7. Nopparat Thara Beach
Nopparat Thara Beach offers a bit of everything for everybody–the lively brrr of boat motors and holidaymakers on the east side, where longtail boats depart to take visitors on island-hopping tours, and lush green serenity on the west side, where the beach is part of a conservation area.
Boats are not allowed on the west side of the beach either, making the area perfect for swimming and lazily watching kayakers heading for the offshore islands. During low tide, you can walk to some of those faraway islands–during high tide, you’ll need to find a boat to get you there and back.
Flanked by coconut trees and covered in seashell-paved sand, Nopparat Thara beach is the perfect getaway to disconnect from the buzz of other action-packed beaches in the area.
8. Klong Muang
Klong Muang Beach has all the charm of the real Thailand and almost none of the typical holiday crowd you find in more touristy beaches. Up until recently, Klong Muang was more of a local beach, a peaceful retreat for those looking to enjoy paradise in silence–only recently has the beach started to receive foreign tourism, although it’s still underdeveloped and a perfect escape from busier destinations.
While the coastline is too rocky for swimming here, the 1.5-kilometer-long stretch of palm-shaded sand is perfect for leisurely walks. In the early hours of the day, chances are you’ll have the entire place to yourself. When you’re ready for more exploring, hire a longtail boat for some island hopping–Hong Island is just 25 minutes away by boat and offers hidden lagoons, majestic limestone formations covered in lush rainforest, and a beautiful coral reef perfect for snorkeling.
