Koh Samui : is the island of the coconut trees and the third largest island in Thailand (Only Phuket and Koh Chang are larger by size). The total area is about 247 km. and it is located in the Gulf of Thailand, 700 km South of Bangkok in the Surat Thani province.
Chaweng beach is the beach on the east coast of Ko Samui and has a reputation for a pristine white beach and an excellent nightlife infrastructure especially on the northern end of the beach. Chaweng Beach is longest beach located on Samui Island's east coast.
Bophut is one of the few places on Samui that retains some of the island's original Thai-Chinese atmosphere. It has recently experiencing a boom with new hotels and guesthouses sprouting up at a frantic pace. The traditional core of Bophut, known as the Fisherman's Village, is on the east side of the beach while the new developments are to the west. In contrast to Chaweng there has been a conscious effort to dissuade the more commercial elements of Thai nightlife from setting up shop and instead aiming for couples and young families
Choeng Mon beach is a small but magnificent bay, it features wide sandy beaches with a rock formation on one side and a small island you can paddle out to on the other.
It's is very family friendly area, and being dominated by a handful of three to five star resorts, relatively upmarket; inexpensive accommodation is virtually non-existent
Haad Lamai is a beach on the east coast of Ko Samui. The southern third of the beach has the widest strip of sand, is the best for swimming, and has the most nearby eating and drinking and shopping options. To the north, the water doesn't get deep enough for swimming until you're quite some distance out, and the further north you go, the narrower and quieter the beach becomes, eventually becoming rocky towards the headland
Mae Nam is known for it's 7km stretch of beach. The beach has white sand and is lined by coconut trees. The sea is typically calm, however there is a moderate drift and the water is not usually clear. Mae Nam actually means river, 'mae' meaning mother and 'nam' water
Taling Ngam Beach, located on the west coast of Koh Samui just south of Nathon town, is a beautiful and quiet area of Koh Samui. Not as developed as many areas of the island, Taling Ngam offers extraordinary views and sunsets to the west with the sun setting behind the Angthong Marine National Park's many islands
Nathon Beach Its closeness to the island's main car ferry pier makes Nathon a convenient choice for anyone driving to koh Samui from the mainland. The beach has fine white sand and there are no rocks or coral in the water and beach, making it safe beaches for kids on the island. The water is also very shallow for up to 100 metres out.
Natien Beach: The sandy beach beading along the northern bay of the island never disappoints any tourists who seek for peaceful and privacy. Apart from the beautiful natural scenery, the tourists are also impressed by the original lifestyle of the local fishermen. The calm sea is very pleasurable for water skiing
Lipa Noi Beach : South of Nathon, the main town, at Thong Yang beach is one of the best places on the island to see the beautiful sunset. There is a wonderful beach too, fringed by palm tress and the water is shallow, so it is very safe for children and those nervous in deep water. Nightlife is very subdued
Hua Thanon : Which starts just beyond Hin Ta & Hin Yai, is similarly quiet and is home to a few long-stay backpacker resorts as well as one of Samui's last remaining traditional fishing fleets. The Muslim village has a charming atmosphere and is well worth a visit for a glimpse into island life before mass tourism. The fishermen's elegantly painted kor lae boats are very photogenic, as is the village's fish market. There are a few decent seafood restaurants by the side of the sea, which give you a taste of true Samui cuisine at bargain basement prices.
Laem Set Beach: is found right down on the south coast of Koh Samui. It’s one of the more relaxing areas of the island with a void of nightlife and shops. You’ll have to drive 20 minutes to Lamia or 40 to Chaweng if you want the up scale amenities you may be used to.
Bang Por : is a quieter area of Koh Samui while still close to luxury amenities, making it a sought after location for those seeking something a little more tranquil. David Beckham has recently made headlines by purchasing a substantial high level area of land at one end of the beach, while at the other end, explore a little further and you’ll come across the new Four Seasons Resort, Koh Samui.
Bang Rak beach: is located in the north east of Koh Samui and has white sand, nice swimming options and safety for kids. Bang Rak is more than just a beach. The surrounding village and a must visit for its restaurants, low key but fun nightlife and general fun atmosphere.
Ao Tong Takian : is a small cove north of Lamai beach. It's long been popular among stoners and hip tourists for its inviting white sand, and is also known as Silver Beach. Here you will find five resorts: La Mer Samui Resort, the Samui Yacht Club (with no yachts or sailors at all), Tong Ta Kian Villa, Silver beach, and Crystal Bay. This used to be a relatively unknown spot. There is great swimming here if the local fishing boats are not around. Be a careful if you are walking in the water, as Tong Takian has a lot of sharp rocks.
Bangmakham Beach: is located at the west coast of Samui. Small, uninhabited beaches with crystal clear waters, perfect for relaxing beach holidays and snorkeling. From here you have the best sunset views.