Mullaitivu Tourist Places And The Coastline That Taught Me How Silence Speaks

BY  Sibashree Jul 16, 2026

A Quick ViewAfter the July 2026 reclassification of the World Bank, Sri Lanka has become an upper-middle-income economy. The reclassification has happened as a result of a 5% GDP rebound driven by tourism, industry, and finance, three years after its 2022 debt default.Especially tourism has hit record arrivals in 2025 (2.36 million), though revenue and per-visitor spending still trail 2018 levels.Also, authorities are targeting $4 billion in 2026 tourism revenue through a "value over volume" strategy.However, the recovery narrative remains complicated with IMF debt-risk warnings, inflation, and a Middle East crisis.  A Story of Recovery!  This is what the World Bank has called the upgrade of the Sri Lankan economy in 2026. Overcoming the deep economic crisis in 2022, it is now an upper-middle-income economy.  But what does it mean for the tourism landscape of the island country? After traveling to Sri Lanka many times, I am curious to know whether it indicates rebranding and a paradigm shift. The answer is a thumping YES, and tourism has been a major force behind the economic expansion of 5% (GDP Growth) in Sri Lanka in 2025.  So, here is a deep dive into how Sri Lanka economy 2026 is going to impact the country’s tourism.  What The World Bank Classification Of Sri Lanka Economy 2026 Actually Measures World Bank moved Sri Lanka from lower-middle to upper-middle income on July 1, 2026, based on 2025 GNI per capita data, alongside Jordan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Micronesia. The upper-middle band runs roughly $4,516–$14,005 GNI per capita, and Sri Lanka crossed the threshold narrowly with a GNI of $4,670 in 2025. So, there are two takeaways from the reclassification.  First of all, "upper-middle income" is a technical designation. It does not describe the household living standards.  Secondly, there has been a lot of overstatement about the reclassification. However, as mentioned, Sri Lanka has just crossed the threshold.  It is not a transformation, and the country could plausibly sit near the boundary for several classification cycles depending on GNI growth, exchange-rate movements, and population changes. Again, the World Bank has used the Atlas method, which smooths out exchange-rate volatility.  In this method, the World Bank has divided economics into four bands. Low-Income Lower-Middle Income Upper-Middle Income High Income This recent update has covered 218 economies and will remain the reference classification until June 30, 2027. So, while it is a significant marker for a country that was rationing fuel, running double-digit inflation, and defaulting on its external debt just four years earlier, the economic story has more layers to it.  Sri Lanka Is Not A First-Time Entrant To This Category  There is a third aspect to talk about when we discuss the reclassification of the Sri Lankan economy.  Sri Lanka has not moved to this level for the first time. It used to enjoy the same status before 2022, after which the crisis knocked the economy back down to lower-middle income.  So, this is like regaining a previously lost ground instead of achieving a brand new milestone.  Also, there are the practical consequences of this upgrade.  It plays a role in determining a country's eligibility for concessional financing and development assistance, meaning Sri Lanka's terms of access to certain low-cost loans may shift as a result of the upgrade. The Recovery Story Behind The Upgrade  The story behind the reclassification of Sri Lanka economy 2026 is different from that of Vietnam or the Philippines.  The World Bank itself clarifies that Vietnam's upgrade reflects a decade of export-led expansion.  On the other hand, the Philippines reflects broad-based growth across nearly every sector. However, the reclassification of the Sri Lankan economy is a resilient narrative following a severe crisis.  The numbers vouch for this claim.  Just three years back, in 2022, the country faced a crisis that almost brought it to the brink of collapse.  However, in 2025, the real GDP expands by 5%. Industrial activities alongside growth in the financial and tourism sectors have propelled this growth.  Also, the crisis in 2022 is worth remembering as it was the first sovereign default of the country in its post-independence history.  