Bang Rak Beach (Bang Rak), or more precisely – on the nearby islet of Ko Fan, has been home to Koh Samui’s main attraction since 1972. The Big Buddha statue, which sometimes leads people to mistakenly call Bang Rak Beach “Big Buddha Beach”.
Beach Overview
The beach stretches 1.9 miles (3 km) from Laem Mai Kaen cape to Big Buddha, with a width not exceeding 50 feet (15 meters) in various sections. The sand along the beach changes from fine golden on the untamed western part of Bang Rak to grey-white in the east.
I call it untamed because this entire section of beach runs alongside the ring road, literally 7 feet (2 m) from the tarmac. The strip of sand between the sea and the asphalt is fenced off with barbed wire and only visited by guests of the small guesthouses located across the road.
Due to its low footfall, western Bang Rak features: stones, sand, rubbish and more rubbish. You’ll even find old tyres on the shore. Cleanliness here is maintained only by municipal services and tourist volunteers. The water and shoreline aren’t particularly clean in central Bang Rak either, where the piers and fishing market are located.
The distance between the road and water here is sufficient to accommodate small resorts and restaurants. It gets relatively cleaner past the piers, where several resorts have been built along the shore that maintain order and smooth out the sand on the beach.
If anyone’s interested in reading about other locations, I have a brief overview of all Koh Samui beaches that will help you decide which beach to choose.
Swimming
The western and eastern parts of Bang Rak are shallow with muddy bottoms and hidden underwater rocks, so swimming here is possible but an acquired taste. In the middle of the beach, the sea is deep with good sandy access, but these advantages are somewhat spoiled by the large number of boats, yachts and other sea vessels.
Low tides change the beach in the east and west, while the centre suffers less during low tides, which local holidaymakers take advantage of. The water throughout Bang Rak is rather murky, especially during good waves and in April and May. Overall, the beach doesn’t suffer from frequent rough seas, but it’s better to choose another spot if you’re with children.
Sunbeds and Shade
There are plenty of sunbeds with sea views in front of each hotel. Sunbeds are rented for 50 baht, not everywhere, but you won’t have to look far.
A positive aspect of Bang Rak is the abundance of natural shade on the shore. Palm trees along the entire beach allow you to spend time comfortably without having to lug around a beach umbrella.
Beach Photos
Amenities
Bang Rak has everything except hypermarkets. Markets, piers, banks, restaurants, gyms, auto repair shops, vehicle rentals, marine equipment rentals, mini-markets, laundries, massage parlours – all just like in Nathon. Within walking distance from here:
- Big Buddha;
- Wat Plai Laem;
- Wat Nuan Naram;
- Fisherman’s Market;
- Hongsa Alley.
Accommodation
Dense development of the coastline with numerous restaurants offering sea views, houses and hotels is characteristic of the central and eastern parts of Bang Rak. The west can still be considered the underdog but will suit those who aren’t fussy about living conditions and are ready to save money on accommodation.
Along the road stand guesthouses behind which, deeper into the island, construction work is underway at the mountain demolition stage. Closer to the centre, in the centre and in the east, the number of hotels and resorts increases.
Beyond the road, on the other side from the sea is the rest of Bang Rak – one of the most populated areas of Koh Samui. All types of rental accommodation are available here, from rooms to villas.
- Samui Pier Beach Front & Resort 3
- Punnpreeda Beach Resort 4
- Saboey Resort and Villas 3
If you want to book a hotel here in advance or look for accommodation on other beaches, I have a selection of hotels in Koh Samui with good ratings and reviews.
How to Find the Beach
Follow the Ring Road until you reach the traffic light at Fisherman Village. Bang Rak begins after a sharp bend in road 4171 and is marked by a large blue sign saying Ban Bangrak. After this, you can turn into any spot you like and walk through its grounds to reach the beach.
