56 Best Sights in The Gulf Coast Beaches, Thailand

You'll pass rice fields, sugar palms, pineapple plantations, and crab farms as you make your way to this park south of Hua Hin, the gloriously named "300 Peaks." It has two main trails and is a great place to spot wildlife, especially monitor lizards and barking deer. With a little luck you might even see the adorable dusky langur in a treetop, a monkey known for the white circles around its eyes. About a kilometer (½ mile) from the park's headquarters is Khao Daeng Hill, which is worth a hike up to the viewpoint, especially at sunrise. Another 16 km (10 miles) from the headquarters is Haad Laem Sala, a white-sand beach. A steep 20-minute hike from the beach is Phraya Nakhon Cave, visited by three Thai kings for its tiny, gold-blue pavilion that features a pink curtain. Enveloped in a contemplative hush, the mystical cave with inscriptions from two kings has an opening in its roof, where sunlight shines through for a beautiful effect. Visit between 10:30 and 11 am, when sun rays fall on the evergreen trees that frame the pavilion. If you don't have a car or scooter, you'll have to take the bus to Pranburi, a 30-kilometer journey from Hua Hin. From here you take a songthaew to the park.

A landscape of tall mountains, lush greenery, and small streams, this 161,000-acre park contains the most beautiful forest in Thailand. The diverse and rare wildlife that thrives here includes gaurs, bantengs, sambar deer, bears, Malayan tapirs, macaques, gibbons, mouse deer, and porcupines. Khao Sok is also one of the few places to see a rafflesia, the world's largest flower, and rare bird species such as hornbills live here. Hiking, boat rides, and night safaris are some of the activities that take place in the park.

Rain is frequent in Khao Sok, as the weather is influenced by monsoon winds from both the northeast and west—the best and driest time to visit is between December and April. Both the national park and some private resorts offer various types of lodging. Only very basic accommodations can be found in the park. But there is additional private accommodation outside the park, some of it very comfortable indeed. The bus ride (B230–B320) from the station in Surat Thani to the park takes about two hours. Minivans (B290) leave from the center of town and take around two hours. The TAT office in Surat Thani has information about the park.

Sunbathing is the ideal activity at Khao Takiab, especially during low tide, when the golden, sandy strand is flat and dry. Jet Skiing, banana boat rides, and other water-sports activities are available here, all the more enjoyable than in Hua Hin because the beach and water are less crowded. A granite headland also named Khao Takiab separates the beach's northern and southern sections. On the headland's northern side, there's a tall standing image of the Buddha. You can hike to the top of the hill, where you'll find a small Buddhist monastery and several restaurants with excellent views. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: walking.

Just offshore at Choengmon Beach is Koh Fan Noi, a little island with a narrow strip of sandy beach. The waters are shallow enough to wade to the island. Despite the hectic pace of development on Samui, the beautiful beach here remains nearly deserted.

From Pattaya Bay, shared speedboats take just 15 minutes to reach the island of Koh Lan, also known as Koh Larn. The beaches have white sand, and the water is cleaner than at Pattaya Beach. Koh Lan gets busy by midday, so arrive early if you want peace and quiet. The waters are crowded with speedboats and other motorized craft—and some speedboat operators are reckless, so be cautious when swimming. Food and drink vendors wander among the shaded deck chairs, although the prices are steep. Ferries leave South Pattaya Pier daily from 7 am to 6:30 pm. Private speedboats can be hired as well. Amenities: food and drink. Best for:  nature lovers; swimming.

The three small islands of Koh Nang Yuan lie close to Koh Tao. At high tide the islands, separated by shallow, translucent water, look like the endpoints of an obtuse triangle. At low tide the receding water exposes two narrow sandbars that connect the outer islands, which contain bungalows for overnight stays, to the central island, which has a lodge, a restaurant and beach bar, and a coffee shop. The islands are privately owned by the Nangyuan Island Dive Resort, and all visitors who wish to set foot on Koh Nang Yuan must shell out a small fee. Although many visitors opt to pay, others simply dock offshore to snorkel and dive the gorgeous waters surrounding the islands. To get here from Koh Tao, you can kayak from Sairee Beach or hire a longtail boat (B200 round-trip from Sairee) to ferry you here. The trip takes about 15 minutes—it works best to arrange your return with the same operator. While you are visiting, be sure to slip up to the viewpoint on the southern island to snap photos guaranteed to make your friends back home envious.

The islands are busy throughout the day; it's best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

The government has been unable—or unwilling—to control development on some parts of Koh Samet despite its protected status as a national marine park, but its fine sand and smooth water is still serene and beautiful in many places. Development is greatest in the main village and northern beaches. Other irritants involve Jet Skis, which can be heard roaring away in some places. Trash is also an increasingly vexing issue. All the beaches have licensed ladies offering one- and two-hour Thai massages, which generally cost B350 an hour, not including tip.

This small island in Chon Buri province has only one white-sand beach suitable for swimming, but it has viewpoints, cafes, seafood restaurants, and affordable lodgings that feel less crowded and touristy—though beware that, during weekends and public holidays, Bangkokians flock to the island and its shrine built into the side of a cliff. Ferries from Si Racha's Koh Loy Pier to Koh Sichang (B60 one way) run every hour and take about 40 minutes. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: nature lovers.

Popular Lamai lacks the glistening white sand of Chaweng Beach, but its water is clear and the beach is ideal for swimming. The steeply shelved shoreline might be too much for kids, though. Numerous bars and restaurants which line the beach underscore that Lamai has a strong nightlife slant. Almost every visitor to Koh Samui makes a pilgrimage to the point marking the southern end of Lamai Beach to see two rocks named Hin Yai (Grandmother Rock) and Hin Ta (Grandfather Rock). Erosion has shaped the rocks to resemble weathered and wrinkled private parts. It's nature at its most whimsical. Laem Set Bay, a small rocky cape on the southeastern tip of the island, is just south of Lamai. It's a good 3 km (2 miles) off the main road, so it's hard to reach without your own car. Head here to escape the hustle and bustle of the tourist areas. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: partiers; swimming.

The long, curving beach at Mae Nam has coarse, golden sand shaded by tall coconut trees. It's one of the island's more unspoiled beaches—inexpensive guesthouses and a few luxurious resorts share the 5-km (3-mile) strand. Quiet both day and night, this north-shore beach has little nightlife and only a scattering of restaurants. The shallow waters are suitable for swimming, and several water-sports companies operate in the area. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: swimming.

This archipelago of 42 islands covers some 102 square km (40 square miles) and lies 35 km (22 miles) northwest of Koh Samui. It's around 45 minutes there by speedboat from Koh Samui. The seven main islands are Wua Talap Island (which houses the national park's headquarters), Phaluai Island, Mae Koh Island, Sam Sao Island, Hin Dap Island, Nai Phut Island, and Phai Luak Island. The islands contain limestone mountains, strangely shaped caves, emerald-green lakes and ponds. Most tourists visit on a one-day trip, which can be arranged from Koh Samui. Numerous operators offer trips; a recommended company is Samui Explorer ( www.samuiislandexplorer.com). Prices vary depending on the tour (some offer kayaking around several islands, and others take you out on small speedboats for snorkeling or cave tours). The park is generally open year-round, although it can be closed from November to mid-December when the seas are rough and the water less clear. The monsoon lasts from October to December.

This 52-island marine national park covers all of Koh Chang. It's mostly mountainous, and there are only a few beaches, the best of them along the western shore of the island. Haad Sai Khao (White Sand Beach) is the farthest north and the most developed. A few miles south is the more serene Haad Khlong Phrao, a long, curving stretch of pale golden sand. Nearby Haad Kai Bae is a mix of sand and pebbles. Still farther south is Haad Ta Nam (Lonely Beach), which is perhaps the most picturesque of all. But it's also the smallest one and therefore more crowded. In the southwest corner of the island is the fishing village Bang Bao, with restaurants, dive shops, and cheap bungalows. The east coast is beautiful, but it's mostly rugged rainforest, and beaches are in short supply.

On the inland road to Na Thon lies the village of Baan Thurian, famous for its durian trees. A track climbs up into jungle-clad hills to the island's best waterfall, Na Muang. The 105-foot falls are spectacular—especially just after the rainy season—as they tumble from a limestone cliff into a small pool. You are cooled by the spray and warmed by the sun. For a thrill, swim through the curtain of falling water; you can sit on a ledge at the back to catch your breath.

The city's namesake beach fronts slightly murky waters, but its sand is golden and fine, and safe swimming areas have been added in recent years. You can rent shaded deck chairs by the hour, and food vendors and trinket merchants wander up and down the beach. The bay is usually crowded with small boats, Jet Skis, and other diversions. Parallel to the shore, Pattaya Beach Road has a landscaped walkway that separates the beach from the restaurants, shopping malls, and resorts on the opposite side. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: walking.

