Phang Ka Beach feels more like a large lagoon with a tropical backdrop. Located near Thong Krut and Thong Tanod beaches on the southwestern coast of Samui, Phang Ka stretches for about 600 meters (1,968 feet) from south to east. Nestled between Laem Hin Khom cape and the secluded part of Taling Ngam Beach, it offers a quiet, hidden escape.
Beach Overview
Phang Ka Beach, when viewed from above, has an almost square shape with an artificial channel for boats in the southern part. Like most southern beaches on Samui, Phang Ka is very shallow, quiet, and not well-maintained. The sand comes in two textures:
Light brown and coarse near the shore, lighter and finer closer to the water.
Cleanliness is only maintained near one of the three hotels, separated by large empty lots. The beach remains wild, with debris from both people and the sea, and is cleaned only by the tides.
The presence of numerous boats, fishing gear, and equipment doesn’t add much charm to the beach. While there are some visitors sunbathing, Phang Ka is far from being crowded or noisy.
Three kilometers (1.8 miles) south lie the “Coral Islands,” a group of small islands popular with tourists, snorkelers, and those seeking a more remote beach experience. These include Koh Taen, Koh Mat Sum, Koh Wang Nai, Koh Rhab, and a few unnamed islets. If you’re curious about other beaches, I’ve got a guide to help you choose.
Swimming
The shallow waters at Phang Ka stretch up to 700 meters (2,297 feet) out to sea. When the tide retreats, a vast expanse of exposed sand emerges, rivaling the shallows of Nathon Beach near the aquarium. The walk into the water here is the longest on Samui.
To reach water even a meter (3 feet) deep, you’ll need to trek across the former seabed under the blazing sun, all the way to the edge of the shallows. It’s not the most pleasant experience, and you’ll definitely need special water shoes. Swimming at Phang Ka isn’t really possible, whether the weather is good or bad.
Bringing kids here doesn’t make much sense either, as you’ll tire yourself out just running back and forth to the water. Because of the extremely flat seabed, Phang Ka never gets any waves.
Sunbeds and Shade
It’s nice to see that the three resorts along Phang Ka Beach haven’t forgotten how to attract guests. There are sun loungers, umbrellas, and even bean bags available, which you can use by making arrangements with the staff.
Phang Ka Beach – a dry lagoon.
For those seeking a more natural experience with their own beach mat, there’s plenty of natural shade. However, it’s far from the water. On Phang Ka, everything is far from the water, at least until the tide comes in.
Beach Photos
Amenities
Phang Ka Beach isn’t located in one of the island’s most popular areas, but its proximity to a large hotel without its own beach has boosted the entertainment options here. You can rent all kinds of watercraft, from kayaks to boats and catamarans.
Jet skis, longtail boats, tours to the nearby Coral Islands, sea excursions, diving, and snorkeling—everything is available. On the shore, there’s the Anandamaya Yoga Center, a large parking lot, and a boat ramp for launching vessels.
As for shopping, Phang Ka doesn’t have much to offer. Mini-markets are scarce, and there are only a few local shops selling beer, chips, and instant noodles. Most long-term residents do their grocery shopping at the nearest Lotus’s supermarket, located in Lamai.
There are no standalone restaurants along the shore, but hotel restaurants are available. Nearby Phang Ka, there are a few attractions worth visiting:
- Laem Sor Pagoda
- Wat Kiri Mat Temple
- An abandoned concrete pier near the temple
- Mangrove forests with a walking bridge
Accommodation
On the cliffs of Laem Hin Khom, at the southern end of Phang Ka Beach, is the luxurious Conrad Koh Samui Residences, a 5-star hotel. Despite its high-end pricing, Conrad doesn’t have its own beach. Phang Ka itself has only three hotels directly on the beach, while several resorts and rental homes are scattered between the beach and Route 4170.
Well-reviewed beachfront hotels include:
- Solymar Villa
- Phangka Paradise Resort
The northern end of the beach meets a hill with patches of jungle cleared for future development. If you’re planning to book a hotel here or explore other beach accommodations, I have a list of highly-rated Samui hotels.
How to Find the Beach
Reaching Phang Ka Beach is easy, with plenty of open space for parking and access to the water without crossing private land. Follow the Ring Road to one of two exits onto Route 4170. When you reach a large intersection where Route 4170 turns sharply, look for the beautiful Buddhist gates with a sign for Wat Kirimat temple, and turn there.
Follow the signs to Elements Boutique, and the road will lead you to a local man in a wheelchair who sells sea tours and soft drinks.
Google Reviews
