Our beaches aren’t exactly the sort anyone in the world would come to Singapore for. Besides, it’s not as though we have powdery, smooth white sand on the beach; the kind our feet just sort of sinks in. Yet, surprisingly enough (despite being the big complainers we are), a lot of us make do. But if you don’t want to settle and crave a proper beach experience, there are a couple of places you can check out up north, beyond Malaysia. Take a step into paradise and jet over to some of the most beautiful yet underrated beaches of Thailand.
Eastern Seaboard
Sattahip, Chonburi
Located south of Pattaya, Sattahip district is full of natural charms which the built-up Pattaya just can’t offer. Uncrowded beaches dot the coast from Jomtien district down to the end tip of “Ao Tua Gor Bay,” the u-shaped bay running from Prachuap Khiri Khan down to Chonburi province. Thanks to much of the region being under the care of the Royal Thai Navy, beaches like Hat Nang Rum and Hat Nam Sai have remained free from development, with the latter only recently opening to the public. True to its name (which means clear water), beachgoers will discover a flat beach stretching about one kilometer towards the sea, while small reefs on the southern end are perfect for snorkeling ($8 per person for a 30-minute diving trip with navy staff). Just off the coast, you’ll also discover the uninhabited islands of Koh Samae Sarn and Koh Kham, which have the kind of perfect white sands and crystal waters usually associated with much further south. The navy only allows day trips to these islands which charge an entrance fee of $8 for Koh Kham (best for snorkeling) and $24.30 for Koh Samae Sarn. At the navy’s inland Sea Turtle Conservation Center (+66 (0) 38-431-477) you can feed turtles and, if you’re lucky, release young turtles into the sea.
Where to stay: The only accommodation at Hat Nam Sai is the new collection of navy-run rainbow-colored bungalows, which cost $56.70 on weekdays and $81 on weekends. If you’re after a resort, check out U Pattaya (+66 (0) 33-046-100), which sits on Bangsaray Beach, just north of Sattahip’s navy beaches. Room rates start from $154.80. The newly opened Costa Village Bangsaray (+66 (0) 92-019-9555) is a Santorini-themed hotel around the same location at $101.20 per night.
How to get there: Several airlines fly between Singapore and Chonburi (Pattaya) with one or more stopovers. Flights are from $873 on Bangkok Airways, with a stopover at Koh Samui, if you plan to leave in mid-May. There are also several airline combinations you can choose from like Tigerair + AirAsia for $280, with a stopover at Hat Yai, for the same period.
Khung Wiman, Chanthaburi
This Eastern province might be famous for its charming old town, but the coastal area along which runs the beautiful Chalerm Burapa Chollathit seaside road is just as appealing. The newly discovered slab of arkosic sandstone at Kung Krabane Wildlife Reserve and Khung Kraben Bay Royal Development Study Center is best visited from Feb-Jun, when morning and late-afternoon ebb tides fully expose the vast terrace of pink rock. Getting there is no easy feat: you’ll have to trek for one-and-a-half hours along a rocky coast. Nearby, you’ll also find Khung Kraben Bay Royal Development Study Center (+66 (0) 39-369-216-8), a free aquarium initiated by the late King Bhumibol that exhibits local marine species. In the same location, take the wooden walkway nature trail through a dense mangrove forest which recently gained social media attention from travel bloggers. A few minutes’ drive further, the Sea Farming Demonstration Unit is home to larger marine species such as seabass, sharks and turtles. If you want to swim, Khung Wiman Beach is uncrowded and occupied by plenty of seafood restaurants including Lighthouse Bar and Grill, the showpiece eatery of Nova Scotia-themed resort Peggy’s Cove (+66 (0) 39-460-345). Local Chanthaburi dishes include sen chan pad puu (stir-fried noodle with crab meat). The nearby Noen Nang Phaya viewpoint has also become popular with couples who attach padlocks to the fence as a sign of their love.
Where to stay: Peggy’s Cove Resort imitates a Canadian fisherman’s village, featuring brightly painted weatherboard cottages, rickety driftwood bridges and a lobby styled after the chapel at the real Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia. Room rates start from $134.10 for the deluxe category.
How to get there: The closest airport to Kung Wiman, Chanthaburi is the Trat Airport (TDX). There are no direct flights from Singapore. You can, however, get a flight on Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways, with a stopover at Bangkok, for $562.
