Renowned for postcard scenery, showcasing white sandy beaches, turquoise water and lush tropical rainforests — Koh Samui is paradise. Koh Samui, is an island off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus, Thailand. It is the second largest island in Thailand after Phuket. It also has become popular and masses of tourists arrive on Chaweng beach. The beach is beautiful — but can be overrun with sun lovers, hawkers and partiers.

Unseen Samui is perhaps the most beautiful Samui.

Many beaches are never seen by mainstream visitors, hiding their most alluring beaches away from the public eye. Making them available only to either the adventurous or those able to afford one of the luxurious beachfront resorts that lock these beaches away from the public.

These beaches are mostly 4 and 5-star resorts, affordable to many people, and there are also a few in the 3-star range. I have found a list of some of these below… if you are ready to retreat into paradise…

Go off the beaten beach…

Lamai Beach

image: shutterstock

Not quite yet off the grid in South Thailand, as Lamai is the second most popular beach on Samui, after Chaweng, but it doesn’t have that crowded feel, and only half the size.

Lamai sits in a sweeping bay with white sands stretching almost as far as the distant Hinta-Hinyai (Grandmother and Grandfather rock formations),
North of Lamai is Tong Takian Bay, with a high, rocky headland and plenty of lush jungle into the mountains.
Stunning

Silavadee Beach

image: http://www.tripadvisor.com

A classic, tropical beach. Just insert tropical drink in hand. However, without access to a boat, you will have to check into Silvadee Pool Spa to enjoy this private and exceptional white sand and crystal water. Huge rocks and coconut palms line the beach.

You require a boat to or check into the Silvadee Pool Spa for beach access
The granite rocks along the mountainside and erupting out of the water create natural places to climb on.
Do take care swimming at low tide with rocks below. But still, one of the best swimming spots on the island

Samrong Beach & Tonson Bay

An easy to get to but hidden beach twins that few know about it.
These two beaches are side-by-side on the northeast corner of the island near Choeng Mon.

Beautiful and out-of-the-way, relaxed
Beach is hidden down a couple of side roads and then head straight
Both beaches do have a couple of developing resorts
Thongson Bay has a public restaurant right by the parking area, making this the best spot for day visitors.
Like many tropical beaches, shallow water that does not allow swimming at low tide.

Banyan Tree Beach

image: http://www.samui-hotels.com

Another stunning beach that even local residents of the island never see, and most don’t even know exists.

Access is by boat, or by checking into the Banyan Tree Samui Resort.
Tall coconut palms, previously where plantations have been worked for generations,
High headlands on each side enclose the beach in a pretty bay, and provide resort guests with stunning views over sand, water and coconut palms.
Beach is quite narrow but the expansive grassy area behind has been left free of buildings, creating a delightful coconut park.
The water is once shallow, and only good for swimming at high tide.

Kamalaya beach

image: http://www.spadreams.com

This tiny beach is rarely seen by anyone except the lucky guests of the Kamalaya Koh Samui resort in the forest behind it.

Kamalaya Koh Samui is centred around a monk’s cave that once served Buddhist monks as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat, and very private.
Large boulders standing in the sand, forest and coconut palms, plus the clear water, this beach is exceptional
A rough track through the rocks starts near Centara Villas Samui and gives access to this beach.
People hike a scenic trek right around the southern point to experience the quiet beauty of rock, forest and water – but be prepared for a work out!
Shallow water and not easy to swim here, though deeper spots for that can be found here and by the coastline.
For kayaking, this is Samui’s finest area

Four Seasons’ beach

Another classic tropical beach — stock photo worthy. Few locals or travellers have ever seen this beach or know such beautiful a beach exists on Koh Samui.

images: Four Seasons

Only guests of the Four Seasons Samui have access
Pristine luxury, white sand and crystal clear waters
Most residents of the island have never seen it, for the only access is through the resort, or by boat.
Combine the secluded and private beach with Four Seasons standards, hard to resist… or just hop in a boat.