Thailand
THAILAND’S BEACHES
Beach beauties
Thailand holidaymakers can have their pick of the beach bunch whether they’re after full facility, family-friendly or a romantic flop. Here are some favourites:
Phuket Patong: bustling Phuket’s most popular beach, Patong has familiar food outlets, diving, watersports and nightlife
Karon: best of both worlds The sand is white and Patong’s nightlife is handily at arm’s length. Mini golf is among nearby attractions
Kata: familiy and surfer-friendly White sand, palm trees, good surf and a moderate night-life
Kamala: quieter Less busy and popular with those looking for a little peace. There is a fishing village and it is close to popular Phuket FantaSea cultural park
Surin: lap of luxury High-end Surin has a more village atmosphere and nearby golf course
The Chedi is among its more upmarket resorts
East coast: off-the-beaten-track Phuket’s East coast is up-and-coming. Look out for luxury boutique hotels like The Yamu
Maya Beach: filmstar The Beach from the film is a popular day trip by boat from Phuket in the Phi Phi islands
Koh Samui Chaweng: hot Samui’s most popular beach is the island’s longest. White sand, plentiful watersports and the island’s key nightlife
Lamai: buzzy Another popular white sand beach with buzzy nightlife, decent surf and the phallic ‘grandmother and grandfather’ rocks
Bophut: laid-back A relaxed, bohemian spot with boutique hotels and good restaurants. Boats depart to Koh Pha Ngan and the dive hotspot Koh Tao
Maenam: windsurfing and views Varied accommodation, views of the Koh Pha Ngan islands and good windsurfing
Bang Rak (‘Big Buddha Beach’) Handy for the airport, with a landmark giant golden Buddha statue
Hat Rin: full moon parties A boat ride from Samui, Hat Rin beach on Koh Phangan is famous for full moon parties
Pattaya Pattaya beach: party spot Pattaya’s main hotspot with South Pattaya’s ‘strip’ the centre for the resort’s nightlife. Hotels, shops and restaurants are plentiful
Jomtien: family/watersports favourite Quieter but still buzzy with watersports and near family-friendly attractions. Pattaya beach is nearby
Naklua and Wong Amat: relaxed The quieter of Pattaya’s beaches, close to the Sanctuary of Truth heritage and dolphin show attraction
Krabi Ao Nang: excursion centre Krabi’s main beach - not the prettiest but the departure point for plentiful snorkel-and-flop trips to nearby islands, with restaurants close by
Railay (Rai Leh) and Phra Nang: rugged good looks Pretty pair, a short longtail ride from Ao Nang. Limestone karst-fringed Railey is Thailand’s rock-climbing centre, white sand Phra Nang boasts upmarket resort Rayavadee
Noppharat Thara: nature haven Between Ao Nang and Krabi Town, this tree-lined beach is part of a marine park. Ferries to Phi Phi depart nearby
Tubkaak and Klong Muang: quiet spots Low-key options with some quality accommodation
Hua Hin & Cha Am: royal favourites The Thai royal family, Bangkok weekend-breakers and young families head for these low-key neighbours, reached by road from Bangkok
Koh Lanta Reached from Krabi or Phuket, this island has little nightlife but a lush interior. Kick back in high-end resorts like Pimalai or head to dive at Hin Daeng and Hin Muang
6 Thailand Travel Guide 2012
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36