Brash - Lonely Planet Thailands Islands & Beaches Travel Guide

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Bays of peach-tinged sand, cotton hammocks swinging lazily between palm trunks, castle-like karsts emerging from the deep. These dreams of a tropical paradise become a reality along the coasts of southern Thailand.

Long-tail boat on Hat Hin Khom, Ko Phi-Phi Don
GLENN VAN DER KNIJFF/LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Thailands beaches are legendary; tall palms angle over pearlescent sand, coral gardens flourish in the shallow seas and beach parties are liberally lubricated with alcohol and fun. With a long coastline (actually, two coastlines) and jungle-topped islands anchored in azure waters, Thailand is a tropical getaway for the hedonist and the hermit, the prince and the pauper. And in between the kissing cousins of sea and sky are dramatic limestone mountains standing sentinel. Perhaps as impressive as the beaches themselves is the variation of seaside holidays to be had. Scale the sheer sea cliffs of Krabi, cavort with gentle whale sharks at pinnacles off of Ko Tao and Ko Pha-Ngan, toe the curling tide alongside gypsy fishermen in Trang, gorge on seafood snacks among the steamy stalls of Hua Hin or relish perfectly practised butler service at your luxury digs in Phuket. The adventure awaits.

It may be the beaches that bring you to Thailand, but its the food thatll lure you back for seconds. Adored around the world, Thai cuisine expresses fundamental aspects of Thai culture: it is generous and warm, outgoing and nuanced, refreshing and relaxed. And it is much more delicious in its native setting. Each Thai dish relies on fresh and local ingredients from pungent lemongrass and searing chillies to plump seafood and crispy fried chicken. With a tropical abundance, a varied national menu is built around the four fundamental flavours: spicy, sweet, salty and sour. And then there are the regional differences, which propel travellers on eating tours around the country. Lucky for you, dear beachgoer, these days its quite easy to sample the kaleidoscope of national flavours without leaving the comforts of your island getaway.

Whether its the glimmering eye of the meditative wi (palms-together Thai greeting) or the mirthful smirk of passers-by, its hard not to be charmed by the Land of Smiles. The moniker is not only apt but also well earned in a kingdom where hospitality has aged like a fine wine. Thailand has long been Southeast Asias mama-san, inviting foreigners from near and far to indulge in the kingdoms natural splendours. This utopian recipe is perfected along the beaches and islands where the heady mix of seascapes, soaring limestone towers and equatorial sunshine provides the perfect backdrop to expertly run resorts catering to whimsy with flair and a desire to please.

Elephant on a beach in Krabi
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The early-morning sun casts honey-like shadows across another deep-green isle popping out of the blue. The warm wind ruffles your hair and all you can hear is the motor of the long-tail boat. The whole scene is framed by the carved and weathered boat bow decorated in colourful bands of cloth. Your next destination is that white beach in the distance one of many to explore, hike and snorkel but the boat ride is so extraordinarily relaxing and gorgeous, you enjoy it as much as the idea of being at your destination ().

Ko Kradan ()
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Blowing Bubbles in Ko Tao

The dive-masters island, Ko Tao () is the cheapest and easiest spot around to learn how to strap on a tank and dive into the deep. The water is warm and gentle, and the submarine spectacles are not to be missed. Just offshore, scenic rocky coves and coral reefs frequented by all sorts of fish provide a snorkelling aperitif. Its small size means you can explore all of its jungle nooks and crannies, looking for a sandy niche to call your own.

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Ko Pha-Ngan

Famous for its sloppy Full Moon Parties and all-night techno fun, Ko Pha-Ngan () has graduated from a sleepy bohemian island to full-on attraction for migrating party people. The beach shanties have been transformed into boutiques, so comfort seekers have an alternative to Ko Samui. And on the northern and eastern coasts, the ascetic hammock hangers can still escape enough of the modern life to feel like a modern castaway (a well-fed one, of course). Just offshore is Sail Rock, one of the gulfs best dive sites.

KIMBERLEY COOLE/LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Rock Climbing in Railay

Whether youre a pro or have never grabbed a notch hole in your life, Railays rock-climbing scene () will get you scrambling skywards with joy. With around 500 bolted routes of limestone walls overlooking some of the worlds most spectacular scenery vertical grey spires decorated in greenery surrounded by crystalline sea and white beaches even the shortest jaunt guarantees thrills. Seasoned climbers could stay for months. For even more adventure, try deep-water soloing where the climb ends with a splash in the water below.

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Ko Ratanakosins Temple Treasures

Not only is the artificial island of Ko Ratanakosin ().

Wat Phra Kaew (), Bangkok
JOHN ELK III/LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Touring Ko Lanta

By motorbike or tk-tk (pr onounced k k), getting off the tourist beaches of Ko Lanta () is a ticket to a wonderland of friendly Muslim fishing villages and gentle jungle scenery. Dont miss Ban Lanta with its Wild Westera streets and arty shops, then continue down the east coast thats had little influence from tourism. For natural beauty, Ko Lanta Marine National Park is hard to beat and there are plenty of caves and slinky blonde beaches to stop at along the way.