Located in Khaolak, this stretch of beach was once hit hard by the devastating tsunami of Boxing Day. However, the locals have shown incredible resilience and bounced back in a way that only the Thai people know how. The beach is divided into two halves, and we were fortunate enough to stay on the northern side, allowing us to take a leisurely stroll around the northern headland. Although there is still some rebuilding work to be done, as the saying goes, Rome wasn't built in a day. Our favourite spot on the beach was Pak Pirania, a fantastic bar owned and operated by Mr Pak, who was a great host. His wife's restaurant, serving delicious Thai cuisine, was also located on the side. We couldn't resist one more drink before heading back to our accommodations.
The town of Bang Niang is small enough to explore on foot and has an excellent night market that is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from, and we enjoyed a Thai meal with a beer for about £6. Additionally, there are numerous day trips available, such as the Surin Islands and James Bond Island. However, be sure to haggle for the best prices.
One of the most poignant experiences we had was visiting the Tsunami Memorial. It was especially moving to see one of the police launches that was washed inland by the tsunami and now stands more than a kilometre from the sea. Overall, our time spent at this beach was unforgettable, and we are grateful for the warm hospitality of the locals.