Nathon · Beaches
Thong Yang Bay
The name of the whole west-coast bay that contains the Lipa Noi beaches: a long, narrow, grey-sand shore running about 4.5 km from the hospital waterfront to the naval base. Views to the Ang Thong islands; quiet and local. Free access via side roads from the ring road, which runs about 2 km inland.
- Free
- Nathon
- Checked 25 Sept
Insider tips
- For swimming use the main Lipa Noi stretch - it has the best sand and no reef.
- The northern and far southern ends are less clean; the centre is best.
- A back road parallel to the coast from near Nathon hospital passes temple grounds - a scenic alternative route.
- Bring supplies; services are spread thin along the bay.
The story
Thong Yang is the name of the bay itself on the west coast - the long curve that holds the Lipa Noi beaches. 5 kilometres from the waterfront by the Koh Samui hospital to the naval base, with a narrow beach (about 5 metres wide, narrower at high tide) of fine grey sand mixed with black sand and shells. From the whole bay you can see the island chain of Ang Thong Marine Park.
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Cleanliness varies: the sections in front of the few hotels are kept clean, while the northern and far southern ends collect natural and human debris. Naming is genuinely confusing and sources disagree: some call the northern long stretch 'Tong Yang beach' and the southern pier pocket 'Lipa Noi', others do the reverse; the village along the bay is Lipa Noi. This record describes the bay as a whole; see the Lipa Noi Beach and Lipa Noi Pier Beach records for the two swimming areas.
Practical notes: the ring road runs about 2 km inland, so you need a scooter, car or taxi (or a walk) to reach the shore; it stays very quiet, with a village feel and views to the islands.
Good to know
- Open 24 hours
- Free
- Late afternoon for light and views to Ang Thong
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 · 5 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 5 other references and local research.
