Koh Samui (Na Thon / Bang Rak)
Also known as: Na Thon, Bang Rak, Mae Nam
Turquoise water, shaded tree-lined beaches, island views
Wind & season
Wind, water and season at this Surat Thani (Gulf island), Thailand spot - what to expect and when to come.
Nov-Feb NE and May-Oct SW (two seasons)
E in winter, W/SW in summer; school follows wind across island
Moderate; winter lighter and consistent, summer stronger
winter Nov to Feb (E wind, Bang Rak/Big Buddha, light 10-20 kt); summer May to Oct (W/SW, Na Thon, 12-25 kt)
Moderate; Bang Rak flat with tide-dependent shallow and deep zones
Winter winds light; summer gustier and can be challenging; some rain
The water
Mixed (Na Thon flat)
Flat water with shallow and deep areas depending on tide; smooth easy entry at Nathon
28-30 C (est)
None; boardshorts and lycra
Skill & group fit
Beginner to advanced
2 (easy)
Winter beginners at Maenam/Bang Rak north shore; summer intermediates at Nathon west
Good; KBA follows wind to two locations year-round
Getting there & schools
Nathon beach (summer) and Bang Rak/Maenam (winter) walk-on launches
Samui airport and ferries; island taxi and scooter; schools shift sides with wind
KBA (Na Thon in summer, near Ocean Resort in winter); Mahalo Kiteschool
Resorts, restaurants, shops; school gear and storage
Big Buddha, waterfalls, diving, nightlife, spa
Nathon uncrowded in high season; relaxed, no localism
Permits & safety
None documented
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Reefs ringing parts of the island, boat traffic, swimmers near resorts
Confirm. with school
Bangkok Hospital Samui; tourist police 1155; emergency 191
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand wind-sport spot report. Coordinates are approximate.