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There are 220,000 miles of coastline in the world. What's so special about Thailand's 3,000?For one thing, all three thousand of those miles are in Thailand! And let's face it, once your daily dose of sand and water has put you in high spirits you have to return to the normal world. And the 'world' of Thailand is one of the most delightful on our planet.
Hua Hin |
Several reasons to retire in Thailand.
Rather than trying cover all of Thailand's hundreds of beaches let's focus on one which has a famous name but whose many charms are surprisingly little known. But if you're considering retiring to a Thai beach remember: our example is one of hundreds.
Just off the southwestern coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea lies the "Pearl of the South", arguably the world's most beautiful, and Thailand's largest island, Phuket. Phuket is divided lengthwise by a mountain range extending the length of the western coast, all fringed by wide, sandy beaches. Away from the beaches and mountains Phuket is rather flat with rich green tropical hills and valleys. At about 200 square miles, it's almost the same size as nearby Singapore, yet the cultures could hardly be more different!
Phuket at sunset |
Experienced travelers agree that the island's southern beaches are some of the best-if not the best-on earth. In addition to its brilliant-white beaches and amethyst lagoons, Phuket has an asset that many tourists miss: one of the oldest, biggest, and most diverse racial and ethnic mixes in Thailand. Over the centuries an endless stream of immigrants has arrived here from the mainland, China, Vietnam and Malaysia, along with shipwrecked sailors and intrepid travelers from 80 countries.
Great place for relaxation |