Island Kosmoy It is the third largest in Thailand and is considered one of the most popular islands among travelers. This is an attractive place in terms of its suitability for different types of travelers - religious, trekkers, sunbathers, indulgents and more. Most of Kosmoy is covered in rain forests and the island does not have an airport owned by the company "Bangkok Airways", through which it can be Fly to Bangkok and to other destinations in Thailand such as Krabi, Pattaya or Phuket.
The island is considered ideal among others for families. The infrastructures are successful and hence the roads are also paved and very safe for driving, the food is western and there are several hospitals. level the attractions, you won't find any shortages here: plenty of water sports activities from snorkeling to water skiing, crocodile farms, butterfly farms, Thai massage, parachute rides, cooking workshops and much more.
the hot season It is from December to April, but even in the months of May to August it does not rain, which makes July-August very touristy months and the main places in Kosmoy into one big and lively party town. The rainiest month of the year is November and the rains throughout this month are received in a significant amount which makes it very difficult to travel, of course also to spend time at the beaches. Bathing becomes dangerous.
Main beaches in Kosmoy
Koh Samui has two main beaches: Hat Chaweng (Hat Chaweng) and Hat Lamai (Hat Lamai), with the first being the more commercialized and touristy of the two.
Hat Chaweng - Hat Chaweng Beach
Hat Chaweng beach is located in the east of the island and is considered the most popular and central in Koh Samui and rightfully so. The water is colored blue-green and hides under it an abundance of coral reefs - a treasure trove for snorkelers and divers. The night life in the center of Chaweng is particularly lively and offers a variety of restaurants, clubs, massages and places of entertainment. In addition, there are travel agencies on site, some at Israeli prices. The hotels here exist on several levels, so you can find Very high quality hotels, but you can also settle for a cheap hotel and still enjoy all the worlds.
Since Hat Chawang is the main beach on the island, it is also the busiest and the most crowded. On the soft sand you will find sellers of popsicles and pineapples, hawkers offering clothes or swimwear and everything comes right down to your towel on the sand. The beach itself has four areas: South, North, Central and Chaweng Noi. The center is considered the loudest of the four, since it is where most of the nightlife is concentrated.
Chaweng Beach is located about a 10-minute drive from the airport, with the majority of movement within the beach being on foot. At the same time, there is no problem Rent a car, scooter or bicycle, or get around in tuktuks and taxis.
Hat Lamai - Hat Lamai Beach
Hat Lamai beach is also located in the eastern part of the island (about a quarter of an hour's drive from the center of Chaweng) and is considered the second most central. This beach offers a fairly calm stretch of sea, which makes the place very safe and convenient for entering the water. The beach is less crowded than Hat Chaweng, but still not empty at all.
There is a must-see spot on Lamai Beach, which you certainly don't want to miss: these are a pair of rocks that are loosely translated as "grandfather and grandmother rocks". Not that these rocks resemble an adult couple, but that their shape strongly resembles male and female genitalia.
Lamai is considered the most beautiful beach in all of Kosmoi, thanks to the clear blue water and the white sand, the color of which is apparently more prominent and crystalline than the rest of the beaches. The beach itself is relatively lively, offering hotels and restaurants nearby. The downside to Hat Lamai is its local club scene, which is relatively few and some of it rather dubious. Therefore, for the benefit of the nightlife, it is recommended to go to the nearby Chuang Beach, a few minutes' drive away. However, the restaurants are open until late so you can have a fun evening.
You can find very diverse options for accommodation on the beach, from cheap and simple guesthouses to luxury hotels right on the beach. The selection of food here is also rich and good and covers all forms of serving and foods, from street stalls to luxury restaurants and completely western restaurants. If you have a license, you should rent a scooter and go for trips to the beach, or to other places such as waterfalls and temples.
