Two kilometres of shallow water, half of which is protected by concrete and the other half represents one of Koh Samui’s less clean beaches. Nathon is Samui’s administrative centre, after which Nathon Beach is named. This is the island’s only settlement that can, with a slight stretch, be called a town.
Beach Overview
The first half of Nathon Beach is wild and neglected. The width of the sand strip from Lipa Yai river and the marine police office to the rectangular turn of the one-way road is about sixty-five feet (20 metres). Ordinary yellow sand that becomes a muddy bottom and is exposed daily at low tides.
The second half of Nathon Beach is simply a waterfront. It runs from the road turn, along the pedestrian path, past SeaTran pier to the large seafood warehouse – there’s no sandy beach in Nathon. At high tides the sea approaches the waterfront itself, leaving no space for lying down or strolling.
Nathon is a densely populated settlement with all the consequences that follow. Tonnes of rubbish don’t float along the shore, but the proximity of the pier and huge number of boats, launches, ships and ferries don’t add transparency to local waters.
There are more than enough people on the waterfront – even during night hours Nathon is very lively. The sandy beach runs along a palm grove without development, so there are usually few people there.
Nathon Beach is an urban beach. Lots of civilisation and little nature. The main beach scenery consists of sea vessels. But there’s one “But”.
Swimming
Laem Yai Beach transitions into Bang Makhem Beach, which in turn transitions into Nathon Beach. All three beaches have unique photogenic qualities during low tides. The sea retreats a very great distance, leaving large islands of sandy bottom and small lakes of seawater.
Due to sky reflections in these lakes, stunning photographs result, so all three beaches are favourite spots for photoshoots among local photographers. The sea isn’t suitable for swimming – waves only occur during storms.
Sunbeds and Shade
Since the sea in this place is used not for recreation but for work, there are no sun loungers, umbrellas or usual marine entertainment here. But there’s plenty of shade under trees on the waterfront.
The main beach visitors after low tide are photographers and their models, tourists on mopeds and fishermen who dig molluscs out of the silt.
Beach Photos
Amenities
As gloomy as things are with beach recreation in Nathon, the concentration of everything necessary for island life is just as high here. Shops, hotels, attractions, market, port, main government service offices, Samui’s cheapest hospital.
The only minus is that the airport and nearest hypermarket are at the other end of the island. There are masses of places to visit in the vicinity:
- Chinese temple in Nathon;
- Si Taweep temple;
- Nathon temple;
- Hin Lad waterfall;
- Night market on the waterfront near the pier;
- Zong Raue waterfall.
Accommodation
Among masses of commercial, administrative, food and financial establishments, Nathon has several large hotels. But the main concentration of rental accommodation is behind the town, inland.
Very large selection, very different price ranges. Most accommodation closest to the pier generally doesn’t shine with gloss, but you can find quite acceptable options for stopping.
- Oyo 629 Chaytalay Palace Hotel 2
- Nathon Residence 2
- Win Hotel 2
- Jinta City Hotel 3
These are all quite budget and democratic options, without luxury sky-high room prices.
How to Find the Beach
Since Nathon Beach is simultaneously its waterfront, you won’t need to search for the sea. If you’re entering Nathon from Lamai, the one-way road will lead you through the port anyway.
If you’ve come from Maenam, after driving through the entire town on the one-way road, turn right where one-way traffic ends, opposite the Honda motorcycle sales centre.
