Hat Kamala Beach in Phuket

Hat Kamala Beach
Phuket
Hat Kamala Beach is located in Kamala Bay about 20 minutes north of Patong Beach. Over recent years the beach has matured into a resort meeting all the requirements of the modern tourist, but has not lost its original identity – like Kalim Beach, Kamala is substantially more relaxed than some of the other areas in Phuket. It is also a lot quieter – the beach is deserted more often than not; ideal for taking in some sun or just sitting and relaxing. A number of hotels and guesthouses sit along the road leading to the beach and provide accommodation that meets any budget. A number of stalls sell fresh food at very reasonable prices meaning you can pick at something all day if you like! For those looking for great views, Khao Phanthurat is about 30 metres above sea level and from the top you can get an excellent perspective of Kamala’s 2.5 kilometer long ‘half moon’ of a bay. Phuket FantaSea is located to the north of the beach.
How to get there: Hat Kamala Beach is 25 kilometres from Phuket town and Songtaews leave for the area on a regular basis. If you are going there from Patong, a Songtaew going along the coast road will cost 20 Baht.
 

Hat Kalim Beach in Phuket

Hat Kalim Beach
Phuket
Hat Kalim Beach is a quiet, attractive area that is far enough away to be away from it all, yet still close enough to the action to be fun. It is a small beach littered with rocks situated north of Patong Beach (Hat Kalim is actually a continuation of Patong and the beaches are separated by a rock formation going into the sea). The sea around the Hat Kalim offers excellent coral reefs making it attractive to people who like snorkeling and diving. When the tide is out a substantial amount of coral is revealed and it can be interesting to wander around to see the variety of living creatures the coral maintains (starfish, etc.). Don’t try to walk amongst the coral with bare feet – you WILL get cut! Not as developed as other beaches in Phuket, Hat Kalim is substantially more laid back - you can actually get some space to yourself on this beach. At the back of the beach is a solid range of accommodation including reasonably priced hotels and guesthouses.
How to get there: Hat Kalim Beach is a short distance from Patong. Songtaews leave regularly to Patong from the market in Phuket and cost 20 Baht per person – easily the most effective way of getting to the area.
 

Hat Surin in Phang-Nga

Hat Surin Phang-Nga

About 24 kilometres from town is Hat Surin , which can be reached on Route No. 402. After reaching the Heroines Monument, turn left and proceed on for 12 kilometres. The beach borders on a hillside. To the north are groves of large pine trees and a golf course. Surin beach is not recommended for swimming because of its steepness and heavy seas and winds during the Monsoon season.

Hat Surin in Phang-Nga

Hat Surin Phang-Nga

About 24 kilometres from town is Hat Surin , which can be reached on Route No. 402. After reaching the Heroines Monument, turn left and proceed on for 12 kilometres. The beach borders on a hillside. To the north are groves of large pine trees and a golf course. Surin beach is not recommended for swimming because of its steepness and heavy seas and winds during the Monsoon season.

Hat Khao Lak in Phang-Nga

Hat Khao Lak
Phang-Nga
Hat Khao Lak , 32 kilometres from Takua Pa, is now an interesting destination for domestic and overseas tourists.
It has an advantage of beautiful, long beach of Andaman Sea and green mountain of Khao Lak-Lamru National Park parallel to the coast. The accommodation of Takua Pa along Khao Lak and Bang Sak Beach are built in the original southern architecture style. With the combination of the hospitality of local people who love in nature and environment, seaside town of Khao Lak –Takuapa has its unique and charms of attracting tourists to the area.  

Hat Bang Sak in Phang-Nga

Hat Bang Sak
Phang-Nga
Hat Bang Sak , located in Tambon Bang Muang on Phetkasem Road, on the Thai Mueang - Takua Pa section, between Km.76-77 and going down a side road for another hundred metres.
The beach of Bang Sak has clean white sand and stretches along a grove of shady pines. Accommodation and restaurant are available on the beach. 

