Best beaches in Surat Thani

Top Beaches and Bays

This collection features the primary coastal destinations across Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao in the Gulf of Thailand. It spans from the high-energy nightlife hubs of Chaweng and Haad Rin to the specialized diving bays of Ko Tao, such as Mango Bay and Hin Wong. The list includes diverse geological features like the sandbar at Mae Haad and the sheltered snorkeling reefs of Haad Salad and Ao Tanote.

Dan Taylor from London, UK / CC BY 2.0

Ao Thong Nai Pan Yai

Located on the northeast coast of Ko Pha-ngan, this wide, crescent-shaped bay features shallow waters and soft white sand. It is accessible via a paved road through the island's mountainous interior.

ferda / CC BY 3.0

Ao Muang (Mango Bay)

Snorkelling is the popular pastime here, and it's no wonder: the richness of marine life is spectacular.

Maksim Sundukov / CC BY-SA 3.0

Chaweng Yai Beach

Busy beach lined with bars and restaurants providing a raving nightlife. Lots to do for everyone.

Richard Burford / CC BY 2.0

Lamai Beach

This vast beach complex belongs to the most popular spots in the area. Lots of restaurants and shops to choose from.

CC-BY-SA-3.0

Haad Rin Nok

Hat Rin is a peninsular beach area and town on the southern tip of Ko Pha-ngan, an island in the Gulf of Thailand.

Bob Phillips / CC BY-SA 3.0

Freedom Beach

A small beach on the southern tip of Ko Tao characterized by fine white sand and proximity to the Taa Toh Lagoon. Shallow reefs nearby provide access to coral formations and tropical fish.

Craigb100 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Haad Salad

This remote beach is a getaway for those tired by tourist crowds or backpacker parties. Snorkelling is wonderful here.

Niro5 / CC-BY-SA-3.0

Hat Khuat Beach

Hat Khuat is a beach on the northern portion of Ko Pha-ngan, Thailand.

Haad Khuad bottle beach

Accessible primarily by longtail boat from Chalok Lam, this isolated bay on Ko Pha-ngan's northern coast is enclosed by steep hills. The area is known for deep, calm swimming waters.

Jefta Brunner / CC-BY-SA

Haad Mae Haad

Situated on the northwest tip of Ko Pha-ngan, this beach features a natural sandbar that connects to the small island of Ko Ma during low tide. The surrounding waters are a protected marine area.

Shuki Vaitzman / CC-BY-SA

Haad Yao (West)

This beach lined with resorts is a good base for avid snorkellers and scuba divers. Rich marine life and lots of facilities.

Justin McCrarey / CC-BY-SA

Sai Nuan beach

A quiet, undeveloped cove on the southwest coast of Ko Tao, reachable via a coastal walking trail from Mae Haad. The area is defined by granite boulders and palm groves.

Justin McCrarey / CC-BY-SA

Haad Sai Nuan 1

The first of two small coves on Ko Tao's southwest coast. It maintains a rustic atmosphere with minimal development and clear waters suitable for swimming.

João Gonçalves / CC-BY-SA

Ao Tanote Beach

Located on the east coast of Ko Tao, this bay is rimmed by large boulders and offers direct access to deep-water snorkeling. A large central rock is frequently used for cliff jumping.

Hin Wong Bay

A rugged bay on the east side of Ko Tao surrounded by granite boulders. It is a significant site for snorkeling and scuba diving due to its water clarity and depth.

Ao Hin Wong

This rocky inlet on Ko Tao is known for its abundance of marine life, including schools of yellowtail barracuda. Steep surrounding terrain limits road access to the bay.

Ao Tanot

A deep-water bay on Ko Tao's eastern shore characterized by granite formations and coral reefs. It serves as a primary location for shore-based scuba diving.