Thongson Bay, also spelled Tongson Bay, is a tranquil haven on the island of Samui. Known for its serene atmosphere, this uncrowded gem offers clear waters and a relaxing environment perfect for those seeking peace and quiet.
Variants of the name include Thong-Son and Thongson. Discover the calm beauty of Thongson Bay and experience a slice of paradise.
Beach Overview
Thongson Beach from left to right:
- The first 250 meters are rocky.
- The next 250 meters are sandy, where most of the beachgoers gather.
- There’s a small rocky area and the hidden gem of Thongson Bay — a small secret beach in a secluded area.
Thongson Bay’s beach maintains a consistent width along its stretch. The sand here is grayish, very fine, and quite sticky, making it nearly impossible to shake off when wet. Near the water in the surf zone, the sand becomes coarser and is mixed with small pebbles and shells.
Cleanliness on Thongson Beach is diligently maintained by the staff of the Melati Beach Resort & SPA. The area in front of the hotel and the eastern part of the beach is impeccably clean, free of dried seaweed, old coconuts, and plastic bottles. However, the western end of the beach is a bit dirtier, but the debris found there is natural.
Unlike Chaweng Noi Beach, Thongson Beach is free of storm drains, water pipes, power lines, or smelly streams.
During the high season, Thongson Beach is less crowded than Chaweng, Lamai, and Maenam. You might encounter many European-speaking tourists, often families enjoying the tranquil surroundings. Despite the number of visitors, there’s no need to seek out secluded corners for privacy.
A natural paddling pool for kids can be found about ten feet (3 meters) from a large shady tree. This allows parents to relax on a beach mat while their children play safely. As the tide recedes, the pool becomes a shallow, warm water area with stones by noon.
Swimming
Before low tide, the sea entry at Thongson Bay is relatively free of rocks and corals, which are further from the shore and don’t interfere with swimming. The water depth allows adults to swim up to 100 feet (30 meters) from the shore without touching the bottom.
After low tide, the sea recedes closer to the underwater obstacles, and you need to find clear patches of sandy bottom to walk on safely. The sea becomes very shallow, which is great for preschoolers, but older kids and adults need to go 150-300 feet (50-100 meters) further out.
At peak low tide, the water depth 150 feet (50 meters) from the shore is just above an adult’s knee. Thongson Beach rarely has large waves and doesn’t experience the seasonal underwater currents seen at Lamai. There’s no dangerous marine life here either.
Despite this, it’s not recommended to swim far from the shore in the evening or at night to avoid encounters with jellyfish.
Sunbeds and Shade
The sunbeds are not for public use and belong to the hotel. There are no sunbed rentals on the beach. There are only two natural sources of shade on the beach: a palm tree in front of the Melati Beach Resort & SPA and a large tree on the eastern edge of Thongson.
Beach Photo
Hidden Beach
Amenities
Thongson Bay is located on the northern part of Koh Samui, in the least populated area. Near the beach is the large Melati Beach Resort & SPA, which stretches for 300 meters from the sea.
The nearest Thai shop is half a kilometer away. The shop’s assortment is minimal: beer, chips, and instant noodles. There’s also a water machine. The nearest 7-Eleven is almost a kilometer away, at the intersection with Ring Road.
On the way to Ring Road, you’ll find laundries, water machines, and Thai cafes. Major supermarkets are about 9-10 kilometers away, a twenty-minute drive without traffic.
Nearby attractions for those staying in the Thongson area include Plai Laem Sor Temple and Big Buddha, both about a ten-minute drive from the beach. Samui Airport is located five kilometers from Thongson.
The planes are not audible from the beach, so there’s no discomfort from this proximity. The taxi fare to the airport is the best on the island. Activities include kayak rentals and a single restaurant with affordable cocktail prices.
Accommodation
Looking out at the sea from a sunbed at Melati Beach Resort & SPA, to the right of the hotel is a resort with a dozen bungalows.
Within a kilometer of Melati, there are several resorts and a newly built condominium, Tse Residence by Samui Emerald Condominiums. Currently, the area has more jungle than buildings.
To the right in the mountains, road construction is in full swing, and soon the area will see more development. If you want to book a hotel in advance or look for accommodation on other beaches, I have a selection of highly-rated hotels on Samui with good reviews.
How to Find the Beach
You need to drive to the arch over the road leading to Big Buddha. Near this arch, the road turns right, and after about 500 meters, you’ll see a Family Market. Turn left behind the Family Market and continue until you reach the large wooden sign for Melati Beach Resort & SPA.
Follow the signs for Nantra Thongson Bay Resort & Villas. There is a fairly large, free parking area with shade near the beach entrance, accommodating about ten cars.