Taling Ngam Beach Samui

Escape the crowds and discover the real Samui at Taling Ngam Beach Samui in the Gulf of Thailand. From the ring road take route 4170 from Nathon or clockwise past Hua Thanon. Follow signs to Baan Taling Ngam look for two huge elephant statues. The elephants guard the entrance to the rustic village.

The Village

The village of Taling Ngam forms part of the coast. The area has not seen much change compared to other parts of the Island. Taling Ngam village is like time stood still. Secluded resorts make this the perfect quiet get away. Originally named Taling Punk (Damaged Shore). A destructive storm in 1900 ruined the coastline. The area recovered over time and was renamed Taling Ngam (Beautiful Shore) in 1942.

Families in Taling Ngam go back several generations. Descendants of Thai and Chinese migrants made their living through fishing in the village. The villagers are content keeping their traditional lifestyle. Used by merchant traders over 100 years ago Taling Ngam was one of the first seaports on the island of Samui. Locals provided water and provisions to boats that ventured past on their journey through South East Asia.

Landscape

The Taling Ngam landscape is lush and green. Predominantly coconut groves and banana plantations.  Here the jungle truly does meet the beach. Oh, and on the beach don’t be alarmed to see a buffalo or two enjoying a dip in the sea or lazing under a palm tree. Don’t worry they are fairly docile but do not approach them, there is usually a handler nearby. You are likely to see shellfish collected by hand or little clams dug out by wiggling toes in the sand for the evening meal. At Taling Ngam Beach Samui long-tail boats bring in the day’s catch as the sun sets.

Taling Ngam Beach Samui coastline is rocky but at the waters-edge, it is calm and shallow perfect for children. Grab a shady spot under a palm tree on the beach and enjoy it to yourself. Just mind you’re not directly under the line of fire, so to speak the buffaloes have hard horns to deflect falling coconuts but you don’t! To top it off it’s the best spot on the island to catch the setting sun over the beautiful and mysterious Five Islands. The well-known Five Islands Restaurant, a popular location for weddings and viewing the sunset offers long-tail boat trips to view the islands.

Sunsets

Taling Ngam Beach is well known for its spectacular sunsets, and you’ll find a few excellent beach establishments to enjoy a couple of sundowners. Beyond the five islands lies the mainland and coastal towns of Donsak and Khanom. Be sure to add ‘sundowners at Taling Ngam’ to your ‘must do’ on Samui list.

Temple

Village life centres around the local temple Wat Kiri Wongkaram. The grounds house the mummified body of the well-known monk. Luang Por Ruam continues to be very much a presence at the temple today even though he died in 1966. Another mummified monk is at Kunaram Temple near the Na Muang Waterfalls.

In 1979 the temple’s then Head Monk Pra-Kru Pairoj Kiriwong organised the building of the Elephant Gate. Making the entrance to the village and temple more welcoming. Princess Galyani Vadhana (elder sister of the revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej) came to Taling Ngam. She blessed the gate and the black gemstone elephant’s eyes that gaze down on all passing through.

Accommodation

Visitors taking a break on Taling Ngam Beach Samui will find some of the finest resorts on the island. Conrad Samui and Inter-Continental Baan Taling Ngam are located here. There are a few budget and mid-range options available too.