Thailand’s East Coast Beaches

From the estuary of the Chao Phaya River to the Thai-Cambodian border, the East Coast unfolds in a series of cliffs, bays and beaches lined with graceful palm trees swaying beautifully along with the winds.

Many popular resorts, including the well-established Pattaya and the increasingly popular Jomtien occupy the coast, together with innumerable fishing communities. In the largely tranquil waters of the Gulf of Thailand are many lovely offshore islands, many of them uninhabited. Most have been declared national parks to avoid tourist infrastructure at the expense of natural beauty.

Pattaya Beach

Pattaya overlooks a narrow, coarse, yellow sand beach, loaded with powerboats and lovely green water.  The rest of the town turns a curious and not unpleasant color after dark, what with all the pink-lit 'bar-beers' signs. Pattaya performs its social function with typical Thai relaxed grace and humor. A kind of South Seas romance exists here in Pattaya. Although not really the best bet for beach freaks, as ongoing development crowds the sand, but is an easy 3 hours bus ride from Bangkok.

Ko Samet

A 40 minute ferry ride from Pattaya gets you to charmingly old Ko Samet. The island, in spite of its years as a top Thailand beach resort, has retained an easy tranquility that new upstarts like Ao Nang have already lost. The reasons are simple: No airport and virtually no road have limited development, and thus, chances for commercialism.

Most of the island is still covered by forest and enveloped by soft white beaches. One of the best is the biggest, Hat Sai Kaew (Diamond beach), with a couple of well sorted and not expensive bungalow clusters.  For isolation, try pretty Ao Thian [Candlelight beach], far south, but only if you don't mind basic facilities. Best visited during the months of December to March.

Ko Samui

Ko Samui, Thailand's 3rd largest island, is no longer a deserted tropical hideaway, but is still one of the world's most popular resort islands, with great sands, loads of activities and entertainment, particularly nightlife. Now it has its own airport and herds of sand grazers arrive hourly. Hat Chaweng beach is the party zone of the island on the eastern shore. It’s overdeveloped and commercial, but has a lot of action in a beautiful location. Don't go there if you're not for huge crowds and quite a bit of garbage.

Quieter but slightly less appealing beaches are Maenam and Bophut on the tranquil north coast. Best visited during the months of December to March.. Book ahead if possible.

Ko Pha Ngan

The place for backpackers and party animals in Thailand, Hat Rin is globally known as a prime rave venue, especially at the famous full moon party, the island's legendary event, which started way back in 1989.

The island's best sand, the glorious Hat Khuat [Bottle Beach], is a sheltered, secluded bay on the north coast, with some resort bungalows. Access by boat from Ao Chalok Lam Bay.

Alternatively there's Ao Thong Nai Paan, two crescent-shaped coves with a laid-back ambience. Best visited during the months of December to March.

If you go for Hat Rin's full moon party any month, try to get there a few days early to secure accommodation, or take a high-speed boat from Bophut pier, Ko Samui on the day. Buy a single ticket so you can decide when you've had enough and negotiate a return trip.

The event is infinitely more commercial than it used to be, with a glitter ball of bars and sound systems pumping out the necessary juice, though illegal drugs are in short supply due to a stellar performance by the local constabulary.

Ko Tao

Hat Sai Ree is one of Thailand's largest diving venues, with warm, clear gulf waters, is known for its inexpensive certification courses. It is relatively undeveloped and less commercial compared to its neighbors, Ko Phangan or Ko Samui.

The 2 km beach stretch at Hat Sai Ree is Ko Tao's longest beach, with good  facilities and action. Best Dec-March. Book ahead if possible. The months of June to October can see heavy rain and strong winds.

Ko Chang Island

200 miles southeast of Bangkok, Ko Chang is big and sophisticated enough to have air-conditioning available if you choose, but undeveloped enough to feel you are in a relatively undiscovered tropical paradise. This mountainous island is covered with dense vegetation and offers many excellent beaches but only one seriously touristy village so far, Bang Bao, on the island's southwest corner,  which is also the source of most diving/snorkeling/elephant riding expeditions.

Ko Mak Island

10 miles south of Ko Chang, Ko Mak is less known than its neighbor, with only a handful of small hotels, and a lot of pristine white beaches totally bereft of towel-bagged sun beds along the 15 miles of crystal water shoreline.

Ready to take your pick? See you in the islands of Thailand!