The essential beaches of Thailand

In the heart of Phang Nga Bay, Koh Yao Noi is still unknown and represents a peaceful place, not transformed by man. Despite its proximity to Phuket, it has remained authentic. A simplicity that earned it the nickname of "one of the last virgin islands of Thailand" by the newspaper The Guardian. In fact, the beaches of Koh Yao Noi look like those of Phuket, 20 years ago. If the sand is not the whitest and finest that can be found on other beaches, the scenery alone is worth the trip. At low tide, the sand goes away and gives way to mangrove sand and rockery. The most beautiful beaches are on the west side of the island. To reach them, climb on a bike or a motorcycle and enjoy the panorama of the Andaman Sea.

If you are looking for excitement and parties, head for Phuket and Patong beach, the longest and most animated beach of the island. On more than 4 km of white sand, bungalows, hotels, street vendors of all kinds, pubs and discotheques follow one another. Day and night, Patong shines. It is enthusiastic about the latest water sports in fashion. A real spectacle that never ceases to attract thousands of visitors. But for nature lovers, it is at the first rays of sunshine, or at sunset that Patong reveals its most beautiful assets. The bay changes colors, the water keeps its translucent turquoise blue.

At the border of Malaysia, in the extreme south of Thailand, is the island of Koh Lipe and its mythical beaches. Here, everything is tranquility, beauty and peace. Very isolated, it takes time to get there and juggle between plane, minibus and boat. If it takes courage to find it, once there, the effort is worth it. In Koh Lipe, there are no vending machines, no stores and even no cars. These 4 km² are covered with turquoise water and fine sand. A beauty so pure that Koh Lipe was named "The Perfect Beach" according to National Geographic Traveler's "Best Of the World 2012" list.

Place of survival of the first adventurers of the show Koh Lanta, the island, located in the Andaman Sea holds alone the most beautiful beaches of Thailand. One of the main beaches: Klong Dao is famous for its deep waters and shaded areas. Phra Ae, also known as Long Beach, is one of Koh Lanta's flagship beaches, judged to be one of the most unusual beaches in the world. Much further south on the island, Klong Nin and its breathtaking scenery. Mixture of white sand, blue, overhung by mountains and lush forest. Not to be missed: the umbrella tree of Koh Lanta Baie Toey.

It is, after Patong beach, the most popular of Phuket. Separated from Karon by the rocky outcrop of Cape Sai-Laem Sai, Kata beach is divided into two. Kata Yai, the more important and touristic one with the Club Med in its center, and Kata Noi the smaller one. Less frequented than Patong, Kata Beach is known for its very good restaurants and its nightlife. Extraordinary in high season, it is also known for the surfers who come to flirt with the waves. A competition, "The Pukhet Surfing Contest" is organized every year at the end of August.

Mango Bay is a must for all visitors to Koh Tao (Turtle Island). Located in the north of this island in the Gulf of Thailand, Mango Bay is a small paradise for beach lovers and divers. Nicknamed Mango Bay because of the mango trees on the hills, it is shaped like a crescent. Its charms are numerous: a small beach of about ten meters, transparent waters with turquoise reflections, all surrounded by rocks. Its biggest asset lies under the waters of the bay: the reefs are about 20 meters from the shore. You will be able to admire a multitude of tropical fish before resting on the beach.

More locally known as Ko Tapu, which means the nail island, the James Bond beach obviously draws its notoriety from the famous agent 007. This setting with multiple rocky islands was used for the film The Man with the Golden Gun, released in 1974. Located in the bay of Phang Nga, James Blond Island and its beach are only accessible by boat. The companies, omnipresent on the island, take visitors to discover the place and the neighboring islands. Its most beautiful asset: its openings in the rocks, sort of hidden caves. To admire the charms of Ko Tapu and the bay of Phang Nga, it is necessary to count one day. Excursions and canoe trips are organized from Pukhet and Khao Lak .

Not far from the cities of Krabi and Ao Nang, nestles the beautiful peninsula of Railay and its heavenly beaches. Isolated by high limestone cliffs, Railay is only accessible by boat. To the west as well as to the east, the beaches invade the bay, sometimes separated by its famous cliffs, a real challenge for climbers. Its most famous beach, Railay Beach, is also one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The others, especially Sunrise Beach, seduce bathers with their turquoise waters, mangroves and rocky peaks rising from the ocean. What to relax after a climbing session. If the temptation to stay in Railay is too strong, hotels and heavenly pools are waiting for you!

About 40 kilometers from Krabi, between Phuket and Koh Lanta, Ko Phi Phi is one of the most beautiful and exotic destinations in Thailand. The archipelago, composed of 6 islands, has for core Ko Phi Phi Don and Kho Phi Phi Leh. These two main islands, connected are famous for their white sand beaches, lush vegetation, and cliffs plunging into the Andaman Sea. Those of Koh Phi Phi Don, less frequented, are accessible by a short hike. Uninhabited national park, this island of the archipelago has multiple rocky coves, ideal for admiring the sea bed. Its lush beauty makes it one of the most famous spots on the planet. Its turquoise waters are inhabited by whales and sharks, which can be seen during night dives.

Not far from a rocky cove, in the southwest of Phi Phi Leh island, Maya Bay is hidden. If this beach is legendary today, it is thanks to the myth that surrounds its white sand: the story of a perfect beach, invisible to man, far from the agitation of cities like Bangkok. A kind of utopia that everyone talks about but that no one knows. Does the story ring a bell? It's normal because it's the plot of the novel The Beach by Alex Garland. Maya Bay was used for the filming of Danny Boyle's movie with Leonardo Di Caprio in the main role. Today, Maya Bay retains its identity as an invisible beach, only accessible by boat, through a barrier in the rock. To avoid the floods of tourists, the best is to spend the night there, on a boat.