Ao Kai-Laem Tan in Rayong

Ao Kai-Laem Tan
Rayong
Ao Kai-Laem Tan a little cape beyond Laem Mae Phim to Klaeng District is rather quiet.
Nearby is a small fisherman's village, in which the main occupation is to pickle jellyfish. Seafood restaurant here is well known among the tourists. Travelling to Ko Man Klang, can be done by taking a speedboat from here. 

Ao Mae Ramphung in Prachuap Khiri Khan

Ao Mae Ramphung
Prachuap Khiri Khan
Ao Mae Ramphung This is a scenic bay in Amphoe Bang Saphan.
Travel about 75 kms. south of Phrachuap Khiri Khan to Km. 399, turn left and continue for another 17 kilometres via Bang Saphan Market. Accommodation and seafood restaurants are available. 

Ao Mae Yai in Phang-Nga

Ao Mae Yai
Phang-Nga
There are around ten bays on the Surin Islands with great beaches. Ao Mae Yai is probably the best known of them all. Located in the southwest of Surin Nua (Southern Surin Island), Ao Mae Yai has white sand and wonderfully calm, crystal-clear waters. Set against some dramatic scenery, this is an excellent location for swimming, snorkelling and diving. It is also a very calm place just to sit around sunbathing or generally relaxing. 

Ao Luk in Phang-Nga

Ao Luk (Deep Bay)
Phang-Nga
There are around ten bays on the Surin Islands with great beaches. Ao Luk on the Southeast coast of Koh Surin Nua (Northern Surin Island) is probably the most visited. It has excellent waters and offers a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts. The beach features shallow corals and an abundance of marine life making snorkeling and diving straightforward and approachable. In the vicinity of the beach are a number of trails which offer hikes to the more adventurous. 

Ao Nang Beach in Krabi

Ao Nang Beach Krabi

Originally a fishing village, Ao Nang is now a major city beach resort and a travel destination in its own right catering for the full range of foreign tourists. Ao Nang’s chief feature is a long white sand beach set against crystal clear water, but people also come here for a full range of activities such as diving, kayaking and trekking. Less developed than other beaches in Thailand, Ao Nang none the less offers guesthouses and hotels that fit any budget. The beach enjoys a vibrant nightlife which includes excellent seafood restaurants dotted along the beach and some bars that offer live music. However, this is not an ‘expat’ type scene oppressive numbers of go-go bars, etc. It has a much nicer feel and is a good choice for families. Ao Nang has numerous agencies were it is possible to arrange trips to attractions and activities available in the vicinity. Bird watching is a favourite in the area, as are jungle treks and boats to neighboring islands. Diving is another popular draw and again agencies in the area arrange dives for all levels. They also offer liveaboard trips that take in the local islands. Day trips are relatively inexpensive, but ask around for the most reliable places and shop around for the best deals. Despite everything on offer, Ao Nang is quite a small beach and can get crowded. How to get there: A taxi from the airport will cost around 500 Baht. Long tail boats run seasonally and cost around 50 baht from Krabi to Ao Nang. Songteaws from Krabi cost 20 Baht during the day and 50 Baht after 18:00.

