Thailand Beaches - How to Discover Hidden Beaches in Thailand

There are a million reasons to visit Thailand, such as the tropical rainforest's of the north, the Bridge over the River Kwai to the west in Kanchanaburi or the soft white sand of the beaches to the south to name a few. Many travelers who head south are searching for a perfect paradise, a place with deserted beaches fringed by green palm trees and soft white sand to bury their toes into. The reality however is they will end up on a beach just as packed with tourists as their flight was there.

In southern Thailand you can find many beaches. Some will be packed with tourists, jet skies and banana boat rides while others will be hidden paradise. Now if you want the jet skies and banana boats then things are easy but if you seek out that little corner of paradise then you need to do a little more work. Holiday planning should be the most essential part of any holiday and it should entail more than a visit to your local travel agent to pick up some brochures.

Here I have listed outlined 7 points that I belief help in finding those hidden beaches in Thailand.

7 Points To Great Holiday Research

Decided on what type of holiday you want, beach, city or forest break. If you want a combination of these then do the following 6 steps for each destination.
Note down 5 phrases or words that come to mind when you think about your chosen destination.
Put these phrases into Google or any other search engine you may use and have a look at the first page results, then ignore them.
Move to page 2 and 3 and working your way down ignore hotel booking services and visit the web sites that seem like information pages and have some relevance to your searched term or phrase.
Look for locations on these web pages that maybe you have never heard about or read about and take a note of the name.
Search for this unknown location and take note of the number of pages with the term.
The location with the least number of pages should now be your focus for your next holiday destination.

The Steps In Action:

Just in case you are not aware, I'm in love with Thailand beaches. When i think about them I get images of white sand, palm trees, blue waters, cool breeze and deserted beaches. I put these terms into my chosen search engine, Google for me, and here is what I find.

White sand Thailand returns 2.35 million results moving on to page 2 I ignore hotel booking service sites and see about half way down the page Amazing-Thailand.com - Tropicals Islands in Thailand a quick scan produces two possible locations, Koh Larn and Koh Turatao. The later returns 1,380 results and Koh Larn shows 55,400 pages. I now have my first holiday research place, Koh Turatao.

A word of warning about finding deserted beaches. These areas will often be far from any commercial outlets, medical centers or English speaking locals. This can be paradise when things go good but if the unthinkable happens and you take ill or get injured finding help can be a difficult task, just remember this before you head off into the unknown.

Finally, I would like to ask that in your research you do come across that perfect paradise then please keep it to yourself. There has been many paradise locations spoiled after someone has found it then wrote a post on some travel forums about their experience. Let others find hidden treasures, it really can make for the best possible holiday ever.

Koh Phi Phi Paradise Lost!

If you want to keep secretes, kill everybody who knows. The same could be said if you want to ruin a good thing tell somebody about it. If you want the whole world to know feature it in a movie. The islands of the Koh Phi Phi island group in southern Thailand were featured in the movie The Beach. If you are not familiar with the story line, some young travelers discover this fantastic spot in Thailand and decide to make their version of utopia and keep it secrete at all costs, had they been successful this would still be a small island group that few but the most hardy backpackers would visit.

When the movie The Beach was made here there were not many that knew about this beautiful island group of Stonehenge like monoliths that stick out of the pond like waters of the Andaman Sea. Clad in deep jungle greenery they have a forbidding yet enticing aura about them. The white sand beaches look like everyone's picture of tropical paradise with palm trees thick at the top with green pods of coconuts waiting to drop their sweet milk for thirsty travelers.

Today the thirsty travelers come in the form of herds of young backpackers which jam the center of the dog bone shaped main island at night milling in streams propelled by the ever present urban thump. By day these hordes descend on the beaches and lay in clumps of self basting & baking kids. Bars, stores, coffee shops, travel agents, discos even a very popular 7-11 feed the needs of these adventure seekers many of whom sport bandages and crutches from spills and thrills of rock climbing, cliff jumping and jungle expeditions to find water falls.

The waters around Koh Phi Phi are not safe not because of the animals in the water but because of the poor water treatment Streptococcus a particular nasty skin eating bug is around and other ailments as well so it pays to take care of even the smallest scratches here so that you don't end up in the emergency room having pieces of skin cut out.

