Guest author John Borthwick got plenty of sand between his toes while researching the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the kingdom.

Ao Manao, Prachuap Khiri Khan. The picturesque, crescent-shaped beach of Ao Manao, also known as "Lime Bay"—aptly named for its bright green water—lies south of Prachuap Khiri Khan. The sandy beach is wide, the water clear, and small beach restaurants serve fresh soft-shell crab and tom yum soup.

Rai Leh Beach, Krabi. Rai Leh (also called Railay) is located on the remote Phra Nang Peninsula and can be reached from Ao Nang by longtail boat. Steep limestone cliffs and turquoise waters attract rock climbers who scale the dramatic cliffs of Rai Leh. Other visitors simply enjoy the beauty of the Andaman Sea.

Ao Yai Beach, Koh Phayam, Ranong. The small island of Koh Phayam lies off the west coast of Thailand, seemingly lost in a sea of ​​oblivion. Its jewel, Ao Yai Beach, boasts a three-kilometer-wide stretch of sand, gentle surf, and ideal waves for surfing during the monsoon season. It's especially beautiful in the late afternoon when the cicadas chirp and the sunset reaches its peak.

Ba Kan Tiang Beach, Koh Lanta, Krabi. Experience a breathtaking sunset facing west from Ba Kan Tiang's gentle sandy beach and the soft sound of the waves – and you'll know why you came to Koh Lanta. The "Island of Long Beaches" has much to offer, but this beach also boasts good accommodation and views of the uninhabited islands of Koh Haa.

Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani. Samui boasts numerous beaches, with the long, wide Chaweng Beach and the neighboring, smaller Lamai Beach being the most popular. The waters in the gulf are clear and calm, souvenir vendors line the beach, and there are countless bars, restaurants, and shops – if that's what you're looking for.

Hat Sai Khao, Koh Chang, Trat. Also known as White Sand Beach (although "cream-colored sand beach" might be more accurate), Hat Sai Khao is a sprawling stretch of coastline on the country's second-largest island. With numerous accommodations and shops, it's ideal for a relaxing holiday where you can enjoy seafood, read in peace, and simply do nothing.

Jomtien Beach, Chonburi. Jomtien is the perfect escape if the party scene in nearby Pattaya gets too much or you simply want more space on the beach. Jomtien's five-kilometer stretch of beach offers cleaner water, whiter sand, and fewer hazards from motorized watercraft than its neighbor. And after sunset, the numerous beachfront restaurants invite you to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

Mai Khao Beach, Phuket. Stretching along Phuket's northwest coast, far from the hustle and bustle of Patong, Karon, and Kata, lies Mai Khao Beach ("White Wood"). This 17-kilometer-long dream beach is perfect for beachcombers. It is also a national park and nesting ground for sea turtles.

Na Dan Beach, Khanom, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Remember when a beach was truly a beach and not a shopping mall with sand? Na Dan is still like that – no vendors, no speedboats zipping around, and no sun lounger rentals. Secluded and dreamy, with nine kilometers of palm-fringed coastline and a vast, blue sky.

Natai Beach, Phang Nga. Crossing the Saladan Bridge at the northern tip of Phuket, you enter another world: the mainland of Phang Nga province, an area with long, casuarina-shaded beaches and small rural villages. Here, on the deserted, tranquil Andaman shore of Natai Beach, you'll find a turtle sanctuary, fish stalls, and absolute peace and quiet.

Dangerous currents. The waters of the Andaman Islands can appear deceptively calm, but strong currents and undertows are common. Fatalities do occur. Almost no beaches are staffed with lifeguards.

— Jet skis. Unsuspecting tourists are frequently pressured by unscrupulous jet ski rental companies, especially in Pattaya and Phuket, to pay for fabricated "damage." It's best not to rent or use a jet ski at all.

— Speedboats. Popular beaches in Pattaya, Phuket, and elsewhere are teeming with transfer speedboats, parasailing tugboats, banana boats, and jet skis. Injuries are possible. If available, use a designated swimming area with pontoons.

Text and photos © John Borthwick 2020