
The Best Beaches in Koh Samui
A beach-by-beach guide to Koh Samui, covering Chaweng's main strip, the quiet west coast, and everything in between, with prices, transport, and seasonal advice.
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Koh Samui is the Goldilocks of Thai islands — developed enough to have proper restaurants and reliable infrastructure, wild enough to still feel like a tropical escape. Chaweng Beach is the busiest stretch with the best nightlife. Lamai is the surfer-friendly alternative. Bophut's Fisherman's Village is all boutique hotels and candlelit dinners. And if you rent a scooter and head to the island's southern or western coasts, you'll find beaches that feel almost empty. The island is also the jumping-off point for the Gulf islands — Koh Phangan (full moon parties) and Koh Tao (world-class diving) are both quick boat rides away.

A beach-by-beach guide to Koh Samui, covering Chaweng's main strip, the quiet west coast, and everything in between, with prices, transport, and seasonal advice.
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Thailand has no nude beaches. Section 388 of the Criminal Code fines indecent exposure in public up to 5,000 baht. What that means on Thai beaches, and the nearest legal alternatives.
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A guide to the best budget beach resorts in Thailand under $100 a night, covering Koh Lanta, Koh Phangan's quiet side, Krabi's mainland coast, Koh Chang, and Khao Lak, with specific resort recommendations, pricing, and booking strategies for high and low season.
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