Life’s a beach …. holiday
Exhausted? Stressed out? Skin a bit pasty like it has not seen the out-of-doors for a decade? Love to snorkel, dive or just drink beer in a horizontal position? A few days at the beach could be the perfect prescription. Allow us to make a few suggestions…
Southern Thailand
There are so many beautiful beaches in southern Thailand that it may be difficult to choose where to spend your time.
Phuket? Krabu? Koh Samui? Why do you have to choose just one? You have the choice from simple hotels to lavish resorts.
You can learn to cook Thai food, learn to dive, paddle a sea canoe to explore caves in the sparkling Andaman Sea, or do absolutely nothing at all.
As the Thai love to say, “Up to you, krap”.
Pattaya
Only two hours drive from Bangkok, Pattaya is one of Thailand’s most popular vacation getaways.
Pattaya is a sun-splashed resort like no other. In Pattaya you will find quiet beaches, great restaurants, some of Thailand’s favourite gay-friendly hotels, and, of course, legendary nightlife.
Hua Hin
Not interested in nightlife? Hua Hin is an ideal getaway for couples seeking a quiet and relaxed beach escape. It is also the favourite seaside escape for Thailand’s kings.
On the two-hour drive from Bangkok, you can visit several of their palaces and still arrive at the beach in time for a swim.
Phan Thiet
While most of Vietnam’s great beaches are closed for business between October and April, Phan Thiet welcomes visitors 362 days of the year.
It practically never rains here, which accounts for the vast Saharanesque sand dunes nearby.
Beyond the beaches lies a colourful fishing town with fresh prawns and a bit of nightlife. This is the kind of place you may want to spend a few days or a few weeks.
You can also combine Phan Thiet with a stop in Dalat, a driving trip into the cool mountains from Saigon.
Khmer Riviera
A quick look at a map will prove that Cambodia shares a coastline along the same body of water as Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Ko Samet and Pattaya.
Sihanoukville has often been called ‘Pattaya 20 years ago’.
There are three gorgeous (and entirely empty on weekdays) beaches, a good selection of hotels and even a couple of casinos.
Hoi
Tiny Hoi An on the coast of central Vietnam has one of Asia’s most magnificent beaches.
It currently boasts some of the world’s most luxurious resorts including the Nam Hai and Six Senses Hideaway, Ninh Van Bay.
Goa and Kerala
India has stunning beaches. As you vacation in southern India and feel the soft sand beneath your feet, you’ll find there is no place like a warm, inviting beach in Goa to make you feel at peace with the universe.