It happened due to a foreign exchange collapse that led to fuel and medicine shortages nationwide. The IMF Stepped In The International Monetary Fund (IMF) offered an Extended Fund Facility program in March 2023.  At that time, the country's foreign reserves were $1.9 billion, and the LKR had lost half of its value.  Furthermore, in a recent press release published on 27th May 2026, the IMF has confirmed that it has “...completed the combined Fifth and Sixth Reviews of the Extended Fund Facility for Sri Lanka, providing the country with immediate access to SDR508 million (about US$695 million) to support economic policies and reforms” In the same press release, the IMF has again mentioned that the total program payout now stands at around $2.4 billion.  In addition, in the IMF Country Report No. 26/111, we can see that the fiscal performance of Sri Lanka has improved.  The tax revenue in 2025 reached 15.4, which was a sharp rise from the tax revenue figure of 9.9 in 2023.  In addition, the primary budget surplus exceeded 5% of GDP in 2025, ahead of program targets.  So, overall, it is a faithful macroeconomic progress. However, it does not mean absolute stability or the Sri Lankan economy being completely risk-free.  A Snapshot Of Sri Lanka’s Economy Since 2022 Here is a summary of the key changes in the economy of Sri Lanka from 2022 to 2026.  (Sources: World Bank, IMF, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), World Bank, and Sunday Times). Indicator2022 (Crisis Low)2023202420252026World Bank income classificationLower-middle incomeLower-middle incomeLower-middle incomeLower-middle incomeUpper-middle income (from July 1)Real GDP Growth Deep contraction-2.3% Contraction (Stabilized by mid-year after the 2022 crash)5% Growth5% GrowthModerating with inflation shock mid-yearForeign reserves$1.9 billion$4.4 Billion$6.12 Billion$7 Billion (Estimated, March)$6.8 Billion (End of April)Tourist ArrivalsRecovering1.48 Million2.05 MillionA Record of 2.36 MillionA Target of 3 MillionTourism RevenueDepressed$2.0 Billion$3.17 Billion$3.2 BillionA Government Target of $4 BillionHeadline InflationVery High (Crisis)Returned to Single Digits. Averaged 16.5% annually, but dropped from a 60-70% peak down to 4% by Dec.Deflationary Period5% (Year-End)Spiked to 5.5% by May amid Energy Shock After sharing the financial summary, let’s talk about the tourism performance in 2025-26 and what the future looks like.  The Actual Tourism Scene Of Sri Lanka In 2025-26 The tourism sector of Sri Lanka had a record year in 2025.  However, when analyzing data from various sources, I found out that some structural challenges still remain, and an income reclassification cannot fix them directly.  The Gap Between Tourist Arrival And Revenue The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has confirmed an arrival of 2,364,978 tourists in 2025.  It even broke the record of 2.33 million tourist arrivals in 2018.  However, a Daily FT report published on 12th January 2026 clearly mentions that, revenue-wise, the year-on-year revenue growth in 2025 was just 1.6% despite a boost of 15% in tourist arrivals.  In addition, the tourism revenue in December 2025 went down by 14.8% YoY ($ 308.6) despite a record set in tourist arrivals.  The Tourist Spending Gap  The tourist spending gap depicts the real story.  The same Daily FT report I have earlier referred to has mentioned that the average daily tourist spend fell to about $148 in 2025.  Industry analysis attributes much of this to the rapid growth of budget guesthouses and Airbnb-style listings. Amarasiri, a guesthouse owner and a friend I met during my trip to Sri Lanka, shared his opinion on this.  “Most of these offer a pricing of under $50 a night, pulling the market average down against higher-end hotels charging $125–150.”  In addition, the overall contribution of tourism to the GDP has also shrunk. It was 5% in 2018, and as of 2025, it stands at 3%.  Does The Momentum Continue In 2026?  The tourism industry of Sri Lanka had a great start in 2026. By the first quarter, the country already had over 740,000 visitors.  February was the month when the numbers peaked. As a result, the tourism authorities had set a target of 3 million arrivals and $4 billion in tourism revenue for 2026.  Furthermore, there was an explicit strategic shift toward high-value visitors rather than sheer volume.  To support that shift, the Tourism Ministry again launched an eight-month global marketing campaign in April 2026, backed by roughly $6.4 million and targeting 12 to 15 source markets. These markets included India, the UK, Germany, China, and the Middle East. However, nobody anticipated the geopolitical shock in the Middle East. It caused a fall in tourist arrivals of around 20% in March on a YoY basis.  