Thai Beaches: An indepth guide to white sand, crystal clear water and more.

Exploring the Gulf of Thailand

The Gulf of Thailand is home to many popular beach resorts. The warm tropical waters are home to vibrant aquatic life and the beaches are at best breathtaking and at worst crowded and dirty. For these reasons it is best to think about where you are going and what you want to get out of your trip to the beach, as each resort has something unique to offer visitors.

Pattaya

Just a two hour drive from Bangkok is the beach resort of Pattaya. It?s famed for hedonistic nightlife and a blas? approach to contemporary morals. If you have ever heard any stories about Pattaya that somewhat shocked you then they were probably true. Debauchery is the main ingredient of this thriving city, although its reputation is something that is apparently going to be cleaned up in an attempt to make the city more family oriented. It can be expensive and you will see things you probably won?t see anywhere else, but if you are after a great night out with no real restrictions then Pattaya is as good a place as any. The trick is to not take the city too seriously. Some people get worked up and dismiss Pattaya as a ?city of death,? but in reality what you get out of Pattaya all depends on how you approach the city.

Koh Samet

Not more than 100 kilometers from Pattaya is the sweet little island of Koh Samet. It?s laid back, calm and makes for a great retreat from the heaving mess that is Bangkok. The beaches are clean and the water is clear and warm. It is not one of Thailand?s best beach offerings, but it is scenic enough to appeal to both tourists and locals alike. At night the fire displays put the beach in a new light and visitors can enjoy buckets of strong cocktails at one of the many bars along the coastline.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is a short stint away from Koh Samet. It?s a little larger and a whole lot more mountainous, but it can make for a fun trip. The best thing to do is head passed all of the overdeveloped spots and rent a bungalow on Lonely Beach. As the name suggests, there are less people, less buildings and the whole area feels a lot more authentic than certain other spots. The nightlife is similar to that of Koh Samet?s, and by day the beach is pleasant and tranquil. The seafood is also rather good.

Hua Hin

Moving down the Western side of the Gulf of Thailand you come to Hua Hin. It?s a favorite spot for Europeans to retire to, and as such it can feel a little like a European city from time to time. Hua Hin?s popularity has exploded in recent years, as is evident in the development of the city?s nightlife. What was once a few select bars has now transformed itself into a strip of clubs and discos.

The beach is good, although not the best in Thailand, and the scenery is aesthetically pleasing enough to keep visitors interested. The food is fantastic and there are a number of quality restaurants throughout the resort. One image that you won?t forget for a while is that of horses. They are everywhere, traipsing up and down the beachfront carrying foreigners of all shapes and sizes. Take a ride if you feel like galloping across the sands.

Surrounding the town, there are many parks worth your time, including the limestone cliffs of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park and Kaeng Krachan National Park, which is the largest national park in all of Thailand. Before departing Hua Hin, no visit is complete without experiencing the Pa La-U Waterfall, which requires a bit of a drive to reach. This popular attraction is best visited during the week.

Koh Samui

Lonely Planet guides will forever tell you that Samui isn?t what it used to be, and to a large extent they are right. It is overdeveloped, there are lots of people and you can order McDonalds, but that doesn?t mean it isn?t fun. The beaches can be quite alluring if you pick the right spot, and there is, of course, the nightlife. Samui is party central, and so it is perhaps not the ideal choice for a quiet getaway, but for young partygoers of the Ibiza generation it may appeal.

For a smaller tourist beach offering access to a secluded bay in the northeastern part of the island, Choeng Mon features a relatively quiet layout. Since it doesn?t offer a town outlet, the bay provides luxury hotel accommodation as well as quaint restaurants and inviting shops.

Koh Tao

Turtle island, as its name literally means, is revered as one of Thailand?s best diving and snorkeling spots. The waters are as clear as you will find and the coral is home to some incredibly strange looking fish. It?s one of the ideal places to see a world we often forget about. The world under the sea is as interesting as the world above. Fret not though if you are not a diving enthusiast. Koh Tao has enough sweeping beachfront to satisfy even the most discerning of beach loafers. Koh Tao?s popularity is on the up, but it is still possible to find secluded glimpses of paradise if you look hard enough.

Koh Pha-Ngan

You cannot talk about the Gulf of Thailand without mentioning Pha-Ngan. It?s home to the full moon (and half moon, black moon, quarter moon, etc.) parties. If you visit Thailand it would be criminal not to go to at least one full moon party. They are famed the world over and last all night, often for days on end. Don?t be wary of the island?s popularity. It is large enough to still have something on offer for everyone. If the bustling charms of Hat Rin do not appeal, then look a little deeper into the island and you might just be pleasantly surprised with what you find

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