Skip to main content

Introducing Taling Ngam – A Picturesque Coastal Retreat

Taling Ngam stretches along the pristine southwestern coast of Koh Samui, and it’s one of the most scenic parts of the Thai island. Taling Ngam draws couples and families who look for a peaceful, relaxing and lazy holiday.

Ministry

Taling Ngam Overview

Taling Ngam, a charming little town, located almost world away from the hustle-and-bustle of the popular tourist destinations, is a former fisherman’s village. Stunning, shallow and tidy beach stands out Taling Ngam among other Samui shores. Dotted by fishermen’s shacks, you could still witness fishers trawling nets in the early morning and evening, with their sincere smiles as if saying that there are pretty happy with keeping their traditional lifestyle.

While walking through Taling Ngam, you will immediately notice the local houses shyly peeking out from the coconut and banana plantations, and friendly locals sitting on benches in front of their houses. Though, do not be mislead assuming that Taling Ngam remains a rather low-key resort. Housing some of the most luxurious and world-famous hotel resorts and upscale villas, Taling Ngam is a sought-after destination on Koh Samui.

Nestled atop of the cliff and overlooking the mysterious five islands – “Ko Si Ko Haa” – these resorts combine the essential ingredients of the exquisite holiday – outstanding location, splendid deserted beaches, utmost amenities and high-end services. Within a short walk, you will also have a fair choice of upmarket dining venues and drinking establishments, providing equally unforgettable views and attractive menus.

What We Love

  • Outstanding and unique villas

  • Family-friendly pristine beach

  • Fair number of restaurants and bars

  • Lush tropical gardens and jungles

  • Unforgettable vistas of five islands

Ministry

Things to See & Do in Taling Ngam

Shopping

Shopping is not a primary attraction of Taling Ngam. Remote, laidback and quiet, the village hosts a few minimarts and street stalls where you can buy some necessities and basic souvenirs.

Though, travellers will take advantage of the absence of beach hawkers and street vendors while relaxing on the pristine shoreline or walking along the streets. You could be fortunate to come across to a couple of fruit vendors that set their tables up roadside, selling freshly picked-up bananas, coconuts and some other tropical fruits.

If you are looking for some specific item or a gift, head to Nathon city, which is a home to hundreds of shops, local markets and bazaars offering an ample range of souvenirs, clothes, wood carvings and spa products.

Relaxation

Blessed with some of the best Samui’s beaches, Taling Ngam is a place to relish in the beach relaxation. Calm, pristine and shallow shoreline hidden behind the backdrop of the lush greenery, caters to both families with younger children and couples alike providing some of the most beautiful and romantic settings.

You can read a book in the shade of sprawling palm trees, soak in the coastal waters or have a nap right in the icing sugar sand, and be sure that nobody will disturb you. Taling Ngam is a true oasis of serenity and peace.

The Headland Villa 4 Lounge | Taling Ngam, Koh Samui
Baan Asan Indoor Living Area | Taling Ngam, Koh Samui
Baan Asan Open Plan Lounge Area with Sea View | Taling Ngam, Koh Samui
Ministry

Eating & Drinking in Taling Ngam

Restaurants

Taling Ngam dining caters to travellers of all tastes and budgets offering a wide range of clifftop fine-dining, beachfront midrange restaurants and roadside street stalls to satisfy one’s need of the authentic Thai cuisine.

The most sophisticated and upscale dining experience is offered by several high-end venues located in the hotel resorts such as Intercontinental. Taking advantage of the splendid view over to the charming five islands, these fine-dining serve an ample range of eclectic cuisines: French, Italian and modern Thai.

A couple of attractive beachfront eateries serve a delicious seafood and you can sample the more authentic local cuisine, without being adapted to the Western tastes. If you are seeking for some unique dining experience, try delicious spring rolls and mango sticky rice sold by local vendors at their roadside stalls, and you will understand why some of Thai dishes repeatedly appear in the world’s food list ratings.

Nightlife

Often appearing in the list of the best places to watch the sunset, Taling Ngam benefits from its unbeatable location.

Should you ride on a beach swing watching the sun setting behind the mysterious islands or soaking in your private pool, Taling Ngam sunset will become an equally unforgettable scenery.

If you prefer a more elegant way to end your day in a tropical paradise, head to one of those beach bars playing chill out music, and filling your glass with exotic sweet cocktails, where most of the travellers gather to chat, laugh and relax before going to their superb villas for a nap.

