Ao Thung Makham

Ao Thung Makham is actually two beaches in one bay, a short drive south of Chumphon town, just past Hat Sai Ri. A rocky headland splits it into Ao Thung Makham Nai (inner), where roughly a kilometre of white sand runs parallel to a line of coconut palms, and Ao Thung Makham Nok (outer), where the sand continues about 3 km further south in a wider, more exposed curve. Both stay free to visit, with no entry barrier.

The inner bay is the calmer, more sheltered option and the better pick for swimming or letting kids wade — the outer bay sees more open water and stronger currents at times, so it’s worth checking conditions before swimming there, especially outside the November-April dry season. Rocky sections at either end of the bay hold tide pools worth a look at low tide. This isn’t a developed resort beach: a scattering of small resorts and seafood restaurants sit along the shore, but there’s none of the beach-bar density you’d find on Phuket or Koh Samui, and facilities close to the sand itself are minimal.

Insider Tip: The inner bay’s coconut-palm tree line gives useful shade through the middle of the day — set up there rather than the more exposed outer bay if you’re staying more than an hour or two.

Watch out: Facilities are limited to what the beachfront resorts offer — there’s no dedicated public shower block, lifeguard, or shop cluster at the beach itself, so bring water, sunscreen, and cash.

Reaching it means your own transport — a rented car, motorbike, or taxi from Chumphon town, since there’s no scheduled public transport along this stretch of coast. Combine it with neighbouring Hat Sai Ri for a fuller beach day, since both sit in the same subdistrict a few kilometres apart.