Guide · Seasons & Locations
Best Kitesurfing Spots in Koh Samui: Nahai vs Nathon
Short answer
Mahalo uses two kitesurfing spots, and the season decides which one is active. Nahai Beach in Hua Thanon is the main spot from mid-November to March, with north-east and east wind and a mostly sandy bottom. Nathon on the west coast works in the west and south-west season, from about May to mid-September, with more variable wind and lots of space.
The choice is made by the season
Most visitors ask which spot is better. In practice you rarely have to choose: the wind direction of the season decides which coast works. The north-east monsoon suits the south-east coast, and the west and south-west monsoon suits the west coast. This guide helps you understand the difference. For full details, see the spot guides for Nahai Beach and Nathon.
Nahai vs Nathon at a glance
| Nahai Beach / Hua Thanon | Nathon / West coast | |
|---|---|---|
| Coast | South-east | West |
| Season | Usually mid-November to March, sometimes into April | About May to mid-September |
| Wind | North-east, more often east from February | West and south-west |
| Reliability | The more predictable season | More variable, often linked to fronts and clouds |
| Seabed | Mostly sandy, stones in places | More stones and damaged reef; protective footwear in lessons |
| Water | Warm and usually relatively shallow | Mostly shallow in suitable conditions, lots of space |
| Lessons | Kitesurfing and wingfoil | Kitesurfing and wingfoil |
Nahai Beach in short
Nahai Beach is our main kitesurfing spot. The wind usually blows onshore or side-onshore, which suits teaching, and we never teach in unsuitable offshore wind. The mostly sandy bottom and warm water make it comfortable for beginners, and in the right conditions it also works well for independent riders.
Limitations: the surface can be flat on one day and choppy on another, and parts of the spot differ. The water level changes a lot during the day, which affects what you can practise. Nahai Beach on Google Maps.
Nathon in short
Nathon is our seasonal spot on the west coast. Its biggest advantage is space. In suitable conditions the water is mostly shallow, and in normal conditions we usually do not see significant currents. It works for beginners and independent riders alike.
Limitations: the wind is less predictable than in the main season. In stormy periods there can be strong gusts, and those days are not lesson days. The bottom has more stones and damaged reef than Nahai. The Nathon map pin marks the area only; the exact meeting point is confirmed on WhatsApp.
Tide and water depth
At both spots the water level matters, especially for beginners. At Nahai the same riding area can be easy to stand in at one time of day and noticeably deeper a few hours later. That is why lesson times are chosen with the tide, the wind direction and the current conditions in mind, not only by the forecast.
Local tip: the strongest wind doesn’t always coincide with the best water depth for learning.
Which spot is right for you?
- You can travel any time: come in the main season and learn at Nahai Beach.
- You are on Koh Samui in summer: Nathon is your spot. Keep your schedule flexible.
- You are a beginner: both spots are used for lessons. The instructor chooses the time and place for your level.
- You ride on your own: check with us which spot is active and whether rental equipment is available there on your dates.
Not sure when to come? Read the kitesurfing season guide.
FAQ
Which is the best kitesurfing spot in Koh Samui?
It depends on the time of year. Nahai Beach in Hua Thanon is Mahalo’s main spot from mid-November to March. Nathon on the west coast is used in the west and south-west season, from about May to mid-September.
Can I choose between Nahai and Nathon on the same day?
Usually not. The two spots work in different wind directions, so in most periods only one of them is suitable. We confirm the active spot and meeting point with you on WhatsApp.
Which spot is better for beginners?
Both are used for beginner lessons. Nahai has a mostly sandy bottom and is our main teaching spot. Nathon offers a lot of space, but has more stones and damaged reef, so protective footwear is used during lessons.
Do I need special shoes for kitesurfing in Koh Samui?
At Nathon we use protective footwear during lessons because of stones and pieces of damaged reef. At Nahai the bottom is mostly sandy, although there can be stones in places.
