Hua Thanon Beach

Hua Thanon is a traditional Muslim fishing village beach — authentic and culturally interesting, but not a pristine swimming beach. This is one of the oldest settlements on Koh Samui and home to the island's Muslim fishing community. The village retains a traditional character largely untouched by tourism — a genuine contrast to the resort beaches elsewhere on the island.

Hua Thanon Beach stretches approximately 1.5 km along the southeast coast. The sand is soft golden to grainy with a light reddish or grey-white tone in places — not a fine white sand beach, and the character matches the working village setting.

Sections near the fishing boats can be dirty, with litter, nets, and debris from the working harbour. This is a working fishing village, not a manicured resort beach. Set expectations accordingly: come for the village atmosphere, seafood, and cultural experience rather than a postcard-perfect beach day. The cleaner sections of sand are found away from the boat mooring area.

Swimming is possible in parts of the beach away from the fishing boat area, but water clarity is variable due to the coral seabed and boat activity. The central section near the village is less ideal for swimming. Parts of the seabed are coral, which can be sharp underfoot — water shoes are recommended, especially at low tide when coral is more exposed. Avoid swimming directly near the fishing boats.

Casual snorkelling is possible beyond the nearshore coral, but conditions are modest. Best swimming and snorkelling conditions are during high season (December–March) when seas are calmest and visibility improves.

Hua Thanon village has some of the island's best and most affordable seafood, sold fresh from the morning catch. Small restaurants and a local market in the village are the main draw — this is where islanders come to eat, not tourists.

Accessible by car, motorbike, or taxi via the coastal road south of Lamai. Parking is available near the village.