Thailand isn’t just known as the Land of Smiles for its friendly people, but also for the effect it has on visitors upon sinking their toes into one of the country’s bazillion beaches and idyllic islands.
Yep, your stock-standard Thai beach will make just about anyone smile – and how could they not, given that they all appear as if straight out of a glossy travel magazine, captioned: paradise on earth!
But beyond the well-known stretches of gorgeous coastline and paradisiacal islands lies a treasure trove of secrets that the Thais have been quietly keeping to themselves, sharing only to those who venture off the beaten path and go beyond the tourist trail.
Here are six beach and island destinations that are some of Thailand’s best that you probably didn’t even know existed…
1. Khao Lak and the Similan Islands in Phang Nga
Just a 1.5 hour drive from Phuket Airport, Khao Lak is that slice of Thailand you’ve most probably been fantasising about ever since watching The Beach. Stretching along Phang Nga’s coastline hugging the Andaman Sea, communities in this part of Thailand have embraced eco-tourism and offer a quieter and more relaxed holiday amongst nature.
For divers, nothing beats spending some days and nights in the Similan Islands, which is blessed with some of the best diving spots in the world. Leopard sharks, white tip and black tip reef sharks, batfish, moray eels, snapper, barracuda, triggerfish and other species of marine life call this protected national park home, and you’ll want to too after just one dive…
2. Ko Phayam in Ranong
Getting away from the crowd isn’t that hard to do in Thailand – just make a bee-line for Ko Phayam in Ranong!
This is a secret beach destination par excellence, that’s totally suitable for those looking for something simple away from the crowds, where mingling with the locals is all part of the experience.
As the second largest Andaman Sea island, it’s easy to find your own space here: all you need to do is go for a walk or hop on a motorbike. Ah, if only everyday life was so simple…
3. Trang Islands in Trang
Escape to an island for the ideal holiday break in the Trang Islands, and the only stress you’ll have to battle into submission with a few fresh coconuts and a swim in the beach is deciding which of the 50 islands you’ll want to stay on.
Do you go for a tranquil and laid back experience? The Trang Islands can provide. Or do you stay somewhere that allows you to be a bit more active, somewhere you can dive and trek, as well as relax on the beach (this is a holiday after all!). Again, the Trang Islands has you covered.
Or do you choose somewhere that will allow you to holiday with minimal impact to the environment and be close to endangered animals such as the dugong and other native birds? If so you’ll want to stay somewhere that subscribes to the ideals of eco-tourism, of which there are many in the Trang Islands.
4. Ko Lipe, the Adang-Rawi Islands and the Tarutao Islands in Satun
It doesn’t take much more beyond stepping foot in any of these unspoilt islands for you to decide you never want to go home! Beautiful, relaxing, and pure heaven, these islands are some of Thailand’s best kept secrets.
Whilst pondering how you’ll stay on these islands for ever, go for a snorkel in the crystal clear turquoise waters and swim with your new underwater friends; curl up with a book and a fresh coconut whilst palm trees gently sway from side to side; and then sit down for dinner at a local restaurant feasting on delicious Thai cuisine. Mmm!
5. Ko Kood and Ko Chang in Trat
Away from all the distractions and madness of our hectic lives, there’s a place in Thailand where doing absolutely nothing makes for the perfect holiday. And its name is Ko Chang. Remote, rugged, covered in lush jungle and perched on the coast, this is Thailand served in its most rustic and close to nature form.
Ko Kood, on the other hand, is where to go when you need a little pampering and rejuvenation. It’s on this island that you’ll find some of the best luxury spa resorts in Thailand, such as Soneva Kiri and Six Senses.
6. The Angthong Islands in Surat Thani
Ko Samui is a legendary beach destination in its own right, but for somewhere much quieter, the Angthong Islands couldn’t be a more convenient option.
Made up of over 40 small islands with awesome diving, kayaking, and trekking options, a day trip out here is the perfect antidote to the crowds of Ko Samui.
For more information on tantalising Thailand, see tourismthailand.org/au
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