Also, with current day-to-day proceedings, the numbers do not seem to go up before September 2026.  The same conflict pushed up fuel costs sharply, and rupee-denominated Brent crude prices rose by more than half in about ten weeks in early 2026. Again, it disrupted flight routing, given that the Middle East accounts for roughly a third of flights into Sri Lanka. Does The Income Reclassification Actually Move The Needle For Tourism? Here is an honest assessment. The reclassification of Sri Lanka economy 2026 by the World Bank is not a policy lever for a direct transformation in the tourism sector.  However, it is an intersection of the tourism and financial sectors in many concrete ways.  1. Investor And Lender Perception The reclassification as an upper-middle-income country can give positive signals in how international investors, hotel groups, and lenders assess country risk. Thus, it will improve the path for hospitality infrastructure investment. However, the reclassification does not override the more immediate signals investors watch. These signals are: Currency Stability Debt Sustainability Ratings The Trajectory of IMF Programs 2. Currency And Pricing Dynamics  A stronger and more stable rupee indicates how affordable Sri Lanka feels to foreign visitors. Furthermore, currency stability was one of the explicit achievements cited in IMF program reviews. Though 2026's energy-driven inflation spike and the accompanying rate hike show that stability is not guaranteed and can reverse quickly under external shocks. 3. Financing Terms, Not Tourist Experience The most practical effect of the classification is on Sri Lanka's access to concessional financing. The reality is that upper-middle-income countries generally face different (often less favorable) borrowing terms than lower-middle-income ones. Now, this is a huge factor in determining the ability of the government to fund tourism infrastructure, including airports, roads, and utilities in emerging destinations.  However, it is an indirect, medium-term channel rather than something a visitor booking a trip this year would notice. 4. Brand Narrative, Not Policy Change  The most immediate effect of this reclassification is reputation.  Economic recovery and upper-middle-income! Terms like this make for a more compelling destination narrative than "post-crisis" or "developing economy in distress." The tourism authority of Sri Lanka is already leaning into a comeback narrative in its 2026 marketing push. Now, the World Bank news gives that campaign an additional, credible data point to cite. What the classification does not do is directly address the structural issue tourism officials themselves have flagged. It is getting visitors to spend more per day.  That's a product mix and marketing problem. It encourages MICE travel, weddings, wellness tourism, and higher-end stays that Sri Lanka is already tackling on its own terms, income classification or not. 5. Unlocking High-Value Tourism Niches The Wellness Boom: Wealthier economies pull health-conscious travelers looking for upscale, authentic Ayurvedic and holistic medical retreats. MICE Travel Magnet: Corporate infrastructure upgrades position Colombo as a highly competitive regional hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE). Niche Eco-Adventures: Enhanced funding speeds up the preservation of wildlife sanctuaries and marine parks, drawing premium sustainable-travel consumers. 6. Strategic Advantages Over Competitors The economic reclassification gives Sri Lanka a strategic advantage over its competitors.  The table below explains the key areas.  Metric / AspectSri LankaIndiaBali/IndonesiaWorld Bank StatusUpper-Middle IncomeLower-Middle IncomeUpper-Middle IncomeTourism FocusHigh-end wellness and boutiqueDiverse mass and culturalHigh-volume mixed leisureFDI AppealHigh (Fresh post-crisis rebound)High (Scale-driven infrastructure)Mature / Nearing saturationPer Capita FootprintLow volume, high expenditureHigh-volume varianceSevere over-tourism pressures 7. Supply-Side Infrastructure And Service Upgrades Institutional stability triggers major foreign direct investments.  Mega ventures such as the $850 million City of Dreams integrated resort in Colombo are one of the most prominent examples of it.  