Thong Krut Beach Samui

Located south of the Island is Thong Krut Beach Samui. A great place to enjoy a traditional quiet village life. With its brightly coloured fishing boats and the backdrop of small islands to the one side and coconut plantations to the other Thong Krut Beach Samui is a picturesque little village. A wonderful school Watsanti and the temple in the coconut forest, give you a real feel for Thai life. On the shoreline is a selection of simple restaurants offering Thai and International food.

Due to increased tourism livelihoods have become more of a challenge over the last decade. While traditionally village children would follow in their parent’s footsteps this is no longer the case due to the incline of fishing.

Accommodation

The accommodation on Thong Krut Beach Samui is limited. Making a day adventure to this little village of fishing boats and coconuts are well worth it. Arrive early or stay late as here you’ll see great sunrises and sunsets with views of the little islands. The Thong Krut Beach Samui is about one kilometre long with very few beach vendors if you see any at all.

Don’t expect endless sun-loungers with martinis on call. For a little tranquillity and an insight into village life, it’s worth spending an afternoon in a beachside café with a good book or good company. If you’re keen to experience the local way of life Thong Krut is the place to go explore.

Boats to Neighbouring Islands

The long-tail boats take you to the small islands of Koh Taen and Koh Matsum. Several boat operators work on Thong Krut Beach Samui from this small harbour. From this peaceful shallow bay, boats make the journey to these two small islands. Although prices are fixed negotiate a better rate with a smile and if refused accept gracefully.

Koh Taen

Koh Taen is a few hundred metres off the coast of Thong Krut. The giant clams, coral and various tropical fish live in and around the protected reefs. Koh Taen is known throughout the region as ‘the island without dogs’. According to local legend dogs taken to live there quickly lost their mind. Oddly the local dog population seems unaffected by this fate. The inaudible high-pitched calls of the bats cause the dogs to behave oddly.

There’s just one small village on Koh Taen with a population of about 30 people. Earning their main living from fishing. Very limited tourist facilities on the Island. Accommodation is five simple bungalows and an authentic Thai restaurant. The island is roughly triangular in shape with three distinct hills. Khao Kiam south of the Island the highest at 218m above sea level covered with lush evergreen forest. Unofficially named ‘Coral Island’ Koh Taen is the best snorkelling you will find in such close proximity to Koh Samui.

Koh Matsum

The island of Koh Matsum is south of Koh Taen Island.  The long white beach makes it a popular spot for a day trip and picnics with the locals. Trips with long-tail boats usually leave at 09:30 and return at 15:00. The trip includes snorkelling around the island of Koh Taen with equipment included. Koh Matsum beach is a perfect setting for lunch where you will have time for a bit of relaxing too. The views across the ocean are spectacular. The island is home to wild boars and their babies who roam freely around the island. There are no dogs or electric on the island of Koh Matsum.