Ko Samui is famous for its many beautiful beaches, but two of them have become particularly famous among tourists from all over the world: Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach.

Chaweng Beach, located on the east coast of the island, is undoubtedly Ko Samui's most popular beach. Stretching about 7 kilometers in length, it impresses with its white fine sand and azure warm water. The beach has a gentle descent into the sea, making it ideal for families with children. As one tourist describes: 'The beach is wonderful. White sand, azure and warm water, gentle descent.' Chaweng Beach isn't just a place to beach - it's a lively entertainment center. Along the beach stretches a strip of hotels, restaurants and beach bars, offering a variety of activities. In the evening, the beach turns into a stage for fire shows and open-air parties. However, popularity comes at a price - in high season Chaweng can be crowded and quite noisy in the evening.

Lamai Beach, the second largest beach on Ko Samui, is located on the southeast coast of the island. Slightly quieter than Chaweng, but just as beautiful, Lamai attracts tourists looking for a balance between relaxation and entertainment. The beach is characterized by golden sand and crystal clear waters. As one visitor notes: 'The beach is sandy, wide and clean. Many facilities behind the beach offering sun loungers and food. Lamai Beach is also famous for its distinctive rock formations called 'Hin Ta' and 'Hin Yai' (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks), which are popular tourist attractions. Like Chaweng, Lamai offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to cozy bungalows, as well as numerous restaurants serving both local and international cuisine.

Comparing the two beaches, Chaweng is more developed and bustling, ideal for those seeking intense entertainment and a wide selection of activities. Lamai, on the other hand, offers a slightly quieter atmosphere while maintaining access to good tourist infrastructure. Both beaches have their advantages and disadvantages - Chaweng can be too noisy and crowded for some, while Lamai may seem too quiet for hard-core thrill seekers. It's worth visiting both to get a sense of their unique character and decide which suits your preferences better.

While Chaweng and Lamai draw crowds of tourists, Ko Samui also hides lesser-known but equally captivating beaches that offer the tranquility and authenticity of the Thai coast. Two such gems are Maenam Beach and Lipa Noi Beach.

Maenam Beach, located on the north coast of the island, is a long, sandy beach surrounded by coconut palms. Unlike the crowded southern beaches, Maenam offers a calmer atmosphere and a more authentic Thai experience. As one tourist describes: 'Very nice long beach in some places slightly sloping good for sunbathing on the opposite side of Ko Phangan islands. White sand very nice palm trees on the shore clean.' Maenam is famous for its beautiful sunsets and views of the neighboring island of Ko Phangan. The beach is ideal for families with children due to its calm waters and gentle descent into the sea. Along the beach are cozy bars and restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Thai cuisine in a more relaxed atmosphere than in the tourist centers.

Lipa Noi Beach, hidden on Ko Samui's west coast, is a true paradise for seekers of tranquility and natural beauty. This lesser-known beach impresses with its unspoiled character and tranquil atmosphere. As one visitor notes: 'A large, clean beach. There were very few people on it during our stay. Linden Noi is famous for its spectacular sunsets and shallow water, making it ideal for a family vacation. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation, and there are only a few resorts and restaurants in the area, which preserves its natural charm. It's the perfect place for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of more popular beaches and experience the true Thai coast.

Comparing these two hidden gems, Maenam Beach offers slightly more amenities and is more accessible, making it a good choice for families and those looking for peace and quiet, but who don't want to give up the comforts completely. Linden Noi, on the other hand, is more secluded and less developed, ideal for couples and those seeking a true escape from civilization. Both beaches offer a more authentic experience of Thai beach life than their popular counterparts.

It is worth noting that both Maenam and Lipa Noi have their own distinctive tidal characteristics. At Maenam, the water can be shallow for long periods of time, which is ideal for children, but may be less appealing to avid swimmers. Linden Noi, on the other hand, offers beautiful, shallow waters, but at low tide the sea can move far from shore. Therefore, when planning a visit, it is advisable to check the tide tables in order to fully enjoy your swim.

Ko Samui, although mostly known for its popular Chaweng and Lamai beaches, has much more to offer sun and sea lovers. One such lesser-known but extremely charming beach is Bo Phut Beach, located on the island's northern coast.

Bo Phut Beach, also known as 'Fisherman's Village,' combines the charm of a traditional Thai fishing village with modern amenities for tourists. The beach stretches for about 3 kilometers and offers a quieter alternative to the crowded southern beaches. As one tourist describes: 'Super beach, many restaurants and bars, and a great night market on the streets.' Bo Phut stands out for its authentic atmosphere and historic architecture. Along the beach stretches a promenade with charming boutiques, cafes and restaurants serving both Thai specialties and international dishes. A special attraction is the Friday night market, where you can buy local handicrafts, sample street food and get a real feel for Thai life.

Comparing Bo Phut with the previously described beaches, one can see that it offers a unique blend of tranquility and cultural attractions. Unlike Chaweng or Lamai, Bo Phut has retained much of its traditional character, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic experience. At the same time, compared to the more secluded Maenam or Lipa Noi, Bo Phut offers more amenities and attractions, making it a good choice for those who want to combine relaxing on the beach with exploring the local culture.

When choosing the perfect beach on Ko Samui, there are several factors to consider:

1. atmosphere: Chaweng and Lamai offer a lively environment with numerous attractions, while Maenam, Lipa Noi and Bo Phut are quieter and more relaxed.

2 Infrastructure: Chaweng and Lamai have the most developed tourist infrastructure, Bo Phut offers a good compromise between amenities and authenticity, while Maenam and Linden Noi are more natural and less commercial.

3 Activities: For water sports and nightlife enthusiasts, Chaweng and Lamai are best. Bo Phut is ideal for those interested in local culture and shopping. Maenam and Lipa Noi are perfect for quiet relaxation and contemplation of nature.

4. Prices: Generally, the more popular the beach, the higher the prices. Chaweng and Lamai are the most expensive, while Maenam, Linden Noi and Bo Phut offer more affordable accommodation and entertainment options.

In summary, Ko Samui offers a beach for every type of traveler. Whether you're looking for an intense experience, quiet relaxation or an authentic Thai experience, there's a perfect spot for you on this tropical island. It's worth exploring the different beaches during your stay to fully appreciate the diversity and beauty of Ko Samui.