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Header image courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand
If you are travelling from Hong Kong as your home base, chances are that you have already ventured to Bangkok and seen its wonders. While the destination is definitely worth a visit for its rich cultural landmarks, foodie gems, and thrilling night life, Thailand is also synonymous with its paradisical white-sand beaches and sun-drenched days.
Summer is coming up, a universal synonym for a holiday on the beach. Thailand has a great variety of beaches to visit, including on land. However, if you’re looking for an island getaway, then you’re in luck: For a summer to remember, here are three island beach destinations in Thailand you should try.
Did you know that with just one direct flight from Hong Kong, you could be relaxing on the beaches of Koh Samui? Koh Samui is prized for its pristine beaches as well as cultural activities and entertainment—there’s plenty to do to fill your summer days, and word of mouth has led travellers to the beautiful island in Thailand for years.
When on Koh Samui, one should enjoy its many beaches; Chaweng, Lamai, Taling Ngam, and Bo Phut are just a few of them. If you are a professional “beacher,” rest assured that Koh Samui is safe to visit with any active companion, as it is easy to partake in classes such as scuba diving, Muay Thai, and more.
If a 236-square-kilometre island off of the east coast of Thailand is not big enough for your summer ventures, Koh Samui also benefits from a convenient location in an archipelago that includes Ko Pha Ngan and the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park which you can easily day-trip to. Still need convincing? Here are five more reasons you should visit Koh Samui this summer—see you there.
Just north of Koh Samui, Ko Tao is another island that seems like it was created specifically for beach-focused holidays. Accessible by boat from Koh Samui, Ko Tao is surrounded by coral reef, making it a destination loved by scuba divers, new and trained alike.
It caters to many desires—travellers looking for activity can stay at Ao Mae Hat Bay, while other resorts are more secluded. As for the beaches (what else?), the famous Sairi Beach is Ko Tao’s longest one, while Laem Hin, Ao Leuk, Laem Ta To, and Ban Kao are a few more options where you can laze away on white sand, and cool down in turquoise-blue waters. If you’re looking for an activity out of the water, the John-Suwan Viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the island and its surroundings.
Another province, more incredible landscapes—we sometimes forget the variety that Thailand has to offer. Koh Chang is less direct to visit; you’ll have to fly to Bangkok, then drive or hop on a connecting flight to Trat, and take a ferry some 25 kilometres from Trat to reach Koh Chang. Nevertheless, the island is a beach gem, and one invested in green, sustainable tourism that won’t hurt the planet in the long run.
On the east side of Thailand near the Cambodian border, Trat is a nature and culture destination. To add variety to your enjoyments, you could stop there for a few days before setting off to an island. Inspired by years of lives led in accordance with nature, an array of activities will make your trip to Koh Chang unforgettable. Klong Prao Beach is water-activities heaven, offering boat tours, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, and more.
If you have time to spare for some geological wandering, rock formations and waterfalls can be discovered. Although sunset can be observed from many viewpoints on Koh Chang, the Kai Bae Hillside Viewpoint has a one-of-a-kind panorama that’s tough to beat. Finally, there is another side to Koh Chang that you can witness at Ban Salak Khok fishing village, where a community protects the nearby mangrove.
For more beach holiday inspiration and purpose-driven tourism, you can count on the Tourism Authority of Thailand! Find out more about your next summer getaway here.
As the leader in driving Thailand towards experience-based and sustainable tourism, the Tourism Authority of Thailand delivers high-quality tourism products and services to better tourism in the country. Under the slogan “Amazing Thailand,” it promotes exciting events and discovery itineraries.
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