Highlights

Golden sand, crystal clear waters and world famous marine life. Thailand's islands and beaches are the true picture-postcard images of paradise. The best beach destinations in Thailand are in the southern region with really only Pattaya or Hua Hin offering an alternative.

Krabi
In the last few years Krabi province, on the Andaman coast, has established itself as a major international destination.

The main developed beach areas are found in Ao Nang, Railay, Koh Lanta and Koh Phi-Phi.

Ao Nang is not the best beach by any means, but the popularity is due to good shops and amenities along the beach road.

By far the best beach in Krabi is Railay, just a ten minute boat trip from Ao Nang. The two sides of Railay are sunrise and sunset, with sunset taking top honours.

The islands of Lanta and Phi-Phi are clean and tidy with Lanta the pick of the two. Phi-Phi has developed too quickly and the beach seems to get smaller every year. Quiet alternatives in Krabi are Koh Jum, Klong Muang and Nopparat Thara, all close to each other.

Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao
Samui is the biggest, Tao the best, Phangan is in the middle of the two!

Samui has grown rapidly in recent years and the two main beaches of Chaweng and Lamai have suffered a little as the result of too many visitors.

Still beautiful areas, the biggest and obvious problems are too many people, too much rubbish!

Koh Tao is a far better option for sun-seekers. As most people are under the water during the day, you'll be able to find a secluded spot with no problem. The best of Tao's beaches are Chalok Ban Kao and Haad Thien. Just see the colour of the water around Haad Thien!

Phuket
As the south's most visited destination, the local business men have got together to put in place a project to preserve the beauty of the island.

The effect has been dramatic and Phuket can once again describe itself as having golden beaches and bays.

Despite the influx of tourists, Patong Beach, Karon and Kata bays are still pristine stretches of sand and the waters are great for swimming.

Trang
For some reason, the beaches and islands around Trang province remain fairly tourist-free. Numbers are increasing slowly around the beach at Pakmeng but the islands are still quiet and tranquil.

In reality, the islands of Koh Libong, Koh Ngai and Koh Muk are probably the best beaches in the whole country.

Why do people not come here in their thousands? Probably due to the basic facilities on offer as opposed to the developments in Koh Samui, Krabi and Phuket.

But for those who just need a bungalow, unspoilt beaches and a cold drink...head for Trang!