Haad Sai Nual and Surrounds
Travel Guide
The southwest corner of Ko Tao encompasses some terrific, hidden-away beaches and bays, with a wide variety of lodgings. Be it a threadbare bamboo shack or a comfortable chalet with WiFi access, you'll find something suitable along this stretch of Turtle Island.
A rough and ready trail leads from Mae Haad to Haad Sai Nual, but this is not an advisable trek with anything more than a light pack. In calm seas the easiest and cheapest way around to the beach is by longtail taxi. The road over to the beach is not concrete all the way and can be accessed by songthaew too, however due to the distance you are still better to take a water taxi.
After leaving the southern reach of Mae Haad the first spot you'll find is the privately owned Jan Som bay, followed by Haad Sai Nual, Laem Je Ta Klang and eventually Ao Kul Jeua. After that you're but a hop, skip and a jump from Chalok Ban Kao via the lovely Haad Saal Chao.
Ao Jan Som
This gorgeous, privately-owned beach belongs to the surrounding resort. The beach is tiny and with so many rooms there's really not much space to lay around on. Some reasonable snorkelling can be enjoyed around the shallow bay and the resort has installed bamboo rafts so that you can float in the ocean without floating away. Charm Churee Resort is the main accommodation here, but the nearby Sensi Paradise facing onto Mae Haad is the better deal.
As the bay is privately-owned, there's an admission fee to get onto the beach if you are not staying at the resort.
Haad Sai Nual, Laem Je Ta Klang and Ao Kul Jeua
This series of very attractive turquoise bays and palm-fringed beaches can be reached on foot, kayak or longtail from either Mae Haad or Chalok Ban Kao.
These bays have both advantages and disadvantages -- what you gain in tranquillity you lose in ease of access. If you're a bit of a night owl, this part of Ko Tao may not be the best choice. The roads are paved but songthaews end up being pricey due to the distance, and even though the road is good for the most part, it’s steep, dark and windy and not advisable to use at night on a motorbike.
On the other hand, if you're after a bit of serenity, a lot of hammock swinging and a fair dose of gazing out to sea, then you're in the right place.
Related reading
Ko Tao for non-divers guide
Dive Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan & Ko Tao
Bangkok to Ko Samui, Pha Ngan & Tao
Do I need reservations for my holiday?
What is the best island in Thailand?
Check Haad Sai Nual and Surrounds hotel rates on Agoda. Best price guarantee!
Text and/or map last updated on 21st October, 2012.
Jump to a different destination in Thailand
Get orientated with a map of Haad Sai Nual and Surrounds, Thailand
Have your say
Photo gallery
Add your photos to this via Flickr More info
Jump to a destination
- Hot spots
- Bangkok & surrounds
- Central Thailand
- Northern Thailand
- About this region
- Ban Huay Kon
- Ban Toei
- Chiang Dao
- Chiang Kham
- Chiang Khong
- Chiang Mai
- Chiang Rai
- Chiang Saen
- Chom Thong
- Doi Inthanon
- Doi Khun Tan N.P.
- Doi Phukha N.P.
- Fang
- Hang Dong
- Hot
- Kamphaeng Phet
- Khun Yuam
- Lampang
- Lamphun
- Mae Chaem
- Mae Na Chon
- Mae Hong Son
- Mae Salong
- Mae Sariang
- Mae Sot
- Mae Sai
- Nan
- Nan to Ban Huay Kon
- Pai
- Phayao
- Phitsanulok
- Phrae
- Phrao
- Phu Chee Fah
- Phu Lang Ka
- Sanpatong
- Si Satchanalai
- Soppong
- Sukhothai
- Tak
- Tha Ton
- Umphang
- Northeastern Thailand
- About this region
- Ban Chiang
- Buriram
- Chaiyaphum
- Khao Yai N.P.
- Khon Kaen
- Khong Chiam
- Muang Tam
- Mukdahan
- Mukdahan N.P.
- Nakhon Phanom
- Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat)
- Nong Khai
- Pak Chong
- Pha Taem N.P.
- Phanom Rung
- Phibun Mangsahan
- Phimai
- Phu Sa Dok Bua N.P.
