Why Sunsets Are West and Sunrises Are East: Using the Compass on Samui

Because the island is small and its coasts face definite directions, orientation is easy once you know the map. East coast beaches (Chaweng, Lamai) face the sunrise; west coast spots (Nathon pier, Lipa Noi, Taling Ngam) face the sunset over the Gulf of Thailand and the Ang Thong archipelago - Nathon's fiery sunsets are locally famous. The north coast (Maenam, Bophut, Bangrak) looks across to Koh Phangan, which shelters those beaches and keeps their water calm. Historical note: before the ring road, watching a Lamai sunrise and a Lipa Noi sunset on the same day was impossible - the jungle crossing took a full day.

Details

Because the island is small and its coasts face definite directions, orientation is easy once you know the map. East coast beaches (Chaweng, Lamai) face the sunrise; west coast spots (Nathon pier, Lipa Noi, Taling Ngam) face the sunset over the Gulf of Thailand and the Ang Thong archipelago - Nathon's fiery sunsets are locally famous. The north coast (Maenam, Bophut, Bangrak) looks across to Koh Phangan, which shelters those beaches and keeps their water calm. Historical note: before the ring road, watching a Lamai sunrise and a Lipa Noi sunset on the same day was impossible - the jungle crossing took a full day.

Highlights

• East coast = sunrise beaches (Chaweng, Lamai)
• West coast = sunsets over Ang Thong (Nathon, Lipa Noi, Taling Ngam)
• North coast faces Koh Phangan; the island shelters those beaches
• Same-day sunrise + sunset only became possible with the ring road

Local tips

• For sunset with a local feel, Nathon pier is free and uncrowded on weekdays
• North-coast water is calmest because Koh Phangan blocks the open sea

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best sunset on Koh Samui?

Anywhere on the west coast - Nathon pier, Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam face the sun setting over the Ang Thong islands. East coast beaches face the sunrise instead.