Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
The road down from Khao Plai Dam viewpoint spirals through rubber plantations before spilling you onto a pocket beach where the limestone ridge meets the Gulf. Fishing nets hang from wooden frames, their nylon strands clicking in the afternoon breeze. A handful of painted boats rest on their sides where the tide has withdrawn, leaving dark wet sand that reflects the late sun. You'll notice the smell of drying squid from the village behind the palms—Sichon's fishing families have worked this cove for generations, indifferent to the handful of weekenders who arrive on motorbikes. The water warms your ankles before you've waded knee-deep, its murky jade color a testament to the river mouths that feed this coast. Small waves fold over with barely a sound. The casuarina grove at the southern end offers the only real shade; locals spread mats here on Sundays, unpacking som tam and grilled chicken from Styrofoam coolers. By four o'clock, the fishing crews return, their engines growling as they beach their boats. You'll share the sand with gulls picking through the day's discarded catch, the air thick with salt and fuel.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Khao Plai Dam Beach.
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Khao Plai Dam Beach is a small cove with generally calmer waters than open stretches, but swimming safety depends on season and weather. During the dry season (January-August), conditions are typically suitable for swimming with gentle waves. The cove's protected nature offers some shelter from currents. However, monsoon months (October-December) can bring dangerous conditions. There are no lifeguards at this hidden pocket beach, so assess conditions carefully and never swim alone. The rocky areas require caution when entering the water.
Visit Khao Plai Dam Beach between January and August for the best weather, with February through April offering optimal sunshine and calm seas. For fewer crowds, choose weekdays or the shoulder months of January-February and June-August when domestic tourism is lighter. The scenic viewpoint above is spectacular at sunrise or late afternoon for photography. Avoid October through December due to monsoon rains and rough seas. Early morning visits provide the most peaceful experience at this romantic, couples-friendly spot before day-trippers arrive.
Khao Plai Dam Beach is located in Sichon district, approximately 60 kilometers north of Nakhon Si Thammarat city. Drive along Highway 401 toward Sichon, then follow signs to the Khao Plai Dam viewpoint. A motorbike or car is essential as public transport doesn't reach this hidden spot. The viewpoint is accessible by road with parking available; the beach below requires walking down a path. From the viewpoint, look for trails descending to the cove. The journey from Sichon town takes about 15-20 minutes.
Khao Plai Dam Beach itself has minimal facilities due to its hidden, undeveloped nature. The viewpoint area may have small vendors or simple refreshment stalls, but don't count on full restaurants at the beach. For accommodation, stay in Sichon town, about 15-20 minutes away, where you'll find guesthouses, small hotels, and local restaurants serving southern Thai cuisine and fresh seafood. Some beachfront resorts exist along Sichon's main beaches. Pack food and drinks if planning extended time at this secluded cove.
Khao Plai Dam Beach is unique for its dramatic setting—a scenic pocket cove nestled below a coastal viewpoint offering panoramic Gulf views. Unlike Sichon's longer, more accessible beaches, this hidden gem requires effort to reach, rewarding visitors with relative seclusion and natural beauty. The combination of viewpoint and intimate cove makes it ideal for couples and photographers. The surrounding landscape features lush hillsides meeting turquoise waters, creating a romantic atmosphere distinct from the region's flatter, more developed beach areas.
