Samui is like the Beyoncé of beach destinations—flawless waters, golden sands, and ready to make your family vacation fabulous! During our 2-month beach bonanza, we combed through the sands (and maybe a few coconut drinks) 🤷🏻♀️ to bring you this ultimate beach guide.
Ban Tai Beach - Our Favorite Family Beach
Ban Tai Beach, located on the North-East side of Samui, is a tranquil escape from the central hubbub. This small beach features boutique hotels and a couple of cozy restaurants. For the best spot, drive to the far East end of the beach where it’s coral-free and perfect for swimming. The gentle waves and lack of currents make it ideal for kids. Our top pick here is Cape Away beach club, with fabulous food, excellent service, and a shady mango tree for lounging.
Family Friendly: 5 (Calm waters and quiet atmosphere, great for families)
Safety: 4 (Generally safe with calm waters, but no lifeguard presence)
Scenic Beauty: 5 (Beautiful and serene, lined with palm trees and clear water)
Accessibility: 3 (Slightly remote with fewer amenities, but accessible by car or scooter)
Atmosphere: 4 (Very quiet and peaceful, perfect for those seeking tranquility)
Lipa Noi Beach - Best Sunset Spot
Lipa Noi is famous for its stunning sunsets and is home to Nikki Beach Club. Although Nikki Beach Club wasn't our scene, we found a fantastic pizza place further down the beach, offering breathtaking sunset views. Enjoying pizza with such a view was a memorable experience!
Family Friendly: 4 (Calm and shallow waters, good for young children)
Safety: 4 (Safe with calm waters, ideal for kids)
Scenic Beauty: 4 (Beautiful sunsets and a serene environment)
Accessibility: 4 (Accessible by car with nearby amenities)
Atmosphere: 4 (Peaceful and relaxing, great for family evenings)
Silver Beach - Best for Snorkeling
While Samui isn't known for snorkelling, Silver Beach offers a decent spot for this activity. If you've snorkelled in places such as Koh Tao and Phi Phi islands, don't bother going to Silver beach for snorkelling. You will be disappointed. However, if you are looking for things to do with the kids, this could be an option, but don't set high expectations. We visited a few times and visibility was not great and the marine life is so so. The beach is nice and has calm waters, so it's great for small children.
Family Friendly: 4 (Small, calm beach, suitable for children)
Safety: 4 (Generally safe with calm waters, no lifeguards)
Scenic Beauty: 4 (Cute with clear water and picturesque surroundings)
Accessibility: 2 (Limited parking and amenities)
Atmosphere: 3 (Can get busy but maintains a relaxed vibe)
Bophut Beach - Best for Boardwalk and Dining
Bophut Beach, known as Fisherman's Village, retains its charm with historical roots and modern amenities. The streets are filled with boutique shops, trendy restaurants, and lively night markets. We loved the Monday night market, especially the Pad Thai and gyozas stands. For fire shows and cocktails, Coco Tams is a must-visit. Bophut isn’t ideal for swimming due to pebbles and boats.
Family Friendly: 5 (Great amenities and dining options)
Safety: 3 (Safe but not ideal for swimming)
Scenic Beauty: 4 (Charming mix of historical and modern scenery)
Accessibility: 5 (Highly accessible with numerous facilities)
Atmosphere: 4 (Lively yet family-friendly)
Lamai Beach - Best for Waves
Lamai Beach is stunning with crystal clear waters but not suitable for young children. The waves are strong and the entry steep, making it perfect for wave enthusiasts. We enjoyed a visit sans kids to make the most of the high tide fun.
Family Friendly: 3 (Great for older kids, not ideal for young children)
Safety: 2 (Varied safety, with stronger waves, no lifeguard)
Scenic Beauty: 4 (Beautiful and picturesque)
Accessibility: 4 (Well-developed with easy access)
Atmosphere: 3 (Lively with a mix of tourists)
Chaweng Beach - Best for Nightlife
Chaweng Beach is THE most popular beach in Samui, known for its vibrant nightlife. It’s home to the famous ARK Bar Beach Club and offers a variety of water sports like jet-skiing and parasailing, catering more to a young crowd. Even in the low season, it felt busy and touristy. Let's just say it's not our top pick for an authentic experience. Maybe in our 20s we would have love it. 😉
Family Friendly: 3 (Lots of activities but crowded and noisy)
Safety: 3 (Safe but with stronger currents in some areas)
Scenic Beauty: 4 (Beautiful with white sand and clear water)
Accessibility: 5 (Highly accessible with many amenities)
Atmosphere: 2 (Very crowded)
We hope this guide helps you plan your family beach escapades in Koh Samui! Each beach has its own unique charm, kind of like your quirky Uncle Bob. Whether you're into serene sunsets or wave-riding fun, there's a sandy spot waiting for you. Now, pack your swimsuits, grab the sunscreen, and let the beach-hopping begin!
Got a favorite beach or a funny beach story? Drop us a comment below—because we know you're just dying to share your family's beachy adventures!🌴👙🌊
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