Thailand’s idyllic beaches have acted as a beacon to holidaymakers for many years and they still consistently deliver the definitive beach experience.

The Andaman Coast and outlying islands offer some the most varied and attractive choices just pick the one that’s right for you.

Phuket

Phuket is a world class all round beach resort that offers everything from the vibrant, action packed beaches surrounded by 24 hour entertainment to the more peaceful, exclusive resorts that are true island escapes. Dramatic limestone islands, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays, world class golf courses, superb restaurants / bars and tropical inland forests Phuket has something for everyone and is easily reached both internationally and domestically.

Khao Lak

Head 50 miles north of Phuket onto the mainland and you enter a totally different world. Khao Lak is a beautifully relaxed low key beach destination with a wide sandy beach backed by dramatic lush mountains. Each evening just walk along the beach and choose a restaurant to suit your mood. As Khao Lak is on the mainland consider a self-drive from Phuket, as this gives you the freedom to explore the coast. The roads are good and well signposted. Don’t miss a trip to the nearby Similan and Surin Islands for some of the best diving and snorkelling experiences in Thailand.

Krabi

Head 2 hours south of Phuket and you arrive in Krabi, famed for its glorious beaches that are backed by dramatic limestone karsts: loved by sun worshippers and rock climbers respectively. Krabi’s laid back beauty creates one of Thailand’s most romantic destinations, with a choice of hideaway resorts slightly away from the town. If you can tear yourself away, spend a day island hopping around the tiny jewels that wait just off shore or explore the rainforest, waterfalls and dramatic limestone mountains of neighbouring Khao Phanom Bencha National Park.

Koh Yao Noi

To find "Little Long Island” just take a boat 45 minutes from Phuket into Ao Phang-Nga Marine National Park, home of the iconic limestone karst islands made famous in "The Man with the Golden Gun”. Koh Yao Noi is one of the least developed islands and boasts some of Thailand’s finest hideaway hotels. Perfect for couples looking for luxury and seclusion relax on the white sand, enjoy the breath taking views, cycle through small villages to find secluded beaches or just enjoy the superb hotel facilities.

Koh Phi Phi

Perhaps the most famous of the islands that line the Andaman Coast. Despite the fame there are still parts of the island that deliver the perfect beach experience that originally marked it out as special. Its smaller, uninhabited sister island, Koh Phi Phi Leh was made famous by the film 'The Beach' and a morning trip to its famous white sands is recommended. Diving and snorkelling off both islands are excellent and very accessible.

Koh Lanta

South of Phi Phi you’ll find Koh Lanta, a lush tropical island that still feels like an unspoilt paradise, where laid back local life fuses with stunning beaches and clear waters. If you dive, there are some great undersea pinnacles to explore. Easily reached by car in 45 minutes from Krabi or an hour by speed boat from Phi Phi, it’s an ideal two centre destination offering a nice counter balance to its two busier neighbours.

Trang Islands

If you really want to get away from it all, keep going south and spend a few days on one the idyllic limestone islands that tumble into the sea off Trang’s coast. Blessed with lushly forested hills, white sand beaches, deep limestone caves and cooling waterfalls, two thirds of the province has been designated as a national park. This protected status and relative isolation offers visitors a pristine paradise with superb beaches, great snorkelling and diving in some of Thailand’s clearest waters and little else. Regular daily flights leave from Bangkok.