Koh Tao Island in Surat Thani

Koh Tao Island
Surat Thani
Things have moved on since the days Koh Tao was a prison colony. Although at present it is not over developed and relatively quiet and peaceful, tourism has spurred a lot of development on the island, and the number of visitors going there is growing annually.
Located 45 kilometres north of Koh Phangnan, the waters around Koh Tao are blessed with excellent sea coral and good visibility. As a result there are plenty of diving schools operating on the island and it is one of Thailand’s key diving and snorkeling destinations. Some of the best diving/snorkeling sites include White Rock, Shark Island, and the Southwest Pinnacles. If water sport isn’t your thing, the island is blessed with long, undulating beaches to relax on; key beaches are Sairee Beach, Mae Haad, Chalok Ban Kao and Hin Wong Bay. For those not interested in sun and surf, the island’s interior is immensely thick jungle with the odd track the adventurous can explore.
Koh Tao offers a good range of accommodation; there are your 150 Baht a night huts for backpackers, as well as luxury accommodation with all the bells and whistles, and everything in between. Most accommodation available is found around the island’s key beach areas. Nightlife in on Koh Tao is excellent and less ‘steamy’ than some islands and tourist destinations. Things are more relaxed and less crowded, but there are plenty of places you can dance the night away to the sounds of topnotch DJ's. Like Koh Phangnan, Koh Tao has its beach parties.
Koh Tao is cool for shopping – there is a good range of shops selling everything from diving gear to souvenirs and jewelry, alongside plenty of ‘mom and pop’ stores and the occasional Seven Eleven where you can stock up on staples. The island is also great for restaurants. There has been a surge in the number of places where you can get great food on the island, and everything is available: Italian, Japanese, German, British… list goes on. Both restaurants and bars offer a fantastic range of local and imported drinks.
Koh Tao offers a complete package – one of the most enticing! Well worth a visit if time and situation permit.

Koh Ngai (Koh Hai) in Trang

Koh Ngai (Koh Hai)
Trang
Located 13 kilometers south of Koh Lanta, Koh Ngai is one of the Koh Lanta group of islands that make up the Koh Lanta National Marine Park. A small, triangular island, less than 5 square kilometers in size, Koh Ngai (also known as Koh Hai) has a forested interior and offers white-sand beaches alongside clear water and good coral which encircles the entire island making it a perfect place for snorkeling. There is limited accommodation on the island, mostly clustered around the eastern coastline. There is a variety of types of accommodation available, and a range of prices to choose from, but with so few places to stay in, Koh Ngai is a very quiet and peaceful place – probably best to try to book somewhere in advance if possible to be on the safe side. Other islands in the area include Koh Chuek, Koh Waen, Koh Mah and Koh Muk, and you can arrange tours to these islands from the accommodation outlets on Koh Ngai.  
How to get there: Although officially part of Krabi province, the easiest way to get to Koh Ngai is from Pak Meng Beach in Trang. Regular ferries run from Pak Meng and its also possible to rent boats to cater for groups. 

Koh Saket Petch in Rayong

Koh Saket Petch
Rayong
Koh Saket Petch is a small island off the coast of Rayong, approximately 15 minutes by boat from Bang Phe. Although accommodation is available on the island, it is limited. As a result, the waters around the island remain clear and the coral on the seabed impressive.  
How to get there: Boats on a regular schedule are available from Hat Sai Thong beach near Bang Phe.
Contact: If you want to stay on the island, a limited number of bungalows and tents are available for rent. These must be booked well in advance. To book accommodation contact (038) 617-002 (Rayong) and 0-2719-6393-9 or 0-2319-7506 (Bangkok).  

Koh Man Island Group in Rayong

Koh Man Island Group of Islands
Rayong
The Koh Man Island group comprises three islands: Koh Man Nai, Koh Man Klang and Koh Man Nok. These tiny islands remain pristine and have excellent coral reefs. Koh Man Nai (the smallest of the islands) has a single beach and is only 100 metres across. It is not possible to stay overnight on Koh Man Nai because camping is prohibited and there is no other accommodation available. This is likely because of the abundance of sea turtles around the island – through Her Majesty the Queen's conservation efforts to preserve sea turtles there are plans to turn Koh Man Nai into a turtle sanctuary. Koh Man Klang and Koh Man Nok both have excellent beaches. In addition, being quiet and sparsely populated (and by no means over visited!), the coral reefs around the islands are still in perfect condition. It is possible to rent snorkelling, sailing, and canoeing equipment from the islands’ few resorts.  
How to get there: Koh Man Nai is opposite Kai Bae Beach and is accessible by private boat from Pak Nam Prasae (1,500 Baht) or Ao Ma Kam Porn (500 Baht). 

