White Sand & Crystal-Clear Water.
Chaweng Beach
Situated on Samui's east coast, this is Samui's longest and most beautiful beach, a 6 km. strip of powder-soft sand fronted by crystal-clear water. It also has the island's largest concentration of accommodation, ranging from five-star resorts to simple bamboo bungalows. Chaweng is the centre for watersport activities like windsurfing and jetskiing in the day, and it has a great social scene at night, when the dance halls pulsate to the latest rhythms.
Lamai Beach
Also on the east coast, just south of Chaweng, Lamai attracts surfers to its playful waters, which run a little deeper than at Chaweng. Behind the beach there are several spas, where visitors can treat themselves to a herbal sauna, a relaxing Thai massage, or even a mud facial.
Maenam, Bophut and Bang Rak Beaches
These are all located along the north coast, and ideal places for those who want to get away from it all. Bang Rak is often called 'Big Buddha Beach' because of the huge Buddha image at the eastern end of the beach that looks particularly impressive at sunset.
South and West Coast Beaches
Even more isolated than the north coast beaches, those on the south and west coasts are not linked by the island's ring road, though access is easy enough for anyone curious to take a look. At Laem Set in the south, the sea is too shallow for swimming, but the huge, smooth boulders on the beach and coconut palms leaning over at impossible angles give it a special feel.
In the island's southwest, Taling Ngam Bay may not be quite as perfect as Chaweng, but has a long strip of sand that is often deserted and makes an ideal spot for a beach ramble. At the northern end of the bay, the luxurious Ban Taling Ngam Resort has several swimming pools and villas set on a hill with great views of the beach.
|
