Published 4 February 2026. Last reviewed 27 February 2026
Tucked into the headland between Chaweng and Lamai, Silver Beach is the cove the island keeps almost quiet about. Locals also call it Thong Takian, and the resort at one end has lent it the name Crystal Bay. Whatever you call it, it is a short, bright crescent of fine white sand held between two rocky points, and the water inside it is about as clear and calm as the southeast coast gets.
Because the headlands wrap around the bay, the sea here stays gentle when nearby beaches are choppy. Snorkellers drift along the boulders at either end, where small fish gather in the clear shallows. It is a genuinely lovely swim, the sort that makes you understand why people keep coming back to Samui.
The catch is size. Silver Beach is small, and a couple of resorts sit at each end, so by the middle of the day it can feel full and the narrow access road gets tight for parking. The reward goes to whoever turns up first, with the cove to themselves and the light still soft.
Who it suits: snorkellers, couples and anyone chasing the clearest water on this side of the island without a long drive. The sheltered cove is forgiving for less confident swimmers.
Who should skip it: if you want a long, empty stretch of sand and room to spread out, Silver Beach will feel cramped at midday. Lamai, just south, gives you far more space.
Beach clubs near Silver Beach
There is no large beach club on Silver Beach. The two resorts at either end run casual beachfront restaurants where you can take a table and a sunbed, and that is the extent of it. For the island wide club scene and to send a booking enquiry, see our Koh Samui beach club directory.
Silver Beach, Koh Samui
Silver Beach lies just off the main road between Chaweng and Lamai, down a short, steep side lane that drops to the sand. It is roughly fifteen minutes by car or scooter from Chaweng. Parking is limited and paid, so arriving early helps on both counts.
- Come early for a parking spot and an uncrowded cove.
- Pack snorkelling gear for the boulders at each end.
- Bring water and shade; facilities are limited to the resort restaurants.
Photo: Ladislav Izsak via GoogleBook a Beach Club
Tell us your dates and party size and we will match you to a club near Silver Beach and pass on your enquiry.
Silver Beach questions
Is Silver Beach the same as Crystal Bay?
Yes. Silver Beach, Thong Takian and Crystal Bay all refer to the same small cove between Chaweng and Lamai. The Crystal Bay name comes from the resort at one end of the beach.
Is Silver Beach good for snorkelling?
It is one of the better spots on this coast. The water is clear and calm, and small fish gather around the granite boulders at either end of the cove. Bring your own mask and fins, as rental options are limited.
Does Silver Beach get crowded?
It is a small beach, so it fills quickly. By late morning the sand and the parking can both feel tight. Arrive early and you may have the cove largely to yourself with the best of the light.
When is the best time to visit Silver Beach?
February to August generally brings calm water and good visibility on the southeast coast. The northeast monsoon late in the year can stir the sea and cloud the water, so the earlier months are the safer bet for a clear swim.
Is there parking at Silver Beach?
There is limited paid parking down the steep access lane, and it fills fast at busy times. A scooter is easier to place than a car, and an early arrival is the surest way to find a spot.