16 Apr The Prettiest Beach I Ever Did See: Hong Island

Look at this place. Seriously. The white sand, the limestone cliffs, the turquoise water, the perfect mix of shade and sun.

Years ago, I interviewed a man named Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a professor and the director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University. I was writing an article on Tampa Bay’s best beaches, and wanted to know how the man known as “Dr. Beach” chose his ten top American beaches each year. He went into specifics about beach conditions, sand softness and color, the presence of wildlife, the views, water temperature, safety. He actually had a list of 50 criterion.

Now I’m no Dr. Beach (although that wouldn’t be the worst job), but I’m pretty confident about naming my own personal “top beach” of 2015: Hong Island.

In the Krabi provence of Thailand, Hong Island (Koh Hong) can be reached by speed boat tours or by hiring a private longtail from Ao Nang. My family and I opted for a “Hong Island Tour” through a company called Ao Nang Orchid Resort & Speed Boat, where we were able to see two additional islands (Pakbia and Lading), as well as a lagoon.

How cute are my parents? They’ve been together forty-two years. I can barely sustain a relationship for 42 days!

I didn’t use any scientific methods to deem this beach “the best,” but I’m pretty confident in my decision. Not only was the sand soft, water clear, and view breathtaking, but the island provided a feeling of peace–while also making me feel alive. While it might sound corny (okay, really corny), it’s true. And to me, there’s no better criteria to measure paradise.

Tell me: What’s your favorite beach?