Beaches made in Heaven

Patong Beach, Charm is not perhaps the first would that springs to mind when describing Patong,

but the miles of perfect turquoise seas and powdery sand, right next to all the razzmatazz,

manages to absorb hundreds of sun-worshippers, strollers, joggers, volleyballers etc.

without getting crowded. When the sun tan lotion is no longer needed,

Patong’s night life offer the best dining on the island, shops galore and the occasional bar – well to be honest,

quite a lot of bars. No holiday would be complete without a visit

to the pulsating glitz of Soi Bangla road– where it all happen.

 Paradise Beach, It is open from 9 am until 6 pm and is never crowded.

The waters are crystal-clear and the pure white sandy beach is framed by a lush green backdrop of coconut palms.

Only 150 metres long, Paradise is a jewel in a perfect serene setting.

There’s a small restaurant, which also rents beach chairs, snorkeling gear etc.

If you are actively inclined why not try sea kayaking among the rocky coves.

Nai Yang Beach, Right at the top of the island, just south of  Sarasin Bridge, is Nai Yang.

The beach has been declared a National park, but the public still have free access.

There would be an uproar if this were to change, for this deserted stretch of fine sand fringed

with giant casuarinas is where Thai residents come to picnic and get away from it all.

Near the bridge there are some small seafood restaurants. Between November and February,

this is where the sea turtles struggle up the beach to lay their eggs.

 Laem Sing ( Sing Cape), Continuing south, intrepid beachcombers will encounter this delightful, bijou bay,

Nesting between stony headlands, Laem Sing features sandy coves

and rock pools which bear close inspection. Its unique charm attracts many visitors in high season. 

Bangtao Beach, About 2 Km. north of Surin village, is Bangtao,

home to the exclusive Laguna hotel complex.

The north part of the beach is quiet with a few scattered, laid back beach bar/restaurants

and has some fine coral for snorkeling. There you’ll find a lagoon

and a small river estuary, which gives on to the beautiful,

tranquil Layan beach – also a national park. 

Banana Beach, Also known as Haad Hin Gluai or Banana Rock Beach,

has everything a beach lover would ever need: a small bay or soft sand,

rocks offshore, water as clear as glass for snorkeling and just a smattering of sun bed.

Aside from the stretch of sand, there’s a single restaurant serving slightly overpriced seafood dishes

with five plastic tables that sink into the sand.

 Ya Nui Beach, If you seek still more tranquility and privacy,

there’s another small and white powdery-sand beach, located next to Paradise.

Just continue south down the small path through the rocks.

Follow the same track up the hill and you will reach a quiet and peaceful viewpoint

offering wonderful vistas of sea and surf; the darker blue of the deep waters

contrasting with the azure surf effervescing on the dark.