Koh Kaeo in Phuket

Koh Kaeo
Phuket
Koh Kaeo is an offshore isle about 3 kilometres out from Rawai beach and can be reached in 30 minutes by boat.  It offers picturesque beaches and underwater scenery. There is also a replica of the Holy Footprint on the island.

Koh Lanta in Krabi

Koh Lanta Krabi

The Koh Lanta archipelago consists of 52 islands, of which only 12 are occupied. Of these there are two Koh Lanta Islands - Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi. Koh Lanta Yai is probably the only island in the group to offer proper accommodation for tourists and over the last number of years it has changed from a remote island inhabited by Muslim fisherman explored only by backpackers to a popular destination that is increasingly becoming more like a resort. As a result of its increase in popularity, Koh Lanta Yai offers more and more of the comforts required by the modern tourist. The island is very impressive. It offers a number of excellent beaches that haven’t been ravaged by tourism. Alongside a limited amount of diving over coral beds, this lack of commercialism adds up to an extremely laid back atmosphere which is very appealing. At present, around a dozen bungalows stretch along the west coast of the Island from Ban Sala Dan in the north to Ban Sangka U in the south. This is though very likely to change in the near future. Ban Sala Dan is Koh Lanta Yai’s biggest town and offers restaurants, shops, and, probably most importantly, a bank, Internet shops and a couple of ATM machines. These are the only ones on the island so be warned – this is not currently the most developed of islands! Unlike other islands you might visit, there are far more mosques here than temples. Details: From June to October (low-season) the monsoon rains make getting around the island difficult and visitors are sometimes allowed on a single beach. It might be best to contact TAT when planning your trip to find the best time for a visit during the low-season. It is possible to hire bicycles to get around the islands, and it’s also possible to rent motorcycles for around 200 Baht a day. Depending on where you will be staying, bringing your own supplies might be necessary. How to get there: Koh Lanta Yai is not easily accessible and involves a ferry ride from Krabi. From Trang you can catch buses and minivans that will take you straight to the island. From Ban Sala Dan (on the island) motorcycle taxis are available to the beaches at varying costs starting at 20 Baht.

Koh Lanta in Krabi

Koh Lanta Krabi

The Koh Lanta archipelago consists of 52 islands, of which only 12 are occupied. Of these there are two Koh Lanta Islands - Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi. Koh Lanta Yai is probably the only island in the group to offer proper accommodation for tourists and over the last number of years it has changed from a remote island inhabited by Muslim fisherman explored only by backpackers to a popular destination that is increasingly becoming more like a resort. As a result of its increase in popularity, Koh Lanta Yai offers more and more of the comforts required by the modern tourist. The island is very impressive. It offers a number of excellent beaches that haven’t been ravaged by tourism. Alongside a limited amount of diving over coral beds, this lack of commercialism adds up to an extremely laid back atmosphere which is very appealing. At present, around a dozen bungalows stretch along the west coast of the Island from Ban Sala Dan in the north to Ban Sangka U in the south. This is though very likely to change in the near future. Ban Sala Dan is Koh Lanta Yai’s biggest town and offers restaurants, shops, and, probably most importantly, a bank, Internet shops and a couple of ATM machines. These are the only ones on the island so be warned – this is not currently the most developed of islands! Unlike other islands you might visit, there are far more mosques here than temples. Details: From June to October (low-season) the monsoon rains make getting around the island difficult and visitors are sometimes allowed on a single beach. It might be best to contact TAT when planning your trip to find the best time for a visit during the low-season. It is possible to hire bicycles to get around the islands, and it’s also possible to rent motorcycles for around 200 Baht a day. Depending on where you will be staying, bringing your own supplies might be necessary. How to get there: Koh Lanta Yai is not easily accessible and involves a ferry ride from Krabi. From Trang you can catch buses and minivans that will take you straight to the island. From Ban Sala Dan (on the island) motorcycle taxis are available to the beaches at varying costs starting at 20 Baht.

