Which Thailand islands and beach resorts are worth visiting?
Based on 2 discussions with 3 participants · Last activity: 26 days ago
TL;DR
Ko Lipe has beautiful water but high prices and is easiest to reach via Langkawi, Malaysia. Pattaya is a poor choice for beach lovers — decent sea is 40 minutes away. The Gulf of Thailand coast is calm year-round.
What the community said
Ko Lipe is a tiny island with stunning water, but getting there takes time. The most convenient route is via Langkawi, Malaysia, though it's still a long journey. Prices on the island are high and accommodation quality varies.
26 days ago Ko Lipe — small island, high prices
Pattaya is a poor choice if your priority is beach time. A decent beach requires a 40-minute tuk-tuk ride each way, which eats into a short trip. The city also has some unpleasant odors in places.
26 days ago Pattaya — beach 40 min by tuk-tuk
The Gulf of Thailand mainland coast has very calm, flat water year-round with almost no waves. This is great for relaxed swimming but may feel dull for those seeking surf or dramatic scenery.
26 days ago Gulf of Thailand — calm sea year-round