Located on Koh Samui’s east coast is the beautiful Silver Beach (aka Thongtakian Bay). It’s a fantastic setting for sunbathing, swimming and dining at waterfront restaurants. Silver Beach sits nestled in a protected bay. Popular with families and couples, it offers a more relaxed beach experience to the island’s larger resorts.

The beach is a small and idyllic strip of pristine sand that is only around 820-feet (250-meters) long. There’re no sun loungers to rent so bring a towel or blanket if you want to lay down. Find a quiet spot and gaze out across the turquoise water, which glistens in the sun and entices you to take a rejuvenating dip. Admire the back drop of forested hills and check out the smooth rocks, situated at both ends of the bay. Climb onto one of the rocks for a great photo opportunity.

Wake up early and come to the beach at dawn to experience it almost devoid of other people. Watch as the sun rises over the Gulf of Thailand and paints the sky in shades of orange, red and yellow.

A handful of bars and restaurants line the beach and have outdoor sea-facing terraces. Sample plates of fresh seafood cooked with tangy Thai spices and vegetables sourced from local markets. The restaurants belong to hotels and resorts, good options if you wish to stay overnight at the beach.

Silver Beach is easily accessible from all parts of Koh Samui via taxi, motorcycle taxi and songthaew (shared taxi). Many people visit on daytrips from Koh Samui’s bigger beach resorts. Lively Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach are both about 10-minute drives away.

Rent a bike or scooter and combine your trip to Silver Beach with visits to other island attractions. Among these are the elegant Leam Sor Pagoda, Wat Khunaram temple and the intriguing Hin Ta and Hin Yai rock formations.