Thongsai Bay is a hundred feet (100 meters) of stunning, tranquil beauty. Located on the northern part of Samui and facing east, the beach is flanked by enormous rocks and is a private beach of the Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui.
Beach Overview
The stretch of sand on Thongsai Beach is about 130 feet (40 meters) wide and remains consistent along its length. The sand is coarse, light yellow, and moderately loose. The hotel staff ensures cleanliness by picking up litter and smoothing the sand every morning.
The beach is not crowded, mostly frequented by hotel guests. Visitors can come independently, and the hotel even provides golf carts for a comfortable ride to the water.
However, beach equipment is reserved exclusively for hotel guests. If you’re interested in other places, check out my brief overview of all Samui beaches to help you choose the perfect spot.
Swimming
The sea at Thongsai is deep, very comfortable for entry, but slightly risky for solo swimming as the depth increases almost immediately within 10-13 feet (3-4 meters). The seabed is made of the same sand as the beach, with underwater rocks closer to the edges. It’s not suitable for children. Waves are constant due to the depth.
Sunbeds and Shade
As mentioned, this is an upscale hotel, everything is very civilized and serious. The administration is accordingly formal, and the guests stroll around in white polo shirts with a noble dreaminess in their eyes. It’s clear that these are affluent individuals, so their comfort is guarded zealously.
Outsiders are not particularly welcomed. They’ll show you the beach, even allow you to stay, but will promptly inform you that the beach, restaurant, and pool are for hotel guests only.
Thus, there are two options for relaxing at Thongsai: endure the heat on the empty beach or bring your own umbrella and defy the system. There is no natural shade at Thongsai.
Beach Photos
Amenities
The area around Thongsai Beach is very secluded. There are mountains to the right, left, and behind. Everything you need can be found at the hotel. If you rent a house hidden behind Thongsai Road, all the conveniences of civilization are just 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) away on Chong Mon, along road 4171.
This section of the road through Chong Mon is similar to the one-way road on Lamai. Here you’ll find mini-markets, tourist shops, travel agencies, equipment rentals, bottled gas stations, cafes, restaurants, laundries, massage parlors, and a market. There are also banks, ATMs, bars, workshops, and more.
In the evenings, this area becomes a pedestrian street, and on Wednesdays, night markets take place. These markets are set up only in the busiest parts of the island: Maenam, Bo Phut, Chong Mon, Chaweng, and Lamai. Chong Mon has excellent infrastructure and provides everything necessary for a full vacation and living.
Nearby attractions for those staying around Thongsai include:
- Plai Laem Sor Temple
- Wan Nuam Naran Temple
- Big Buddha
The Samui Airport is located 3 miles (5 kilometers) from Thongsai. You won’t hear planes on the beach, so there’s no discomfort from this proximity. Planes usually approach or take off over the beaches of Bang Rak and Chaweng.
However, taxi fares to the airport are reasonable. There’s only a restaurant on the beach, and it’s exclusive to hotel guests.
Accommodation
There is only one hotel on Thongsai Beach: the Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui with rates starting at $300-400 per night.
Within a 1.5 miles (2 kilometers) radius from the beach, there are several resorts with rental homes and a few major construction projects, so there are houses available. For example, Samui Grove Villas.
Finding accommodation here is possible, and the area is one of the best on the island, considering the proximity to Chong Mon’s infrastructure. However, for daily swimming, you might prefer a nearby beach with fewer complications, like Thongson or Chong Mon.
If you want to book a hotel in advance or look for accommodation on other beaches, check out my selection of the best hotels on Samui with good ratings and reviews.
How to Find the Beach
You can find Thongsai by following signs to the hotel. Travel along road 4171 towards Chong Mon. After passing Big Buddha, be on the lookout for a long curve starting about 1000 feet (300 meters) ahead. Before entering the curve, turn left.
This is a T-intersection in an open area without buildings or trees, which is rare on the island. From there, follow the signs to the hotel.
