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Shaded by coconut trees, the beach is quiet & scenic. There is a jetty here for ferries, so the usual pros and cons apply. Confusingly also called Wai Beach.
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Candlelight Beach
More a collection of small bays separated by rocky outcrops than a single beach, Ao Thian has with some nice spots for diving, and is one of the quieter beaches on the island.
Shaded by trees and with space above the high tide line, the beach is quiet & scenic. Access is through resort which dominates beach but not controlled.
The second largest beach on the island (after Hat Sai Kaew) and much nicer than its immediate neighbour to the north. Ao Wong Deuan has a ferry service with the mainland which makes this beach easy to access but the ferries bring noise, pollution, and day-trippers with them. However it remains a scenic and popular beach with lots of shade, accommodation, restaurants and even a mini mart.
Some like this beach for being laid back and less developed, with a bit of a feel of the old Thailand. Others find it scruffy, and feel it can get pretty dirty and some have complained about oily sand (?). There are rasta and hippy bars where you can buy weed or just chill. Low tide really affects this beach.
This is a private beach because the only way to access it is via the large and exclusive Paradee Resort. Walking along the coast is possible but tricky. It is a lovely spacious beach with trees dotted around. The beach has good snorkelling but not good enough to itself justify staying at this resort (?) Best for those who want to go to the beach and don't want to mingle with the hoi polloi.
A perfect hideaway for holidaymakers in search of tranquillity. Only one type of accommodation here: handmade bungalows with a lot of character. Few dining options.