Nang Thong Beach: Your All-in-one paradise

Located in Khao Lak Center (La On), neighbouring Bang Niang Beach in the north and Sunset Beach in the south, Nang Thong Beach is your perfect beach getaway. You can witness nature’s wonders, cultural richness, and a wealth of activities in this all-in-one slice of heaven. 

What makes Nang Thong Beach stand out from other beaches?

Black Beach

Nang Thong Beach distinguishes itself with its black sands that you don’t see often on other beaches. Unlike the more common sand, black sand from mineral rocks, created by volcanic activity, carried all the way across the ocean, characterises the beach with its deep, dark hues.

Coral Cluster

Apart from its unique black sand, Nang Thong beach also offers a nature adventure. Along the shores lie the coral rocks, decorated with shells, algae, and sea life creatures. Within the niche and notch of these rocks, you’ll discover a whole new world. As the tide recedes, it leaves behind shallow ponds where wandering fish find their second home. Since the water is so clear, you can see them swimming in these ponds and if you are lucky enough, you can also see some sea urchins, attached to the wall of the rocks. 

Little Lighthouse

What sets Nang Thong Beach apart from the rest is its iconic lighthouse. Built in 1825 by John Cameron, and designed by Scottish architect Robert Wallace, it is named Khao Lak Light Beacon. With its distinctive British style, this towering structure stands as a beacon and is used to signal ships and travellers with its flickering light. Nowadays it’s a symbol of Nang Thong’s unique character and charm, and we at Khao Lak Center have embraced it as an icon in our branding. When the tide is low, you can walk up to the lighthouse, and while you are there you can get a panoramic view of beach life. 

How can you get there?

On Highway 4, turn to Nang Thong Road at the Nang Thong Traffic light, and you will pass the Nang Thong Supermarket. Go down the road for about 500m, you will pass a number of shops and restaurants. At the end of the road, you will reach a parking area and lively public places, that will be your destination! You can either grab a taxi which costs around 300 THB from Bang Niang Taxi Point or rent a motorbike to get there. Since it is a short distance from Highway 4 and with all the vibrant shops along the road, you can walk there even when it’s late. 

What can you do on Nang Thong Beach?

You can –

Swim 

Its gently sloping shoreline makes it possible to swim at any time, regardless of the tide. The water is refreshing and the lighthouse is in the vicinity, giving a remarkable feeling to the experience.

Surf

In the south part of Nang Thong Beach, before Sunset Beach, there are not as many rocks as in other parts and the waves are nice, making it a gentle surfing spot. You can rent a surfboard at the nearest surfboard shop and go surfing. It is also very mesmerising to watch from the lighthouse as people surf the waves. Even though Nang Thong Beach isn’t a perfect surfing spot, it has enough low surface waves to enjoy. If you are looking for the best surfing experience, Memories Beach would be the right place. It’s a hot spot for surfers with a beautiful shallow-sloping beach, ideal for long waves to form.

Snorkelling

The water is clearer a little bit away from the beach, near the rocks between Nang Thong Beach and Sunset Beach. On sunny days it offers a reasonable snorkelling experience for the enthusiasts. However, take caution as the waves can catch you off guard and might push you against the rocks. Always look out for the tide and weather.

Observe local life

As the tide becomes low, the rocks offer a rocky playground and form separated ponds, where friends and families can explore different marine life. This is also a time when local people grab their fishing poles or bags to catch fish, snails, or octopus, a perfect opportunity to get to know local life. You might need to be a bit cautious about the sharp shells when you are walking barefoot and the algae on the rock can be slippery. 

Enjoy food and drinks

Is Nang Thong Beach all about nature? No! It is a natural landscape at convenience. If you feel hungry or thirsty after all the swimming and sunbathing, you can go straight to the food stands right at the beach. The local sticky rice coconut ice cream is our personal favourite. There are plenty of public resting areas at the beachfront. Grab your favourite local food and pick a spot to enjoy it with the beach view.

What is local life like at Nang Thong Beach?

Even though Nang Thong Beach is in Khao Lak centre, it is not a completely touristy hub as it is also beloved by local people. The Chinese temple and local Thai food stands reflect the local culture. This diversity of cultures makes it a great place to meet new friends. As the sun sets, Nang Thong Beach comes to life with food stalls, restaurants, bars, music, and colourful lights. It’s where friends and families come together to seize the evening’s delights.

Enjoy a market? Alive Market is right at the beach road, which opens from 3 pm to 10 pm every day, except Wednesdays, holds isles of food stands and little crafty souvenir shops.

Popular accommodation near Nang Thong Beach

The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani – 5-star Hotel

• Price range- 4000 THB to 10000 THB per night
• A spacious hotel with themed rooms
• Family-friendly with kid’s club and water slides
• Big dining areas offering a wide range of dining options
• Direct pool access

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Khaolak Oriental Resort – 4-star Hotel

• Price range – 1200 THB to 6000 THB per night
• Adult-only resort
• elegant rooms and villas with modern amenities and traditional Thai design elements

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Khaolak Bhandari Resort & Spa – 4 star Hotel

• Price range- 2600 THB to 7600 THB per night
• A short walk to the beach
• The resort’s architecture and decor showcase traditional Thai design, 
• Intimidate room layout, limited airflow and reduced privacy

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Nang Thong Bay Resort

• Price Range – 2000 THB to 3000 THB per night
• Budget-friendly resort with homey buildings and rooms
• Beachfront restaurant
• Nang Thong Bay Resort is family-friendly, with amenities such as a kids’ pool and activities

Khao Lak Laguna Resort – 4 star hotel

• Price range – 7000 THB to 15000 THB per night
• Traditional Thai-style Beachfront resort
• Adult-only resort 

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Final word

Nang Thong Beach has a unique charm that sets it apart from typical touristy areas. It feels more like a recreational haven with the perfect atmosphere for leisure and relaxation, making it an ideal hangout spot for those seeking a more laid-back and authentic experience.