The Most Beautiful Samui Beaches That Aren’t on Google Maps

The Most Beautiful Samui Beaches That Aren’t on Google Maps

There’s a certain delight in discovering something for yourself—a winding path down to a cove, the hush of palms arching over a crescent of sand—and Koh Samui, for all its glossy beach resorts and well-trodden tourist spots, still has a few secrets tucked away. I wrote this post for the wanderer who prefers the slow rhythm of the tides and the thrill of stumbling upon a place not yet claimed by the bright pinpoints of Google Maps. Let’s step quietly together, shall we?

The Whispering Bays Between Bang Por and Ban Tai

The north coast of Koh Samui feels like a languid exhalation. Between Bang Por Beach and the village of Ban Tai, there are small, unnamed coves where the sand is the color of toasted coconut and the sea is glass-clear in the morning.

One of my favorite rituals is to set off early, before the sun climbs high, and follow the fisherman’s path that threads behind sleepy beach bungalows. Listen for the soft morning clatter from small family-run kitchens, the scent of kaffir lime drifting through. You’ll see a gap in the palms, no signs, just a sandy footpath leading to a hidden bay—no loungers, no music, just the low hum of the waves and perhaps a dog napping in the shade.

Tip: Start at Bang Por Beach. You can search for it on Google Maps by typing: Bang Por Beach. Wander westward, keeping close to the shore. These tiny coves aren’t named, but trust your curiosity—you’ll know them when you find them.

Secret Sands Below Wat Khao Chedi

Down in the south of Samui, past the famous Laem Sor Pagoda, a golden stupa glimmering against the sky, stands Wat Khao Chedi. Few make the extra turn along the dusty track behind the temple, but if you do, you’ll find a secluded patch of beach that feels suspended in time.

I remember the first time I arrived here: the midday heat was softened by a breeze scented with frangipani, and the only footprints in the sand were mine and a pair of curious herons. The water is shallow, perfect for wading, and the view sweeps across to the Five Islands—cloud-shadowed in the distance.

How to find it: Search for Wat Khao Chedi on Google Maps, and when you get there, make your way toward the sea behind the temple. There is no marked beach name—just follow your nose and the faint trail through the grass.

The Untouched Coral Cove South of Silver Beach

Most travelers know Silver Beach (Haad Thong Ta-khian) for its powdery sand and beachside cafes. But if you’re willing to scramble over a few boulders and brush past the wild hibiscus, there’s a tiny, rocky cove to the south where local kids sometimes fish and the coral is surprisingly vibrant.

I like to come here late in the afternoon, when the sun drops low and the sea turns to molten gold. There are no beach bars, only the soft percussion of waves against stone and the distant laughter from Silver Beach.

Directions: Begin at Silver Beach (search for “Silver Beach Koh Samui” on Google Maps). Head south along the rocks at the end of the bay. Wear sturdy sandals; the rocks can be slippery, especially after rain.

Maenam’s Fisherman’s Nook

Maenam Beach stretches for kilometers, but tucked between the main beach and the mouth of the Maenam River is a quiet nook where fishermen tend their boats and children play among driftwood. This isn’t a beach you’ll find in glossy brochures, but its simple, unpolished beauty is unmistakable.

On my last visit, I watched an old man repair his net, humming a tune older than the island’s roads. He handed me a slice of watermelon, and we watched the sun dip behind Koh Phangan, the sky turning the color of ripe papaya.

How to find it: Search for Maenam Beach on Google Maps, then walk east toward the river mouth. You’ll pass the main guesthouses—just keep going until you see the boats clustered on the sand.

A Few Gentle Reminders for the Wandering Soul

• Respect local life: Many hidden beaches are close to fishing villages or family homes. A smile and a respectful nod go a long way.
• Leave no trace: Bring out everything you bring in. Let’s keep these places wild for those who follow.
• Embrace the unknown: The beauty of these secret beaches is in their discovery. Don’t be afraid to get a little lost. That’s where the best stories begin.

Koh Samui’s hidden beaches are less about the perfect selfie and more about the hush of the sea, the shade of a coconut palm, the feeling of finding a place that, for a moment, exists just for you. May the sun be gentle on your shoulders, and may you always find your way back—if only in memory.

Safe travels,
Eustorgio