Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights
West Coast
HAT SAI KHAO (WHITE SAND BEACH)
The longest, most luxurious stole of sand on the island is packed with package-tour
hotels and serious sunbathers. Along the main road, the village is busy, loud and
brash - but the extremities provide a convenient break.
Beach
AO KHLONG PRAO
A relaxed counterpoint to Hat Sai Khao's energy, Khlong Prao's beach is a pretty
sweep of sand pinned between hulking mountainous headlands and bisected by
two estuaries. At low tide, beachcombers stroll the rippled sand eyeing the critters
left naked by the receding water.
Beach
HAT KAIBAE
A companion beach to Khlong Prao, Hat Kaibae is a great spot for families and
30-something couples. A slim strip of sand unfurls around an island-dotted bay far
enough removed from the package-tour scene that you'll feel self-righteously inde-
pendent. There's kayaking to the outlying island and low tide provides hours of
beachcombing.
Beach
LONELY BEACH
The island's backpacker hang-out is the five-o'clock shadow of beaches, a bit
scruffy but ready for fun. During the day, most sunbathers are baking off a hangover
earned the night before when Lonely Beach becomes the most social place on the
island. The music is loud, the drinks are strong and the crowd is youthful and care-
free.
Beach
BAN BANG BAO
Nearly at the end of the west coast road, Ban Bang Bao is a former fishing commu-
nity built in the traditional fashion of interconnected piers. Most visitors come for a
seafood meal and some decide to stay overnight.
Village
