Thailand's beaches are among the most beautiful in the world!
The beaches of Thailand are world famous. Some are even among the most beautiful in the world and win prizes every year.
We are talking about those of the islands of Phuket and Koh Samui, on the east coast of the kingdom. It is wonderful to sunbathe, swim, snorkel and dive here.
The waters around Koh Tao, located near Samui, are known for their beautiful coral reefs, while the beaches of Koh Phangan are used for sunbathing during the day, but turn into disco paradises at night of the full moon. A must for the young tourist.
Thai beaches
We can't (and don't want to) go to the west side of the peninsula Phuket to. This largest island in Thailand has everything a holidaymaker could wish for. Beautiful beaches, but also quiet bays, many shops and a vibrant nightlife. That focuses on and around the beach of Patong Beach.
There are daily flights from Bangkok to Phuket. From the island, the guest can make diving excursions to Burmese islands, where life under and above water is still untouched.
On the mainland, Krabi is a beach destination that is increasingly popular. The city has recently acquired an international airport. The beaches are truly heavenly and many longtail boats sail from Krabi to the archipelago of islands off the coast. The Phi phi islands are a certain highlight and it is a pity not to spend the night here.
Couple of euros
Those looking for undiscovered beaches will certainly find what they are looking for in this part of Thailand. From Phuket on the west coast, head north towards the town of Ranong, near the border with Burma. There are resorts in various places where you may be the only guest, with a view of islands off the coast where only a few fishermen live. Spending the night here costs no more than a few euros.
On the east side of the peninsula, just above the port city of Surat Thani, we find Lang Suan. It is also quiet there and the visitor almost feels like an explorer.
Driving 200 kilometers south from Bangkok, we arrive in Cha-am and Hua Hin. The latter place is closely associated with the royal family. That owns a summer palace in Hua Hin for many decades. Cha-am has a beautiful beach, where many Thai families come at the weekend, amply supplied with food and drinks. On the north side is the fishing port of Cha-am. The fish restaurants here get their fish right off the boat. Hua Hin also has a long sandy beach that extends to Kao Takiab.
Family holiday
The nightlife in Hua Hin and Cha-am should not be exaggerated by the guest. Hua Hin has quite a few bars and a few discos. The one in the Hilton is the best known. Hua Hin is an excellent destination for families with children. This is even more true for Cha-am, where there is no nightlife at all. The police in both places have set themselves the task of ensuring the royal family's night's rest.
If we drive in the other direction from Bangkok, after 140 kilometers we arrive in Pattaya, the bustling beach city of Thailand. There is plenty to do here day and night.
The sea is full of jet skis and boats pulling parasailers or transferring passengers to nearby islands. The beach is filled with beach chairs and umbrellas, while the boulevard and adjacent Beach Road are bustling with jogging seniors, curious Thais and shopping foreigners. At night, Pattaya is a sea of glowing neon signs. The main street is then called Walking Street, where motorized transport is prohibited.
Sea turtles
Much quieter is Jomtien Beach, a stone's throw from Pattaya. And here too it is easy to find affordable accommodation. Those looking for even more peace and quiet can either travel a little further to Rayong or take the Chonburi exit halfway through the journey from Bangkok to Pattaya. Some beaches are still so quiet here that sea turtles come to lay their eggs.
From Rayong we then take the ferry to Koh Samet. This island belongs to a marine nature park and so cars are only allowed for local transport. Koh Samet is 'a picture', with long sandy beaches on one side and a rocky coast on the other.
Towards Cambodia we find another island that is definitely worth a visit: Koh Chang. It is still developing as a tourist destination and there is hardly any nightlife. It is the second largest island in Thailand after Phuket. The interior is densely vegetated and there are still plenty of wild animals. Boats regularly sail from Koh Chang to surrounding islands, also part of a nature park and well equipped with crystal clear water, coral reefs and sunken ships. A stay here is like one travel back in time.