DELUXE TRAVELLER

Nai Harn Beach is one of Phuket’s unspoilt gems

When asked to envision the quintessential beach scene, velvety white sand, sapphire blue seas and gently swaying palms are usually key components in the picture we come up with. Throw in glorious peachy pink sunsets, watersport options and close proximity to the finest local seafood restaurants, and you’ve got a pretty good picture of what most beaches in Thailand look like.

However, beyond the most popular beaches in Koh Samui and Phuket lie a handful of lesser-known seaside gems – perfect for those keen to relax in their own hidden tropical oasis. From Phuket’s sublime Banana Beach to Koh Samui’s idyllic Silver Beach, we talk you through a selection of our favourite hidden beaches in Thailand’s two holiday island hotspots.

Secluded gem

Banana Beach is on the northwest coast of Phuket

Nestled on the northwestern coast of Phuket lies Banana Beach – one of Phuket’s best kept coastal secrets. This sandy treasure is tucked away between Bang Tao and Nai Thon beaches, and is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a more isolated destination to kick back and relax. This silvery stretch of sand winds its way along approximately 180m of Phuket’s stunning coastline, so there’s plenty of room to throw down your beach mat and catch some rays. Bear in mind that the surf can sometimes lap quite high up the beach, so you’re best off positioning yourself either at the north or south end.

The beach is a fabulous destination for swimming from November through to May thanks to the blissfully clear water. However, swimming is best avoided here for the rest of the year. You’ll find that there are several masseuses in the vicinity if you a fancy a foot massage, too.

Beach oasis

Nai Harn beach is one of Thailand’s most pristine coastal locations

Once known only to a few locals, Phuket’s Nai Harn Beach has now made its way onto the tourist radar. However, it remains one of the island’s more chilled out coastal spots, and even earned itself the 2017 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award as Thailand’s favourite beach. Positioned on the southern coast of the island, Nai Harn is significantly less developed than the likes of Patong and Karon.

The beach is an excellent destination for swimming during high season from November to April, however, exercise caution throughout the rest of the year. Tranquil seas are replaced with strong currents during the green season, making Nai Harn a top location for surfing and kite surfing at this time. Another plus point is that Nai Harn is only a short distance from Promthep Cape – one of Phuket’s most cherished viewing points. Therefore, it’s a great destination if you want to kill two birds with one stone by tying in a visit to one of the island’s most popular tourist attractions, too.

Tranquil spot

Natai Beach provides a tranquil retreat from the busier stretches along Phuket’s coastline

Thanks to its position on the Thai mainland, but just a short drive from Phuket, Natai beach offers visitors the best of both worlds. In fact, it’s technically closer to Phuket International Airport than Patong Beach, the island’s busiest tourist resort town.

Home to a selection of exclusive luxury villas, the beach retains a high-end feel, and is home to a number of upscale restaurants and bars as a result. The best part is, Natai’s fantastic position off the well-worn tourist track means that it’s the ideal haven for a peaceful escape, either for a day trip or your whole holiday. The sunset views are an added bonus – you’d struggle to find a more dramatic sunset sensation anywhere in Thailand.

Crystal clear

Silver Beach is situated just north of popular Lamai beach in Koh Samui

Over in Koh Samui, the beaches are just as impressive. While the island is home to more than its fair share of bustling coastal hotspots like Chaweng and Lamai, there’s also a peppering of secluded gems across the island as well. Situated in a sublime bay just to the north of Lamai beach, Silver Beach occupies a 250m stretch of coastline. Ice white sand fades down into eye-searingly blue ocean, with panoramic ocean vistas to rival many of Thailand’s prime coastal destinations.

Also known as Haad Thong Ta-khian, Silver Beach boasts a handful of hotels and restaurants, but is significantly less developed than some of Samui’s more popular tourist spots. All in all, this is an excellent destination for sun bathing, swimming and even snorkelling. You can also rent sea kayaks if you fancy exploring a little further off shore. If you’re keen to tie in your visit to the beach with more sight-seeing, Koh Samui’s famous Hin Ta and Hin Yai rock formations are not far away.

Off the beaten track

Taling Ngam is nestled on the less developed western coast of Koh Samui

With exceptional views of the Gulf’s famous Five Islands, Taling Ngam is one of Samui’s prime coastal spots. Situated on the south-western corner of the island, it’s also a marvellous place to soak up stunning sunset views, unlike the busier east coast beaches like Chaweng and Lamai. If you’re on the hunt for a laid-back destination to chill out and enjoy the balmy temperatures with a good book, Taling Ngam should definitely be on your shortlist. Encircled by pristine jungle, the beach also embodies a secluded feel – ideal for those who are keen to get away from it all. The town of Nathon is about 20 minutes away by car, and busy Chaweng is almost one hour away.

Best-kept secret

The Laem Set peninsula boasts two gorgeous stretches of silvery sand

Last but not least, the two magnificent stretches of sand that fringe Samui’s Laem Set peninsula also form two of the island’s best-kept beach secrets. This stunning outcrop of land extends out from the south-eastern part of the island and into the blissfully calm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. The coastline is adorned with secluded bays and coves, and visitors will have an excellent chance to observe a more local way of life in a part of the island that is less exposed to tourism. Bang Kao Beach, on the western side of the peninsula, offers some of the finest boutique accommodation options on the whole island. Plus, the Muslim fishing village of Hua Thanon is just a short drive away if you wanted to tie in your sun bathing session with one of the best seafood dinners of your holiday.

Stylish surroundings

Koh Samui’s stylish Beach Republic is situated at the northern end of Lamai Beach

Stylish beach clubs and bars abound on the charming coasts of both Phuket and Koh Samui. In fact, these elegant venues are the latest kind of hotspot to take Thailand’s social scene by storm, whether you’re on the lookout for bottomless Sunday brunch or casual nibbles with sunset cocktails. Situated at the northern end of Lamai beach in Koh Samui, Beach Republic is well worth a visit for the mouth-watering selection of international cuisine on the menu. In Phuket, Bang Tao beach’s Blue Siam Beach Club is a sophisticated venue infused with traditional Thai allure. The gorgeous terrace occupies an unbeatable position right on the sand.

TIPS

If you’re heading out of your private villa for a full day of beachy bliss, why not have the property’s professional chef pack a tasty picnic for you?

• A selection of cheeses and cured meats will satisfy all of your savoury cravings
• Colourful fruit salads containing mango, papaya and water melon provide a light yet satisfying desert that won’t leave you feeling too bloated for your post-lunch swim
• In addition to plenty of water, ask your chef to pack some fruit juice as well, or even a flask of iced tea