Thailand Beaches & Islands

Year-round Sunshine Most visitors to Thailand head for the sea for at least part of their stay. With a 1,550-mile coastline, Thailand offers such a profusion of sandy beaches, sheer cliffs, sheltered bays, quiet coves and idyllic islands that the choices for a holiday in the sun are near limitless. From the southern islands of Phuket and Ko Samui, internationally renowned resorts boasting some of the world’s finest beaches and most luxurious accommodation, to fun playground like Pattaya or a classic family retreat such as Hua Hin, you will find your kind of beach. Thailand’s beaches are unrivalled and have something for everyone. Simply enjoy swimming, windsurfing, sailing, water skiing, game fishing, parasailing, snorkeling, jogging, walking, sun bathing, and even horse riding. Adding additional dimensions to a Thailand beach holiday are varieties of accommodations; tropical Thailand spas for relaxing and rejuvenating body and mind; a whole host of sporting options, from scuba diving and yachting to golf at championship-standard courses, and not least superb dining that includes the fresh seafood dishes. Along with many activities that may be new to you, here are some of the things you can try: Swimming & Snorkeling Sandy beaches and warm clear water make Thailand a swimmers’ paradise. Completely free with no equipment needed, swimming makes a great workout and is 100 percent environmentally friendly. You will probably find masks, snorkels and flippers to rent or borrow. Many of Thailand’s coral reefs, tropical fish and other marine life live in shallow water near to the shore, and are accessible to snorkelers. Snorkeling trips are available around Phuket, Ko Samui, Pattaya, and all other beach destinations. They are usually combined with sea canoeing and picnics on isolated islands and marine national parks. Sea Canoeing Sea canoeing is eco-friendly, safe and easy. Enjoy yourself at some of the most spectacular sites around Krabi, Phuket and Phang-nga Bay. Three-day excursions from Phuket include instruction, camping and barbeque dinners and exploring 8 islands, including Ko Chong Lat and its Blue Room, a three-chamber stalactite grotto. Closer to Bangkok, Mu Ko Chang National Park in Trat Province has more than 50 unsploit islands waiting to be explored. Ko Kra has some of the best coral in Thailand, but no less spectacular are the sands of Ko Mak and the bays of Ko Ngam. Rock Climbing & Bouldering Around Krabi’s Rai Le Beach, more than 700 routes have been bolted into the cliff faces, which in prehistoric times were the world’s largest coral reef. Everyone can enjoy rock climbing as the routes vary in difficulty from 5a (child’s play) to 8c (extremely challenging). For those who prefer bouldering, try Ko Tao in the Gulf of Thailand. Sailing & Yachting Over 1,000 miles of coastline bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, literally thousands of islands, countless beaches with pristine white sand, crystal waters and superb coral reefs, hidden creeks and headlands meeting the sea, mystical sea mountains. All these combine with a tropical climate to create the world’s most stunning cruising waters. Phuket is Thailand’s premier sailing destination while Pattaya is an essential stopover on any cruising holiday in the Eastern Gulf of Thailand. You can charter a yacht, join a crew or sail one of your own. Be ready to race against local and international sailors in a local regatta. Popular races include Phuket King’s Cup Regatta in December, Samui Regatta in May and Hau Hin Regatta in August. Popular Beach Destinations The Andaman Coast <LI>- Phuket <LI>- Mu Ko Similan National Park <LI>- Mu Ko Surin National Park <LI>- Phang-nga Bay <LI>- Phi Phi Islands The Gulf of Thailand <LI>- Hua Hin & Cha-am <LI>- Ko Samui <LI>- Ko Pha-ngan <LI>- Ko Tao <LI>- Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park The East <LI>- Pattaya <LI>- Ko Chang Most visitors to Thailand head for the sea for at least part of their stay. With a 1,550-mile coastline, Thailand offers such a profusion of sandy beaches, sheer cliffs, sheltered bays, quiet coves and idyllic islands that the choices for a holiday in the sun are near limitless. 1

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