Information
Landmark: Jansom BayCity: Koh Tao
Country: Thailand
Continent: Asia
Jansom Bay, Koh Tao, Thailand, Asia
Overview
Jansom Bay, tucked away on Koh Tao’s west coast, is a quiet stretch of golden sand just a short stroll from Mae Haad Pier.This secluded private bay, with water so clear you can see fish flicker below the surface and sand as white as sugar, offers a quiet retreat far from the noise of the crowds.It’s on Koh Tao’s west coast, just a 10–15 minute walk from Mae Haad Pier, past the little cafés lining the shore.You can get here on foot or by boat-there’s no road for cars, just a narrow trail through the pines.The best time to go is from morning until early afternoon, when the water’s clear and the crowds are thin.It’s 200 THB per person to get in, since the area belongs to a private resort.What makes Jansom Bay worth the trip?Tucked away from the crowds, Jansom Bay feels calm and private, with only the soft rush of waves breaking the quiet.Snorkeling here is unforgettable-the bay bursts with bright coral, darting fish in every shade, and now and then, a sleek blacktip reef shark gliding past.Soft white sand warms your toes, and the clear blue water invites you in-perfect for a swim or stretching out under the sun.It’s just a short stroll from Mae Haad, so you can be on this quiet private beach before the sand even warms under your feet.Top activities to enjoy at Jansom Bay, from swimming in clear turquoise water to strolling along its quiet, sandy shore.The best snorkeling is along the bay’s rocky edges, where the coral blooms in thick, bright clusters.You might spot parrotfish nibbling at coral, bright butterflyfish, graceful angelfish, and, if you’re lucky, a sleek blacktip reef shark gliding past.You can rent snorkeling gear at the resort, or just bring your own mask and fins.Number two.The water’s so clear you can see the pebbles under your feet, and its gentle stillness makes swimming both safe and a pleasure.Because it’s a private beach, you’ll hardly see a crowd, so you can stretch out on the warm sand and truly relax.Three.The bay’s a photographer’s dream, with turquoise water glinting in the sun, smooth granite boulders warm to the touch, and a fringe of lush green all around.From Jansom Bay, the sun slips into the sea right in front of you, painting the water gold as the west-facing beach catches the last light.The best time to go is in the morning, between 8 and 11, when the water lies smooth as glass-perfect for snorkeling.Afternoons, from noon to three, are perfect for stretching out in the warm sun and soaking up the quiet.Skip a trip between October and December, when storms churn the sea into a choppy, gray mess.Finding your way to Jansom Bay is easy-just follow the narrow path until you hear the soft crash of waves.The easiest way to reach Jansom Bay is to walk from Mae Haad Pier-it’s only about a 10- to 15-minute stroll past small shops and the scent of sea air.Head south along the path, weaving past Charm Churee Villa Resort, until you step onto the quiet bay’s sand.Number two.You can hop on a longtail boat from Mae Haad or Sairee Beach, and in just five to ten minutes-spray on your face-you’ll be there.The round trip costs about 200 to 400 THB, though the price shifts with your group size-bring a few friends and you might pay less.The entrance fee is 200 THB per person, as the area’s run by Charm Churee Villa Resort, which keeps the beach chairs and walkways in good shape.Your fee covers the beach, a sunbed with crisp white cushions, and full use of the resort’s facilities.The resort has a cozy restaurant with a bar where you can grab a cold drink and a quick snack.Sai Nuan Beach sits just a short walk away-a peaceful stretch of sand where the water’s so clear you can spot bright fish while snorkeling.Mae Haad Pier is where most people first step onto Koh Tao, just a short walk from cafés and little shops that smell of fresh bread.Sairee Beach is Koh Tao’s hotspot, buzzing at night with music and laughter, and by day alive with snorkelers skimming over clear blue water.Final thoughts: Jansom Bay feels like a tucked-away paradise, ideal if you crave quiet, swim in glassy turquoise water, and slip beneath the surface to spot bright fish while snorkeling.It costs a small entrance fee, but the sweeping ocean views, quiet air, and flashes of bright fish make it worth every penny.If you’re looking for a quiet, tucked-away stretch of sand near Mae Haad, head to Jansom Bay and listen to the waves roll in.
