Lipa Noi Beach is one of the few Koh Samui beaches on the west coast. This location has a reputation of convenient place for family-type of holidays, which is famous for its magnificent sunsets. If you come to Koh Samui with kids or has chosen this place as a romantic getaway, then this beach is for you.
Check this visitor’s guide to Lipa Noi beach in Koh Samui and get information about some of the best hotels nearby, things to do, is this beach safe for swimming and more.
Lipa Noi beach location
Most of Lipa Noi Beach occupies the coast of Thong Yang Bay (this is the second name of the beach). The coastline stretches for 4.5 km – from the cape, behind which is the embankment of the Nathon hospital, to the cape, where the military base is located with a checkpoint, a barrier and armed guards.
Before this, the road turns to the left, goes around this post and leads to the second part of the beach. This section of the beach stretches for 1.2 km along the sea. Here is Lipa Noi Pier (Raja Ferry), it’s a place where most ferries depart from Koh Samui to the mainland.
Sand on Lipa Noi beach
Lipa Noi beach is not too wide along its entire length – about five meters. The sea goes another 5-7 meters during low tides in the central part of the beach, in the south and north the coastline is exposed more noticeably.
The sand covering the beach has different dimensions. In some places it is white and small, in some places it is yellowish and large, in some places it is interspersed with black grains of sand and shell rock.
The coastline is bordered by sprawling palm trees, coniferous and deciduous trees, but you can hide in their shade only until noon, the rest of the time, before sunset, everything is lit by the sun.
All areas of the main part of Lipa Noi Beach, owned by hotels, are kept completely clean. In the north, trash that comes from the sea is not removed very often, in the south, closer to the military base, it is fairly littered.
The beach behind the military base is cozy, romantic and not very crowded, even during the high season on Koh Samui. The sand here is mostly fine, white, swings are hung on the trees right by the sea.
There are several hotels here that accept guests mainly during the high season. The rest of the year, the beach is deserted, and its territory is practically not cleaned.
Sea at Lipa Noi Beach
For those who want to swim it’s better to go to the central part of Lipa Noi beach. Here, the entrance to the sea is inclined. Sometimes, during high tides, the water reaches almost to the very palm grove and hotels, leaving a narrow strip of sand for vacationers. This part of the beach is appreciated by those looking for Instagram spots on Koh Samui island.
In the north and south of the beach, the sea is almost everywhere shallow. You have to go for 50-100 meters to the place where you can dive, and during low tides, the distance can increase by another 30-50 meters. The seabed here is sandy, with a slight coating of silt. Rocks are hidden under the sand.
Beach infrastructure
A few hotels on the main part of Lipa Noi beach are located at a considerable distance from each other. The built-up area is replaced by long deserted areas.
On the coast, villas are whitening in some places, a little further from the sea, tourists are offered accommodation in small houses. Today, a large area of the jungle is being vacated for development, and it seems that Lipa Noi beach may soon lose its reputation of secluded and quiet corner of Koh Samui.
In the central part of Lipa Noi beach, guests are hosted by one of the most fashionable club hotels on Koh Samui – Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Koh Samui. On Sundays, noisy parties are held here, which attract glamorous youth.
Some hotels, such as the Lipa Bay Resort, offer kayak and jet ski rentals. They will ask for 50 THB for renting a beach chair, 20-30 THB for using the toilet / shower, and 100 THB for using the pool. Thai massage session will cost 300 THB/hour.
5 Best Hotels and Places to Stay on Lipa Noi Beach
Lipa Noi beach is an ideal option not only for budget travelers, but for those seeking for some luxurious accommodation options.
Here are 5 best hotels and places to stay on Lipa Noi beach for every budget:
1. Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Koh Samui
4.5 Star hotel with ocean and pool view, ideal for romantic vacation. Click here to get more info about hotel deals and prices. Guests can enjoy different types of massages including couples massage, foot massage.
2. Sea Valley Hotel and Spa
4 Star hotel with ocean view, great for families and those looking for peaceful vacation. Click here to get more details about Sea Valley Hotel and Spa deals and prices.
3. The Siam Residence Boutique Resort
4 Star hotel, that is ideal for peaceful vacation or romantic trip. Hotel offers airport private transfer service, along with shuttle bus transportation. Click here to get more info about The Siam Residence Boutique Resort deals and accommodation prices.
4. Anahata Resort Samui
3 Star hotel with fascinating ocean views and private balconies. If you are planning a family trip or seeking for secluded holiday, this hotel is definitely an option to consider. Click here to get more info about Anahata Resort and check accommodation prices.
5. Lipa Bay Resort
3 Star hotel with friendly English and Thai speaking staff. Guests can enjoy open-air baths, spa, outdoor pool and massage. Hotel also offers shuttle bus transportation and taxi services. This place is ideal for quiet getaway or family vacation. Click here to get more details about Lipa Bay Resort deals and prices.