- Sri Chiang Mai
- Surin
- That Phanom
- Ubon Ratchathani
- Udon Thani
- Yasothon
- Eastern Thailand
- Southern Thailand
- About this region
- Ao Nang
- Ao Phang Nga N.M.P.
- Ban Krut
- Bang Saphan Yai
- Betong
- Cha-am
- Chumphon
- Chumphon Beaches
- Haad Nopphara Thara
- Hat Yai
- Hua Hin
- Khao Lak
- Khao Sam Roi Yot N.P.
- Khao Sok N.P.
- Khuraburi
- Krabi
- Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Nakhon Si Thammarat Beaches
- Narathiwat
- Pattani
- Phang Nga Town
- Phattalung
- Phetburi
- Prachuap Khiri Khan
- Railay Beach
- Ranong
- Satun
- Sungai Kolok
- Surat Thani
- Tak Bai
- Takua Pa
- Trang
- Yala
- Islands in Thailand
- About the islands
- Coral and Raya Islands
- Ko Adang
- Ko Bulon Lae
- Ko Chang
- Ko Chang Noi
- Ko Kham
- Ko Kho Khao
- Ko Kradan
- Ko Kut
- Ko Lanta
- Ko Lao Liang
- Ko Libong
- Ko Lipe
- Ko Maak
- Ko Muk
- Ko Mun Nork
- Ko Ngai
- Ko Pha Ngan
- Ko Phayam
- Ko Phi Phi
- Ko Phra Thong
- Ko Ra
- Ko Samet
- Ko Samui
- Ko Si Chang
- Similan islands
- Ko Sukorn
- Ko Surin
- Ko Tao
- Ko Tarutao
- Ko Wai
- Ko Yao Noi
- Ko Yao Yai
- Phuket
Onward travel
-
Ao Mae Haad
Chalok Ban Kao
Ao Thian Ok
Haad Sairee
Ko Tao
Ko Tao East Coast
Ko Nang Yuan
Mango Bay
Ko Pha Ngan North Coast
Ko Pha Ngan West Coast
The above are all within 200km of Haad Sai Nual and Surrounds.
From the blogs
Phrases every visitor to Thailand should know: Sabai
3:11 am, 24 May 2013
Medical facilities on Samui
9:20 pm, 23 May 2013
Hang Dong market, Chiang Mai
2:10 am, 23 May 2013
Beach massage on Samui
1:36 am, 22 May 2013
Hellfire Pass Museum & Memorial Trail, Kanchanaburi
4:22 am, 21 May 2013
Phuket weather: When is the best time to go?
9:39 pm, 20 May 2013
The best of Seetanu Beach, Ko Pha Ngan
12:01 am, 20 May 2013
Review: Rang Kha Mhin Homestay, Bangkok
8:17 am, 19 May 2013
Self-catering on Samui
1:05 am, 18 May 2013
Review: Korbua House, Bangkok
9:38 pm, 17 May 2013
The Cambodia blog
The Indonesia blog
The Laos blog
The Malaysia blog
The Singapore blog
The Thailand blog
The Vietnam blog
Travelfish on Facebook
Newsletter signup
Sign up for Travelfish Burp!
Our weekly wrap on Southeast Asian travel.
Click here to see a recent newsletter.
Thailand FAQ
-
How much should I budget per day for a holiday in Thailand?
What should I pack for a holiday in Thailand?
What is the voltage in Thailand?
Is Thailand safe?
Is Thailand a safe place to travel alone to?
What is the weather like in Thailand?
Can I drink the tap water in Thailand?
Should I bargain for everything I want to buy in Thailand?
Should I bring travellers cheques, credit/debit cards or cash to Thailand?
What standard of acommodation can I expect for US$5?
Can I use drugs in Thailand?
Can I trust the Thai police?
What shouldn't I pack for a holiday in Thailand?
Should I take my own padlock for the door of my room while travelling in Thailand?
What are Thailand's visa requirements?

Haad Sai Nual and Surrounds reviews
Backchat from the Travelfish community
Not a soul has had a thing to say about this place -- why don't you get the ball rolling?