The other thing to watch out for is your wallet as they are firm believers in price fixing from internet to scuba diving they have some of the highest prices in Thailand and they do not negotiate at all if you are a bargain seeker give this place a wide berth. Cheap hotels in every sense of the term are priced like 3 star hotels else where we did not see any places that delivered value to price with the exceptions of The Phi Phi Hotel which was quoting off season rates seemed to be the only hotel that had a clue.

In the period before the islands here became famous this was a great place to come and hang out for weeks at a time, today however it is another paradise lost.

Thailand - A Heaven on Earth Experience

Few vacation destinations prove to be as diverse and refreshing an experience as Thailand does. Thailand is in every definition a tropical paradise and voted as one of the most fulfilling holiday destinations in the world. Visit Thailand for an experience the best of both the urban and rural can offer. Phuket is Thailand's most popular tourist spot; this beach paradise is teeming with tourists all year round. Visitors can indulge themselves in various beachside activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing and speed boating. The marine life in the sapphire blue waters of Phuket appears like a vividly colored eco system is a visual treat for tourists.

It is a great experience swimming amongst schools of tiny colorful fish. Apart from the interesting aquatic life, you can also take a slow boat down the waters amidst the rock formations navigating through the quiet waters. The monsoon season brings to the shores of Phuket, the most thrilling waves that hit its otherwise serene shores; this is the season for surfing and fun in the sands. Asian surfing contests have become very popular here, as well as the annual music festivals.

Therapeutic Spa to Tempting Tom Yum Soup

The most ingenious and sought after attraction in the Thai tourist industry is the Thai Spa. Thai massages are now world famous because of their soothing and therapeutic effects. While on vacation in Thailand, a Thai massage is an experience one should not miss out on. Known in Thailand as "nuat phaen boran" this is a branch of traditional Thai medicine. Indulge yourself in a range of treatments from facials to full body therapy beside the tranquil naturescape of Thailand. Thailand is also a site of ancient architectural wonders. The plains of these islands are strewn with ancient Buddhist and Hindu temples. These sites of lofty grandeur have been marked as world heritage sites, exhibiting the precision and skill of ancient sculptors.

One of the best aspects of visiting Thailand is the experience of Thai cuisine. Scintillating, tongue tantalizing flavors await you on a silver platter the taste lingers on the tongue for life. The best Thailand hotels are known for their exquisite dining experiences apart from the gracious hospitality. The cuisine is best known for its potpourri of flavors ranging from spicy to sweet and the strong taste of coconut. Most popular dishes are their sauce, pasta, rice, soups, Thai Tom Yam the most popular and a number of basic concepts of fish. Most Thai dishes are cooked in a mixture of herbs and sauces. exotic fruit desserts are prepared with locally available such as mangosteen, jackfruit, durian and chestnuts.

Original Excursions For Travelers in Thailand

Thailand has received the attention of the media and has been on the top of headlines in international newspapers for nearly two months in 2010, with the red shirts' protest to demand resignation of the prime minister and parliament dissolution. The protest having ended, the country is safe again to visit. The following six highly recommended original excursions are worth joining:

Enjoying an eco-adventure cruise on the Chao Phraya river, on board of a traditional barge in teak from Bangkok to Ayuthaya is a good idea for those who do not want to go too far away from the capital and eat delicious Thai meals on board. Stops along the way enable travelers to go on bicycle trips and learn about the villagers' way of life.

Going elephant riding and bamboo rafting in the animal sanctuary of the national park of Umphang is a very enjoyable experience and the favorite excursion of many tourists wanting to be close to nature. A lot of activities amid greenery are possible like trekking in an amazing environment and the long elephant ride in the jungle is a kind of adventure just as the descent of the river on bamboo raft.

Scuba diving in the deep waters of Turtle Island situated in the Gulf of Siam, at the north of Samui Island is another option for scuba divers who want to enjoy wonderful sea floor with very colorful fish and corals. Snorkeling is also a nice possibility for those who haven't taken a scuba diving course and other activities are possible like the tour of the island in a dugout with a stop at Ko Nang Yuan, an island with 3 beach arms shaped like a star and the sea on all sides.

