Best Beaches in Thailand

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Natural Beaches


Natural Beaches Explore nature in all her pristine glory. There are many places suitable for tourists
who want to leave the modern world behind.

Phi Phi Islands Krabi
Regarded by travelers from all walks of life as being among the most beautiful tropical islands of the world, Phi Phi Islands have become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. The islands, together with the nearby Noppharat Thara Beach, a total area of 390 square kilometers, were recently established as a national park.

The islands and the coastal hills are composed mainly of limestone and are an extension of the limestone mountain range in Phang Nga. The main characteristics of these mountains and islands are their steep cliffs, large caves and dwarf trees growing out of the rock crevices, like those in Phang Nga Bay.

The island group is composed of two rocky, tree-covered islets Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. Phi Phi Don, the larger islet to the north, is well known for its fine beaches and coral formations. Above average tourist facilities and accommodations are available along two beautiful curved bays, namely Ton Sai Bay and Lodalam Bay. Several shops at Ton Sai can arrange diving and snorkeling trips around the island or the nearby islands - Ko Phi Phi Le, Ko Yung and Ko Mai Phai.

About 2 kilometers to the south is Phi Phi Le. Contrary to Phi Phi Don, this islet is uninhabited as there is no beach area as the island descends abruptly into the sea on all sides and it is prohibited by the administrative body. The main attraction is a large cave about 3.2 square kilometers in size known as Viking Cave derived from one of the numerous drawings on the wall which resembles a Viking ship. The cave has a 10 to 15-metre high ceiling which contains many ledges inhabited by thousands of swallows, thus a bird's nest collection demonstration is a regular feature of guided tours.

Ao Maya and Ao Lo Sama - Phi Phi Islands scenic coves are favorite snorkeling places while the sea around the islands, especially the southern part, which are deep and full of coral formations are popular diving spots. With its emerald crystal sea, secluded beaches, mountain cliffs, colorful coral reefs and undersea life, Phi Phi is a paradise in the Andaman Sea. The best time to visit Phi Phi Islands is from November to April, when the sea is calm.

Koh Yung, an island to the north of Koh Phi Phi Don, has a stone beach on the east and small sandy beaches amid valleys. In addition, the island is teeming with diverse colorful coral reefs. Koh Phai, another island to the north of Koh Phi Phi Don and not far from Koh Yung, has spectacular beaches in the north and east of the island. The bank of coral reefs comprised mainly of antler corals stretches from the north to the south of the island.

Noppharat Thara Beach
It is white sandy beach lined with dense casuarinas and coconut groves. The beach, paved with tiny seashells, was formerly called "Khlong Haeng" Beach, which means dried canal beach by locals, because the canal dries up during low tide and the area turns into a long beach. Situated 18 kilometers north-west of Krabi, Noppharat Thara beach is in fact part of National Park and is the location of the Park headquarters. This Park covers a large area both onshore and offshore.

For more information
Forestry Department in Bangkok Tel. +66 (2) 5797223, +66 (2) 5795734,
Noppharat Thara National Park, P.O. Box 23, Amphoe Mueang, Krabi 81000,
Tel. +66 7563 7200.

Ao Nang
Ao Nang is a large bay with scenic beaches and 83 small islands, Ao Nang has several famous beaches which include East Rai Le, West Rai Le and Phra Nang Cave which stretches to the foot of a prominent limestone range. A boat from Ao Nang Village can be hired for sightseeing excursions around Ao Nang, Phra Nang Cave beach and Nam Mao Beach, all of which are only accessible by foot. Other offshore isles such as Koh Poda, Ko Kai, Koh Mo and Koh Thap, are popular destinations that can be reached by a rented boat from Ao Nang. An abundance of colorful coral reefs and lovely cartoon fishes make these islands ideal for diving and snorkeling.
Popular activities include sightseeing by canoe along the beachfront and paddling tours by inflatable canoes or kayaks of the coast and its mangrove forests, islands and semi-submerged caves.
Best Beaches in Thailand

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