Furthermore, with a rising per capita income, there is an empowerment of businesses to invest heavily in formal hospitality training. As a result, the workforce skill gaps are eliminated.  Moreover, a greater fiscal boom allows the country to fund critical tourist amenities. These include smoother highway connectivity to expanding green and renewable energy grids for eco-tourism. For example, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and IUCN are working together to protect the central highlands of Sri Lanka.  They are working to protect the biodiversity and improve the livelihood of the people in this area.  GEF is supporting this initiative with funding of 3.5 million USD.  However, with these initiatives already ongoing, you may question what the reclassification can actually bring to the table.  Why Does The Recovery Remain Fragile? The story of revival for the economy of Sri Lanka focuses on human resilience. Now, if you think I am not giving the reclassification its due credit, I have my concern areas to justify it.  High Debt And Sustainability Risks  The IMF's own debt sustainability framework rates Sri Lanka's overall risk as high. Furthermore, Fund staff have acknowledged that even after a successful program and a near-complete debt restructuring, sustainability risks are expected to persist for years. Also, external debt can become more demanding as early as restructured bilateral and commercial debt matures alongside IMF repayments. In addition, the current IMF Program will expire in March 2027.  Thus, despite the reclassification, there is a narrow window to build reserves and sustain the reforms already made. Dependency On Official Sector Support  The return of Sri Lanka to the international capital markets is yet to happen. Furthermore, the country has not built reserves to the program's target threshold. These show how the country is dependent on official-sector support rather than standing fully on its own.  Furthermore, late 2025 and the year 2026 so far have brought two external shocks. 1. Cyclone Ditwah Struck in Late 2025 It has called for an emergency IMF financing and a supplementary government budget for relief and reconstruction. 2. Middle East conflict The Middle East conflict has caused a hike in fuel prices, problematic remittances, and disrupted flight connectivity through the first half of 2026.  Trade Policy Adding Another Layer Of Uncertainty  Sri Lankan economy also faces uncertainty due to its trade policy,  Sri Lanka is currently facing an effective US tariff rate of around 20% under Section 122 measures. Furthermore, its preferential GSP+ access to the EU market is set to expire in 2026, with authorities planning to reapply under a revised framework.  None of this directly targets tourism, but it affects the broader currency and investment environment that shapes how affordable and accessible the country feels to international travelers. So, What Does The Reclassification Actually Mean For Travelers? The Practical Takeaways  For us, the global travelers and global travel writers, the practical takeaways are more modest and specific than the headlines suggest.  Trend / Strategy ComponentKey Insights and DetailsStrategic Focus / ImpactPricing and Market PositionPrices will drift upward gradually, narrowing the gap for mid-range and upmarket properties."Value over volume" strategy, as budget travelers will see higher costs due to post-2026 inflation.Target Source MarketsCourtship of new markets (Poland, Eastern Europe) alongside traditional ones (India, UK, Germany).Diversifying and expanding future arrivals growth.Growth SegmentsHigh focus on MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), weddings, and wellness travel.Driving higher per-visitor spend across the sector.Risk FactorsVulnerability to external events like Cyclone Ditwah and Middle East conflicts.Tourism numbers swing sharply based on geopolitical and weather risks, not just domestic policy. The actual challenge of the tourism sector remains in converting the record visitor numbers into a kind of high-value, high-spend visits that generate the expected revenue growth.  The income upgrade may support that ambition indirectly, through investor confidence and destination narrative. However, the short-term fortunes of the sector will likely be shaped far more by currency stability, fuel prices, and regional geopolitics. Also, the outcome of Sri Lanka's IMF program through its March 2027 conclusion will be a more important factor than the income bracket in which the World Bank places the country.

