Best beach in Koh Samui / Koh Phangan

Hi

I will be spending 2 weeks in Koh Samui / Koh Phangan in Aug and would like to know what beaches are the best for swimming / snorkling. Would also be nice if you could recommend beaches that were near good bars but my main preference is to be staying near great beaches?

Any recommendations? Also any accom recommendations (under $150 AUD a night) near these great beaches would be appreciated

Thanks

Try Choengmon Beach, that's my favorite beach on Samui, a nice big bay. For accomodation try the White Gouse or the Boathouse.

Bophud and Maenam can also be nice, in Bophud try Peace resort or Zazen!

Mae Haad on Koh Phangan for snorkeling. I can't recommend accommodation there as I haven't stayed on that beach but there's lots of bungalows that would start at 1/10th of your budget.

I reckon Thong Nai Pan Yai has the best combo of scenery, laid back but not too dead, nice deep water for swimming, good variety of places and some nightlife.
I'm also a fan of Mae Haad (Hat etc) - better snorkelling, gets a bit shallow at lowest tides close in for swimming but at other times fine, more laid back again.......bars? Um things may have changed but apart from the bungalow restaurants (which can be real pleasant with the right combo of visitors) I think this aspect is limited. Got some more info and pix in the first link below.

Agree completely with #3- Thong Nai Pan overall, Mae Haad for snorkelling.

Thanks for the replies.. I'll look into Thong Nai Pan Yai

FYI, Ive snorkelled the Great Barrier Reef several times and absolutely loved it. Im not expecting the snorkling to be as good but Im hoping for some nice coral and good underwater marine life.

Thanks again