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Beach
Holiday
Thailand's long coastline, which stretches from
Cambodia in the east, across the Gulf of Thailand 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
Infamous for its seedy nightlife and boozy foreign
guests, Pattaya has actually come a long way in the last couple of years. A
concerted effort to clean up the town and its coastline has had positive
results and the town now markets itself more as a family destination to
counter its image for stag debauchery. The beach and sea are cleaner and
there are some family-orientated activities but I advise going slightly
further south, like to neighbouring Jomtien (Gay beach is there) or Koh
Samet.
Kho Samed
Far more relaxed and laid-back than Pattaya, this small
sleepy island off the coast in the Gulf of Thailand is recommended for a
short beach excursion. The beautiful secluded beaches, divided by rocky
paths and coves, are great for swimming, sunbathing and relaxation. There
are a number of small hotels to choose from, offering fairly basic but
comfortable accommodation in huts, as well as posh four and five star
resorts. At night, seafood restaurants set up alone the beach and form the
focus for the island's nightlife scene with a few nearby bars adding to the
choice. Regular speed boats deliver guests to and from the mainland and
there's also a cheaper but much slower public boat. As the island is part of
the marine park, there is a B200 landing fee, payable to the ranger one
arrival (no matter where you land, the magically appears from behind the
bushes).
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 of 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 remain simple and naturally attractive. There is also Bang Tao Bay,
which boasts a sophisticated integrated development known as Laguna Phuket,
comprising four five-star hotels, complete with inland lagoons and superb
golf course.
Hua Hin
A popular weekend escape from the city, this beach town
offers a reasonable stretch of coastline, a good choice of seafood and
international restaurants and a bit more class than its more raunchy weekend
rival Pattaya. With accommodation to fit any budget and easy access from the
capital by either road or rail, it's busy on the weekends with both Thais
and expatriates, remaining peaceful and quiet during the week, The area is
also popular with the Royal Family who alternates their time between the
palace here and Bangkok.
Kho Chang
Koh Chang, the second largest Thai Island after Phuket,
lies off the coast of Trat Province, near Cambodian border. Along with fifty
other nearby islands, Koh Chang comprises a beautiful marine national park,
with numerous beaches and coral reefs. Ferries leave several times daily for
the island from Laem Ngob on the mainland.
Samui
On the eastern flank of southern Thailand lies the island
of Kho Samui ("Kho" in Thai means island), which certainly ranks amongst the
most beautiful island anywhere in the world. Slightly smaller than Kho
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 flights from
Bangkok, Phuket and U-Tapao
Krabi & Phi Phi Island
Further down the southwestern coast is the province of
Krabi, whose baggy 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 Island , these comprise six islands, the most
notable of which are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. The superb scenery of the
islands include high hills with jutting cliffs, surrounded by beaches of
silver sand and clear sea, full of coral reefs and colorful marine life. Phi
Phi Le also boasts a Viking cave with ancient wall painting and swallows
'nests.
Beach
Holiday