BY  Sibashree Jun 18, 2026

As the names of the World’s 50 best beaches get declared, three beaches in Thailand get shoutouts. These are the Freedom Beach, Paradise Beach, and Donald Duck Bay.  Also, with popular hubs such as Pattaya and Phuket, beach tourism is a major driver of the blue economy and the GDP of the country.  However, beyond these facts and accolades, the best beaches in Thailand, for me, are important because of the “Feel.”  The clear water, soft sand, and the warm hospitality of the place make it one of a kind. Furthermore, the landscapes starlight out of a storybook offer the quintessential tropical charm.  However, while traveling with my kids, I decided to focus more on the best beaches in Thailand beyond the commercial hubs such as Phuket. I wanted to take them to smaller regions where they could relax and feel the intimacy.  So, in this article, I will talk about the best beaches in Thailand for families, with Ao Nang in focus. I have also included the names from Phuket and Koh Lanta.  Ao Nang In Focus: The Best Beaches In Thailand For Family  As I have mentioned, despite Phuket getting most of the attention, Ao Nang is more suitable for a family vacation.  It has calmer waters, dramatic scenery, and a more authentic, community-centric environment for children. No wonder that Ao Nang in Krabi Province has emerged as the most overlooked gem among the beaches in Thailand.  The overall experience here is more authentic, and it offers a community-centric environment for children.  And here are the best beaches in Ao Nang I visited and loved.  Pai Plong Beach: The Ultimate Jungle Adventure Pai Plong is one of the best beaches in Thailand for families because of the soft golden sand. Furthermore, reaching the Pai Plong Beach is an adventure in itself. Children especially will love it.  How To Reach The Pai Plong Beach Via The Monkey Trail?  To reach the hidden cover, we took a walk along the main Ao Nang beachfront until we reached the start of the famous Monkey Trail.  This hiking path passes through a lush and dense jungle. Walking was quite adventurous but convenient with elevated boardwalks and wooden steps.  Furthermore, my kids were thrilled to have such close encounters with local monkeys. So, the excitement built up even before hitting the ocean.  Scenery And Swimming Beauty At The Pai Plong Beach  The Pai Plong beach is smaller than the neighboring public bays. However, the visual punch was unmatched.  It has surreal limestone cliffs and a striking karst island sitting just off the coast.  Furthermore, it was a welcome relief from the world-famous and overcrowded Railay Beach. Also, as a mother, the best part was the texture of the beach. The sand was soft. So, I did not have to check frequently whether any of them had toppled over and gotten a cut or gotten hurt.  In addition, the water was crystal clear, and the sea floor was entirely free of painful sea urchins. So, the kids could splash around safely without heavy water footwear.  2. Phra Nang Cave Beach: A Crystal-Clear Paradise Phra Nang Cave is another world-class coastal destination when you are traveling through Krabi with your family.  Even if many people consider Railay Beach to be the ultimate spot in the area, Phra Nang is actually a clear winner by miles.  How To Reach The Phra Nang Cave Beach?  The journey to the Phra Nang Cave Beach is an exciting experience. We took a traditional Thai longtail boat from Ao Nang to the Railay peninsula. As we stepped off the boat, we had to walk for around 20 minutes through a scenic route.  The path meandered through quiet and quaint villages, and the entire route runs alongside a vertical and majestic limestone mountain.  Moreover, the road is well-shaded, and it is full of biodiversity. We got to see playful monkeys on the route.  However, I got a little scared seeing the giant monitor lizards.  What Are The Best On-beach Activities For Children On The Phra Nang Cave Beach? The ocean water is so clear that we could easily spot schools of tropical fish around our ankles. We did not even have to wear a snorkel mask.  Furthermore, kids love the rock climbing spectacles here as professional climbers scale the massive and overhanging limestone crags right on the edge of the sand.  Moreover, there is this secret sandbar walk. During some tide windows, we could spot a pristine and shallow sandbar. We walked right across the ocean on the sandbar to explore a nearby rocky island.  