Where to Catch The Sunset in Koh Samui, Thailand

It is no secret that Thailand offers some incredible sunsets and where to catch the sunset in Koh Samui may surprise you but this unique island has some incredible places to enjoy them from.

It is one thing I noticed massively whilst travelling, how many people gathered to admire the sunset each day, coming from the West it is not something we do here. We are often too busy with our day-to-day lives to take the time out to sit and truly immerse ourselves in this wonderous gift from nature each day.

You may be thinking that the obvious thing to do when looking for a sunset is just to head the west of the island but the unique curves and shape of Koh Samui means you can catch the sunset in Koh Samui at some other places.

Follow along to this guide to find some amazing beaches, bars, restaurants and hidden gems to admire the sunset in Koh Samui from!

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The 9 Best Places to Catch The Sunset in Koh Samui

Taling Ngam Beach

This is my favourite place to catch the sunset in Koh Samui, it is calming, wild and soothing for the soul.

Taling Ngam is on Koh Samui’s west coast, here the island is raw and wild, there are not too many built-up areas and the jungle still dominates a large proportion of this space.

Taling Ngam Beach is very shallow and has a coral reef, which makes it a great place to snorkel but not to swim. I recommend spending the day chasing waterfalls in Koh Samui and then heading along to Taling Ngam as evening sets in to sit on the sand and watch the sunset, surrounded by the wildness of the jungle and the sounds of nature.

na muang waterfall infinity pool koh samui

Air Bar

If you are looking for somewhere extra special to celebrate or watch the sunset then Air Bar is the place for you.

This boogie setting offers one of the most incredible sunsets in Koh Samui. Located within the Intercontinental Koh Samui Resort the Air Bar is featured in the New York Times bestseller, One of 1000 places to visit in your lifetime.

Operating mostly on a first come first serve basis Air Bar has a reservation option which requires a 4,000 THB (£90) deposit which is then deducted from your final bill. Drinks and food here are much more expensive than anywhere else in Koh Samui but catching the sunset in Koh Samui from here is a special occasion, so whilst it will be breathtakingly beautiful, it will not be cheap!

Lipa Noi Beach

Another beautiful and rural spot to come and watch the sunset in Koh Samui if you want a break from the crowds and something a little less built up.

Surrounded by small villages, coconut plantations and jungle Lipa Noi boasts unspoilt sunset views on Koh Samui’s west coast.

Not as wild as Taling Ngam but still on the quieter side Lipa Noi Beach can also be a popular spot to visit during the day with calm waters and great swimming in the centre, here you can also find some watersports and a few restaurants.

Wat Pra Yai (The Big Buddha Temple)

Located in Bophut on the north side of Koh Samui, this elevated golden Buddha temple makes the perfect place to watch the sunset over the island.

Visiting the Big Buddha Temple is definitely one of the best things to do in Koh Samui anyway so why not visit in the evening and tie it in with catching the sunset?

From here you have a clear view of the sky and can watch as the sunset colours turn from blue to oranges, pink and then to dark as you admire the hills over Koh Samui changing in the backdrop.

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa

The world-famous Nikki Beach is located in a prime spot to watch the sunset in Koh Samui. This high-end beach club and resort is located in Lipa Noi on the west coast of the island.

Here you can either visit for drinks as a day guest or stay but you will find aesthetic poolside loungers, large cabanas, a luxurious resort with unique and elegant rooms and a tranquil spa. Located right on the beach you are also provided with uninterrupted views of the sunset.

Nathon Pier

Located on the west coast you may be familiar with Nathon Pier if you arrive in Koh Samui via ferry from the mainland as this is usually where you will arrive.

Whilst a busy area with ferries and fishing boats during the day, in the evening this tranquil area calms and can be the perfect place to watch the sunset in Koh Samui. Either from a beach bar or restaurant or, as I recommend, scooting or walking down to the end and finding somewhere to sit, you can admire the beautiful backdrop of Koh Samui’s hilly landscape and watch as locals fish off the edges of the pier in the evening light.

Viewpoints around Koh Samui

There are multiple viewpoints around Koh Samui and if you cannot travel to the West Coast some of these can make a great place to admire the sunset colours.

Some of the best viewpoints to catch the sunset in Koh Samui are:

Lamai viewpoint
Lat Ko Viewpoint
Khao Hua Jook Pagoda Temple Viewpoint
Hillcrest Drive Viewpoint

The Jungle Club

The Jungle Club provides such breathtaking views over Koh Samui it would be truly spectacular to visit during the sunset hours and admire the colours in the sky.

Whilst the Jungle Club is located on the east coast of the island you will not see the actual sun setting over the ocean from here you will be able to catch the essence of sunset and admire it as the jungle around you comes alive are the night sets in.

The Jungle Club is a top-rated spot and one of the best restaurants in Koh Samui, it is definitely somewhere you will want to pre-book especially if you want a sunset table. These can often be booked up weeks in advance so make sure to plan this one ahead of time to catch a stunning sunset in Koh Samui partnered with tasty food and drinks.

On a Boat Trip

Another great way to ensure you have a completely uninterrupted view of the sunset is to hop on a boat trip and catch it from the ocean!

There are plenty of boat trip choices in Koh Samui and a great one I’d recommend going on is a sunset cruise that includes Ang Thong Marine Park, this natural wonder is made up of 42 separate islands which depending on your chosen tour you can snorkel, kayaking and swim around!

Another great option is to take a day trip around the neighbouring Koh Phangan island which finishes with a great sunset spot.

Looking for more things to do in Koh Samui? Make sure to check out these posts: