SOUTHERN BEACHES

Klong Nin Beach After you’ve decided to turn right, Klong Nin Beach will be your view on the right a few minutes away. The long-stretch high quality nearly-white sand and mint-green water are the reasons why people choose to stay in this area. It offers direct access to the beach. Middle-range and budget resorts and bungalows line up along the beach alternating with pine trees and a lush forest. During the day-time, the weather is fierce—the sun seems to shine directly and especially to this beach— facing you. It is excellent to get a sun tan (or burn). European-owned accommodations and restaurants are known to be settled in this area.

Klong Hin Beach
Klong Hin Beach is a small calm shore with rocky and sandy beach. Klong Hin has less accommodation and entertainment than the northern beaches but those seeking solitude will find this beach the right place to be. It offers prime soft sand and a relaxing atmosphere. Those who stay at other beaches should drop by for a picnic or a short swim as Klong Hin provides some natural beauty and wilderness.

Nui Beach
It takes some dedication and adventure seeking to get to Nui Beach from the main road as the trail to get to this small beach is high from the hill. Just follow the signage that will lead you into the jungle. A bit of trekking is required but there is nothing to worry about as the tropical footpath is clearly marked. Once there, you’ll discover an un-crowded tiny half moon bay—perfect for sunbathing and swimming in private. The unspoilt blue lagoon may not be children-friendly as the wind is strong and the tides are high. But adults should find this beach a hidden heaven within the island.

FAR SOUTH BEACHES
Bakantiang Beach
The most romantic beach award goes to Bakantiang Beach. Some people call it a bay because of its beautiful curves from each side. There are some rocky parts next to each curve but the rest is powder-like sandy beach. It’s without a doubt a great place for swimming and the wideness of Bakantiang is also perfect for water-sport activities. With few resorts on this beach in relation to its length, it seems almost private. It feels more exclusive as a five-star resort sits on this beach as well. But even during peak season, there is room for everyone to find a secluded spot to sunbathe, swim and chill out. Bakantiang is extremely romantic as the beach is peaceful and it’s excellent for sunset watching.

Ao Nui Beach
Starting from this point, Ao Nui Beach is the gateway to Mu Ko Lanta National Park. After Bakantiang, the paved road changes to a dirt road which leads to Mu Ko Lanta National Park. It is difficult to come around this area and you will need a good quality four wheel drive vehicle or a bike if you’re a really great rider. From this part onwards there are basically bungalows and some middle-range establishments on offer. To get to Ao Nui Beach, you have to climb down the hill and do some jungle trekking again, but the hill is closer to the beach than the previous Nui Beach. This beach is a small bay—some people call it Nui Bay for that matter—charming soft golden sand, calm emerald green water. If natural beauty is what you’re looking for, it’s worth stopping by.

Klong Jaak Beach
This picture-perfect hideaway beach offers both views—in front of you there is the azure-water Andaman Sea—at the back is tropical green hills and coconut trees. The fabulous stretch of white sand and the scenic landscape make this beach an excellent place to stay for a long holiday. Limited inexpensive bungalows and resorts disperse by the beach—during the high season they are fully booked so it’s recommended to make reservations well in advance. These accommodations tend to close down during the green season to renovate, fix and repair the rooms and prepare for the next high season. If you choose to be around here, it means you have no interest to go elsewhere too often due to the bumpy road. Klang Jaak Beach is a metaphor for the words ‘rest,’ ‘quiet’ and ‘break.’

FAR SOUTH BEACHES
Mai Pai Bay (Last Beach)
Currently, Mai Pai Bay is considered by many to be the last beach on the west coast. Mai Pai Bay accommodates low budget and middle-range resorts which tend to close down during the green season. The tourist crowd around this area is younger, more laid-back and are adventure-seekers. The main activities for people who vacation here involve the beach and swimming in clear warm waters. The wind at this beach is rather strong so swimmers should be careful.

Ta Nod Beach
Ta Nod Beach is the last piece of paradise on Koh Lanta Yai and to get some great relaxation, it takes some work as Ta Nod Beach, actually a cape—the Thais call it ‘Laem Tanod’ (laem is cape in Thai), is located in the premises of Mu Ko Lanta National Park. This wonderful beach is delightful and tranquil—it is regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Koh Lanta. Ta Nod Beach is not crowded as not many people have the time or the enthusiasm to come to this place and when they do, they don’t stay all day—mostly their acquaintances with Ta Nod Beach are part of a three-hour tour visiting the national park and the Lighthouse. From here, you can cross over to Koh Ngai via small boats. As picturesque as Ta Nod beach is, you should take some time to climb up to the Lighthouse to see the view from the top of Ta Nod Beach which is far more striking, exquisite and dramatic.

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