Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in Southeast Asia, and it is easy to figure out why. From the shrine-studded mountains of Mae Hong Son and the lush islands of the Andaman Sea; to the pulsating dance clubs of Bangkok and the tranquil villages along the Mekong River, Thailand is a feast for travelers, satiating all forms of wanderlust. Yet, the one aspect that attracts the most people from around the world to visit the shores of Thailand are well, the shores of Thailand.
With great food, a tropical climate, fascinating culture and great beaches, Thailand is a magnet for travellers the world over. With its extensive coastlines, numerous islands and tropical waters, the country is a haven for all beach-lovers. Once people arrive, they quickly wanted to escape the throngs of tourist and find a secluded, isolated beach of their own.
In Search of 'The Perfect Beach'
This dogged pursuit for the perfect, secluded beach is a fascinating quest many enjoy undertaking, especially in a coastal playground such as Thailand. Based on the beauty of this beach, the best-selling novel by Alex Garland, The Beach was later made into a film starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The book traces the fate of a small, loose-knit commune of international drifters who establish their own beach paradise on an island in Thailand's Ang Thong National Marine Park.
Koh Chang, aka Elephant Island
An island that exemplifies both rules is Koh Chang, where paradise has set up its permanent residency. Koh Chang (Elephant Island) is the second largest island in Thailand. The largest of the 52-island Koh Chang Marine National Park, all of which are virtually untouched by modernization with their abundant natural resources is blissfully intact and unscathed. With no towns, few roads and 70 percent of the island covered in rainforests, Koh Chang is a true island hideaway-undeveloped, untouched and left idle for decades-which many feel is a blessing in disguise.
Phuket
A blessing for your eyes is what some may call Nai Yang beach on the island of Phuket. It would seem impossible to find a haven on Phuket, one of the most famous island resorts in the world, not bursting at the seams with tourists. But Nai Yang developed as a wildlife preserve, and now it's a stunning isolated beach and snorkeling mecca. Nai Yang does enjoy some developed attractions, such as the Pearl Village Beach Hotel, where you can ride an elephant into the surf.
Ignite your next vacation by asking your travel agent to find you the perfect remote beach in beautiful Thailand. Some of the most travel-wise people in the world, travel agents can connect all the dots-from your home to Bangkok to your transport to the marina and your ferry ride to your island paradise of choice, until your room key is in your pocket and a tropical drink is in your hand as you lie on the beach watching the sun set over the islands.
Martin Wynn
