Fah Thai Magazine Mar-Apr 2020

THAILAND’S TOP BEACHES
SUNSET BEACH, LIPE ISLAND, SATUN
Tucked away on the Andaman coastline of Thailand’s
far South, Lipe Island seems to have escaped large-scale
development. This island was once a stopover for seagypsies
looking for fresh water and supplies. Nowadays
this small scuba-diving paradise has turned into a chic,
hippie hideaway. If you’re interested in diving, head
to Adang Archipelago, where leopard sharks, whales,
dolphins and manta ray sweep through undersea gardens
of colourful corals, rock formations, pinnacles and
boulders. If plunging into the deep isn’t your thing, then
the Sunset Beach on the west of the island offers serenity
and white, powdery sands – therapy for bare feet.
Castaway Beach Resort (kohlipe.castaway-resorts.com),
with its stylish rustic design and warm hospitality, is the
best place to kick off those shoes and lay your head.
CHAWENG BEACH, SAMUI ISLAND, SURAT THANI
If slurping rum and Red Bull out of a bucket is not your cup of tea, try
sipping champagne from the comfort of a daybed in Chaweng. A strong
all-rounder packed with leisure options, this is an excellent beach to
soak up the sun and spend the night partying. There’s something for
everyone – from long golden sands under swaying palms with yearround
warm waters, to fine dining and fun nightlife. Hard Rock Café,
ARKbar Beach Resort, Cha Cha Moon Club and other bars and restaurants
line the 6-kilometre promenade from one end of the beach to the other.
KATA NOI, PHUKET
Framed by rocky outcrops draped with lush
greenery, this small but striking bay of Kata Noi is
classier than other parts of Phuket. It comes with
a cafe scene and several hip places to stay but has
maintained a laid-back wellness vibe with none
of the seediness of Patong Beach. Kata Noi draws
hedonists and travellers looking to sunbathe, stretch
in style at one of the yoga studios, enjoy top-notch
spa treatments or indulge in fine food. Its whitegold
beach is sandwiched between lush palms and
warm waters. Waves can get high, promising surfers
plenty of thrills.
KOH NANG YUAN,
SURAT THANI
Located between the islands
of Koh Samui and Koh Tao,
Koh Nang Yuan in the Gulf
of Thailand is actually three
islets joined by strips of white
sand. Nang Yuan is blessed
with brilliant marine life, coral
reefs, pure white sands and
gentle waves. It offers plenty
of options for snorkelling or
just splashing around in the
sun. The short hike up the hill
is well worth it for the breathtaking
view of the island, the
ocean and beyond. Nang Yuan
is ideal for a day trip since
accommodation on the islets
is scarce. Travellers usually
stop over when they’re island
hopping from Koh Samui or
Koh Tao.
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