B ang Makham turns into a beach only at low tide, which is, actually, not so uncommon in the west of Koh Samui. Retreating water bares a spacious sandy surface. It is possible to reach its edge at this time, but only after having walked for a few dozens of meters, and you will have to walk even more, if you want to get into the water up to your knees. At high tide, Bang Makham is a narrow coastline along the ring road. But it won’t be possible to swim here because of the shallows. Besides, the seabed by the shore is not very pleasant: covered with silt, alive seashells and shell rock. In the sand, under stones and chips of corals there is an active sea life, such as little crabs, small crayfish and tiny shrimps. Further from the coast, the bottom is by far cleaner, the sand is fine and very light.
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ang Makham beach could be easily recommended to parents with small children: it is not scary to play in shallow transparent water
at high tide, and at low tide, there appear unlimited opportunities for running and walks to anchored fishing boats. Yet, there is
one drawback: the beach isn’t cleaned, and real waste deposits are not uncommon.
Bang Makham Beach stretches out for two and something kilometers from Laem Yai Cape up to the capital city of Nathon. The views of
Ang Thong National Marine Park come into sight from here. If you look southward, you will see the panorama of the southern coast of
Nathon, a part of following it Tong Yang Bay with Lipa Noi Beach and a small peninsula, where a naval base is located. In north direction,
the hills of Yai Cape are visible and a sandy strip of a beach with the same name Laem Yai Beach, that is quite similar to Bang Makham Beach
in terms of shallowness and serene sea views.
I t is more likely to come across Thai fishermen on Bang Makham, rather than holiday-makers. Instead of posh hotels with sun loungers and sunshades there are lopsided fishermen’s houses on piles on the shore. There are only few bungalows by the very water – in the north, and on the opposite end – in the south. However, you may also find little houses and villas to rent on the hills across the road. On the other hand, it is not backwoods. At least, you can have a proper breakfast, lunch or dinner here, at the same time enjoying sea views, the southern part of the beach doesn’t lack restaurants or cafes.
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Despite tranquil and unhurried life in the beach, Bang Makham is large (for the island) and self-sufficient settlement.
There are plenty of big and small restaurants there, among which one can find not only Thai and Chinese ones, but also
European ones, catering mainly Italian and German cuisine. There are also quite a few shops, except for large supermarkets.
There are also chemist’s, optician’s, there is even a book shop, besides there are markets and fairs.
If you wake up very early and go for a walk along the streets of Bang Makham, starting from the Ring street, you may find a market,
where locals as well as café and restaurant owners buy fresh food. You can broaden your mind in terms of exotic fruit, seafood
and other mysterious Thai treats. You can achieve excellent results in your studies of Thai fast food and other unknown tasty
things at a weekly fair called Walking street, it happens on two interconnected streets by Bang Makham Pier.
I t is very convenient that Bang Makham has its own post office. It is located closer to the eastern end of the beach on the ring road. A holiday-maker can send greetings with views of Koh Samui and new impressions to his relatives or friends.
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