A READERS' CHOICE selection of the 25 best beaches in the world by TripAdvisor.com does not include any from Phuket or the Andaman coast, with only one Thai beach making the list - in 25th place.
The selection of full-moon party destination Koh Phangan, near Samui in the Gulf of Thailand, probably says more about the habits of some readers of TripAdvisor than reflects a genuine ''Top 25'' candidate.
However, the Trip Advisor site is a powerful source for research by travellers and its selection of ''World's Best beaches for 2011 as chosen by millions of travellers'' is bound to affect the choices of thousands of beach holiday customers.
Anyone who has compared Phangan with the best beaches of Phuket and the Andaman is unlikely to vote for Phangan - unless they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Bali also misses out, along with most of Asia and all of Australia.
The beaches closer to the top of the list may be a more accurate reflection of the best the world has to offer in terms of sun, sand and sea - but from a perspective that seems skewed towards American travel destinations.
Here's what TripAdvisor says:
''Inhabited since the year 1000, Aruba is an island rich in history and culture. Eagle Beach is an idyllic Caribbean beach, with white sands and turquoise waters.'' Palm/Eagle beach, Aruba, at number three.
''At only 4.5 miles long, Boracay is small enough to navigate by rented bicycle or motorbike. But don't let its small size fool you'' Boracay, Philippines, ranks number two.
''White-sand beaches, calm clear water and a bountiful barrier reef make the Turks and Caicos island of Providenciales a hot spot for families, snorkelers and divers . . .'' the site says of Providenciales, in top spot.
Jamaica, Mexico, Florida and elsewhere along the US coast figure strongly in other picks.
Phuket Giant Pool May Be Part of 'Heaven' ProjectThe selection of full-moon party destination Koh Phangan, near Samui in the Gulf of Thailand, probably says more about the habits of some readers of TripAdvisor than reflects a genuine ''Top 25'' candidate.
However, the Trip Advisor site is a powerful source for research by travellers and its selection of ''World's Best beaches for 2011 as chosen by millions of travellers'' is bound to affect the choices of thousands of beach holiday customers.
Anyone who has compared Phangan with the best beaches of Phuket and the Andaman is unlikely to vote for Phangan - unless they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Bali also misses out, along with most of Asia and all of Australia.
The beaches closer to the top of the list may be a more accurate reflection of the best the world has to offer in terms of sun, sand and sea - but from a perspective that seems skewed towards American travel destinations.
Here's what TripAdvisor says:
''Inhabited since the year 1000, Aruba is an island rich in history and culture. Eagle Beach is an idyllic Caribbean beach, with white sands and turquoise waters.'' Palm/Eagle beach, Aruba, at number three.
''At only 4.5 miles long, Boracay is small enough to navigate by rented bicycle or motorbike. But don't let its small size fool you'' Boracay, Philippines, ranks number two.
''White-sand beaches, calm clear water and a bountiful barrier reef make the Turks and Caicos island of Providenciales a hot spot for families, snorkelers and divers . . .'' the site says of Providenciales, in top spot.
Jamaica, Mexico, Florida and elsewhere along the US coast figure strongly in other picks.
Breaking News A giant pool beside Karon beach has been discussed as a possibility for the 'Kata Karon Heaven on Earth' project, to be announced on the weekend.
Phuket Giant Pool May Be Part of 'Heaven' Project
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Why would a Phuket Beach be even CONSIDERED in the world's top 100?
Ocean litter. Drains and filthy klongs emptying directly into the sea.Ripoffs and greed.Beach-chair congestion.Loss of natural environment. Eye and ear infections in sour water.Over-development and lack of access to public beaches.Parking hassels with businesses and Tuk-Tuks who "own" positions nearby.
Need I go on!!??!
Posted by Hugh Jarse on April 7, 2011 12:31