Thailand beach question: white sand and clear water
 

Silly question?

Can someone tell me which beache areas in Thailand have white sands and clear water? at the Fodor and other websites, I can only find comments like "Hua Hin beaches are great" "the beaches are not very nice at so and so places" - not much information on "where are the white sand/clear water beaches in Thailand"?

I understand that the sand is related to the local geography, and the white sands are coming from the coral reefs in the area (??) Like in Mexico, there are beaches on both sides, but the beaches at east coast Mexico generally have beautiful white sands and crystal clear water, the west coast doesn't.

Here is a link to white sands and clear water in Thailand
http://www.leightravelclub.com/phiphiphotos.htm

Also, the answer to your question depends upon time of year.

We plan to go towards the end of May/early June. I know that's not the best time - but that's the tail end of our China-Hong Kong trip and just want a few days to unwind on a beach before going back to work.

i have yet to be on any beach in thailand that i think can hold a candle to any beach here in new england, especially cape cod and nantucket with which i am most familiar...

I would suggest going to Koh Samui Island in Thailand. You will definitely get crystal clear water and white sand. There are also many hotels in Koh Samui that has a beautiful beachfront location such as the Amari Palm Reef Resort, Anantara Resort and Spa Samui and Chaweng Regent Beach Resort. You might want to have a look at www.excelloz.com as I know for a fact that they are great with booking Thailand Hotels.

Samui does not have crystal clear water and only one beach have nice white sands.

As Hanuman says I don't think Koh Samui is what the OP was after, I am sure they are seeking the picture post card images sort of place.

I think you need to considor the time of year and also sort of place you want to stay before deciding, you are right it is not the best time of year weatherwise, it is a chance you take with the weather, could be ok, could be stormy and rough seas, it's a chance. before mentioning other options iof you can give us an idea whether you would be happy with simple yet a/c accommodation or whether you want more luxury, some of the smaller places have 'ok' a/c accommodation but otherwise basic facilities, also you only have a few days so flights, road and boat to some places could totaly eat away at your time.

Koh Mook or Koh Ngai would normaly be an option for real get away from it all but you are faced with the weather situation same for that time of year.

What we like to do ... we probaly only will have 3 days/2 nights, or maybe 4 days/3 nights:

- nice beaches to do a little swimming and/or reading on the beach. Not the type to lie on the beach and get fried to a crisp.

- within walking distance (5-15 mins) to markets, a little shopping, restaurants, cafe and a great Thai massage. Don't want too secluded it will drive me nuts.

- a lit of hiking/nature walk

- We don't mind busy places as long as we are not right in the middle of it, and that we can get a good night sleep. Lot of busy places the crowds are concentrated in certain areas, so a couple of blocks away would be fine.

Thanks

Johnmango - you have perfectly described what I am also looking for in a beach escape. We have 3 nights to spend at the beach in thailand in April and have been directed to Ko Lanta by a variety of sources (Layana resort and spa has also been recommended). Does anyone know if this would fit Johnmango's description (nice beach, walk to town, shops and restaurants nearby) or is it too isolated? We have not booked this part of our journey yet... so I am open to input!

Layana Resort is a fine hotel with very high standards. Not too isolated. A short walk will bring you to several local bars and restaurants. On the down side, the beach is not fantastic but quite acceptable. You can do a day trip to Phi Phi from here.