Joanna James
The 1,500 miles of incredible coastline and 1,430 picturesque islands put Thailand on the map as one of the world's top beach destinations — and rightly so. If the beach-rich Southeast Asian nation doesn’t sate a longing beach bum’s ultimate dream of pristine sands and crystalline waters, what does?
On southern Thailand’s west coast, the seaside town of Krabi, which has no shortage of picture-postcard beaches, Railay Beach is as beautiful as it gets. Towering limestone cliffs seclude the beach from the rest of the town, making mainland access completely impossible. Traditional longtail boats carry beachgoers from the mainland to the small peninsula, which makes getting to the beach an exciting experience in itself. Soft white sand lapped by the sparkling waters of the Andaman Sea and set against the backdrop of dramatic jagged cliffs — if this isn’t tropical beach paradise, what is?
Among the string of 52 picturesque deserted islands comprising the archipelago of Krabi, Ko Lanta Yai takes the crown as the largest as well as the most developed. Venturing to the northwest coast of the island, 2 miles of breathtaking crescent-shaped beach welcome you, sure to give you your fill of pristine powdery sands. The shallow waters, minimal rocks and soothing sunshine make the beach perfect for some mellow beach fun.
While other-worldly seaside scenery is what puts Thailand on the map as one of the world’s top beach destinations, here at Hat Tham Phra Nang, beauty is not only what awaits the elated beachgoer. While pristine white sand and turquoise blue waters are in no scarcity, this slice of beach in Krabi is also blessed with a host of dramatic karst cliffs, where courageous summiteers are afforded breathtaking views of other neighbouring islands, including the beautiful Ko Kai and Ko Pada islands.
With Thailand’s world-renowned reputation for picture-postcard beaches, a moment of peace and quiet is not exactly easy to come by on the myriad beaches of the Southeast Asian nation. Away from the buzz and bustle, Sichon, in the far southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, is ironically soaked in tranquillity. Beside the turquoise waters and sugary white sand, local fishers and their brightly-coloured boats are only what greet you.
Koh Samui, which is in constant competition with the island of Phuket as Thailand’s most popular tropical holiday destination, needs no introduction. Venturing to the east coast of the island, the pink-sand Chaweng Beach is what could be safely described as the epitome of Thailand’s bewitching beaches. Among everything blissful about the tropical island, the host of elegant Koh Samui beachfront villas, including the likes of SAii Koh Samui, is, without a doubt, one of the most idyllic.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
