Date of publication: 30 Mar 2023 | Updated: 27 Feb 2024
Koh Samui is a stunning island known for its breathtaking beaches, lush greenery, and vibrant culture, making it the perfect backdrop for photoshoots. Whether you're a professional photographer or just someone looking to capture some memories of your vacation, Koh Samui has no shortage of picture-perfect spots. Here are the 10 best locations for a photoshoot on Koh Samui.
When discussing locations for a photoshoot on Samui, the first idea that comes to mind is often beaches, and this is quite understandable. Beaches are arguably the most attractive and alluring places on the island, and they offer a plethora of stunning backdrops for capturing beautiful photos.
Out of list: Lamai Beach, Chaweng Beach and Silver Beach
Lamai and Chaweng Beach are undoubtedly the most renowned and popular beaches on the island, but they tend to be quite crowded. As a photographer, I prefer to opt for locations that are less busy and more authentically tropical. For me, a beach is not just about sand and water, but also about the natural tropical vibes that can be captured in less crowded areas with an abundance of coconut trees.
Also, I have to mention Silver Beach. While it is a popular spot for tourists, it is smaller than Lamai and Chaweng Beach and lacks the secluded and authentic tropical vibe that I seek out for my photoshoots on Koh Samui.
However, because of its popularity, it can often be quite crowded, which can make it difficult to capture photos without people in the background, which may affect the mood and overall aesthetic of the photos. Nonetheless, Silver Beach still remains a beautiful and serene location, perfect for a relaxing day, but difficult for aesthetic photography.
Beaches. Best options
This is precisely what you can find on beaches located far from any city centres:
Calm beach on western coast is a serene haven for photo shoots. Its white sands, palm trees, and mesmerizing sunsets create a captivating backdrop. The calm waters, tropical greenery, and intriguing rock formations offer a unique blend of tranquility and visual interest, making it an ideal, picturesque location for breathtaking images.
Photo by Samui Photographer - Dimas Frolov Located on the northern coast of Koh Samui, Ban Tai Beach is a peaceful spot that is perfect for capturing tranquil and serene beach photos. The beach is lined with palm trees and features white soft sand and clear water, making it an ideal location for capturing romantic and picturesque photos.
With soft yellowish sands, crystal-clear turquoise water, and the neighboring island of Koh Phangan in view, Maenam Beach provides the perfect backdrop for capturing the essence of a tropical paradise.
Unlike some of the busier beaches on the island, Maenam Beach offers a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal place for both relaxation and photo shoots. Whether you're interested in sunbathing, swimming, or leisurely walks along the beach, there are plenty of opportunities to capture beautiful moments.
It’s a nice beach located on Koh Samui's southern coast. The tranquil shoreline, adorned with long-tail boats, offers a captivating scene for your lens. The beach itself is characterized by shallow waters that create a serene and dreamy atmosphere.
The shallow waters of Thong Krut Beach deter many swimmers, resulting in a limited number of visitors to the area. This makes it an ideal spot for photographers seeking a peaceful and uncrowded location to capture stunning images. With its unspoiled natural beauty and minimal foot traffic, Thong Krut Beach provides an inspiring backdrop for photosessions.
Naturally, Koh Samui offers more than just picturesque beaches for photography enthusiasts. The island's interior boasts a wealth of stunning natural attractions that serve as perfect backdrops for capturing unique images.
Waterfalls, lush jungles, and verdant hillsides provide an array of captivating settings for photographers seeking to explore the island's diverse landscape. The island's remarkable variety of picturesque spots offers endless opportunities for photographers to capture the essence of its unique charm and allure. As a local expert, I'd like to share with you some of the best options that truly showcase the stunning beauty of Koh Samui's natural wonders.
This place located in the heart of Koh Samui and it's a photographer's delight. This impressive 18-meter fall plunges into a sizable pool, surrounded by the dense jungle, evoking the vibe of a tropical rainforest. The waterfall, combined with the vibrant foliage and meandering river, offers an exquisite setting for capturing the island's natural beauty. With its striking composition and picturesque surroundings, Na Muang Waterfall truly embodies Koh Samui's enchanting landscape.
