Bang Rak Beach

The 3 kilometre beach runs from Big Buddha Temple through to a headland that marks the beginning of Bophut Beach. Half of that area is not really accessible or doesn't have decent beach to enjoy. The other 1.5 kilomtres (right in the middle) is literally resort, villa, restaurant, bar and marina occupied.

There are not many beach hawkers, only the odd masseuse and jet-ski hire available.

Accommodation consists of budget to mid-range guesthouses and family owned resorts. Some high-end villas and resorts are starting to appear but there aren't too many.

You wouldn't know it from the high street, but there are plenty of little bars and restaurants right along the beach, all representing better value than the more popular tourist areas.

Besides the main ferry pier at the eastern end of the beach, there are 3 or 4 other piers dotted along the bay. The piers are mostly used by dive companies, water taxi services and day trip tour operators. In addition to this, there are quite a few boats anchored off shore. None of this really interferes with the relaxed feel of Bang Rak Beach.

The incoming planes fly low over the Bang Rak Pier into Samui Airport. It honestly isn't an annoyance, air-traffic is minimal and the last flight leaves about 10.30 pm. In fact most people enjoy watching the planes come into land from their sun-bed or while taking a dip in the sea.

The beach here definitely represents good value for those who wish to enjoy a relaxed beach holiday, without paying over the odds.