Beaches

Thailand’s long coastline, which stretches from Cambodia in the east, across the Gulf of Siam and South on both sides of the southern isthmus to Malaysia, is full of superb beaches, coves, bays and mangrove swamps. Adding to this beauty are numerous islands, some already well developed as tourist destinations while others remain unspoiled and in certain cases uninhabited.

Pattaya : Best known of these beach resorts in Pattaya, just two hours’ drive from Bangkok, which lies on the top end of the astern seaboard. First “discovered” by expatriates from Bangkok and American military personnel on leave from Vietnam in the mid-1960s, Pattaya features a wonderful natural bay and, to the south, a long, sandy beach known as Jomtien. Offshore are more than a dozen islands which have become extremely popular with day trippers from the main town of Pattaya and even campers who relish their unspoiled charms. Pattaya itself has grown dramatically over the past 25 years, from a quiet fishing village into a mature international beach resort with a comprehensive range of entertainment and sporting attractions. Indeed, few holiday destinations in Asia can match the variety of pastimes. These include all kinds of water sports, archery, bowling, horse riding, go-karting, tennis and scuba diving. Also, within easy reach of Pattaya is a score of international quality golf courses. The resort’s nightlife is legendary and caters for people of all ages – including young children. Top international accommodation is widely available.

Rayong : To the east of Pattaya is the province of Rayong. This is far less developed than its neighboor, not nevertheless boasts some extremely fine beaches, which are quickly growning in popularity with locals as well as overseas visitors. Best known of these is Mae Rampueng, a long and largely empty beach with only a handful of small hotels and bungalow complexs. Apart from its beautiful coastline, and offshore islands, including Ko Samet, Rayhong is also renowned for its scenic hinterland, full of forests, hills and national parks.

Chantaburi :  A  short distance to the east is Chantaburi, one of the most interesting and attractive towns in this corner of Thailand. Set on series of hills, complete with lanes that wind their way around small markets and even a large Catholic church, Chantaburi is Thailand’s leading gems centre, a mecca for miners and buyers from all over the world. This region is also famous for its bountiful fruit supplies which are featured in an annual fair held in Chantaburi.

Trat : Close to the border with Cambodia is Trat, another bustling town which also serves as an overnight destination for travellers wishing to visit the many islands dotted along this part of the eastern coast. Of these, KO Chang is the most popular; it is also Thailand’s second largest island after Phuket, and features some of the most pristine scenery in the eastern side of the country. Here, virgin tropical forest covers Ko Chang’s steep cliffs and mountains, while the entire island is surrounded by sandy beaches.

Hua Hin : On the opposite side of the Gulf of Siam are several popular beach resorts which are also within easy reach of Bangkok. A new four-lane highway means the journey from the capital to the region’s principal town of Hua Hin now takes just over two hours.

Hua Hin is actually the country’s oldest  beach resort, having been popularised by royalty in the 1920s. Today, its elegant charms continue to attract the wealthy of Bangkok, along with a growing number of international tourists. Its fishing village, long, curving bay and excellent golf courses are its major attractions. A number of excellent hotels can be found here.

Cha Am : Nearby is Cha-Am, a resort that has come to prominence in recent years, offering long sandy beaches and good quality accommodation.

Ko Samui : On the eastern flank of southern Thailand lies the island of Ko Samui (“KO” in Thai means island), which certainly ranks amongst the most beautiful island anywhere in the world. Slightly smaller than Ko Chang, its countless hills are densely covered in either tropical forest or coconut plantations, while its coastline features glorious beaches complete with swaying palms. Most popular of these is Chaweng and Lamai, both set on the island’s eastern coast. Here, visitors can find accommodation ranging from five-star hotels to simple bungalows. The island has its own airport, owned and operated by Bangkok Airways, which has direct flight from Bangkok, Phuket and U-Tapao

Ang Thong Island  : Both of these islands are within close proximity of the Ang Thong islands, a national marine park and Ko Tao, famed for its scuba diving sites.

Ko Pha Ngan : To the North of Ko Samui is Ko Pha Ngan, yet another beautiful island full of natural splendour. Renowned for its “full moon parties” Ko Pha Ngan has so little development that only a few roads exist and the best way to get around the island is by boat, from beach to beach.

Ko Tao : Unspoiled and relatively undisturbed by tourists, the island earns its reputation for underwater resources, unique beautiful bays and covers and coral gardens under the crystal sea. Accommodation is in the form of huts and bungalows. Boats are available from Surat Thani and Ko Pha Ngan, and from Tha Yang Pier, Chumlphon.

Phuket : On the western side of the southern Thai peninsular is Phuket, the country’s most famous and largest island. During the past 15 years, Phuket has seen a trickle fo overseas visitors change into a flow, and its reputation as a destination offering five-star accommodation, facilities and service amidst spectacular scenery is acknowledged worldwide. Its choice of resorts range from Patong, which besides its extensive beach, has plenty of shopping opportunities and lively nightlife, to Kata and Karon, which remin simple and naturally attractive. There is also Bang Tao Bay, which boasts a sophisticated integrated development known as Laguna Phuket, comprising four five0-star hotels, complex with island lagoons and superb golf course.

Phang NGa : A bridge links Phuket to the mainland and the province of Phang Nga. Movie-goers may recall the spectacular scenery featured in the James Bond movie” The Man with the Golden Gun”-towering limestone islands jutting out of a tranquil sea. These and more of nature’s wonders, including incredible inland lakes, hidden from sight to all but the most adventurous of sea canoeists or helicopter pilots, can found here at Phang Nga.

Similand islands : This area is one of the country’s most beautiful dive sties, and can be accessed by a three-hour boat ride from either the pier in Tambon Thap Lamu, Amphoe Takua Pa or Amphoe Buri.

Krabi :  Further down the southwestern coast is the province of Krabi, whose craggy coastline is replete with secluded coves and bays, accessible only by boat. Here, too, are some of the finest beaches in southern Thailand.

Phi Phi islands : These comprise six islands, the most notable of which are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. The superb scenery of the islands includes high hills with jutting cliffs , surrounded by beaches of silver sand and clear sea, full of coral reefs and colourful marine life. Phi Phi Le also boasts a Viking cave with ancient wall painting and swallows’ nests.

Lanta National park : This park comprises many islands, the biggest of which is Ko Lanta Yai, home to a village of sea gypsies. The area is surrounded by coral reefs, making is suitable for scuba-diving.

Satun : Satun is one of the four southern provinces where 80% of the population are Muslim. It has more than 60 off-shore islands.

Tarutao National park : This archipelago was Thailand’s first marine national park. Ko Tarutao is the biggest island in the park, and arguably the most beautiful. Once a high-security prison for political prisoners, it is now one of the most sought after destinations for swimming and scuba diving. Waterfalls, caves and viewpoints add to its attractiveness.