Samui's south coast, from Na Tien and Laem Set in the east through to Thong Krut in the west, is about as low-key as Ko Samui gets. Long sweeping white to grey sandy beaches with shallow waters – often mud flats at low tide – are interrupted by the occasional fishing port anchorage, midrange resorts and private residences.
Travel better, travel smarter
Save money, receive our latest updates and get the most out of your travels.
A seafood restaurant here, a beach bar there. Off the main throughfare, winding, little trafficked roads with confusing signposting weave between coconut plantations. Every now and then you get emptied out onto an expansive stretch of beach good for a long slow stroll or a paddle in the shallow waters. Blisteringly hot in the midday heat but with a cooling sea breeze in the late afternoon; expect coconuts everywhere. This is Samui's south coast.
Spot of kiteboarding on Laem Set. Photo: Rosanne Turner
Very little developed, there are more private homes than hotels and the properties are very spread out. At the eastern end, where Hua Thanon bleeds into Natien, are a couple of beach clubish places, then you pass by the abandoned Laem Set Inn and the (still open!) Centara Villas, with its associated Butterfly Garden. From here the road turns west, passing by the salubrious and healthy Kamalaya, and a little further on Banburee, after which it cuts inland a little.
A little west of Banburee a river breaks the beach (by Samui Kayak) and then Bang Kao beach runs in pretty much one long span of sand right across to Laem Sor headland in the east. There are a few resorts along here, notably Easy Time Family Resort, and Bang Kao Seafood on the beach at Bang Kao village, by the fishing boat anchorage, is a good spot to eat. But by and large, this is a largely undeveloped ... Travelfish members only (Around 500 more words) ... please log in to read the rest of this story.
Don’t miss the boat!
Please subscribe to Travelfish.org to read the rest of this article, or log in here.
Subscribing to Travelfish costs A$35 per year and it gets you access to more than 200 downloadable guides to specific destinations, fabulous discount coupons and 50% off our personalised travel planning service. Sign up here.
By
Stuart McDonald.
Last updated on 25th September, 2016.
Popular hotels in Ko Samui on Agoda
(7 reviews)
(8 reviews)
(201 reviews)
(38 reviews)
(7 reviews)
Location map for Natien, Laem Set, Bang Kao and Thong Krut
Popular attractions in Ko Samui
A selection of some of our favourite sights and activities around Ko Samui.
Best places to stay in Ko Samui
A selection of some of our favourite places to stay in Ko Samui.
What next?
Browse our independent reviews of places to stay in and around Ko Samui.
Check prices, availability & reviews on Agoda or Booking
Read up on where to eat on Ko Samui.
Check out our listings of things to do in and around Ko Samui.
Read up on how to get to Ko Samui, or book your transport online with 12Go Asia.
Do you have travel insurance yet? If not, find out why you need it.
Planning on riding a scooter in Ko Samui? Please read this.
Buy a SIM card for Thailand—pick it up at the airport when you arrive.
Browse the web securely while travelling with TunnelBear. Try with a 7–day free trial.