Head to this scenic spot on a hilltop close to Bali Hai Pier for bird's-eye views of Pattaya Bay. Roaming roosters crow for show. There's also a Buddhist temple with a golden Buddha onsite, as well as a few clothes and drinks shops.

Open only on Sundays, this enchanting market some 3.5 kilometers (2 miles) from the city center lies in a steaming jungle. It's not exactly a floating market—not many vendors set up stalls along the riverbank, or on boats—but there are plenty of waterways around. Bamboo huts covered with the leaves of Nipa palms sell fresh produce, as well as ready-made treats, like sticky rice-flour dumplings bathed in shredded coconut, plenty of Pad Thai, and tasty silver barb cakes. Don't miss hopping on a wooden boat for a tour down the 450 meter–long, Nipa palm–lined tunnel.

Palm trees at crescent-shaped Sairee, Koh Tao's most popular beach, arch over the aquamarine water as if yearning to sip from the sea. Along the thin sliver of golden sand sit rustic, traditional wooden beach huts with bohemian youths lounging in hammocks, novice divers practicing in seaside pools, and European students sampling cocktails at basic beach bars. On the far northern end of the beach, a few resorts nestle amid manicured landscapes. Sairee faces west, making it great for watching the sunset and for kayaking to Koh Nang Yuan. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: partiers; sunset.

Every night the sleepy downtown turns into an electrifying street fair centered around the San Chao Night Market, which is illuminated by the lights of numerous food stalls and shop carts. The market is popular with tourists and locals, especially for the tasty seafood meals on offer.

Wealthy businessman Lek Viriyaphan started building this massive teak structure in 1981, and it's still not finished. The aim of the sanctuary, whose intricate carvings blend modern and traditional styles, is to make a statement about the balance of different cultures. The waterfront setting north of Pattaya is the cherry on top.

Koh Samui has a few top-end spas, as well as several in the luxury hotels, but the island's ultimate spa experience is at Tamarind Springs. Many different treatments are available, from hot-oil massages to herbal rubs to the Over the Top massage package, which lasts 2½ hours. The spa employs the latest treatment methods, including the use of Tibetan singing bowls. The plunge pools, hot tubs, and tearoom are built harmoniously into Tamarind's boulder-strewn hillside.

Small islands that make up one of the world's strangest bird sanctuaries dot the horizon of this excellent 3-km (2-mile) stretch of curving white-yellow sand. Vast flocks of swifts breed on the islands, and their nests are harvested—not without controversy—for the bird's-nest soup served in Chinese restaurants throughout Southeast Asia. It's such a lucrative business that the concessionaires patrol their properties with armed guards. But all is calm and serene on this beach just north of Chumphon. To get here, catch a songthaew on the street across from the bus station. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: solitude.

Off the northeastern tip of Koh Samui is Koh Fan (not to be confused with Koh Fan Noi), a little island with a huge Buddha. Indeed, the statue is better known as the "Big Buddha." The island is best visited at sunset, when the light off the water shows it at its best.

This peaceful temple complex in the island's northeast is overseen by a striking 18-armed statue of Guan Yin, known as the Goddess of Mercy, that stands 5 meters (16 feet) high. The temple's interior walls are embellished with murals of Buddha's life.

King Rama V built this summer palace and named it after his son, Prince Chudhadhuj, who was born on the island on July 5, 1893. Earlier in the 19th century, King Rama V's father, King Rama IV, had learned that the island's residents lived longer than anywhere else in Thailand and had concluded that Koh Si Chang's climate was responsible. The palace was abandoned in 1894 when France blockaded the Gulf of Thailand during a political crisis. Few buildings remain today, but the palace gardens are great for a stroll. King Rama V also commissioned another residence here, Vimanmek Mansion, which in 1901 he had moved to Bangkok. All that remains is the mansion's beachside foundation. Nearby, an old wooden pier has been restored to its former glory.

Hordes of weekend visitors from Bangkok descend on this temple on the north side of town. Khao Yai is a hodgepodge of shrines and stupas lining a 400-step walkway up a steep hillside. It's an arduous climb to the main temple building, but the view of the northern half of the island, the mainland, and rows of barges and ships is worth the effort. Koh Si Chang has no natural water sources. From this perch, you can see that nearly every roof on the island has a big jar for collecting water.

It's easy to spot this temple west of town as you near the island by boat—atop a hill, it has eight enormous reservoirs. The wat often donates drinking water to villagers when they need it. But Yai Prik is as dedicated to the spiritual as it is to the practical. Meditation courses are taught, and signs throughout explain Buddhist principles. Simplicity rules here: though donations are accepted, the monks don't collect money to build ornate temples.