Say Koh Samui and palm-fringed shores with sparkling clear waters immediately come to mind — a scene captured by The White Lotus Season 3. We’re here to say that it’s not just beautiful on the silver screen, either. In real life, Koh Samui boasts lively stretches of sand to hidden coves framed by granite cliffs. The island has a bounty of beaches, each revealing a different side of Samui.
Whether you’re seeking calm coves ideal for families, a quiet stretch for romantic seclusion, or a little barefoot sophistication, here’s your WanderLuxe guide to Koh Samui’s most breathtaking beaches and where to stay nearby.
Chaweng Beach
Alive with sunshine and sparkling turquoise water, spend languid mornings swimming or paddleboarding along Chaweng Beach’s wide, inviting shoreline. Between dips, stop for fresh coconuts or iced lattes at chic beachfront cafés, or try jet skiing and parasailing for a burst of adrenaline. As the sun sets, the beach transforms into an evening playground, with fire shows lighting up the sand beneath a starlit sky.
Where to Stay: Sangsuri Estate. Set just beyond Chaweng’s lively centre, this villa estate feels worlds away in its own private jungle enclave. This collection of three villas features cascading pools, open-air living spaces, and a quiet stretch of sand at your doorstep.
Sangsuri Villa 1 is the largest, accommodating up to 16 guests across eight ensuite bedrooms, ideal for milestone celebrations. Each pool villa also offers optional bunk beds for children, making it a favourite among families and groups.
Lamai Beach
Soft sand, gentle waves, and a serene balance of peaceful retreat and subtle nightlife, Lamai is for travellers who crave calm without isolation. It’s perfect for swimming all day, be it active toddlers or expert snorkelers. Come evening time, it becomes a romantic place to catch the remains of the day.
Where to Stay: Baan Hinta and Baan Hinyai are sister villas built around Koh Samui’s signature granite boulders, giving each property a distinctive look that blends naturally with the coastline.
Each villa offers an oceanfront setting with spacious shared areas and amenities designed for relaxed living. Guests have access to private infinity pools, open beachfront spaces, kayaks by the shore, and a team of staff who support day-to-day needs, creating a stay that’s easy and enjoyable.
Read More: The Luxe Nomad’s Travel Guide to Samui 2025
Bophut Beach
A blend of boutique charm and coastal elegance, Bophut Beach is hands down the most popular area in Samui — the one that featured on The White Lotus. Don’t miss Fisherman’s Village, which has a charming stretch of cafés, concept stores, and seaside dining.
Read More: The Luxe Nomad’s Guide to Fisherman’s Village, Bophut
Where to Stay: Baan Kinaree, a glamorous beachfront playground. The five-bedroom villa offers BBQ facilities, expansive lawns, a 19m-long infinity pool with a shallow end for kids, and cinema nights under the stars.
Dhevatara Residences is another top pick: the exclusive estate has eight beautiful villas, ranging from three- to five-bedroom configurations in pavilion-style layouts. Great for families and group travel, these beachfront and hilltop villas offer sea views, private pools and beautiful outdoor terraces.
Read More: Discover the Must-Sees and Must-Dos at Bophut Beach
Silver Beach (Crystal Bay)
Silver Beach, also known as Crystal Bay, is known for its clear, shallow waters that shift from pale turquoise to deeper blue, creating calm conditions suitable for relaxed swimming. It’s the perfect half-day swim stop when staying near Chaweng or Lamai.
The beach retains an intimate atmosphere due to its size and natural enclosure, with a mix of shade from overhanging trees and open sunlit areas. The surrounding headlands and rock formations give the bay a sheltered, secluded feel, while the gentle slope of the shoreline adds to its quiet, postcard-like character.
Lipa Noi Beach
Smooth, shallow waters, silky sand, and sunsets painted in gold, Lipa Noi is part of one of Samui’s most luxurious enclaves. It’s known for its pristine white-sand beaches and ultra-private, high-end stays. It shares this exclusive stretch of coastline with neighbouring Taling Ngam, both known for luxury accommodations and untouched natural beauty.
Where to Stay: Villa Akatsuki. The six-bedroom villa has an atmosphere defined by softness, symmetry, and a connection to the sea. The villa combines modern Japanese and Thai elements, and is arranged around a series of terraced pools that step gradually toward the beachfront, creating layered vantage points over the water.
