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

Beach Spotlight: Chalok Baan Kao

Battling sharks as well as themselves, the characters in Alex Garland’s 1997 novel The Beach struggled to hold onto the ideal of paradise they had created for themselves. Captured on the big screen in 1999, Leonardio DiCaprio’s romp through the thick Island landscape made the movie an instant cult classic for travelers the world over. The book itself was based upon the beach spot of Chalok Baan Kao, whilst the movie was actually filmed on the island of Ko Phi Phi Lee.

Chalok Baan Kao is located on the island of Koh Tao (Turtle Island), originally named for the many turtles that once used this area as their breeding grounds. The island is situated nearby to the overly popular destination of Koh Samui. Many tourists find their way to this small island in order to enjoy some of Thailand’s most famed diving spots and get away from the glamour and glitz that Samui has succumbed to in recent years. Breathtaking palm trees line the beaches on this island, providing a scenic backdrop to the excellent coral reefs and glistening waters.

Beach Details

Chalok Baan Kao is positioned on the most southern tip of Koh Tao, offering easy access to the Ang Thong Marine Park. The harsh elements of the wind and thunderous ocean waves do not directly hit this beach because of its ideal location, making for a shallow alternative to deeper waters. This provides a safe environment for visiting families, especially those traveling with younger children. Once you have worked up an appetite, there are several delectable restaurants to explore with, of course, an emphasis on seafood.

Most places of interest surrounding the beach are well within walking distance but there are motorbikes and mountain bikes available for hire. If you know what you are doing on a motorbike or fancy pedaling your way around then this makes for a cheap alternative to the unscrupulous taxi services on offer. Take extra care when riding a motorcycle or else you might end up with a ‘Thai tattoo,’ as many unfortunate foreigners do every year.

Beach Accommodation

Whether you are making a brief stopover or hoping to get settled for a few days, there are various accommodation options open to visitors. Thankfully, Chalok Baan Koh is not overly populated or excessively developed. The banana boats and deafening speed boats of some of Thailand’s other resorts are nowhere in sight. The scenery is blissful and to make your holiday complete you will be wanting somewhere equally impressive to stay. Chalok Baan Kao can make for the ideal getaway.

Located just a couple meters from the beach, a tropical garden makes up the fascinating surroundings of the Koh Tao Resort. Take the time to savor the unique Thai dishes served at the resort’s restaurant, which also provides sublime views of Chalok Baan Kao. On the beachfront, guests can enjoy the onsite swimming pool and lounge area. Rooms go for upwards of 650 baht a night. A little easier on the pocket is the friendly alternative of New Heaven Bungalows, starting at 450 baht. Situated on the scenic hillside, these bungalows are a popular choice amongst visitors.

If you fancy a bit of a splurge (and let’s face it, who doesn’t from time to time?), then look no further than Koh Tao Beach Villas. These villas make for the perfect place to stay for everyone from loved up honeymooners to young professionals looking for a touch of style. Each is furnished decadently with a fusion of traditional Thai design and contemporary western amenities.

Also at Siam