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Post cover image: Samui Photo shoot location: Elephants Gate beach

Samui Photo shoot location: Elephants Gate beach

Date of publication: 05 Aug 2017 | Updated: 10 Jul 2023

Elephant Gate Beach, located on the western part of the island, is one of the most beautiful places there. Known for its picturesque views, it is one of my favorite spots to take photos.

Related article:
Top 10 Samui Locations for Photoshoots on Samui

This beach is a part of the larger Taling Ngam beach, which stretches for a considerable distance. Although its official Thai name refers to the entire beach, this specific part is colloquially known as Elephant Gate Beach. This name comes from a nearby landmark – a statue of two elephants forming a gate that visitors pass on their way to this section of the beach..

Secluded. Palms. Rocks

One of the main advantages of this beach is its seclusion. There are usually few people here, and sometimes you may be the only visitor. This creates a special atmosphere of tranquility and allows you to enjoy the beauty of the beach in solitude. Tall palm trees and colorful rocks are distinctive features of this beach. They add an exotic touch and create a picturesque landscape. You can take a stroll along the sandy shore, enjoying the beautiful view and feeling in harmony with nature.

"Wild" beach

It's important to note that Elephant Gate Beach does not have large hotels that regularly clean it. Therefore, sometimes seaweed may accumulate on the beach as a result of tides. This is something to consider if you plan to visit. However, at the same time, the absence of large hotels is an advantage of this beach. There are very few people, and you can enjoy the tranquility and seclusion.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that Elephant Gate Beach is not always accessible for visitation. From October to March-April, high tides block the passage to the beach. Therefore, when planning a trip to this beach, it is recommended to check the tide schedule to choose a suitable time for your visit.

IMPORTANT:
The beach is not accessible from October to March-April due to high tides.

Conclutions

Excellent beach with a picturesque view, located on the west side of the island. High coconut trees together with bright rocks protruding from the sand, create an excellent background for photo shoots

Advantages (Pros):

  • Very quiet (Usually, there are only a few people on the entire beach.)
  • Picturesque palm trees and rocks

Disadvantages (cons):

  • The beach is wild and nobody cleans it. Therefore, the tide can sometimes bring a lot of algae.
  • Not always available – high tide close the way to it

Overall, Elephant Gate Beach offers a unique experience and unforgettable impressions. Its picturesque views, seclusion, and exotic atmosphere make it an ideal place for those seeking peace and the beauty of nature.

So, it's up to you to decide whether to choose this beach for your photoshoot or not, but personally, I can say that it's one of my favorite beaches, especially for photography. Swimming there can be challenging (very shallow), but the views are breathtaking.

photo: Dimas Frolov
About the Author

Portrait photographer based on Samui, Thailand.
Originally from Ukraine, he has over 15 years of photography experience taking pictures around Europe and Asia. Multi-Award winner and author of many articles about photography.
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