Thong Nai Pan Beach

About Thong Nai Pan

Thong Nai Pan is two things: a genuinely beautiful pair of beaches and a bit of an adventure to reach. The mountain road from the main highway is steep, narrow, and mostly unpaved — but the scenery along the way (and the view when you arrive) makes it worth it every time.

The two bays sit side by side on the east coast, separated by a small rocky headland. Thong Nai Pan Yai (the bigger one) has more infrastructure — resorts, restaurants, a handful of bars. Thong Nai Pan Noi is smaller, quieter, and arguably more beautiful.

The Beaches

White sand, clear water, dramatic hillsides dropping down to the shore. It's the kind of scenery that makes you put your phone down for a while. The water is calm most of the year on this side — the east coast is sheltered from the prevailing winds for much of the high season.

Swimming is excellent. There's no major reef for snorkelling, but the water clarity is good. Kayak rental is available and paddling between the two bays around the headland takes about 20 minutes.

Getting There — Important 2026 Update

The main mountain road to Thong Nai Pan is currently being repaired (July–August 2026). There's a longer detour via Ban Chalok Lam on the north coast that adds 20–25 minutes.

Honestly the boat from Thong Sala pier (around 200 baht per person) is the best option right now — and often the best option even when the road is open. The boat ride along the coast is spectacular, and you arrive right at the beach. Boats run throughout the day.

Staying at Thong Nai Pan

There's a good range of bungalow guesthouses and small resorts at Thong Nai Pan Yai. A few of the nicest accommodation options on the island are here — villa-style places on the hillside with sea views. Prices are reasonable outside of high season.

The restaurant scene is limited but covers the basics well — Luna Lounge for French/international in Thong Nai Pan Noi, Yukinoya for Japanese and seafood, Bistro At The Beach for beachfront seafood BBQ, and Ram&Pha for solid everyday Thai. Some of the beachfront restaurants have sunset views that are very hard to beat.

Tips

• Go in the morning — the light is better and the water is usually glassier
• Bring more cash than you think — the ATM situation is non-existent (nearest one is in Thong Sala)
• If riding a bike, take the PCX 150 or similar — the mountain road needs a bit more power
• Check road repair status before heading over the mountain — see our news section