Hat Chao Mai in Trang

Hat Chao MaiTrang

Hat Chao Mai is a central feature of Hat Chao Mai National Park in Katang District of Trang. The 5-kilometre-long beach offers white sand set against some thick forest, limestone hills and caves.

Ao Tan Khu in Trat

Ao Tan KhuTrat

Ao Tan Khu is a bay with fine sandy beach popular with local people during holidays. It is 4 kilometres. Off Highway No. 3156 (Ban Saen Tung-Laem Ngop).

Hat Samila (Laem Samila) in Songkhla

Hat Samila (Laem Samila)Songkhla

Located about 3 kilometres from Songkhla market (Thalat Supsin or Thalat Sot Thetsaban), Hat Samila is pleasantly free of crowds and a joy to amble along. The two islands off this part of the coast (Koh Nu - Mouse Island, Koh Maewo - Cat Island) are depicted in statues located at the north end of the beach. Alongside these statues is another, much revered statue depicting Mae Thorani (a Hindu goddess) as a mermaid. The statue is an iconic symbol of Songkhla (you’ll see it on the postcards) and has become a shrine to locals who believe it has the ability to bring them good fortune. The sea here is suitable for swimming, and boats can be hired by the pier for deep sea fishing. This beach is never going to compete with Thailand’s grander beaches, but for a more solitary experience and quiet contemplation, it can’t be beaten.

Suan Son Park in Rayong

Suan Son ParkRayong

As Ban Phe is a port and the main exit point from the mainland to Koh Samet, many people miss the area’s charms and attractions. For instance, another short taxi trip will take you to Suan Son ('Pine') Park, an area of extensive coastline and excellent white sandy beaches. It is a place locals favour for picnics because of its shady areas and great view of the beach. The stalls and restaurants around the beaches offer some excellent seafood dishes. If you find yourself in Ban Phe for any length of time and you are looking for something worthwhile to do, a visit to Suan Son Park would certainly be in order.

Laem Mae Phim in Rayong

Laem Mae PhimRayong

Laem Mae Phim can be reach either from Sukhumvit Road taking a right turn at Km.259.5, 263 or 268, or continuing for a little over 1 kilometre from Wang Kaew on the beach road. It is popular site for relaxation and swimming. Beach stalls serve food and snacks.

Hat Sai Kaew (Diamond Beach) in Rayong

Hat Sai Kaew (Diamond Beach)Rayong

This beach is over a kilometre long and recognised as Koh Samet’s nicest. It is also the busiest! The beach is probably where the best nightlife happens on the island, with lots of restaurants playing videos, karaoke, bars… you know the sort of thing! If you want to stay around the beach there is plenty of accommodation available, albeit a bit on the steep side. Daytime is fun here, too! Plenty of water sport activity, water skiing, jet-skis… and divers and snorkelers trying to dodge the chaos! This beach attracts day trippers and those on short breaks; as a result, it is often a bit frenetic!

Hat Mae Ramphueng in Rayong

Hat Mae RamphuengRayong

Hat Mae Ramphueng is one of Rayong’s better known attractions, a huge expanse of beach stretching 12 kilometres along the coast with a real, live fishing village marking where the beach finishes. A number of swimming-related deaths are recorded each year, to some extent the cause remains a mystery. It is really not advisable to swim too far out into the sea, although swimming near the beach is perfectly safe.