Participating in an eco adventure tour around the lake of Khao Laem in Kantchanaburi, at a few hours from the capital, is a nice way to experience nature and spend a night in floating houses. The tour can be done by bicycle, motorcycle or mini-van before taking a boat on the lake. Tourists can also experience rural tours in the countryside on board a farm-cart made of wood pulled by bulls and trek to discover the fauna and the rare birds that live in the tropical vegetation.

The discovery of Pai and its Lahu, Lisu and Karen minorities in the North of Thailand by motocross is an adventure that bikers won't want to miss with stops in villages of ethnic tribes, and discovery of the nature still well preserved in this region of Thailand. Pai is a very popular destination in the North and there is a four hours drive in curves to reach the place from Chiang Mai.

Enjoying a popular mountain-bike route over four days from the hills of Chiang Dao to the Mae Kok river is another top adventure trip for sport men. Biking enable visitors to see more of the villagers' life while passing wonderful settings and there are a lot of valleys and landscapes to discover.

These 6 travel ideas are examples of the unforgettable tours that can be enjoyed in the country. Thailand has a lot to offer to visitors who want more than the traditional visit of temples, sun bathing at the beach or the crowded visit of the floating market.

3 Places You Must Go in Thailand

For people seeking sun, sand and plenty of adventure, Thailand is amongst the top places in the world to visit. The beautiful scenery of the coastal islands compliments the rich culture and mountainous regions to the north, not to mention Bangkok, one of South East Asia's most intriguing cities. There's a multitude of places to visit and things to do in Thailand, and whether you're a tourist or a backpacker, you're almost sure to never get bored by the country's rich offerings. Indeed, you could choose to spend a week bronzing yourself on a beach in the south, or spend months exploring the highlands to the north and the borders with Laos and Cambodia. If you've got a trip to Thailand in store for this year, then take a read of this article to find out about some of the top destinations.

Phuket
Located to the west of the country, Phuket is the largest and most popular island in Thailand. The island was hit hard by the 2004 Tsunami, but recovery has surged through tourism in the time since. With miles and miles of idyllic beaches and a collection of hotel resorts that wouldn't look out of place in a list of the world's best, tourists pour here by the bucket load. Some of the top resorts lie in the northern town of Ao Bang, where serious pampering comes at a serious price. This is home to a 7km long white beach and the Laguna Phuket golf club. Further south is Patong, a popular resort that lights up with neon during the Night and also home to the island's most famous beach - Hat Patong.

Koh Chang
An island for those who want a bit 'over supply of multi-centric tourist islands of Ko Chang is a rock juts from the sea, complete with jungle and rugged terrain, and, of course, many of its beaches. Located in the eastern Gulf of Thailand near Cambodia, you will not find regular seller refuse Ray-Ban and DVDs quickly, and the tourist crowds versionby a more natural tranquillity. The island is home to an array of stunning wildlife that inhabits the scenery. Sea eagles, Andaman kites and hornbills all nest here, while you may even see a reticulated python if you venture inland! When visiting make sure you take on of the dirt pathways for a nature adventure.

Krabi Province
Most travellers choose to breeze through Krabi town, as people are keen to move on to the paradises of Ko Phi Phi and Railay. These two gems of the Andaman Sea boast some of the most stunning scenery in the whole of Thailand, which is a spectacular feat if you consider the extent of beautiful coastland and mountains in the country. Railay is located behind a layer of impenetrable cliffs, and it is only possible to get there by boat. Surreal limestone formations make it a fantastic place for rock climbing, while the beach is possibly the revered in the country. Ko Phi Phi don, meanwhile, is an island 30km to the South West of the mainland of Krabi. As the backlot for The Beach, staring Leonardo Di Caprio, it's not difficult to see why the place is thought of as one of the world's top island paradises.

Shortcoming In The Healthcare System In Thailand

As Thailand is becoming a destination for medical tourism, attempts are being made to promote Thai health facilities quite actively. However, the average Thai is not deriving any benefits from the medical tourism as there are certain shortcomings in healthcare and hospital facilities which provide medical treatment to the locals.

Efforts are underway to improve the healthcare system in Thailand but a lot has to be done before we see some concrete results.