Situated along Koh Samui's eastern ring road, is an exceptional spot for photographers seeking to capture the island's beauty. The vantage point offers panoramic views of the azure waters and beaches, while the rocky shoreline below, consisting of numerous boulders, adds a unique touch to the landscape.
Alternative locations for photo shoots include cultural sites that showcase the rich Thai culture and ambiance. These captivating spaces provide a glimpse into the unique heritage and traditions of Thailand, adding depth and character to your photos, making them truly memorable and distinctive.
Fisherman's Village, situated in Bophut on Koh Samui's northern coast, is a delightful destination that offers a taste of local Thai charm. Despite its name, the area is not a traditional fishing village, but rather a vibrant hub filled with local shops, cozy restaurants, and other leisure spots. Located along the beach, most establishments boast stunning sea views and a refreshing breeze.
The area is perfect for capturing the essence of Thai architectural style, with its wooden buildings and narrow streets. Fisherman's Village provides an authentic atmosphere and a blend of cultural and natural beauty, making it an excellent setting for memorable photo shoots that convey the unique spirit of Thailand.
This temple, perched on the northeastern coast of Koh Samui, offers a unique and visually stunning setting for photo shoots due to its diverse architectural features and serene surroundings. This remarkable temple complex showcases the rich Thai heritage and religious tradition, with a variety of structures such as the main temple, the Laughing Buddha, the many-handed Guanyin, and several other temple buildings.
These three main structures are set within a tranquil pond, which is home to an abundance of aquatic life, including huge catfish, other fish species, and even turtles. This dramatic and captivating scene is further enhanced by the numerous smaller statues and elements of nature found throughout the temple grounds. The combination of diverse architectural elements, vibrant colors, and idyllic surroundings make Wat Plai Laem Temple an ideal location for capturing the essence of Thai culture and spirituality in your photographs.
It's a really unique and eclectic destination on Koh Samui that combines Thai, Indian, and Balinese architectural styles. This small but charming location is perfect for capturing culturally rich and authentic photos, with a density of small corners that are ideal for photographers. The center is set amidst a stunning tropical garden, providing a lush and vibrant backdrop for your photos. The walls feature intricate carvings, beautiful artwork, and stunning decorative elements, offering a diverse range of locations to capture stunning and memorable photos that truly embody the spirit of Koh Samui.
The Garden is a unique and secluded location located in the mountains of Koh Samui's jungle, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for those seeking a different type of backdrop for their photos. This hidden gem is home to a collection of intricately crafted Buddha statues, sculptures, and other artwork, all set amidst a lush and tropical jungle. The garden is accessible only by a steep and winding road, adding to the sense of adventure and exclusivity of this location.
In addition to the statues and sculptures, the Secret Buddha Garden features a small river and artificial waterfall that create a tranquil and serene atmosphere. The natural beauty of the jungle and the calming sound of the water offer a unique and intimate backdrop for capturing peaceful and serene photos.
While this location may not be for everyone, those seeking a unique and secluded experience will find the Secret Buddha Garden to be a memorable and rewarding destination for their photoshoots.
While not included in the TOP 10 list, I have several noteworthy places listed on my blog. These locations are definitely worth mentioning, and I invite you to explore each of them individually. Here is the list of those places for your reference. Happy exploring!
In conclusion, Koh Samui offers a diverse range of locations that are perfect for any photoshoots. From tranquil beaches to cultural landmarks, Koh Samui has something for everyone. As a photographer, it's my pleasure to capture these special memories for families to cherish for years to come.
Portrait photographer based on Samui, Thailand.
Originally from Ukraine, he has over 15 years of photography experience taking pictures around Europe and Asia. Multi-Award winner and author of many articles about photography.
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Taling Ngam Beach (i-Talay Bar)
Coral Cove Beach
Nathon Beach
Thong Krut Beach
Nathon City
Dry forest with twisted roots
Waterfall Hin Lad
