All beaches in Thailand are public by law — entry is free everywhere. But on popular stretches like Chaweng and Lamai, most of the shoreline is lined with paid sun loungers from restaurants and hotels. Knowing where to lay your towel without being charged 100–200 baht is a practical skill for budget travellers.

Beaches Where Loungers Don't Dominate

Maenam

One of the best free beaches on the island. A long stretch of white sand on the north coast with minimal tourist infrastructure. Sun loungers only appear at individual restaurants, leaving plenty of open beach in between. The sea is calmer than on the east coast, good for children. Getting there: scooter or songthaew from Chaweng (around 60 baht).

Bophut (Fisherman's Village)

Beach in the fishing village on the north coast. A narrow strip of sand, but atmospheric and without pushy lounger vendors. Good for evening walks and swimming. Restaurants and cafes are nearby — order one drink and stay as long as you like.

Bang Por

A quiet beach on the northwest coast with almost no tourist infrastructure. Long, uncrowded and shallow. A few restaurants, but most of the shore is free. Sunsets are particularly beautiful here — west-facing coast.

Nathon

The administrative capital of Samui. The beach by the port town has no tourist crowds. The sea is less clear here, but for those seeking space and quiet it works well. Virtually no sun loungers.

Choeng Mon

A small bay on the northeast. Some paid zones near hotels, but open sections between them. Clear water, white sand. Calmer than Chaweng. Best visited in the morning — before 10:00 it is nearly empty.

Hidden Bays and Lesser-Known Beaches

  • Silver Beach (Hat Thong Yang) — a small beach between Chaweng and Lamai. Some sun loungers but plenty of open space. Getting there: scooter, turn off the main road at the sign.
  • Hat Khwat (Secret Beach) — a small cove near Bang Rak village. Entirely public, occasionally used by boats, low tourist numbers.
  • Thong Krut — a quiet bay in the south, near Lamai. Fishing harbour, sandy shore, minimal entertainment infrastructure.

Practical Tips

  • Laying a towel anywhere on the beach is legal. If a restaurant employee approaches with a menu, politely say "just looking" or order one drink.
  • In the morning (before 9:00) paid zones are nearly empty — you can take a good spot and swim before the beach "working day" begins.
  • Bring a sarong or thin blanket — sitting on damp hard sand is uncomfortable.
  • Buy water and snacks at 7-Eleven or the market before heading out — beach prices are 3–5x higher.

Chaweng and Lamai: Finding Free Space

Even on the island's busiest beaches there are free sections:

  • Chaweng: the northern tip (above the Chaweng Lake Road junction) and the southern end (near Chaweng Noi) have fewer loungers.
  • Lamai: the central section is packed, but the northern and southern ends have open areas.

Koh Samui is not a Maldives beach boutique, but with the right approach it is easy to find space without paying extra. The key is knowing where to go.