Most visitors to Koh Samui base themselves in Chaweng or Lamai and never make it to Bangrak. That’s their loss — and quietly our gain.
What Bangrak actually is
A small beachside area on Samui’s north-east coast, just east of Bo Phut. The Koh Phangan ferry departs from the pier here, which means a steady stream of travellers and locals, a good cluster of restaurants and shops, and easy access to everything on the north coast without the noise of the main tourist strips.
The beach
Narrow by Samui standards, not ideal for swimming, but a genuinely lovely spot to sit in the morning with a coffee and watch the ferries. The water in front of Bangrak is calm — it faces north across the pier inlet.
Brewed Awakening
We’re at the Green Plaza Hotel. Monday to Saturday, 7am. Coffee truck — specialty espresso, iced drinks, fresh croissants, apple pie. Tables outside. The view of the pier from here on a clear morning is exactly why people move to this island.
Planning a Trip to Koh Samui?
We wrote the guide — Koh Samui Unlocked. 8 chapters covering beaches, diving, food, accommodation, island life, day trips and safety. Written by a PADI IDC Staff Instructor who has lived here for nearly a decade. Get the full guide for ฿490 or download the free preview to read the first two chapters.