3. Noppharat Thara Beach: The Golden Shell-Collecting Haven Noppharat Thara Beach is an ideal place if your family prefers tranquility and wide-open spaces.  Away from crowds, this beach is more popular as the “Other Beach” in Ao Nang. It is also less commercialized.  We took a quick tuk-tuk ride to reach the beach from the town. You can even plan a walk for 20-30 minutes from the town.  Unending Golden Sand And Natural Cleanliness Guarded by giant karst limestones on both horizons, the Noppharat Thara Beach boasts a long stretch of golden-brown sand.  The beach was pristine in the truest sense, and it was a relief seeing no litter or discarded garbage on the shoreline.  This is so hard to find on the beaches of Southeast Asia.  Noppharat Thara Beach Has A Thriving Ecosystem For Little Explorers  Young kids and inquisitive toddlers will love the shoreline covered in thousands of intact, beautifully colored marine seashells. Even I could spend hours collecting and sorting those seashells. Furthermore, as the ocean water stays calm and shallow at a distance from the shore, the beach is safe for toddlers and youngsters to swim.  In addition, you can spot thousands of miniature crabs and tiny sea snails in the damp sand here. So, overall, the beach offers an interactive learning session for the kids.  Planning A Day Trip To Hong Island (Ko Hong) From Ao Nang After spending some time on the mainland, we decided to go for a day trip to Hong Island from the Ao Nang coast.  We chartered a private longtail boat from the boatman's collective located at the northern edge of Ao Nang Beach. Once the boat arrived at Hong Island, getting off it was a lot of fun. We had to disembark onto a floating pier and not directly on the sand.  It is a great move to protect the delicate shoreline. However, before you leave the dock, take a note of the specific boat number and ask the captain about the exact pick-up time in the afternoon.  We also went to the National Park. The entry fee for the national park was around 400 Thai Baht for adults, and for children, it was free admission.  Here are more attractions for travelers on Hong Island.  The Hidden Turquoise Lagoon A key highlight of visiting Ko Hong is journeying into its hidden inner lagoon. Most organized day tours include this stop.  Your boat captain will slowly pilot the vessel through a breathtakingly narrow opening in the towering rock walls.  Once inside, the water becomes beautifully shallow and shifts into a brilliant, glowing shade of turquoise.  The lagoon is entirely encircled by vertical, jungle-covered cliffs, creating an enchanting environment for kids.  Powder-White Sand And Protected Swimming Once you arrive on the main island, skip the exposed southern beach and head directly to the far northern tip.  Here, you will find a secondary lagoon that is completely shielded from the rough open ocean. This area offers perfectly calm, waveless water.  Hong Island easily rivals Railay Beach in raw beauty. While Railay features darker golden sand, Ko Hong boasts brilliant, blindingly white sand.  The sand texture is incredibly soft, feeling exactly like talcum powder underfoot. However, note that it sticks stubbornly to wet skin and clothes. Park signs and automated loudspeakers frequently remind visitors to wear life jackets while wading.  Additionally, the shallows contain jagged chunks of bleached coral reef and sharp, broken shells.  It is highly recommended to pack durable water shoes for the family to avoid cuts.  The Educational Tsunami Nature Trail As my kids were getting restless sitting on a beach towel, I took them on a 15-minute break to explore Hong Island’s interior nature trail.  The path features highly educational English interpretive signs.  These include profound historical accounts detailing exactly how the island was impacted by the devastating December 26, 2004, Indian Ocean tsunami.  While walking through the dense brush, keep a sharp eye out for the island's native residents: massive water monitor lizards.  These docile reptiles grow so large that children frequently mistake them for real Komodo Dragons. Overrated Icons: Why Railay And Ao Nang Main Beach Can Disappoint Families Railay Beach and the primary Ao Nang town beach are the two suggestions you will usually get when you search for the best beaches in the Krabi region.  However, there are practical reasons why I have not included them in my list of the best beaches in Thailand.  