Thailand's Islands and Beaches
Images of sweeping white-sand beaches, palm trees, colourful fish and dramatic karst formations rising from the sea are the essence of our idea of a tropical paradise. But this is reality in Thailand’s islands and beaches – and a bit more. Discover the true beauty of Thailand with this extract from Lonely Planet’s new Thailand’s Islands & Beaches guide.
That Southern Thailand can cater to almost any taste adds to the allure. The footprints in the sand could be yours and yours alone. Or you can stomp the ground with thousands of others at a heaving full moon party. Stay in a beachside hut or a resort with its own spa, go scuba diving or snorkelling, take out a kayak or climb those karst formations – or just lay in a hammock. Enjoy Thailand's islands and beaches whichever way you choose.
Enjoy, yes, but keep in mind that the wave of faràng seeking a slice of paradise has had a variety of impacts on the local population. Tourism brings plenty of money and for that most Thais are thankful. It is also accompanied by rapid improvements to roads, schools and health centres. But tourists, and those who cater to their tastes, have also brought some less-desirable changes
The locals of southern Thailand have many of the same concerns as you: jobs, money, safety, health and education for their kids. The uncertainty following the coup saw economic growth slump in 2007 as investors sat on their cash. But the rapid recovery from the devastating 2004 tsunami has seen tourism reach all-time highs, mitigating the impact.
This is an edited extract from Thailand’s Islands & Beaches 6th Edition, by Andrew Burke et al © Lonely Planet Publications, 2008. $34.95.
