Closing the 'world's best beach': Balancing tourism and sustainability on Thailand's Koh Kradan

[webfact]

Koh Kradan was chosen as the best beach in the world in 2023. (Photo: Jack Board/CNA)
 

Tourism activities among domestic Thai travellers exploded after the island was selected as the “world’s best beach” by a UK travel website earlier this year.

 

by Jack Board

TRANG, Thailand: The entire stretch of white beach of Koh Kradan is completely empty of people. There are no footprints in the sand and no buzz of longtail boats, only the sound of gentle, clear waves. 

 

This island gem in the Andaman Sea, some 10 kilometres off the southern coast of Thailand looks something like it might have in the past. It is experiencing a short reprieve ahead of what is sure to be another bumper tourism season.

 

It is the monsoon period and the island is officially closed. For four months between June and October authorities block access in order to ensure safety of visitors during turbulent months of weather, as well as to allow nature to recover and rehabilitate.

 

 

 

Full story: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sustainability/thailand-koh-kradan-worlds-best-beach-tourism-sustainability-3641681

 

-- © Copyright Channel NewsAsia 2023-07-22

 

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[flyingtlger]

3 minutes ago, webfact said:

For four months between June and October authorities block access

This should be done on a rotating basis for all beaches that are heavily visited....

[rbkk]

2 hours ago, flyingtlger said:

....for all beaches that are heavily visited.

Infested.

[Jenkins9039]

Was an absolute gem, much like Koh Rok Yai/Nai is (except the piles of rubbish caused by the army being based on the island).

Haven't been back since they started getting traction, but was our go-to place for sailing, or even a road trip down south to the farm. 

[billd766]

Not according to TripAdvisor or CNN travel.

 

Nothing in Thailand in their top 10 beaches in the world.

 

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/best-beaches-2023-tripadvisor/index.html

 

Top 10 beaches in the world for 2023, according to Tripadvisor
1. Baía do Sancho - Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
2. Eagle Beach - Aruba, Caribbean
3. Cable Beach - Broome, Australia
4. Reynisfjara Beach - Vik, Iceland
5. Grace Bay Beach - Turks and Caicos, Caribbean
6. Praia da Falésia - Olhos de Agua, Portugal
7. Radhanagar Beach - Havelock Island, India
8. Spiaggia dei Conigli - Sicily, Italy
9. Varadero Beach - Cuba, Caribbean
10. Ka’anapali Beach - Maui, Hawaii

 

 

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

TRANG, Thailand: The entire stretch of white beach of Koh Kradan is completely empty of people. There are no footprints in the sand and no buzz of longtail boats, only the sound of gentle, clear waves.

Just wait for the BBQ brigade to move in... pristine to dump in less than a month.

[grumpyoldman]

7 hours ago, billd766 said:

Not according to TripAdvisor or CNN travel.

 

Nothing in Thailand in their top 10 beaches in the world.

 

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/best-beaches-2023-tripadvisor/index.html

 

Top 10 beaches in the world for 2023, according to Tripadvisor
1. Baía do Sancho - Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
2. Eagle Beach - Aruba, Caribbean
3. Cable Beach - Broome, Australia
4. Reynisfjara Beach - Vik, Iceland
5. Grace Bay Beach - Turks and Caicos, Caribbean
6. Praia da Falésia - Olhos de Agua, Portugal
7. Radhanagar Beach - Havelock Island, India
8. Spiaggia dei Conigli - Sicily, Italy
9. Varadero Beach - Cuba, Caribbean
10. Ka’anapali Beach - Maui, Hawaii

 

 

I suppose it's subjective. I wouldn't necessarily put on my list a beach lined with high rise hotels like Ka'anapali. But Tripadvisor ($$$??) and CNN might.