Beaches in Thailand
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Amazing Thailand
The advertising slogan for many years for Thailand was ‘Amazing Thailand’. I always found this very apt: Thailand is an amazing country. It is also known as the ‘Land of Smiles’ because of the heartfelt warmth you often feel when interacting with the local people. It is also known as ‘The Land of the Free’ because the Thais are rightfully proud of the fact that they were never colonized.
Cultural Heritage
Thailand is a country rich in history and culture. Thailand has the
longest serving monarch. Thailand has an amazing cuisine that has found
favor around the world (Thai food restaurants are now as common as
Japanese restaurants). In the north of the country there are extensive
forests where Hill Tribes live. Bangkok is a cosmopolitan city with many
cultural treasures such as Wat Pho. Places such as Ayutthaya and
Sukhothai are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And in the South of Thailand
there are more paradise beaches than you can shake a stick at.
Beach Life vs Urban Life
It is possible to spend 6 months in Thailand just visiting beautiful
beaches and you would not see them all. I have been visiting Thailand
for over 10 years and there are still so many beaches I still want to
visit. I never tire of being on a beach in Thailand. Below I will list
some of the reasons for my obsession with beaches in Thailand.
Firstly, beaches in Thailand are places where the splendor of nature is
overwhelming. White sand, turquoise waters, butterflies playing in the
surf, eagles circling overhead, huge granite formations and towering
palm trees make a postcard scene. I’m not too keen on the rush to put
luxury hotels and swimming pools on these beautiful spots but sadly
traveling is now part of the consumer mainstream. It seems inevitable.
Secondly, there is a rich abundance of marine life to see either
snorkeling or scuba diving in Thailand. On the Andaman coast there are
the famous Similan Islands and in the Gulf of Thailand there is Koh Tao
where you can take PADI courses for very reasonable rates.
Thirdly, there is a sense of well being that being on a beach generates.
Just waking up and strolling down to the beach for a quick dip in the
warm water is an experience that puts you in a good mood for the rest of
the day. I just love the island life mentality that refuses to get
stressed by little set-backs. If the power goes, so what? If the boat is
late leaving the dock, so what? All I need on the beach is a pair of
shorts and some pocket money. It is a palpable relief not to be burdened
down with ‘stuff’.
Finally, the Thais love a drink. Although a Buddhist culture they are
not beating themselves up to escape the wheel of existence. In the
evening on the beach it is the perfect way to round off a perfect day
spent doing nothing ‘productive’ by having a few Thai whiskey and cokes with
the locals and join in the well mannered fun of those who seem closer to
nature and the fundamentals of life than me. I always feel like a
prisoner on day release. The time always passes to quickly and before I
know it I’m waking up to an alarm clock and watching TV instead of
taking a morning dip.
Beach and Travel Resources
- Colonial and other special types of hotels in Bangkok
A look at colonial and other great accommodation options in Bangkok. - Khao Lak Guide
A guide to Khao Lak and Phang-Nga Province inclusing information about National Parks, diving the Similan islands and things to see in Phang-Nga Bay. - Full Moon Parties in Koh Phangan
A review of the Full Moon Parties on Haad Rin beach in Koh Phangan. Including a look at the atmosphere of the party, the music and the problems with the party. - Guide to Koh Samui
A guide to the beautiful Thai island of Koh Samui. This hub includes information about the beaches of Koh Samui, the nightlife, the accommodation options and things to do and see. - Bophut guide
Bophut is the most stylish and boutique beach on Koh Samui. It has a Fisherman's Village featuring traditional wooden buildings and a number of great hotels and resorts to stay in. - Tanote Bay
A closer look at Tanote Bay in Koh Tao - Backpack in Argentina
Argentina is a great country to backpack in. This travel guide gives information about cheap hostels, transport, places to visit, Spanish lessons, volunteering and adventure activities. - Muay Thai Training in Koh Phangan
Muay Thai or Thai boxing is different from kick boxing. It is the art of 8 limbs because the style of fighting uses punches, kicks, elbows and knee strikes, making 8 points of contact. - The Difference Between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan
In many ways Koh Phangan is defined by its lack of an airport. Because the small island in the Gulf of Thailand is bereft of air service it has developed in a completely different way to the neighbouring island of Koh Samui. - Tips on How To Travel Cheaply
Travelling is great for so many reasons. It broadens the mind and gives you a great new perspective on the world. You make new friends, see amazing new places, try new food and get to do new things. - Changes on Thong Nai Pan
There have been numerous changes in Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai. It is a matter of opinion whether these changes represent progress. - What Makes a Great Beach Great?
A question worth asking. - Koh Phangan Hotels and Rooms Review
Reviews of places and things to do in Koh Phangan. - Koh Phayam the new Koh Phangan
About a great Thai island. - Tips on How To Travel Cheaply
Travelling is great for so many reasons. It broadens the mind and gives you a great new perspective on the world. You make new friends, see amazing new places, try new food and get to do new things. - The Difference Between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan
In many ways Koh Phangan is defined by its lack of an airport. Because the small island in the Gulf of Thailand is bereft of air service it has developed in a completely different way to the neighbouring island of Koh Samui. - Changes on Thong Nai Pan
There have been numerous changes in Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai. It is a matter of opinion whether these changes represent progress. - What Makes a Great Beach Great?
A question worth asking. - Koh Phangan Hotels and Rooms Review
Reviews of places and things to do in Koh Phangan. - Muay Thai Training in Koh Phangan
Muay Thai or Thai boxing is different from kick boxing. It is the art of 8 limbs because the style of fighting uses punches, kicks, elbows and knee strikes, making 8 points of contact. - The Difference Between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan
In many ways Koh Phangan is defined by its lack of an airport. Because the small island in the Gulf of Thailand is bereft of air service it has developed in a completely different way to the neighbouring island of Koh Samui. - Tips on How To Travel Cheaply
Travelling is great for so many reasons. It broadens the mind and gives you a great new perspective on the world. You make new friends, see amazing new places, try new food and get to do new things. - Changes on Thong Nai Pan
There have been numerous changes in Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai. It is a matter of opinion whether these changes represent progress. - What Makes a Great Beach Great?
A question worth asking. - Muay Thai Training in Koh Phangan
Muay Thai or Thai boxing is different from kick boxing. It is the art of 8 limbs because the style of fighting uses punches, kicks, elbows and knee strikes, making 8 points of contact. - Koh Phayam the new Koh Phangan
About a great Thai island.
Laura Ginn 12 months ago
Great hub! The beaches in Thailand (I live in Koh Samui) are absolutely stunning, and there really is nothing like relaxing with a good glass of Sangsom :)