Thailand is a country that is quickly developing an excellent as a tourist destination, and the range of amazingly beautiful beaches, bays and coves in the country is likely to see this reputation continue to grow. The small nation of Thailand is one that is distinctly split between the mountainous north and the low lying coastal areas and islands of the south of the country, with the best of the beach resorts in the south of the country. Although it enjoys a warm climate throughout the year, it is worth noting that Thailand has a significant monsoon season which is worth checking before booking your holiday.
Patong
The town of Patong is one of several beach holiday resorts that can be found on the island of Phuket, and although it was devastated during the tsunami in 2004, it has been entirely rebuilt. The sandy beaches of Patong are perfect for relaxing, and for those more adventurous types there are plenty of exploring opportunities around the island. Among the most attractive features for those considering a trip to the town is the vibrant nightlife, and like much of the country the prices for nightclub entry and drinks are particularly reasonable.
Krabi
The town of Krabi is another excellent destination for those looking for easy access to top notch beaches, and beaches such as Phra Nang are among the most beautiful in the country. The azure waters and the golden sand on these beaches are often surrounded by idyllic unspoiled woods and they are also a great base for activities such as kayaking and snorkeling. The town has grown significantly over recent years, with many more chain stores being found in the area, and accessibility to the region has improved with the opening of KrabiAirport.
Koh Samui
The island of Koh Samui is the second largest of the islands to be found of the coasts of Thailand, and this has long been one of the most popular destinations for those heading to the country for beach holidays. The peaceful sands and clean waters are an idyllic setting for a beach holiday, while the exciting and vibrant nightlife in the resorts is almost as good as that to be found in the capital Bangkok. Lying further south than much of the country, Koh Samui also benefits from a drier climate, with the monsoon season being much shorter between January and September.
The coral reefs that lie off the coast of Koh Samui have also helped to make this idyllic island popular among divers and snorkelers, and provides a change of pace after a few days relaxing on the beach.
Koh Phi Phi
The island of Koh Phi Phi is a destination that has grown in popularity over recent years, and the island tends to be quieter and more idyllic than some of the more popular tourist destinations in the country. As with many other islands in this area, the excellent beaches and clear waters are ideal for those looking to enjoy activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling, and its waters can boast some of the best marine life in the region. The island was largely untouched until the film ‘The Beach’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio brought the island to international attention in the 1990s, and it is still much more traditionally Thai than some of the tourist islands.
Koh Lanta
The island of Koh Lanta is another of the Thai isles that can claim to be sparsely developed in terms of the tourist industry, and many visitors will find it much closer to the Thailand that people would have found decades ago. The beaches here are again amongst the best in the country, and the sensational waters are excellent for swimming and other water activities. The majority of tourist accommodation on Koh Lanta is still in bamboo huts, which will really give people a taste of the traditional Thai lifestyle.