The beaches from Ko Tao to Songkhla. You will find TreasureBeaches near all yellow highlighted placemarks!
The mainland of the Lower Gulf is less visited by tourists. The beaches are largely undeveloped. The mainland of the Lower Gulf is the place to go if you like secluded beaches and want to experience authentic Thai life. If you are looking for more social beaches with western facilities, other regions in Thailand or the islands in the Lower Gulf are better options.
It is a very different story for the islands in the Lower Gulf. Ko Samui has been a real tourist destination for years. It’s so well known that it’s hardly worth putting Ko Samui on our TreasureBeaches site….where you expect to find laid-back treasures. For this reason, we skip Ko Samui. The most beaches of Ko Phangan and Ko Tao are getting overcrowded, well on their way to follow Ko Samui. However, these 2 islands have beautiful bays that are not too touristy, where it feels like you are in paradise.
The southernmost part of the Lower Gulf is not safe for travelling. Currently it is considered safe to go to Songkhla, but do not go further south.
A daily tidal cycle in the Gulf of Thailand means that there is one high tide and one low tide each day. Depending on the time of year, one of these tides can last up to an entire beach day. Be sure to check www.tide-forecast.com for tide information in different areas in Thailand.
November and December are the wettest months in the Lower Gulf. The best time to visit the Lower Gulf is from mid-January to early May. In the months of May through August, however, there is still less rainfall in this region than in most other regions, making these months a good alternative to visit.
Tanote Bay, Ko Tao
Thong Nai Pan Yai, Ko Phangan
Than Sadet, Ko Phangan
Hat Son Onn, Nakhon Si Tammarat
Sathing Phra, Songkhla