It might surprise
you to learn that Thailand welcomes 20-30 million tourists per year, and when
you consider the many aspects of the unique South East Asian country, it is not
hard to understand why the Land of Smiles is one of the most popular tourist
destinations in the world. The North and
South of Thailand are like chalk and cheese, with mountainous jungle areas in the
North, while the South offers premier beaches and unspoilt tropical oceans,
with many unique islands off the coast of Phuket.
Phuket
This island is a
separate province and is home to many retired Europeans and quality tourists
that spend half the year in the sun, then return home to Europe in the summer,
thus escaping the harsh winter. If you really want to experience the wonders of
the Andaman Sea, there is yacht charter in Thailand from a well-established operator that has
an impressive fleet of top vessels that you can hire. Phuket is the ideal
departure point for a cruise in the Andaman Sea.
Koh Samui
Samui island has
long been a favourite for European and Scandinavian tourists, with many hi-end
beach resorts that are simply stunning. You are only a stone’s throw from the
full moon party island of Ko Pang Gan, if you want to experience a rave that
lasts a few days.
Koh Chang
Chang is the world for elephant in Thai, and
this island resembles the shape of an elephant, hence the name, plus this
island is much less developed than Samui or Phuket and you can still rent a
bamboo bungalow on the beach. Again, there are a few 5-star spas and resorts on
the island, but also some mid-range 4-star hotels that are easier on the
pocket.
Krabi
A quiet fishing
town on the Andaman Sea side, Krabi is a favourite for those who like nothing
more than relaxing on a beach, or poolside with your favourite cocktail, and
there is a mixture of accommodation, from guesthouses to 5-star resorts and
everything in between. You can rent a fishing boat for the night and the local
fisherman will show you how to catch fish, and on the way back, you will
experience the magic of a Krabi sunrise.
Hua Hin
This was the home
of King Rama IX, who lived in the amazing palace, and this coastal town is also
popular with Thai tourists, as it is only 3 hours’ drive from Bangkok. Hua Hin
sits on the Bay of Thailand and is a popular place for retired people. A little
further down the coast, about 25km, is the small town of Pranburi, which is
still relatively undeveloped, where you can enjoy pristine beaches and some
great windsurfing.
If you have never
visited Thailand, the South is a perfect tropical paradise, where you can immerse
yourself in a colourful culture, and if you rent a yacht, you get to choose
where you go.
