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Seashores and Thailand go collectively like mango and sticky rice. A sojourn to the nation’s south, the place limestone cliffs and emerald waters personify the area, is a should on any itinerary. However with greater than 1,400 islands in Thailand, discovering those with the most effective seashores is like discovering the right pad kra pao — it takes trial and error. After visiting Thailand often for the previous eight years, I’ve compiled an inventory of 14 of the nation’s most gorgeous seashores.
Ao Prao Seaside, Koh Samet
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Gentle silica and delicate waves lure seashore bums to this sandy strip on Koh Samet. Dwelling to a number of four-star accommodations, vacationers can hire kayaks and paddleboards to get a glimpse of the reef’s colourful fish. Come night, its beachside eating places are an ideal place to publish up for sundown — coconut in hand.
Dawn Seaside, Koh Lipe
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Koh Lipe is considered one of Thailand’s most beloved and hard-to-reach islands, near Malaysia. However when you see its silky shores, you’ll be glad you made the trek. Dawn Seaside has crystal-clear waters with picturesque long-tail boats dotting the coast. And as its title suggests, you’ll be able to catch a wonderful dawn right here, adopted by a morning snorkel.
Kradan Seaside, Koh Kradan
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Often known as Paradise Seaside, this stretch lives as much as its title. Nearly all of the island’s lodging are positioned steps from the sand, so it’s a really perfect place to base your self for straightforward entry to its pristine shores. Heat, clear water and delicate surf make this quiet seashore a dreamy honeymoon vacation spot.
Railay Seaside, Krabi
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You’ve in all probability seen this seashore splashed on Thailand adverts for the previous decade. It’s extraordinarily well-liked, however for good cause. Accessible solely by boat, its towering limestone cliffs on both facet make for epic trip photographs and critical mountaineering. Swimming on the west facet of the seashore is feasible, however the placing landscapes are the primary draw right here.
White Sand Seaside, Koh Chang
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As its title implies, you’ll discover blinding white sand on this huge stretch of Koh Chang. The seashore’s sprawling measurement means it’s by no means too crowded, so discovering a spot to bask with a great e book isn’t exhausting. At night time, it comes alive with hearth dancers, bars, and loads of native eating places.
Koh Ngai Seaside, Koh Ngai
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This tiny island within the Andaman Sea is a bit less-trodden than its neighbors. Clear waters epitomize the island’s namesake seashore. Stroll your entire size, posing for footage with long-tail boats and stopping for contemporary seafood at one of many feet-in-the-sand eating places, or seize a lounge chair and stare on the postcard-perfect limestone karst formations.
Thong Nai Pan Seaside, Koh Pha Ngan
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This crescent-shaped sliver within the north of Koh Pha Ngan is the right place to relaxation and recuperate after the island’s famously debaucherous Full Moon Social gathering. Its smooth sand, shallow waters, and shady palm timber are perfect for a lazy seashore day on considered one of Thailand’s most festive and yoga-filled islands.
Maya Seaside, Phi Phi Leh
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Made well-known by the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Seaside, this picturesque bay was almost decimated by overtourism. However thanks to an enormous rehabilitation program and elevated regulation (there’s no swimming right here), the pure fantastic thing about this seashore has returned. Solely a number of thousand vacationers are allowed right here each day, in prebooked time slots, however many say it is value it for the limestone cliffs alone.
Lengthy Seaside, Koh Lanta
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Guests to this Thai island have skyrocketed prior to now decade. A preferred vacation spot for digital nomads, Lengthy Seaside is made for lengthy walks on the seashore. There’s loads to see alongside its shores, from easygoing bars to wood bungalows and seafood shacks. Simply keep in mind to convey a hat and take frequent dips; there’s little or no shade right here.
Taling Ngam Seaside, Koh Samui
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Koh Samui is the definition of an island paradise, identified for its romantic five-star accommodations and pristine bays. On its western coast is that this extra secluded part of sand. Submit up on its sugar-white seashore for an epic sundown (with views of the well-known 5 Islands) or a Thai feast at considered one of its unassuming seashore shacks.
Charlie Seaside, Koh Muk
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Often known as Garnet Seaside, this gem might be discovered on Koh Muk, which interprets to “Pearl Island.” A tuk-tuk experience from city means Charlie Seaside is away from the hustle and bustle, and people who enterprise out are rewarded with light waters and standout sunsets. Head right here within the peak season, when seashore companies come alive.
Khao Takiab Seaside, Hua Hin
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This laid-back coastal escape lies lower than three hours from the capital. A go-to for Bangkok locals seeking to escape the smog and site visitors of the town, Hua Hin is house to wellness retreats and seashore resorts. Probably the most lovely locations for a dip is Khao Takiab Seaside. Subsequent to a fishing harbor, you’ll be able to spend the day on a seashore mattress after which seize contemporary seafood because the solar dips beneath the horizon.
Golden Buddha Seaside, Koh Phra Thong
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It’s exhausting to discover a place that also feels untouched in tourist-beloved Thailand, however this distant, seven-mile sandy expanse manages to do it. On the Andaman Sea, quiet seashore eco-resorts and native eating places line the golden sand. Climb to Turtle Viewpoint for a sweeping vista over the seashore and the emerald ocean beneath.
Bottle Seaside, Koh Pha Ngan
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Reachable through forest trek, 4×4 automobile, or boat, adventurous vacationers will love the far-flung really feel of this small bay. Seaside lovers can hire a lounge chair for the day, seize a couple of chilly Singha beers, and easily chill out. If that’s not your model, there are kayaks for hire and some worthwhile climbing trails close by.
