Surprising island revealed as Thailand’s best beach destination

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As globally popular as Thailand has become, it’s fair to wonder if there are any worthwhile getaways that truly feel untouched.

According to Time-outthe answer is a resounding “Yes!”.

As Phuket and Koh Samui continue to attract hordes of holidaymakers around the world seeking culture, vibrant nightlife and paradisiacal shores, space is opening up for lesser-known Thailand to step into the spotlight without a boost from White Lotus fame.

Translated to ‘Golden Buddha Island’, I don’t know about you, but I’m already sold on this unheard of island…

This is where adventure awaits easy to reach shelterwith a pristine coastline with few footprints and eco-resorts for a more authentic (and affordable) stay compared to cookie-cutter holiday packages.

Where in the world is Phra Thong Island located?

The island of Phra Thong was not developed for mass tourism, and Sisqo did not write a song about it in the 90s…

That said, this pristine beach getaway isn’t difficult to achieve with a little advance planning.

The good news is that if you already have Phuket in your plans, it’s an easy add-on for a break from the hustle and bustle and bass-thumping untz-untzing that seems to follow Aussies wherever they go.

As tempting as it may be to stick to the script and enjoy the predictable delights of Phuket, many tourists (like me) look back on their Thai adventures and wish they had packed more, given the spacious diversity that Thailand has to offer.

Phra Thong is located on the Andaman Coast in Phang Nga province, just north of Phuket. It’s not a map point per se; it’s big enough to be noticeable at first glance and still lives up to its ‘hidden gem’ status.

That makes a visit all the more attractive, so you should first go to Khura Buri Pier, just over 2 hours under the best traffic conditions.

From there, your only option is to board one of the famous Thai longboats, which usually take about an hour to reach wide open golden shores for a blissful time off the beaten track.

Raw and real: far away from Phuket

As soon as you set out on a traditional sloop, so to speak, you know you’re ‘not in Kansas anymore’ in terms of what feels familiar – and that’s because Phra Thong is untamed in the best way.

Upon arrival you will be welcomed by the friendly locals who run the island without dazzling chains of both hotels and restaurants.

You’ll have to skip your mocha frocha frappuccinos (or whatever Starbucks is serving these days) in favor of a strong Thai tea.

The same can be said about passing on DoubleTree’s chocolate chip cookies and settling for one simple eco accommodation – albeit with prime real estate

Beaches have no DJ booths, late-night crowds or rows and rows of loungers that are impossible to reserve – just sand, sea, sun and sky.

As TimeOut said: “Head here and you’ll be greeted by pristine sandy beaches dotted with eco-resorts and… not much else.”

But that’s not a diss – that’s the appeal. But let’s be honest. We realize that you don’t cross oceans to come here to just sit and do nothing, while in Mexico or other nearby countries you can find places to waste away.

With practical pristine beaches to rechargePhra Thong is best suited as a day trip or weekend getaway to reset after some long nights in Phuket. We’ve all been there…

Phra Thong’s best places to stay

Nowhere on Phra Thong will you find accommodations from well-known brands.

So where does that leave us? TripAdvisor!

Not so fast…

Phra Thong is even so undiscovered TripAdvisor rankings of resorts does not accurately reflect the island.

But there is one that travelers certainly love and that is indeed in the right place. That would be so Baba Ecolodgeas nice to stay as it is to say.

It has an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars with over 200 reviews.

Guests rave about the beach front, the lush jungle landscape, the impeccable service, the seclusion and the delicious food and handcrafted cocktails.

Sam Sears

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Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.