Nopharat Thara Beach

The long, quiet neighbour to Ao Nang — a two-kilometre sweep of casuarina-shaded sand just west of the main strip, split by a river mouth. The near end is a mellow local beach with food stalls; the far end, across the river, is the marine park HQ and the island-tour pier. Low tide exposes flats you can walk out on. It's free, far less crowded than Ao Nang, and the sunsets are the best on this coast. Bring a picnic and stay for the light.

Highlights