The first shortcoming in the healthcare system in Thailand is that there is no primary healthcare system. Most doctors in Thailand are generally specialists. So, it usually becomes difficult to find good general practitioner for minor ailments. If a person is suffering from common cold and cough, a visit to the general hospital means being examined by a doctor who is specialized in one of the medical fields and the doctor may not be able to handle such a small ailment.

However, critics beg to differ. They say they most private and university hospitals have general practitioners and one only needs to ask for them.

The other problem is that most doctors working in hospitals in Thailand do not do so full time. Most physicians and surgeons end up working in several hospitals across Bangkok. Besides this, these doctors also have their own private clinics. Therefore, post-operative care can be a nightmare if you doctor is communicating with the nursing staff on a mobile phone. Another grievance that a Thai patient might have is that he does not see his doctor as often as he would like during his stay in the hospital. And if he does, it is at unusual hours after the doctor finishes his clinics in various other places.

Scuba Diving Destination Koh Samui in Thailand Has it All

One of Thailand's best loved islands, Koh Samui's charms are evident as soon as you arrive at its award-winning thatch-roofed airport. When you stay on the island of Samui you will not only enjoy the excellent beaches and wonderful nightlife, but you will also have access to the best diving in this part of Thailand. Most of these sites are found around Koh Tao and can be dived via daytrips from Samui.

Dive sites that can be visited from Samui, including the famous Chumphon Pinnacle and Sail Rock, are characterised by submerged pinnacles, large rocky seamounts, colourful corals and reefs with plenty of marine life for you to enjoy, including good chances to see whale sharks. Because the Gulf of Thailand is a large sheltered bay, the seas tend to be calm and provide excellent conditions for Koh Samui diving throughout the year.

Highlights

Chumphon Pinnacle -- If you have come to "find Nemo" you won't be disappointed since there are numerous anemones dotted around, each with their resident anemonefish. While sightings of plenty of batfish, jacks and barracudas are likely, whale sharks are the number 1 attraction here, particularly between February and April. You won't forget an encounter with this gentle giant, the biggest fish in the world. Generally considered the best dive site in this part of Thailand.

Sail Rock -- This is another pinnacle and a real highlight of Samui scuba diving because whale sharks are commonly sighted here. Whether you are on the surface or below you will be amazed at how long these sharks stay around seemingly enjoying the presence of divers. Catfish, trevallies and reef sharks also call Sail Rock home. In terms of topography, 'The Chimney' will probably stay long in your memory. You can enter the rock through a hole at around 20 metres and exit either at 15 metres or 10 metres having checked out the masses of glass fish, boxer shrimps, moray eels and other inhabitants of the chimney which makes a lovely swim-through.

How to Dive Samui

The dive sites can be visited by daytrip boats from Samui Island. Large powerful speedboats depart every morning, normally in quite small groups. You will normally return at 5:00 pm in time to return to your resort and relax for the evening. You can book daytrips only, or combine your diving with accommodation in one of our recommended Samui resorts.

Diving Season

The dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand around Koh Samui and Koh Tao can be dived throughout the year. However the peak season, which sees the optimum conditions, runs from March to August.

There may be a reduction in visibility during the September to November period when monsoon winds and swells can be present. However these are rarely sufficient to interfere with diving trips, except maybe for making the speedboat journey a little bumpier. If you are planning a dive trip between November and February, Samui is not the best bet since rain and wind can visit the Gulf at this time of the year.

Reef Summary

Good for: Small animals, beginner divers, dive value-for-money, snorkelling and non-diving activities
Not so good for: Wrecks and drift dives
Depth: 5 -- 40m
Visibility: 5 -- 25m
Currents: Can be strong
Surface conditions: Calm to choppy
Water temperature: 27 -- 29°C
Experience level: Beginner -- advanced
Number of dive sites: about 10
Access: Samui speedboat day trips
Recommended length of stay: 5 days

With some excellent hotels and resorts, great beaches, the spectacular Ang Thong National Marine Park, and a mix of nightlife and quiet retreats, Samui Island caters to all sorts of tourists including young independent travellers, families and couples seeking a romantic beach break. When Phuket and the west coast are in low season, many consider that Koh Samui is the perfect destination for sun, sand and scuba diving.