Pak Meng beach opinions
Replies: 12 - Last Post: Sep 22, 2012 5:26 PM Last Post By: dreamsignals86
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Pak Meng beach opinions
How does the beach compare to some of the nicest beaches in Thailand? Is it clean (no plastic, debris, seaweed etc)? Is the sand fine and nice?Also are there any restaurants, bars, etc in the area? And in general is there much to do apart from kitesurfing and, well, staying on the beach for sunbathing etc? I mean day-trip excursions etc?
thanks!
1
Some people like it, but I don't really get the appeal. The beach is almost completely horizontal which means the sand is hard and compacted. Not fine or golden in any way, shape or form. Also you would have to wade out half a mile before the water came up to your knees.There are plenty of Thai style restaurants up and down the main road. I'm sure they sell beers. I'm not aware of any bars as such. It's not really set up for Farangs, except in the mid-high resort/spas, perhaps. . You would be the only one sunbathing (Thai's generally don't).
Excersions - island trips would be fave. There are one or two small waterfalls nearby, not sure what else.
I would go to Koh Ngai (from the Pak Mang pier), instead personally.
Or if you really wanted to mainland it, Haat Yao (35km down the coast) has a much nicer beach (but fewer restaurants/facilities).
4
Ok, I'm confused here... basically we're looking for a spot which would be (a) good for kitesurfing in January AND (b) have beautiful beach.There are about 5 places like that which I have come across so far, Phuket, Pranburi, Hua Hin being some of the other ones. But I liked Pan Meng most, because it seemed like the beach was absolutely stunning, and not that crowded (which couldn't be said of nice, but very busy beaches in e.g. Phuket)....
5
Here's a pic of the beach at pak meng clicky6
I was at Pak Meng in February earlier this year. I loved it. There was delicious and cheap seafood, it wasn't crowded, and lots to do. We rented motorbikes and went to a few waterfalls and a cave on the mainland, went to Hat Jao Mai in the national park where we literally got miles of secluded beaches to ourselves, took a day trip to Hat Yao, and stayed at a really cheap homestay with clean bungalows, free wifi, and hot water. We booked a private boat from Koh Muk there for 1500 baht. It was awesome. I would definitely go back there.7
#3 You must be thinking about another area.
No...I've been there a number of times and know the area well (I lived on nearby Koh Lanta for three years).
You're right that Pak Meng is not a typical beach and is more of a tidal flat...however, it is a beautiful area and there are incredible beaches close by as I mentioned (in the national park).
As with most everything in TH, to each their own...
To the OP...
Koh Lanta might be better for kite surfing....the islands west of Pak Meng may have an effect on the wind currents.
8
thanks everyone for the answers so far, I really appreciate the help. Quality of the beach is such a subjective thing that it's difficult to assess it by looking onlly the the guidebook, or internet reports.Would anyone be able to compare Pak Meng to Pranburi?
I got some replies from kitesurfing schools, Phuket (which sounded like a good option) apparently in January all the riding happens on rather ugly beaches because of wind conditions. Pranburi, I was told, might be the best bet when it comes to combining good kitesurfing conditions and beautiful beach.
