Thong Krut is set between the ocean and the coconut plantations in the deep south west of Koh Samui and is the place to visit if you are looking to appreciate the quieter side of Koh Samui’s island life and to enjoy the fabulous scenery.
This small picturesque fishing village is a great place to enjoy a spot of lunch in one of the restaurants many of which are within walking distance of the villas which overlook the moored up brightly coloured long tail tour boats.
The restaurants appear to be slowly increasing in number as travellers have recognised the beauty of the area and decide to stop a while which has a choice of Thai style rustic eateries, classier establishments as well as a small beachside "pub".
Thong Krut is a place to visit if you are looking to appreciate the quieter side of Koh Samui’s island life and to enjoy the fabulous scenery. Located on the south west coast set between the ocean and coconut plantations, this small picturesque fishing village is a great place to enjoy a spot of lunch in one of the restaurants overlooking the moored up brightly coloured long tail tour boats and some of the restaurants have even provided sun loungers on the sand.
There is a great community spirit here with the main lifestyle here revolves around fishing, however some of the restaurants as well as a couple of tour shops have ventured into the sightseeing boat tour business, using longtail boats rather than speed boats to give tourists an authentic Thai experience and to assist with the community economy.
The tours will take you to Koh Tan for what is considered some of the best snorkelling, closest to Koh Samui and to Koh Matsum further south, with its long white beach - perfect for swiming and relaxing on a day trip to relax and chill out with a picnic. Sunsets are amazing at this spot and trips at sunset are also available.
The charm of Thong Krut s now attracting a limited amount of development activity with The Beach Samui - a block of eco friendly private residences opening recently on the waterside.
Although when you are here you feel you are in a different world to the bustling north east of Koh Samui, the village is less 20 minutes drive from Lamai with it's popular restaurant lined long sandy beach, plenty of shopping and lively nightlife.
To the west it is just 10 minutes to beautiful Ban Taling Ngam with a small choice of restaurants including the popular Five Islands Restaurant - a fabulous place for a cocktail watching the sun go down. 5 minutes further north is the beautiful long stretch of sand of Lipa Noi beach where Nikki Beach the famous beach club is located offering events and entertainment including movie nights.
Spas and Wellbeing
Elements Boutique Resort & Spa
In nearby Ban Phang Ka is snuggled down on the Southwest corner of Samui Island.
(http://elements-koh-samui.com/spa-serenity.php)
Kamala Spa and Wellness Centre
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa Resort is an award winning centre offering programmes in detox, yoga, stress and burnout, fitness and weight control.
http://www.kamalaya.com/index.htm
Although Thong Krut is a small fishing village in a quiet area of Koh Samui there are lots of things to do. It makes a great base for boat trips to see local islands or to go fishing.
Boat Trips
Long tail boat trips can be booked at the local restaurants and offer half day snorkeling or sightseeing tours to the islands.
Kayaking
Kayaks can be hired separately or part of a snorkeling trip
Para Sailing
The nearby beaches along the south coats at Baan Laem Sett and Natien have outlets for enjoying para sailing.
Big Game Fishing Trip
Thong Krut is considered the best place to arrange a fishing trip with overnight fishing also offered.
Shopping
The Naga Pearl shop in the village sells variety of pearl jewelry and products created from the pearls brought in from the oyster beds in the islands offshore.
Yoga
The spiritualism here lends itself to yoga and there are establishments nearby to practice yoga.
Nuch's Green Ta'lay Restaurant
One of the top rated restaurants on Koh Samui located within the inner Thong Krut village. Set in a clean peaceful garden setting, with the front decks surrounded by fragrant delivering excellent authentic Thai cuisine
www.nuchsgreentalayrestaurant.com
The Beach Restaurant
Located at the end of the road bordering the coast and set in a large plot with tables on the lawn at the waters edge. Great place for a refreshing drink on a stop off on your tour round Koh Samui with plenty of room to park.
TK Tour Restaurant
This is one of the rustic Thai syle restaurants located in the centre of the bay and serves delicious Thai cuisine inside and on the beach. TK Tour is better known for being TK Tour Operator as they have been operating boat tours on Koh Samui for many years. To encourage you to stay a whiles and enjoy the scenery hey have su loungers on the beach in front of the restaurant.
The Hideaway Pub
Located in the eastern end of the waterside strip is the Hideaway owned by Peter fromthe UK. Popular with the ex pats it is open from noon to 6pm every day except Saturday and serves both Thai dishes and western favourites including baked potatoes with a western style BBQ on a Friday night. Sunday lunches are popular but are not served during the busy high season. Tables are limited and booking is recommended.
http://www.hideaway.pub
Boys Coffee Shop
Not an eatery but worth mentioning is this delightful coffee shop located right opposite the 7/11 in the village. Boy is from Chiang Mai and but has lived in Koh Samui for 10 years opening his organic coffee shop 4 years ago. The coffee and tea he brews in the shop is purely organic which he sources from the highlands back where he was brought up in Chiang Mai. The little coffee place was easily missed previously being just a small shop with limited seating however his fame on trip advisor with positive comments has led to travellers seeking him out to stop and enjoy a cup of organic coffee and tea.
There is also a small bungalow resort which has a pizzaria restaurant on the beach.
Thailand Retreats Ltd Trading as Thailand Retreats. Company No. 84649 4 Warwick House, St. Saviour, Jersey, Channel Islands