The Headland Villa 5 Game Room | Taling Ngam, Koh Samui
Bamboo Beach Bar Taling Ngam Koh Samui Thailand
Quartz House Outside Dining Area | Taling Ngam, Koh Samui
Air Bar at Intercontinental Taling Ngam Koh Samui Thailand
Villa Beige Open Plan Dining Area | Taling Ngam, Koh Samui
Fai Restaurant Taling Ngam Koh Samui Thailand
Ministry

Taling Ngam Neighbourhoods

Situated towards the north-west of Samui Airport on the southwestern tip of Koh Samui, Taling Ngam is an ideal base to indulge in the stunning scenery and peaceful beach retreat.

Taling Ngam & Surrounds

LIPA NOI

Lipa Noi coastal village offers a family-friendly shallow beach featuring with a secluded and tranquil atmosphere and some of the most scenic vistas.

LIPA NOI GUIDE

LAEM YAI

Laem Yai is a remote coastal village located on the northwestern tip of Koh Samui that draws travellers with its natural scenery, serenity and tranquillity.

LAEM YAI GUIDE

LAMAI

Lamai is the second, after Chaweng, largest and popular Samui’s retreat. Lamai is less frantic, yet, offers almost the same selection of tourist facilities.

LAMAI GUIDE
Ministry

Taling Ngam Villas

There are 10 Ministry Approved villas in Taling Ngam. As Taling Ngam is one of the most exclusive, yet, rather remote locations on Samui, villa prices tend to be lower than in other parts of the island. Taling Ngam villas range from USD $530 per night for two-bedroom villa resorts to over USD $1,600 per night for a six-bedroom luxury villa.

Most of our villas have dedicated staff including butlers, chefs, nannies, 24-hour security personnel, and many other services you won’t find in a hotel. This is why we say “Spend just one night in a villa and you’ll never stay in a hotel again.”

  • Add to Wishlist
    The Headland Villa 1 Outdoor Sofa | Taling Ngam, Koh SamuiThe Headland Villa 1 Exterior | Taling Ngam, Koh Samui

    THE HEADLAND VILLA 1

    Taling Ngam, Koh Samui – 2 Bedrooms

    The Headland Villa 1 is built with cutting edge architectural design to experience living amidst the beautiful palm trees and hills.

    US $559
  • Add to Wishlist
    Bella Samui Beach Villa Living Area with View | Taling Ngam, Koh SamuiKoh Samui Bella Samui Beach Villa 02

    BELLA SAMUI BEACH VILLA

    Taling Ngam, Koh Samui – 5 Bedrooms

    Serving beachfront bliss with a funky modern twist, this sleek white villa boasts an incredibly cool and unique pool and exceptional beach access.

    US $1,088
  • Add to Wishlist
    The View Samui Bunk Beds| Koh Samui, ThailandThe View Samui Gardens| Koh Samui, Thailand

    THE VIEW SAMUI

    Taling Ngam, Koh Samui – 5 Bedrooms

    The View Samui is built with children in mind: it has the world’s coolest kids room and a private beach which is all yours.

    US $1,518
  • Add to Wishlist
    The Headland Villa 3 Dining Room | Taling Ngam, Koh SamuiThe Headland Villa 3 Pool | Taling Ngam, Koh Samui

    THE HEADLAND VILLA 3

    Taling Ngam, Koh Samui – 2 Bedrooms

    The Headland Villa 3 is a true beauty when it comes to luxury and elegance in design and décor. An absolute treat to watch captivating sunsets and a view beyond imagination.

    US $559
  • Add to Wishlist
    The Headland Villa 5 Exterior | Taling Ngam, Koh SamuiThe Headland Villa 5 Lounge | Taling Ngam, Koh Samui

    THE HEADLAND VILLA 5

    Taling Ngam, Koh Samui – 4 Bedrooms

    The Headland Villa 5 is a chic, comfortable 4-bedroom residence with breath-taking ocean views over a picturesque bay.

    US $559
  • Add to Wishlist
    The Headland Villa 2 Outdoor Shower | Taling Ngam, Koh SamuiThe Headland Villa 2 Open Plan Living Room | Taling Ngam, Koh Samui

    THE HEADLAND VILLA 2

    Taling Ngam, Koh Samui – 2 Bedrooms

    The Headland Villa 2 is an ultra – stylish haven that is surrounded with the beauty of nature and the vibrant colours of the sun and sea.

