Gulf Coast Beaches: Places to Explore

It may not be the cleanest or most picturesque seaside town, but Cha-am does offer an authentic Thai-style beach experience. The main pier is the center of this small, quiet town; its main street, full... Read more

Chanthaburi has played a big role in Thai history. It was here that the man who would become King Taksin gathered and prepared his troops to retake Ayutthaya from the Burmese after they sacked the capital... Read more

Chumphon is regarded as the gateway to the south, because trains and buses connect it to Bangkok in the north, to Surat Thani and Phuket to the south, and to Ranong to the southwest. Ferries to Koh Tao... Read more

Before the introduction of low-cost air carriers in 2003, Bangkokians had few choices for weekend getaways. One of the preferred destinations has been the golden sand near the small seaside city of Hua... Read more

Koh Chang, or Elephant Island, is the largest and most developed of the 52-island archipelago that was made into Mu Koh Chang National Park in 1982 (many of these islands are not much more than sandbars)... Read more

As Koh Samui developed into an international tourist hot spot, travelers looking for a cheaper and/or more laid-back scene headed for Koh Phangan. Decades ago, the few wanderers who arrived here stayed... Read more

Koh Samet's beautiful beaches are popular with Thais and Bangkok expats, especially on weekends. Many people thought that the development of Koh Chang, a couple of hours east, would pull business away... Read more

Koh Samui is the most popular tourist destination on the Western Gulf coast, which isn't surprising, considering Samui's gorgeous beaches, perfect weather, and sparkling blue, almost turquoise, water... Read more

For centuries Koh Si Chang was considered a gateway to Thailand, the spot where large ships stopped and loaded goods bound for Bangkok and Ayutthaya onto smaller barges. This practice still occurs, and... Read more

Just a little over two decades ago, the tiny island of Koh Tao could have been compared to the one inhabited by Robinson Crusoe: no electricity, no running water, no modern amenities of any kind. Today... Read more

Pattaya proponents like to boast that their city has finally shed its long-standing image as the hub of Thailand's prostitution industry and emerged as a legitimate upscale beach destination. This is partly... Read more

Surat Thani is the main embarkation point for boats bound for Koh Samui. Although it's not a particularly attractive city, don't despair if you have to stay overnight while waiting for your ferry. There... Read more

Khao Takiab, the beach directly to the south of Hua Hin, is a good alternative for people who wish to avoid Hua Hin's busier scene; tourists who stay in Takiab are mostly well-off Thais who prefer Takiab's... Read more