There
is no doubt that the kingdom of Thailand
has some of the best beaches in the
region, if not the world. White or
golden sand, set against turquoise blue
or green water against a backdrop of
towering cliffs or palms…
This
really is a Hollywood rendition of the
beach paradise, but in Thailand it is a
reality. Clearly Thailand’s islands
offer some of the best beaches in the
country, although there are some
wonderful places to visit on the
mainland.
Phuket's Patong Beach, Kata Beach and
Karon Beach are delightful, as are the
beaches of Hua Hin and Cha-am. However,
the island beaches remain a firm global
favourite.
Krabi's Ao Nang Beach, Railay Beach and
also Koh Samui's Chaweng Beach, Lamai
Beach beaches are now as renowned
worldwide. Most beaches offer a range of
‘beach-based’ activities – scuba diving,
snorkelling, windsurfing - all available
for a moderate cost.
In
addition, from many beaches you can go
on tours of local islands and even
embark on ‘liveabord’ trips. However,
Beaches are not only places for
beach-based recreation, they are also
centres of entertainment, the world
famous Pattaya Beach possibly the best
example of how beaches can turn into
entertainment centres.
Patong Beach is the most popular and
well-developed beach on Phuket Island. Long recognized as one of the
world's Top 10 diving sites, Phuket is now Thailand's most important
tourist destination, offering a variety of beaches, attractions and
exciting night life.
Railay is a marvelous bay beach with plenty of beach
accommodation, there are no beach villa or a beach
village but some discount and budget hotels. At the
Island off Railay beach are also some low priced
hotels and beach resorts. The luxury hotels at Railay,
Ao Nang and Krabi in general are mostly north of Railay
beach.
Phi Phi Islands are charming
small twin islands located
in the Andaman Sea, the south of Thailand at
an equal distance from both Krabi and Phuket, about 40
kilometers. Made up of six small and large isles, the
main features are sheer limestone cliff and rock. Some
offer beautiful beaches and coral reefs. The best time
for a visit is between November and April.
Ao Nang beach is a scenic bay - white sandy beach
stretches to the foot of a conspicuously prominent
limestone range. Set in lush tropical gardens and
surrounded by coconut trees, the Ao Nang beach offers
some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the world -
sandy beaches, abundant marine life, live coral and
great underwater visibility nearby.
The most popular beach in Koh Lanta, Klong Dao Beach was
a virgin paradise ten years ago. Known all over Thailand
for its unrivalled sunsets, this beach has attracted the
highest number of upmarket hotels and resorts and has
more services than any other beach. Even more people
know about this beach, you can actually find yourself
doing some thinking alone on the beach if you care
enough to blot out the crowd.
Koh Chang is the 2nd largest Thai island,
named Elephant Island because it is said to resemble the profile of
an elephant. Koh Chang is situated some 330 km East of Bangkok in
the province of Trat and is some 40 kilometres long and 16
kilometres wide The island comprises of 70% rainforest, rugged high
peaks and steep cliffs set off by gently shelving white sand beaches.
Ao Kiew is an exotic beach located
in Ko Samet Island. This bay is a perfect secluded den
for those planning to keep their distance from the busy,
crowded beaches and vibrant nightlife. From Ao Kiew Nok,
visitors can actually walk to Ao Kiew Nai which is the
ideal spot to see the spectacular sun rise and sun set.
The beach at Khao Lak has been developed into
a refuge for nature lovers and tourists seeking a peaceful, quiet
resort area. The viewpoint at the KM 57.2 marker on highway 4 offers
a fantastic view: A goldenbeige ribbon of sand, picturesquely
interspersed by some rocky outcrops, divides the blue waters of the
Andaman Sea from lush green palm groves.
Karon Beach is very long, 5km (3 miles),
with fine white sand that squeaks when
you walk on it throughout its entire
length. At the north end, in front of
the lake, the beach is usually deserted,
making it a great spot to go if you want
the beach to yourself. Karon has many
resorts and restaurants that run along the beach road (Patak Road
West) and also has a small bar scene.
The next beach
south of Karon is Kata Beach, which is
also known as Kata Bay. Kata beach is
much smaller than Karon Beach, but every
bit as beautiful with lush white sand
and lovely trees that provide shade and
a nice area to relax in. Kata has a very
laid back feel and is the place to be if
you like to kick back on the deck chairs
or chill out in the shade.
In recent years Lamai has upgraded its image
and now is a much cleaner and fun town and much more family
friendly. The beach itself is about 20 metres in width most of the
way along and reaches about 2 kilometres. The sand is golden and
warm and the entire beach is fringed with palm trees. The water at
Lamai beach is a little deeper than the neighbouring Chaweng.
Had Rin is actually comprised of two popular
beaches, Rin Nai beach on the west side of the peninsula and Rin Nok
on the east side. From Rin Nai beach you can see Koh Samui very
clearly. This is also a great place to catch the sunset. On the
beach of Rin Nok is Bang Rak pier where the ferryboats from Koh
south Samui arrive and leave daily. Rin Nok beach is well known
among Thai as well as the foreigner tourist for its “Full Moon
Party”.
The beach offers great swimming and plenty of water sports, dining
and accommodation options. In both the summer and winter high
seasons, Chaweng Beach is packed with sun-seekers soaking up the
rays and has a fun, holiday atmosphere. Everything one could desire
is within a few metres of your sunbed - from cold drinks and snacks
to massages, making it a great option for lazing away the day in
comfort.
Hua Hin beach stretches some 7 kilometers from
the town center to Khao Takiab. It remains little developed compared
to other Thai resorts and considering its size you can always find a
quiet little spot. For those who are a little more adventurous, pony
rides can be taken and for those simply wanting to relax there are
plenty of deck chairs, sun loungers and beach umbrellas available
for a small hourly charge.
