Khanom

Nai Phlao beach near the town of Khanom on Thailand's east coast wins the prize for being the quietest pretty beach we’ve found in Thailand. At midweek in mid-June--before Europeans come on summer vacation and Thai tourists come for the weekend—you can have the place all to yourself. It’s a perfect spot for swimming, eating lots of fresh seafood caught by local fishing boats, and learning to ride a motorbike on good paved roads with scenic views and little traffic. With luck you’ll spot the pinkish dolphins that live near Khanom (or at least a statue of one).