    US $500
  • Add to Wishlist
    Baan Asan Bird’s Eye View | Taling Ngam, Koh Samui

    BAAN ASAN

    Taling Ngam, Koh Samui – 5 Bedrooms

    Baan Asan blends urban design with beachfront bliss and is perfect for families with a kids’ pool and bunk beds.

    US $1,459
  • Add to Wishlist
    Villa Beige Sun Decks | Taling Ngam, Koh SamuiVilla Beige Building | Taling Ngam, Koh Samui

    VILLA BEIGE

    Taling Ngam, Koh Samui – 4 Bedrooms

    Villa Beige is a sleek and stylish luxury villa inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle and overlooking the turquoise Andaman Sea in Koh Samui.

    US $765
Ministry

Practical Information

Getting There

FERRY AND BUS

There are plenty of companies that carry out transfers from Phuket to Samui. The trip consists of terrestrial and marine transfers and ranges from six to seven hours. Buses depart from the central bus station in Phuket and bring travellers to Koh Phangan pier where passengers make a transfer for the modern and fast catamaran, which brings visitors to Nathon Pier located on the north-western coast of Koh Samui. Usually, there are two daily transfers for Koh Samui, but the timing can range due to the travel operator.

PLANE

Although it is possible to get to Taling Ngam, Koh Samui over land or water, the best way is to fly.

AIRPORT AND PIER TRANSFERS

It takes around 1 hour to reach Taling Ngam from Samui Airport depending on traffic. If you are travelling by ferry from Phuket, the trip from Nathon Pier takes around 25 minutes. Ministry of Villas can arrange a chauffeur to greet you upon arrival and escort you to your villa.

AIRPORT TAXI

Alternatively, there is a taxi desk at the arrival level which arranges one-way fares at a fixed-price. If you opt not to use the taxi desk, there are numerous taxi drivers waiting outside the arrival terminal so you can negotiate the price with them. Even though there is a big sign “Meter-Taxi” on the roof of taxis, local drivers rarely use them, so it is recommended to discuss the price beforehand. You can opt one of the transfer options – a shared mini van with other travellers or a private taxi. A shared taxi is essentially cheaper but usually requires at least five passengers to depart.

Getting Around

There are several options, so we’ve ranked them according to our recommendations for first-time travellers:

PRIVATE CAR

Ministry of Villas can arrange a private car and chauffeur for you. Depending on which villa you are staying in, the cost for the private car and chauffeur can vary, so it’s recommended to contact our Ministry of Villas team to get the complete information about the private transfers.

TAXI

Samui’s taxi make it easy to move around, though, it might be challenging to find a taxi down the street in Taling Ngam, but you can always ask your villa manager to arrange a taxi for you. Take into account that notwithstanding the fact that Samui taxis are equipped with meters, local drivers rarely use them, so always negotiate the price before getting into the vehicle.

SONGTHAEWS OR PICK-UP TAXIS

Songthaews or “two-benches” are simple pick-up tracks that follow their set routes and pick up or drop off passengers at any site along the route. The trip usually costs THB20, and anyone can simply jump into the truck or require the stop ringing a bell. Though the route is described in English, it can be tricky to puzzle out how to get to the destination point for the first-time traveller so always ask the driver where he is going right now, as their routes are not set in stone, and can be randomly changed.

RENTAL SCOOTER

Travelling around the area or exploring further afield on a motorbike is a great way to travel at your own pace. Though, there aren’t too many rental shops in Taling Ngam, so if you need a rented motorbike, head to the nearby Nathon, where numerous rental shops offer a larger selection of vehicles. Take into account that you must always have an international drivers license on your person, otherwise, the local police can issue you a ticket with a summons to appear in court. And, of course, make sure you wear a helmet.

RENTAL CAR

Car travel in Taling Ngam is a perfect way to explore the island with a comfort. Though it is recommended to opt a 4×4 wheel drive car, as Samui’s landscape is rather hilly, and it can be challenging to get to your clifftop villa or other tourist locations. Also, take into account, that the lower rental price implies the absence of insurance and a poor condition of the vehicle so choose the international brands, if possible, when renting a car, such as Hertz, Avis and Budget Car Rentals, which are more trustworthy than the local rental shops.

Ministry

Taling Ngam Travelogue