Adaman Coast
Koh Mook, Trang
Those seeking an isolated, peaceful island should check out the limestone karsts, coral reefs and perfect beaches of Koh Mook. Though easily reached from Trang Province with a $12.10, 30-minute boat ride, the island remains less well-known than its main attraction, Tham Morakot, or Emerald Cave. Situated northwest of Hat Chao Mai National Park, Trang’s third largest island takes its name from a regional variety of pearl which used to be abundant in the area. We recommend you take a tour with a local operator such as Koh Mook Chao Lay Trang (+66 (0) 85-454-4979) or A Koh Mook (+66 (0) 80-647-0905, +66 (0) 89-468-3602), which both offer various walking and cycling routes around Koh Mook village before jumping on a boat to learn about the local fishing industry, collect sea crabs and fish for squid. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see sea turtles and dugongs as the area is rich in seagrass—the main food for both species. The highlight, of course, is still swimming through the 80-meter long Emerald Sea Cave. Also head to Hat Farang for sunset while sipping a beer from Ko Yao, an elevated restaurant on the cliff on the corner of the beach. At Hat Hua Laem, you’ll find a spear-head shaped beach that’s perfect for sunbathing, as well as the stunning beach bar of Sivalai Resort (see below).
Where to stay: Koh Mook Sivalai Beach Resort (+66 (0) 89-723-3355; +66 (0) 88-765-0999) offers villas from $222.60, as well as the newly built beachfront family villa at $344. Check-in somewhere cheaper at Koh Mook Resort (+66 (0) 75-203-303), which costs $72.90 for a small villa.
How to get there: There are no direct flights or airports close to Koh Mook, Trang. However, the fastest way to get there is to fly to Phuket, and get a ferry from here. You can fly on Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways, with a stopover at Bangkok, from $562.
Phuket
The Other Patong
There’s another side to Patong that feels like a different world from the main strip’s concrete jungle. The hillside at the beach’s southern end has until recently been largely undeveloped and offers access to a beautiful and quiet stretch of beach. Here, the bright sand contrasts perfectly with the stunning blue sea, while you won’t hear a single sound from tourist boats—motor watersports are strictly banned.
Where to stay: The new Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong MGallery by Sofitel (+66 (0) 76-681-681) sits right on the hillside, boasting clean lines with a luxurious tropical edge and three saltwater swimming pools split over different levels (room rates from $230.60). In the same area, the boutique Mai House Patong Hill adds an elegant twist to Phuket’s Sino-Portuguese culture with turquoise walls, opium den-style daybeds and dangling steel lanterns. Right now, they also run a two-nights-for-the-price-of-one deal on deluxe rooms, starting from $192.20. Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach (+66 (0) 76-335-300) also recently opened in the area, taking over an old property on Tri Trang Beach to offer secluded accommodation from $210.30.
How to get there: You can fly on Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways to Phuket, with a stopover at Bangkok, from $562.
Natai Beach, Phang Nga
Though many high-end hotel brands try to position this area as Phuket, Natai Beach is actually in Phang Nga province—but still just a 20-minute drive from Phuket International Airport, which is actually closer than driving into Phuket Town. It also remains super-sleepy despite new luxury openings. Sri Panwa’s new Baba Beach Club Hotel and Private Residences won’t complete its residential portion (on the market starting from $445,180) until late this year, but the Baba Beach Bar (9am-6pm) is up and running, offering on-the-grass seats by the sea with Thai food like yam nua yang (spicy grilled beef salad) and Phuket signature dishes such as gaeng pu (Phuket’s crab meat in yellow curry, $10.10). A Baba Daiquiri (rum, passion fruit, lime, ginger syrup) will set you back $8.90. Head a bit north to Iniala Beach House for dinner at Esenzi, the new venture of chef Tim Butler of Bangkok’s Eat Me (#31 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants). The eight-course tasting menu costs $323.80 or $505.90 with wine pairing.
Where to stay: The ultra-luxe Iniala has just launched Iniala Shores (+66 (0) 76-451-456), a 1,000-sq-meter all-white five-bedroom villa located just 400 meters south of their original spot. The nightly rate based on four guests starts at $2,374, while rooms in the original property cost $4,568.20. At the newly opened Akyra Beach Club Phuket (+66 (0) 2-539-4373), room rates start from $153.80 for a deluxe suite.
How to get there: The closest airport is the Phuket International Airport. You can fly on Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways, with a stopover at Bangkok, from $562.