Hat Bophut - Hat Bophut Beach
The ultimate beach for couples and people who want to catch peace is Bophut. It is a quiet beach without parties, which makes it a pleasant and peaceful place to spend time. The beach is less beautiful compared to the previous two, but here too you can look out over a lovely sea with a dreamy appearance. An important point regarding the beach is the shallow water, which is received in the months of April to October, which is not always suitable for bathing. At best you will enjoy a basic wading in the water and at worst, they will only be a backdrop for your photos.
Bophut Beach is located in the north of Koh Samui Island and about 20 minutes' drive from Chaweng Beach. Around the beach you will find a variety of Mediterranean restaurants, traditional Thai food and fresh seafood. Because of this, it is considered a beach with a very local atmosphere. Despite the typical tranquility of Bophut, it is not devoid of people at all and may later become a busy beach. Also near the beach are a host of hotels in a wide price range, travel agencies, currency exchange booths, souvenir shops, mini markets and in fact everything you need, without going far.
In addition to the shallow water, there is a lack of attractions in the place. Most of the things that can be done are collected from the beach and returned at the end of the activity. That's why coming here is mainly for the beer on the beach, the book or the massage. You can travel to the nearby fishing village and enjoy the fish shops and restaurants, everything is fresh and of a high standard. For those who are still looking for an evening activity, it is highly recommended to go to the most famous and popular bar in Bophut: The Beatles Bar. Here mainly reggae music or classic rock bands are played.
Hat Mae Nam - Hat Mae Nam Beach
Hat Maynam is a quiet and secluded beach, located in the north of Kosmoy. The bonus of the beach is the cheap accommodation complexes nearby. The sea waters are shallow throughout the year, so it's bingo for families with small children.
Hat Bang Rak - Hat Bang Rak Beach
The beach is not particularly beautiful, but it is located near the airport, which is suitable for those who are due to board a flight soon and are still looking for a few hours on the beach, or an overnight stay in good proximity. The second name of Hat Bang Rak Beach is "Big Buddha Beach", thanks to the Wat Phra Yai temple located there and inside it is a huge and impressive Buddha statue 15 meters high.
More secluded and discreet beaches in Kosmoi
In Kosmoi there are several peaceful and discreet beaches, far from the agitation and crowds of the other popular beaches. These are beaches whose locations are known and are not particularly secret, with hotels and restaurants. However, most tourists prefer to simply skip them, so they clear out in favor of those looking for a leisurely time, without anyone else on their mind.
Silver Beach - Silver Beach
Silver Beach lies between the two main beaches, Chawang and Mamai. It is 250 meters long and due to the existence of the other two beaches next to it and the many restaurants and hotels that hide it, most tourists are simply unaware of its existence. Silver Beach is considered a very beautiful beach, its waters are turquoise and the sand is white and soft. In the place you will also find snorkels and kayaks.
Leam Yai Beach - Leam Yai Beach
This beach is located in a bay about 200 meters long and offers several restaurants and resorts. Despite this, it is a quiet place, even wild to a certain extent. The downside to the beach is the shallow water, which makes it much less suitable for swimming.
Sarong Beach and Thongson Bay - Sanrong Beach & Thongson Bay
Sarong and Tongson are the two northernmost points on the island of Kosmoy. This is a beach and a bay adjacent to it, located between the Great Buddha Temple and Chuang Beach. From here you can look out to Copenhagen, which is located about 10 km from the coast in total, rest on airy and clean white sand and look out in privacy on the clear water.
Thong Krut Beach - Thong Krut Beach
It is a beach with an adjacent fishing village, which offers an encounter with the authentic island lifestyle: modest wooden cabins on the shoreline, fishermen toiling on land and in the fishing boats, several small and quiet restaurants and even an option to rent a motorboat to the islands adjacent to the beach.
Ban Tai Beach - Ban Tai Beach
Ban Thai offers a sandy and magical line of about 2 km, which lies between Mainm Beach and Bang Pho Beach and is separated from them by large rocks. On this beach there are several hotels and restaurants, including the option of accommodation in nice bungalows on the beach. The atmosphere is slow, light and calm, with an option Feel the local charm by visiting the nearby village.
