking and scuba diving here. It is best between the two islets and towards both ends of the beach.
This beach is 20 minutes south of Nathon Town, the main entrance port to Samui. This area is ideal and laidback with little development and not many developments to go by. However, this is a great beach for snorkelling with many rocks and reefs. The coast offers many opportunities to explore its marine life. Getting to the location, however, will be quite a challenge! As roads converge to create a maze of sorts to confuse the traveller. However, getting lost won't be such a scary situation. You can ask for help from bystanders, and who knows, you may discover a whole new uncharted territory.
This beach is less touristy than most others on the island, so it is the perfect place to relax if you want some alone time. Early mornings are wonderful as you will have the beach to yourself. The waters are very clean and clear and have a brilliant turquoise colour. As visibility is amazing, snorkelling is popular here. There are many big rocks splattered all across the beach, head there to encounter different kinds of colourful little fish. However, snorkelling gear is unavailable for rent, so bring your gear with you.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
