Khao Lak, Takuapa

A mountain beside the sea with a shrine dedicated to the wizard of the mountain. Khao Lak Beach is rocky.

How to get there: Turn left (if you are proceeding north from Phuket) at km 56-57 of Highway 4. You will spot the temple just before entering Thai Muang district.

Khao Philai Seashore is a very nice place for swimming with a white sandy beach and transparent seas, although there are rocky cliffs on the beach.

The seashore extends out towards the Tha Nun seashore. Khao Pilai Seashore is situated in the district of Khok Kloy.

Tanoon Seashore, Takuatung

From Route 4 take the road leading to Phuket, Route 402, till you reach Pahk Prah, the channel separating Phuket from Phang-nga. The beach on the Phang-nga side is called Haht Tanoon. Turtles come yearly to lay their eggs. Dangerous currents in the channel.

This, one of the best beaches on Koh Yao Noi, is situated 7 km from the district office of Amphoe Koh Yao. It is a clean white sandy beach pleasantly shaded by a line of trees. Pa Sai Beach is a safe, pleasant place for swimming, and one can see a panorama of some of Krabi's islands in the distance.

The best beach on Koh Yao Noi is situated 5 km from the district office of Amphoe Ko Yao. It is a rocky beach, with numerous colorful rocks in various sizes and intricately carved gravel. A petite island, Koh Nok, lies just offshore from Hat Tha Khao.

The island can be accessed on foot during low tide. On an enjoyable stroll, you can explore the island, which is home to some very interesting wild plants and orchids.

Ao Tikut : is a bay with a white sandy beach. On the north is a rocky point from which can be seen a very beautiful panorama. The shore is shaded by a line of casuarina trees.

A white sandy beach lies pleasantly on the bay's shore, surrounded by shady pine trees and colored sea rocks and small boulders. On the left there are small rocky cliffs.

Ao Khlong Son is a safe and pleasant place for swimming and snorkeling, as attractive coral reefs can be observed. During the low tide it is very easy to search for shellfish.

Another shady beach surrounded with coconut trees. A long stretch of white powdery sands with year-round swimming as its main attraction. There is a rocky cape on the north of the bay.

A beautiful sandy beach with rocky cliffs and colorful boulders lies pleasantly on the cape.

The beach is suitable for swimming anytime of the year.

Ao Sai, Koh Yao

The beach here on the bay is a perfect spot for swimming at anytime of the year. It has clean white sands abounding with colorful and beautiful sea rocks.

Ao Larn is a lovely beach. It is suitable for swimming, but be careful on the northern part of the bay where there is a steep cliff with deep water.

How to get there: Using a boat service is easier than overland.

The beach is shaded with Kiam forest and it is not good for swimming at all as there are a lot of rays and skates. Commuting by passenger boat, chartered boat or speedboat are recommended to reach Koh Yao from Ao Po Pier, Phuket.

How to get there: Passenger boats leave in the morning and charge 40 Baht per person one way. Long-tail boats can be chartered for 600-1,200 Baht each way. The trip takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Speedboats are offered for the price of 4,000-6,000 Baht. Boat trips are also available to take you further. Surrounding islands feature birds' nest caves and sea gypsy funeral caves.

Hat Bang Sak, Takuapa

This Tambon Bang Muang. This is a long strip of fine white sand shaded by casuarina trees and there are accommodations available for a stay.

How to get there: Take the Petch Kasem Road (Route 4) north toward Takuapa Town. At km 76-77 a road leads down to the beach about 1 km. onward.

A spectacular stretch of sand, 13 km long, with clear water and a nearby golf course. At the Sukhabhiban Thai Muang , turn right and head about 1.5 km on the asphalt road which leads to the beach. Follow the beach road for another 5 km to reach the National Park Office.

The beach is clean and swimming is excellent. From November to February, sea turtles come to lay their eggs on the beach. As a result, local inhabitants customarily go view the turtles on moonlit nights.

The marine park is 12 km from the provincial capital in the districts of Amphoe Muang, Takuatung, and Koh Tao, with a total area of 250,000 rai, or 400 sq km. It was declared a national park on April 29, 1981.

The expansive, turquoise extension of the Andaman Sea is composed of a mass of limestone islands that protrude from the sea in different shapes and sizes. Caves and beautiful bays together with rock formations and mangrove forests are some of the park's major attractions.

Using small boats makes it possible to enter partially submerged caverns during low tide at some island.