CFW-- you're absolutely right that Bangkok is NOT Thailand any more than NY is America. I think the one difference is that people may feel that there is something truly unique about the beaches in thailand -- something far superior than what they can get closer to home. I just try to tell them if beaches are really what they are after -- not culture or history or art-- than they may be making a mistake by traveling so far to get it. I have friends who are avid beach people and were very disappointed in the thai beaches compated to others they had been to. Bangkok, on the other hand, is truly unique. You won't find a city like it closer to home.

My observation of numerous posts over the years is that it seems that the people who are enchanted by BKK are the most vocal in suggesting limited beach time. It's little surprise that those of us captivated by a crowded, smoggy Asian metropolis do not recommend extended beach "activities". Some people love NYC and others hate it.

On the question of the "real Thailand", I have no illusions that a visiting XXL Farang will ever get anything other than a fleeting glance. Even if I do get such a glance, there's a good possibility that I will miss it. I'm not an Anthropolgist. I couldn't comprehend essential Thainess if I observed it.

Hey Euro,

Going diving sounds awesome. That is a great way to commune with the locals: the ones with gills. I'm more of a snorkel-person, but it can really add something to an experience to spend some time exploring the vibrant world underneath the surface.

Son just suggested Koh Tao (turtle island), about an hour by boat from Samui. He says it is a beautiful place to dive. Tao is a very small island with no resorts (?)... just nature. People stay there, but it is very basic (like camping, I guess).

Looks like a round rock in the middle of the water, with a straight column going down some 120 feet under the water. Somewhat like a smoke stack. I don't dive so have no comment, but son really enjoyed it there.

Carol

Carol, Koh tao is a lovely little island but it 'does' now have some resorts like to Coral Grand and Ao Muong, although many reach Koh Tao from Samui most go by bus or train to Chumphon and then a short trip by Jet-Catamarn, this area is the south part of the coast that I like so much. It is very popular with diversbut it does not have the nightlife of Samui, Phuket or Pattaya.
It's very popular with divers. Chumphon is under 3 hrs south of Hua Hin. I am not so much these days into beaches but I do like being near the 'coast' as I like seascapes and coastal secnary, plus great fresh seafood!

James
Thanks for the updated information. Son dived on Koh Tao about 3 years ago. I guess the island is becoming populated... no more wonderful peaceful isolation... darn!
Carol

just another voice...On one of our trips to Thailand we decided to head to Phuket area to do cave kayaking...scheduled 5 days to enjoy the beautiful beaches etc.....flew back to Bangkok after 2. We've been to many countries and cities....can't explain it, but Bangkok is the most compelling for us. A place to get lost and found.

The Pimalai where we stayed on an isolated beach in Koh Lanta was very special and unlike any beach area we have visited anywhere else. Perhaps because it was just after the Tsunami and there were very few guests, we got to know some of the staff and had an amazing experience. I can't comment on Phuket or other islands, but for us the Pimalai was incredible.

Want beach? Go to Barbados. Happy Travels!

Apparently you've never been.

guenmai
I've been to beaches in Florida, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Bermuda, Bahamas, Rio, Mexico, Australia, the south of France, California, Texas, S. Carolina, you name it. The beaches in Thailand are NOT THE SAME as those.
Carol

Carol....yeah, that's what I've heard from folks/friends who've been to the beaches in Thailand. I've been to a lot of beaches,too...although I'm really not a beach person...as far as lying out on one. I do need to have an ocean nearby though...along with mountains. But, as for beaches and just having the ocean there, Barbados was fabulous and so was Ihe de Tapirica about an hour ferry ride outside of Salvador, Brazil in the region of Bahia. Kids riding horses, bareback along the ocean, and eating freshly caught lobster...and even better...hardly any people and no resort hotels or any other kind of big hotel...only little Brazilian places inland.Also, Tunisia is nice. See you soon,Carol. Can't wait to meet you. Happy Travels!

CFW...huh? You've lost me....Happy Travels!

Alright I'll defend the southern thai beaches even though i've never been....

Gpanda brought up a good point "Even if I do get such a glance, there's a good possibility that I will miss it. I'm not an Anthropolgis". I think his comment is especially true when people travel to the beaches down south.. what tourist, including my self don't realize is that all these area's have their own distinct culture, They all speak in different accents , each region has has it's unique traditional/modern dance and singing styles they dress differently and most importantly for fodorites is that each area even phuket has it's own cooking style. If one goes too any beach and is "attuned" to what's going around you you may find that even each beach resort and it's people are totally different.

You wont find many food or local customs from the southern beach area's in Bangkok let alone Barbados.
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I agree that the ocean and mountains in Brazil are gorgeous, but can't say the same about Barbados and the Carribean. And as Carol said, they're VERY DIFFERENT from Thailand beach areas. I don't think you can say "seen one beach seen them all." Atmosphere in each place is very different. I'm not really a lay on the beach person,either, but I love the coast and the water, and in Thailand the people and the food and the jungle and tropical landscaping right next to the beach, not to mention Thai massage.... and for those who like snorkeling and diving it is supposed to be great. While there are certainly high rise hotels on Phuket, there are many other options and other islands. At the Pimalai on Koh Lanta where we stayed there were no other hotels or high rises in site and the Pimalai itself consists of low rise villas nestled into a hillside with tropical foliage and flowers and along the beach. It's laid back and stunning.

CFW
Thanks for the support on this topic. I forgot to mention Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Tahiti and Bora Bora beaches in my list. They STILL are NOT the same as the Thai beaches.

Where else can you get a massage by the pool, or have someone strap you into gear while you have a cold beer on a beach chair, and then zip you up into the air on a parasailing adventure!!

I'll stick to my opinion on this, and I will continue to visit the Thai beaches.

Carol

(guen.... I'll see you in a matter of hours at the GTG)