Thong Krut · Beaches
Thong Krut Beach
A working fishing-village beach and harbour on the south coast - the departure point for longtail boats to Koh Taen, Koh Madsum and the Five Islands. Not a swimming beach; come for authentic village life, seafood and island views.
- Free
- Thong Krut
- about 2 hours
- Checked 25 Sept
Insider tips
- Longtail boats to Koh Taen/Koh Madsum take only 15-20 minutes - agree the price before boarding.
- The beach at the pier is for boats, not swimming - plan a swim elsewhere the same day.
- Morning is best for boat trips; the village is quiet and photogenic at golden hour.
- Combine with Laem Sor Pagoda and Bang Kao on a south-coast loop.
The story
Thong Krut is a genuine fishing village on the south coast of Koh Samui, and its beach is a working harbour rather than a swimming beach: the water is shallow, fishing boats are moored along the shore, and the sand is shared with boat gear. What makes it worth visiting is the authentic atmosphere - wooden waterfront shacks, fishermen repairing longtail boats and nets, simple seafood places serving the day's catch, and almost no mainstream tourism. Thong Krut pier is the main departure point for longtail boats to the nearby islands Koh Taen (Koh Tan), Koh Madsum (known for its beach pigs) and the Five Islands group - trips take about 15-20 minutes by boat.
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To get there from Nathon, head south on the ring road (4169), turn right after the police booth onto road 4170 and follow it to the village. Come in the morning for boat trips or late afternoon for sunset light over the harbour. Swimming is not recommended here; for a swim, continue to other coasts.
Good to know
- Open 24 hours; boat trips run in daylight
- Free
- about 2 hours
- Morning (8:00-10:00) for boat trips; late afternoon for harbour views
- Hardly affected by weather
- Scooter access: Yes
- Car access: Yes
Plan a visit
Free route: you go by your own scooter, car or on foot and we work out the order. Private tour: a local driver picks you up and takes you.
Checked 25 Sept 2026 · 8 sources
Sources and last check
- Last checked
- 25 Sept 2026
- What was checked
- Details checked 25 Sept 2026
- Next check due
- September 2027
Official sources
No official source published yet for this page.
Plus 8 other references and local research.
