The Coast Travel Guide

The coast of Thailand is a tropical paradise of limestone cliffs, pure white beaches lapped by turquoise waters, spectacular waterfalls and coconut palms bending towards the sun. Visitors will soon reflect that the natural splendour of the region and its islands belongs in the realm of fantasy.

The East Coast stretches 300 miles (500km) down from the mouth of the Chao Phraya River to the Cambodian border, and plays host to the crowded beach resort city of Pattaya, as well as the idyllic magnificence of the islands of Ko Chang and Ko Samet. Along the eastern shores of the Kra isthmus lie the beaches of Cha'am and Hua Hin, once a favoured get-away for the royals and, today, Thailand's oldest beach resort. Further down are the popular island resorts of Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan. West of the peninsula is the island of Phuket, which is the most popular beach destination in Thailand.

Among the dozens of islands in Thailand, there are resorts and destinations that cater for every kind of traveller, whether they're seeking a wild party or a quiet and relaxing holiday.