วันอาทิตย์ที่ 13 กุมภาพันธ์ พ.ศ. 2554

Beauty and the Beaches

It would be no exaggeration to say that the Land of Smiles boasts a number of the world's most beautiful and magnificent beaches. Whatever your taste or activities you opt for indulging yourself, there are many beaches along the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea to suit your preference and budget.

Only one-hour drive to the southeast of Bangkok, Pattaya is the nearest seaside city on the eastern coast of Thailand. A perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, the area is complete with beautiful beaches and spectacular scenery.

To the south of Pattaya is a nice and quiet Jomtien beach. This 6-kilometres long beach has been known among windsurfers and water sports enthusiasts. It is also a major residential area with beachside hotels, restaurants, numerous forms of leisure activities, and entertainment for all family members.

Also famous in this attractive city is Pattaya beach. The beach occupies an area from the north to the south and is paralleled by a tree-lined promenade and beach road. The northern section of the beach is truly tranquil, while the central and southern parts are lively, because of a juxtaposition of shops, department stores, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Another well-known holiday beach of Pattaya is Bang Saen, which is only 14 kilometers from the provincial town. It has been popular among Thai holiday-makers who usually take a stroll along the beach and enjoy the mouth-watering seafood available. Fronting the beach are hotels, bungalows, food shops, as well as recreational gears and bicycles for rent.

Only 330 kilometers east of Bangkok is Koh Chang of Trat province. The largest of the 52-island Marine National Park, it is actually the second largest island of Thailand, behind Phuket. Though least known, undeveloped, and left idle for decades, Koh Chang is a dream escape and secret retreat yet to be explored.

Along the coastline of Koh Chang is a spectacular work of nature’s art and there are pretty beaches, coves and bays around the island. Since Koh Chang is perfectly set to be the new holiday destination within an old natural Marine National Park, soon it will be a secret no more. Beyond Koh Chang, Koh Mak and Koh Kud of Trat are also inhabited and feature wonderful beaches, well worth a visit.

Downing to the south of Bangkok is Hat Chao Samran and Hat Cha-am of Phetchaburi province. Only 15 kilometers from the Phetchaburi provincial market, the former beach used to be a famous seaside resort in the old days and still remains its charms up to the present days. Hat Cha-am, meanwhile, is located 41 kilometers from the township. A truly tranquil beach, it is always a must stop for most Thai and foreign visitors. It boasts a white sandy beach and provides a wide choice of recreational activities.

Just not far from Cha-am beach is Hua Hin beach of Prachuap Khiri Khan, a province located some 281 kilometers south of Bangkok. This long white sandy beach gives an excellent all- year-round weather and cool sea breezes. It also abounds in seafood restaurants and local night markets, which offer food stalls with a wide variety of affordable products. The beach, however, is always busy on weekends and holidays.




The South of Thailand has also been recognized for its numerous fascinating beaches. Koh Samui, for instance, is an island of natural beauty and wonder. A place where you can have a true escape, it has lovely beaches to suit everyone. The most famous and active ones are Chaweng and Lamai, which offer similar activities to Pattaya, plus mountain bike and motorcycle hire. Northwards of the island is Koh Phangan, which is cheaper and quieter, except for the riotous full moon parties at Had Rin. Also, Koh Tao is an ideal getaway with great diving, but it is always busy during the high season.

A southern province of outstanding beauty on Thailand's Andaman seaboard, Krabi is also a paradise for beach lovers. Many pretty beaches can be found here. Of major importance is two noteworthy islands of Koh Poda and Koh Gai. Koh Poda is fringed by crystal clear waters, and offers chalet accommodation nestling amid palm trees, with beachside bar and restaurant facilities. Meanwhile, Ko Gai, twenty minutes to the west, has excellent waters for diving and snorkeling. Koh Poda and Koh Gai truly epitomize everyone's ideal of the perfect tropical islands.

Leave the busy world and hectic paces of modern city life behind and spend your days in the realm of total relaxation and natural attractions at any beaches of Thailand. The sun, sand, and sea await you there.

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