Question by Jeff Mad.: Best couple's beach in Thailand?
I will be in Bangkok Monday and was planning on heading to Pattaya with my GF afterwards. However, after researching and asking around it appears that Pattaya is more of a bachelor's /"I am going through a mid-life crisis" type of city. I am looking for a major coastal city in Thailand that has nice beaches, great nightlife, romantic, and all the fun activities one can want without all the filth and sleaze. Any suggestions? I can fly out of Bangkok so proximity is not an issue. Thank you

Best answer:

Answer by Al
This site explains it pretty well

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=best+couples+beach+in+Thailand

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

The Four Best Beaches in Thailand

Thailand has one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet.  For those that have traveled there they know that the beauty of this untouched place makes for some of the best vacations in the world.  This is coupled with the vast amount of historical culture that abounds the countryside and there is never a shortage of things to do in this country.  Because much of this land is untouched by development you will find that relaxation and peaceful living is more than possible.  The reaches of the mighty have not gotten this far and that means that you will get the very best in the vacation arena, especially when it comes to the Thailand beach areas.

Khao Lak is a wonderful Thailand beach.  Just a short drive from the airport, this paradise offers a remote vacation area like no other.  Thanks to the area being largely uninhabited, there is lush rain forest nearby along with a whole host of wildlife to be viewed.  The water remains warm in the November through December months and the fishing and scuba diving is out of this world.

Phuket Thailand Beach is another great spot.  Enjoy this resort November through March.  There is more than enough to do.  It is a bit more crowded than other beaches as this area thrives on the tourism dollars that it brings in.  The scuba diving is top notch in this area and you will also find some of the warmest most clear water in the world.  There are several nearby attractions to keep one busy for quite a few days.

Phi Phi Don Thailand beach is quite the turn around.  Once a remote and nearly unknown place, this Thailand beach came to life when Hollywood came in and filmed a movie here.  It is now considered to be one of the most popular beaches in the entire country and is frequented by many big names.  This is a site that you will not want to miss, as the views are breathtaking and the water warm and inviting.

West Raily Thailand beach is one of the undiscovered diamonds in the rough.  There is very little that is expensive here and one can stay at the "resort" for over a week and barely tap the budget.  The sands are milky white and the water clear.  Scuba diving is very popular here as well as the fishing.  This location is only accessible by long tail boat so plan for a bit of a long ride.

Seafood lovers will feel that they have arrived in paradise, rock lobsters, squid, large prawns, oysters, muscles, fresh crabs and fish are available in Phuket.  Thai Pork is tender, tasty, and juicy, often better than the chicken that can sometimes be overcooked, and you should order imported steak unless you need to exercise your jaw.

Eating out in Phuket is a pleasure, and relatively inexpensive.  There are some charming garden-style restaurants such as Nok & Jo's, and of course those that cater for you on the beach front enjoying the view of the Andaman Sea.  Most restaurants in Phuket offer International cuisine which consists of a Thai menu and a western style menu; plenty of pastas, pizzas, BBQ's, Tex-Mex, hamburgers and sandwiches.   There are also some fusion style restaurants serving dishes from all around Asia including Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and India.

Thai waiters are happy to play and entertain your children so that you can enjoy your food peacefully.    Thai people are smiley and friendly, often supplying mosquito coils and happy to explain or even show you various Thai dishes that you may be unfamiliar with.

There are a number of bakeries, delis and cafe's on the island serving fresh bread and pastries.      Paula's Cafe Retro, Surin, lets you start the day with Eggs Benedict and smoked salmon, or a  breakfast burrito and good coffee.  They also have an interesting lunch menu and specials board.

If you prefer fine dining, this is usually found in a high-class air-conditioned restaurant, and there are many good chefs in Phuket.  You could try Weaves, part of ManaThai hotel which has a stunning interior, beautiful flower arrangements, and interesting articles from around Thailand.  This restaurant has character, history, and friendly, attentive staff.  Wines from around the world are available in these types of restaurants, but do expect to pay a premium because of import duties.

If you would like to try some gourmet Western cuisine try Les Anges run by chef Peter Webber. It is a café, deli, bakery (with the most divine cakes, pastries and home-made chocolates on Phuket,). It is also a restaurant and bar. It can be found on the East Coast of Phuket at the Royal Phuket Marina along with Limoncello, a fine Italian restaurant and Skippers bar and restaurant.

If there is one thing that the Thai's adore it's rice.  Local Thai people will eat rice three times a day and it forms the basis of most meals.  The best type of rice in Phuket is the Jasmine rice, grown only in Thailand; you could try red, purple or even black rice.  There are also rice noodles, and egg-noodles in various sizes.

'Phad Thai'  is Thailand's signature dish, noodles fried with garlic, small pieces of tofu, egg, and either shrimps or chicken, sprinkled with peanuts, and maybe some chill-powder and lemon on the side.  This is a great lunch time dish, and popular with children as it closely resembles pasta. 

There are some other great dishes that you must try whilst you are in Phuket, such as 'Tom Yam Kung' spicy sour prawn soup, or red, yellow, and green Thai curries made with coconut milk, spicy salads, and minced chicken fried with basil are all delicious.  You could try Lemongrass Restaurant, on Suirn beach road, which serves good Thai food.

Fresh fruits and ice-creams form the basis of most Thai desserts, look out for 'Dragon Fruit' named because of it's amazing pink and green colour, or the juicy mangos which are often served with sweet sticky rice. 

Whatever you choice, from 'Phad Thai' noodles to Italian pizza the tropical island of Phuket offers great food for everyone at a range of prices, there are many restaurants to choose from.  We hope that you enjoy your stay in beautiful Thailand.

For more information on shopping, restaurants and things to do in Phuket, Thailand see our websites:
Phuket Vacation Apartments and Royal Phuket Marina Apartments

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We are looking for a beautiful tropical island in either Malaysia or Vietnam, with beautiful beaches that are safe for swimming.

Does anyone know what the best islands are to visit? We are looking for islands similar to Phuket and Koh Samui, ones that have touristy areas but also have unspoiled beaches.

Any advice on hotels or resorts will also be appreciated! Thanks!

- English speaking to an extent
- Is relatively safe for tourists wealthier than the local population
- That is a large enough city, and not totally dependent on farming
- Should something major that is worth seeing (nature or cultural)
- Isn't all about beaches or nightclubs

I've already been to Malaysia (east and west), Thailand (Hat Yai only), Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Macau, China, and Vietnam (HCMC only).

I'm currently deciding between Sanya (China), Bangkok (Thailand), and Bali (Indonesia). I'll be visiting during winter for the NOrthern Hemisphere.

Throw out your opinions!
I'm probably not going to visit the Phillippines, nor Jakarta, KL, or Singapore. That's what makes this question tricky.