Na Thon Travel Guide
Nathon is the main town of Koh Samui and is home to the majority of Koh Samui's local residents. It is a commercial hub, and not primarily a tourist destination, with a small beach and busy port welcoming the ferries that travel from mainland Surat Thani and the surrounding islands.
- Worth It?
- Only worth using as an entry and exit point.
- What to Do
- make use of the car ferry, shopping and tasting local seafood at Thai style stalls.
- Best Time to Go
- January to April is hot and May to September is slightly more bearable when the cooler sea breezes appear.
- How Long?
- A day.
- Trivia
- Nathon is the capital of Koh Samui.
There are a few local markets that offer a taste of authentic Thai culture and the streets are full of Thais conducting their daily business. There are many places to eat local food on plastic chairs and tables that are great for getting a taste of real Thai food.
Hin Lat Waterfalls are a lovely place to visit and close to Nathon but be prepared for a two-mile hike to the best part of the falls. There is a pool suitable for swimming and a nearby temple and back in the town there are a few cafés to sit and watch the comings and goings of the busy port area.
Travel to Na Thon - Getting There
Nathon is home to the main port in Koh Samui, which welcomes the only car ferries that travel from the island to mainland Thailand, and is an hour away from the island's airport in a taxi or songthaew. Koh Samui Airport has links with Bangkok, where international connections are available.
Nathon attractions
- Hin Lat Waterfalls: the falls are quieter than the more popular ones on the other side of the island but are just as beautiful.
- Lipa Noi: a nearby village that is scenic and pretty with a fantastic beach.
