Thailand’s Gulf Coast is home to some of the most inviting stretches of sand in the country. From the gorgeous beaches of Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan to the serene coastline of Chumphon and Khanom, this is a region that oozes tropical charm. Beyond the beaches it’s also a region that is home to a diverse number of attractions with royal palaces, amazing National Parks, world-class golf courses, and luxury spas all waiting to be discovered.
Ko Pha Ngan
Don’t miss
- Cruise through the islands of Ang Thong National Marine Park
- Dine on delicious seafood at Hua Hin night market
- Stay overnight at the spectacular Khao Sok National Park
- Walk along the empty beaches of Khanom
- Discover the charms of Chumphon
- 25 of the best things to do on Ko Samui
What to see & do on Thailand’s Gulf Coast
Unwind on the tropical island of Ko Samui
With its palm-fringed beaches and modern infrastructure, Ko Samui is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand. The option of taking a direct flight from Bangkok to Ko Samui’s delightful, award-winning airport also makes arriving on the island a hassle-free experience. Samui enjoys a broad appeal that attracts honeymooners, families, and solo travellers with plenty going on to keep all age groups entertained. Laze on the beach, visit the gorgeous islands of Ang Thong National Marine Park, sample delicious seafood or enjoy the nightlife.
Enjoy a beach holiday in Hua Hin
Hua Hin is Thailand’s original seaside resort and remains as popular as ever with Thai tourists and European travellers. Located on the mainland and only a three hour drive away from the Thai capital, Hua Hin and neighbouring Cha Am are a comfortable choice for a twin-centre break combined with Bangkok. In addition to the beaches, Hua Hin is a great location for golfers with a number of world-class courses on the doorstep. With an eclectic food scene and some surprisingly good wines to sample at the Hua Hin Vineyard, this area also has much to offer away from the beach.
Follow in the footsteps of royalty
Situated to the north of Hua Hin, the province of Phetchaburi is extremely popular with Thai visitors because of the royal palaces that are located here. They also make for an enjoyable half-day excursion from Hua Hin or Cha Am with the hilltop palace at Phra Nakhon Khiri and the difficult to pronounce but easy on the eye, Marukhathaiyawan Teakwood Palace, being two of the best royal sites to visit.
Chill out in Khanom
Don’t believe anybody who tells you there are no quiet beaches left in Thailand. Anybody that says that has never been to Khanom, a relatively untouched area of the Gulf Coast. The long stretches of almost empty beaches are one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets. With most tourists rushing instead to the offshore islands of Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan, it has allowed the mainland beaches of Khanom to enjoy only modest development with the pink dolphins that live off the Khanom coastline the most famous residents in the area.
