Than Sadet Beach is on the eastern side of the island Copenhagen, the fifth largest and one of the most visited in Thailand. Quite ironically, although the island is known as the "Party Island" as it hosts various moon parties, the most famous of which is the "full moon" party (Full Moon) held every month, this is the most isolated and quiet beach you will find on the island and maybe even in the whole of Thailand.
It is actually a pastoral nature reserve that has been an official national park in the country since the end of 1983, where the kings of Thailand used to come and forget about the daily routine and royal affairs. In the nature reserve you will find deep waterfalls, pristine beaches, ancient temples, rainforests, mountains, bays and breathtaking views. All of these cover an area of 65 square kilometers, most of which are on the island of Copenhagen and for Instagram enthusiasts - this is a paradise for enviable photos.
Besides wild nature, you can find a lot of peace and quiet on the mainly isolated beach, two small restaurants and modest guest houses. The real attraction, then, is the beach itself - a real gem where giant power lizards walk alongside the travelers and bathers and it seems as if time has stopped there. All of these will give you a glimpse of Thailand of the past, the humble and down-to-earth, in the days before the hordes of tourists that flood it all year round.
Sound magical? It is definitely so, just remember - as our sages said "every magic has a price" and the price in this case is that the electricity is not always available and also the cellular reception is almost non-existent.
ways of getting there
The beach itself is very isolated so you can reach it in one of two ways: by boat-taxi From Had Rin beach (reached by ferry from Kosmoi) or a short drive from there.
Like the beach, the drive itself is also magical on the winding road in the mountains, appearing and disappearing and the view from it is spectacular. The quality of the road is high but the rules of the road must be observed and drive politely and carefully. If you succeed in the short journey, you will reach the district you want in 30 minutes.
Those who choose a boat will also enjoy a breathtaking view that will be revealed to their eyes after they pass the granite mountains dropping into the sea, then they will see the lagoons and bays of the beach, the roofs of the bungalows peeking through the vegetation and the lonely ones scattered on the sand.
Either way, the road is not long and upon arrival at Tan Sadet you will be filled with a sense of peace and satisfaction as if you were explorers walking on the virgin beach for the first time.
lodging
The most popular and recommended accommodation on the beach is in bungalows, low-floor buildings that are simply built (mostly of wood) and have an open balcony - an authentic experience that will allow you to connect with the real and simple Thailand and be a part of nature for one night or a little more.
Since these are really basic and seemingly effortless conditions, it is recommended to check in advance if there are things that are important to you that will be met, for example: nearby parking, attached toilets, private bathroom, wireless internet, mosquito net, TV or air conditioning (don't go crazy, it's probably a fan ).
In addition to these facilities, some accommodations offer additional services such as bicycle rental, day trips, movie nights, meals and room service.
Additional attractions on site
As mentioned, the main attraction is the beach itself, but since it is a nature reserve, wherever you choose to go, you will find something interesting. A nice path to walk on, an animal to watch, a waterfall or a beach to bathe in and a view to admire.
Beach: Mainly sandy with an ivory shade which is partly "spiky" and therefore can be hot on hot days. Coconut trees and simple bungalows are scattered along it. The sand ends at the waterline, deep and clear turquoise water surrounded by a ridge of thick forests where large power lizards roam.
the river: In the park there is a river of the same name (Tan Sadat River) which is about 2.5 km long and has a series of waterfalls that drop into deep rock pools. There is also a gushing waterfall that empties into the sea and there are several options for trekking and day trips in the area for beginners as well as for the experienced and well-advised. This is actually the place where the kings of Thailand visited in the past and the sharp-eyed will be able to spot upon entering the reserve a monument with paintings on it, commemorating these days.
If you are not staying at the beach and are coming there just to take a walk in the reserve, it is important to find out before your arrival whether the waterfall is flowing since in the summer months it is sometimes dry.
The wooden bridge: It's not really an attraction, but more of an experience for those with developed imaginations among us who can imagine themselves as pirates walking on a wooden bridge on their way to Mitzvah.
The bridge is on the southern side of the beach and those who walk on it will reach the bush area next to the rocky bay, where they will notice steep steps leading to a spectacular vantage point overlooking the beach.
Weather
The most comfortable weather for a trip to the region is in the months of December to August, when the most recommended are March to July. This is the hot season in the region and the average temperatures at this time are 32-25 degrees with 80% humidity. It is therefore important to bring sunscreen and mosquito protection with you, to have a bathing book and a swimsuit and you will not lack for anything.
The bottom line - this is not a place to go shopping and there are no fancy hotels (or any at all) nor lively pubs. Those looking for peace and quiet come to Tan Sadet, ready to dine in one of two small and modest restaurants, read a book on the beach and take a break from the race of life. and others? It is recommended to visit even for a half-day trip. who knows? Maybe you'll catch the quiet bug.