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Not only does Thailand hold a vast natural bounty of mountains, forests, freshwater river systems and mangroves but it is renowned world wide for its stunning coastline. Coconut palm fringed deserted beaches are one of the major selling points for its major tourist destinations of the south such as Khao Lak, Krabi and Phuket.
Phuket and Khao Lak suffered during the Tsunami and much of the coastal habitat and coral reefs were badly damaged by its destructive forces. However, the clean up operation in the tsunami’s aftermath was quick and succeeded in returning Phuket and Khao Lak’s beachfronts to their former glory. In fact just north of Phuket bordering the town of Thai Meuang there is the only known beach where all 4 turtle species nest (during the months of November to February). It is not however very well signposted but none the less very easy to find. Head north off Phuket Island on Route 402, this will eventually turn into Route 4 and Route A – 2. You should take the left turn onto Route A – 2 (actually listed as Route 4 also!) at Ban Khok Kloi. From here continue until you reach the town of Thai Meuang. Head into town where there will be signposts to the beach and national park where the turtles nest – remember if you are interested to catch a glimpse of them you have to go at night and under the supervision of one of the local national park guards. 
Other areas such as Ao Phra Nang Beach in Krabi and also the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phang Ngan are well known for their beach scene. Heading further south is Trang Province. Trang province holds probably one of the most amazing marine habitats in the south of Thailand. Home to the Dugong (Endangered and on appendix one of CITES Red List) which eats only certain types of marine grass and incorporating many islands such as Koh Muk, Koh Cheaung, Koh Wan and Koh Pring it is well worth a visit! Further down again we have Satun Province, offering world class white sand beaches on islands and in national parks such as Koh Tarutao National Park and Mu Koh Phetra National Park. Here there are numerous camping sites and cheap accommodation both in and outside of the national parks. Please don’t forget to check with the national park headquarters about low and high tides, beaches with rip currents and also the best times of year to visit
Please note: in the monsoon season these islands are inaccessible as the seas can get quite rough, the best times to visit are between the months of November and March!
