Ban Tai beach is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in the northern coast of Koh Samui. Small, but very picturesque, it is chosen by many families with children.
We’ve tried to collect all necessary and up-to-date information about Koh Samui’s Ban Tai beach. Keep reading our ultimate travel guide that include topics like: beach infrastructure, best time to visit, accommodation options and things to do.
General Info
Ban Tai beach stretches for almost a kilometer and is one of the smallest beaches in Koh Samui island.
It’s distinctive features are shallow waters, white fine sand, turquoise sea and nice views on the Ko Phangan island.
Sprawling palm trees line the beach which is pretty narrow. During high tides certain part of Ban Tai beach goes under water.
How to Get There
Koh Samui beach Ban Tai is easy to find. It is located within 10 minutes walk from the ring road 4169. Convenience store 7-11 on one hand and Noodle shop on the other will be your main guides. Just follow the path between those two establishments, in 10 minutes you’ll be at the place.
If you go to Ban Tai from the crowded neighboring Mae Nam beach which is about 5 km to the west towards the administrative capital of the island, the city of Nathon, you will need to turn off at the sign for Mimosa Resort (“Mimosa” is the second name of the beach). The country road will lead you to the sea.
Ban Tai Beach Infrastructure
Ban Tai beach on Koh Samui is conditionally divided into two parts. The area marked with a parking sign for bikes, to which a country road leads, is not very suitable for cool time spending.
There are many rocks, sea vegetation on Ban Tai, so you should be careful while entering the water.
For better experience move to the left from the parking lot along the sea towards the hotels. There are more chances that the sand will be cleaner and the infrastructure is more organised.
The symbolic entrance to this Koh Samui beach is marked by a palm tree leaning over the gentle surf with a bright banner: Mimosa Resort.
Behind it, there is a picturesque bungalow where grill bar is located, white sun loungers and multi-colored umbrellas are placed on the sand, and in the sea distance on the horizon the outlines of mountainous neighboring islands turn blue.
Where to Stay
There are several accomodation options near Koh Samui’s Ban Tai beach.
1. One of the most popular is Mimosa resort. It is very nice, family-friendly 4-star hotel, located right on the beach. It is a quiet place with ocean view rooms. Click here, to check prices and availability.
2. Another option is La Perle Boutique Hotel. It also has 4-star and is ideal for families with kids with many activities to keep small visitors entertained. You can check prices here.
3. More budget-friendly option is Jasmine & Tea House. Small, but really cozy place with positive visitors reviews. It is 2-star hotel located near Ban Tai beach, check the availability here.
4. Within 5 minutes walk from Bantai beach there is another place to stay – Baan Tropicana. This is 3-star hotel with villas surrounded by lush greenery. Get more details here.
Ban Tai Beach Sand and Water
The white sand on Ban Tai is fine, like flour, although not as shining as on Chaweng Beach. The main advantage of Ban Tai beach is when it’s problematic to enter the water on Chaweng due to strong waves, on Ban Tai the sea remains calm. It’s getting restless only during rainy season.
Ban Tai in Koh Samui can hardly be called an ideal place for swimming, due to shallow waters. Tides play important role on how deep nearby waters will be in upcoming hours. Usually, adults have to walk in ankle-deep water for up to 30 meters before it will be possible to swim.
That’s why this beach is preferred location among families with small kids. They can splash in warm shallow waters, while their parents enjoy cocktail or sunbathe.
This beach has its drawbacks: a large number of stones, underwater rocks and other things that can hurt, so you need to be careful when entering the water.
In February, the number of algae in coastal waters increases. In April, you can become a witness to such phenomenon as “sea bloom”. Even though the weather is great during this time and water is warm and calm, huge amount of dead plankton makes sea not so attractive.
Settle down on Ban Tai Beach on Koh Samui in the shade of palm trees, or, if you wish – in the sun, closer to the ocean. On the left side of the beach, a rocky cape cuts into the sea.
Bypassing it you will find yourself on a wild beach where you can meet nudists.
Things to Do and Nearby Attractions
There are not so many things to do near the beach. You can visit the cape that borders the beach on the right side. Many people visit this place for nice views, but most of them agree that it looks a bit abandoned and unkempt.
Just 7 km inland and you can visit Elephant Sanctuary. Don’t expect to ride animals or that they will present some show to you. You will have the chance to take care of the elephants, cook them lunch or help with bathing. Join the tour with transfers to visit the place.
To explore Koh Samui surroundings you’ll either need to rent a car or scooter, or participate in day tours. Check the most interesting of them below.
