They say Kamala Beach is still a popular destination, with a family-friendly atmosphere that offers tranquility along with snorkelling and swimming. Surin and Bangtao beaches are quieter than usual but still remain an excellent choice for those tourists who wish to partake in the nightlife and clubbing scene, according to TAT.
Mai Khao, Nai Yang, Nai Thon, and Sai Kaeo beaches, in northern Phuket, are visibly rejuvenated areas to visit as well. The 4 beaches are part of Sirinat National Park, where Olive Ridley sea turtles and Leatherneck turtles have returned during the pandemic to lay eggs. The Olive Ridley turtles were seen laying eggs on Mai Khao Beach after 20 years of no activity. The Leatherneck turtles also returned to lay eggs after 10 years of being absent.
The process to compromise between tourism and nature, started a few years ago with the beaches only allowing 10% to be consumed by vendors, umbrellas, and beach chairs. The southern beaches of Kata, Nai Han, and Kata Noi have also benefitted from the 10% vendor zone rule, as all seem to be returning to their original, pristine conditions they displayed a decade ago.
SOURCE: TAT News| Phuket News
Maverick
Friday, April 2, 2021 at 2:35 pm
I use Nai Harn beach regularly and snorkel 4 times a week at Yanui and Ao Sane beaches, not only is water Vis excellent, more sea life and signs that coral is recovering , there is new growth after last bleaching event. Can’t speak for other beaches, and wouldn’t swim at Patong if you paid me……don’t think folks really go their for the beaches …..
Thaiger
Friday, April 2, 2021 at 3:00 pm
Thank you. That’s great to hear.
Steve Kelly
Friday, April 2, 2021 at 5:44 pm
The pandemic has afforded the Kingdom the opportunity to change the type of tourists that visit Thailand, I would be very happy to see the use of speedboats and jet skies restricted on Thai beaches. The water is so clean right now, it would be such a pity for it to return to pre Covid-19 levels of contamination.
MARTIN BERRY
Friday, April 2, 2021 at 5:45 pm
Until the locals stop using the Klongs as a toilet and for dumping all manner of waste into them Patong beach for example will always have problems as the klongs run into the estuary at the southern end. That said i hope there is a reset button for keeping the beaches as pristine as possible and the tourists, when they arrive in numbers, take care of a beautiful area of nature
Mr cynic
Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 12:00 am
they had an opportunity to sort phukets beaches after the tusnami disaster.all they did was tidy up and go back to buissness as usual afterwards.no reason to believe this upset will be treated any differently.the infrastructure is inadequate and as soon as visitors return it will be back to square one.a complete change of mindset by all local businesses is the only way for any meaningful changes to occur.the only way that’s going to happen is draconian legislation that is enforced to one and all.nothing else will work long term.
Kim
Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 10:11 am
It has definitely improved the cleanliness of the water, however, there are still plenty of hidden waste water outlets at all beaches with beach front hotels. These hidden outlets come to surface during high and rough weather, as the sand on top is removed. I’m afraid the cleanliness will return to the same disgusting standard once tourism starts again, as people here dont give a crap about the environment – its all about money and how much you can personally amass.
Craig
Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 3:42 pm
That’s good to hear but tourists will bring the past back. Enjoy the cleanliness now before it’s gone.
Don jones
Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 11:59 pm
No vaccines available and allowing in tourists.Thai death wish
RA
Sunday, April 4, 2021 at 11:45 am
Just a editorial comment, I’m not completely positive but it’s Leatherback Turtle, not Leatherneck.