Baan Suriya is another hot favourite. The six-bedroom villa has a layout and design that emphasise openness, coastal views, and fluid movement between indoor and outdoor areas. Its notable features include a wide beachfront lawn, great for weddings and special occasions.
Baan Chao Lay: Classic Thai charm meets modern comfort at this family-friendly villa just steps from Lipa Noi’s soft sands. Sunlight streams through open-air living spaces of this five-bedroom property, while private terraces and pools invite relaxation at any hour.
Dhevatara Cove: These villas make every moment feel unhurried and every view postcard-worthy. At this estate, the elegant oceanfront villas are cocooned in lush palms and private gardens, offering an intimate slice of Samui’s coastline. Each home features spacious terraces, infinity-edge pools, and open-air living areas that invite sea breezes.
Book your stay and learn more about our other Lipa Noi villas here.
Read More: Bigger and Better: Thailand Villas Made For Group Getaways
Taling Ngam Beach
Located in Samui’s southwestern coast, Taling Ngam is often called the “Virgin Coast” for its unspoiled, tranquil appeal. The shoreline offers panoramic views over the Five Islands and is synonymous with luxury, peace, and exclusivity. It’s one of Samui’s most refined corners, perfect for private villas and those craving a deeply relaxing stay.
Where to Stay: Perched on Koh Samui’s western hillside, the The View and The Headland Villa 1, Villa 2, Villa 3, Villa 4, make the most of their elevated setting, opening up sweeping panoramas of the sea and the outlying islands. Each villa is shaped around the natural contours of the landscape, giving guests a sense of privacy and quiet above the coastline.
These properties offer bright, airy living spaces that frame the horizon, with sunset-facing terraces and pool areas designed for slow afternoons and relaxed gatherings. With attentive staff and thoughtful amenities, the hillside villas provide an easy, scenic alternative to beach-level stays.
Bangrak (Big Buddha Beach)
Also known as Big Buddha Beach, Bangrak is both scenic and centrally located close to the island’s major attractions, including piers for boat tours. It has calm, soft sand and is framed by the iconic Big Buddha statue nearby. This area strikes a balance between local charm and upscale touches, with many beachfront restaurants.
Where to Stay: Dhevatara Residences is a refined villa estate located near Bangrak Beach, offering an elevated take on island living close to the Big Buddha landmark. The exclusive collection features pavilion-style villas with three to five bedrooms, private pools, and breezy outdoor terraces designed for relaxed family and group stays. Its peaceful setting and proximity to calm shores, beachfront dining, and island piers make it an ideal base for exploring Bangrak and the surrounding coast.
Nathon Beach
Nathon Beach offers a more local, lived-in vibe. It is less of a tourist hotspot, so it feels very authentic and unhurried. The wide beach and shallow coastal waters make it ideal for laidback strolls and quieter sunset moments.
Where to Stay: Baan View Talay, is a spacious villa set on a hillside overlooking the coast, designed with wide open living areas that frame the sea. Its standout features include a large infinity pool, generous indoor–outdoor lounges, and family-friendly spaces that make it easy to gather and unwind.
With thoughtful amenities and a peaceful setting, the villa offers a comfortable base for guests who want both privacy and a front-row view of the island’s coastline.
Laem Set & Laem Sor Beach
Laem Set is a peaceful headland in the south; it is quiet, secluded, and naturally beautiful. Located next to it is Laem Sor, a beach stretch with rocky sections and fewer swimmers due to its terrain, but it makes up for it with breathtaking views, calmness, and upscale villa retreats.
Where to stay: La Lagune is a beachfront villa that opens directly onto a wide stretch of sand, offering plenty of space for relaxed seaside living. Its highlights include a large private pool, a tennis court, and bright communal areas ideal for families and groups. With a serene coastal setting and practical amenities, it’s a comfortable choice for guests who want an easy, beach-level stay.
L2 Residence is a modern hillside villa designed around panoramic ocean views, with multi-level living spaces that look out over the Gulf of Thailand. Key features include its sleek open-plan layout, private infinity pool, and contemporary interiors that blend indoor and outdoor spaces. Set within a quiet estate, the villa offers a peaceful, design-forward retreat for guests who prefer a scenic, elevated stay.