Thailand has a wonderful coastline. When it comes to ranking the top beaches, it is almost an impossible job. Some people want a well-developed infrastructure with plenty of hotels, bars, restaurants with a vibrant nightlife and plenty of activities during the day. Others are looking for solitude, peace and quiet and a chance to relax. If you are on a Thailand family holiday you may prefer a place where there is plenty to do for the kids. Alternatively, if you are on a Thailand honeymoon you are likely to want to avoid the crowds, somewhere quiet and romantic. Thailand tour packages will inevitably include some time at the coast. If you talk to a good Thailand Tour operator, it may be possible to tailor your itinerary to a beach that you are certain to enjoy. Here are a few possible choices:
• Patong Beach is the biggest one on Phuket Island, arguably the top resort in the whole of the Country. This is a beach where everything is available; daytime water sports, good nightlife, plenty of accommodation and beautiful soft white sand.
• Railay Beach on Krabi is much quieter. It is actually the mainland but it is accessed only by boat. There are plenty of small islands, clear blue water and cliffs that overlook a great beach. At peak season, there may be crowds but generally it should be fairly quiet. You can go snorkelling, rock climbing or just read a book and relax, the choice is yours.
• Maya Bay is on an island close to Ko Phi. It is a day trip with no accommodation nearby but it is certainly worth the effort to go there. The limestone cliffs are part of the beautiful scenery you can expect.
• Hua Hin Beach on the Gulf of Siam is certainly a good choice for families. It is popular with locals as well as travellers on holiday in Thailand. It is easily reachable from Bangkok and on arrival you will see long stretches of beach with shallow waters ideal for young children.
• Kata Beach on Phuket is far quieter than Patong. It is in the south of the island but lacks the high-rise hotels and shopping malls. Instead there are palm trees. It is good for surfing in low season because of the great waves but perhaps not the best beach for young children for the same reason?
• Lamai Beach on Samui provides a balance, scenery, swimming and great night-life.
• Sairee Beach at Koh Tao is the place that divers go to as first choice. It is a fairly inexpensive location and the fact that it is a ferry ride away makes it low on crowds.
• Ko Changused to be regarded as a place purely for backpackers but that has begun to change and the west side of the island with its palms and gently-sloping hills is becoming increasingly popular.
• Haad Rin, Koh Pha Ngan is known for its full moon parties. It is a place for young party animals so is rarely quiet. It is relatively undeveloped and a great place for swimming by day.
• Koh Mun Nork is the nearest thing you will find to a desert island. It is in fact private and sits in the north of the Gulf of Siam. The sand is pure white and there is a single resort. The ferry takes 45 minutes so there is rarely a time when it is crowded.
There are many more beaches and if you are enjoying a Thailand tour package with time on the coast but in none of these places, don’t be disappointed because it will likely be just as good.
