Pak Meng Beach, Trang

Pak Meng is the principal beach on the Trang mainland, a long shallow bay in Sikao district backed by a road of seafood restaurants under casuarina trees. The sand is fine and the water very shallow a long way out, so it is a wading beach rather than a swimming one, particularly at low tide.

The view is what makes it: a line of limestone islands and stacks stands offshore, closest of them the distinctive leaning tower of Koh Meng, and they take the light through the afternoon. Local families come for the seafood as much as the beach.

Its practical importance is the pier at the northern end, which is one of the main departure points for Koh Ngai, Koh Mook and Koh Kradan - so most people bound for the Trang islands pass through here.