Koh Hong in Krabi

Koh Hong Krabi

Koh Hong (Room Island) is part of a group of islands one hour north of Krabi. Koh Hong has only one beach - Pelay Beach - but it is recognized for being extremely beautiful, boasting fine white sand, coral and lots of varieties of tropical fish. Pelay Beach is framed by limestone rock formations which give it an enclosed feel. Coupled with the fact that there are seldom many people there, Koh Hong very much offers a ‘desert island’ experience. Its name comes from an eroded group of caves in the middle of the island which harbours a large lake with a small passage to the sea. When the tide is high long tail boats are able to enter the ‘room’ and visitors can swim in around in crystal clear water with a depth of around one metre. Koh Hong is another collection point for the nests that provide the ingredients for bird’s nest soup. You can witness the fascinating sight of young men shimmying up bamboo poles to great heights to collect these nests, genuinely risking life and limb in pursuit of their income. Death and injuries do happen, so be warned! If you are on a limited time frame, a visit to Koh Hong might not be possible, but if you have the time it’s well worth the effort. A visit to the island is really getting away from it all and something you shouldn’t miss if you can avoid it! Details: There is no accommodation on Koh Hong and overnight stays are not permitted. How to get there: It takes about one hour to get to Koh Island from Ao Nang Beach. Group tours can be arranged from Ao Nang.

Koh Lan in Chonburi

Koh Lan Chonburi

Pattaya has a number of islands in its vicinity of which Koh Lan is the largest. The island is somewhat an extension of the mainland activities, featuring water sports such as diving snorkeling, windsurfing, waterskiing and para-sending. A key attraction is boats sailing around the island for sightseeing purposes. Some of the boats have glass bottoms enabling passengers to see coral and marine life at the bottom of the sea. The island has a number of beaches, the main beach hosting a number of excellent seafood restaurants selling dishes made from freshly caught seafood. The area also features deep sea fishing boats around Koh Lan’s neighbours, Koh Krok and Koh Sak. Details: Koh Lan is 45 minutes from Pattaya beach by boat or 20 minutes by long-tail boat. Most of the tour boats make anchor to take advantage of the foodshops and stalls along these beaches. Facing Hat Thong Lang are coral ranges. Visitors can choose glass-bottom boats and surface-diving. Hat Samae is located to the southwest while Hat Ta Phan is to the west of the island. How to get there: Ferries leave South Pattaya Pier daily from 10:00 to 18.30, the one-way fare being 20 Baht. The return ferry leaves Koh Lan’s Na Ban Beach at 12:00 and 14:00.

Koh Lan in Chonburi

Koh Lan Chonburi

Pattaya has a number of islands in its vicinity of which Koh Lan is the largest. The island is somewhat an extension of the mainland activities, featuring water sports such as diving snorkeling, windsurfing, waterskiing and para-sending. A key attraction is boats sailing around the island for sightseeing purposes. Some of the boats have glass bottoms enabling passengers to see coral and marine life at the bottom of the sea. The island has a number of beaches, the main beach hosting a number of excellent seafood restaurants selling dishes made from freshly caught seafood. The area also features deep sea fishing boats around Koh Lan’s neighbours, Koh Krok and Koh Sak. Details: Koh Lan is 45 minutes from Pattaya beach by boat or 20 minutes by long-tail boat. Most of the tour boats make anchor to take advantage of the foodshops and stalls along these beaches. Facing Hat Thong Lang are coral ranges. Visitors can choose glass-bottom boats and surface-diving. Hat Samae is located to the southwest while Hat Ta Phan is to the west of the island. How to get there: Ferries leave South Pattaya Pier daily from 10:00 to 18.30, the one-way fare being 20 Baht. The return ferry leaves Koh Lan’s Na Ban Beach at 12:00 and 14:00.