Railay Beach: The Longtail Boat Traffic Jam  The Railay Beach is visually stunning, and it has dramatic limestone peaks that jut straight out of the clear ocean water. Furthermore, the massive rock walls completely cut off the peninsula from the mainland. So, you can only reach it by boat.  This logistical setup creates the biggest problems for families.  Noise, Exhaust, And Crowds The constant presence of longtail boats is one of the major problems with Railay Beach.  Dozens of commercial transport boats gather right offshore and create a dense cluster in the center of the beach.  Furthermore, the boats have unmuffled and loud automotive engines. This process creates a near-constant roar, and it prompts strong fuel exhaust fumes across the sand. This ruins the peaceful tropical ambiance. Rocky Shallows And Missing Shells Thousands of tourists walk these sands daily during the high season. As a result, you will hardly find interesting pieces of coral or seashells for kids to collect.  Furthermore, the ocean floor here stays shallow and clean for a long distance. However, there is the presence of jagged and hidden rocks.  Moreover, you have to wear sturdy water shoes if you want to visit the beach for snorkeling and kayaking.  Ao Nang Main Beach: A Busy Transit Hub The main municipal beach running directly along the primary resort strip is noisy and has high traffic.  So, you can visit this as an important transportation hub, and it is not suitable for a swimming beach.  Furthermore, here are the following main problems with the Ao Nang Main Beach. Endless Rows Of Water Taxis  The water of the Ao Nang Main Beach has a continuous line of a massive row of longtail boats. These longboats wait to ferry tourists away to cleaner, offshore islands.  Pollution Concerns  Many sections of the beach have significant environmental issues.  One of the issues is the large municipal drainage pipes empty directly across the open sand into the surf line.  As a result, this can cause unpleasant odors near the runoff zones. Litter In The Sand  There is constant foot traffic from the shops and bars nearby. Furthermore, you will find a noticeable amount of garbage embedded in the sand. Furthermore, the garbage in the sand includes sharp metallic beer bottle caps. So, it is hazardous to walk barefoot in the sand here.  Comparing Alternatives: Phuket And Koh Lanta If you want to go beyond Krabi and explore more beaches in Thailand, you can visit Phuket and Koh Lanta.  Both islands have many beaches for the kids. However, these beaches are vastly different in their environments.  Phuket Beaches For Families  The beaches in Phuket are charming despite the dense crowd. Also, my kids especially loved the Bang Tao Beach.  I also loved Kamala Beach because of its long stretch of sand without rocks and seashells.  Kamala Beach  Kamala Beach has soft golden sand, and it allows an obstruction-free movement with a clear ocean floor and very little presence of rocks and seashells.  However, it is also a popular hub for parasailing and jet skiing. So, the waves can be huge sometimes, and you need to be watchful. Bang Tao Beach  With its long stretch of 8 km and unbroken beach, Bang Tao Beach was a delightful place to visit.  The southern part of the beach was quite busy, and as we headed north, we found a manmade ditch.  My kids immediately slid down the ditch and played happily for quite a long time.  Furthermore, the beach had many cool Thai food stands. So, we had a fun snacking time. Koh Lanta Beaches Khlong Dao Beach in Koh Lanta has a diverse marine life, white sand and gentle waves.  Furthermore, it is ideal for kid-friendly body surfing, and the sunset here was magical. Read Also: What Are The Things To Do In Santorini? A Complete Guide For Travelers Heard Of Patong Beach In Thailand? It Will Blow Your Mind! Bali vs Thailand: Which Place is Better?

BY  Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

I am eager to engage with the traditional cultures of Japan through my visit to Japanese shrines. When you walk right through the enormous torii gate, something almost magical happens to your inner being. Leaving the hectic modern life behind, you enter a space where time appears to move at a different pace, and that is when you experience a certain tranquility. Situated in a Japanese Shinto shrine are rich traditions and a belief system that make the shrine a very sacred place. Moreover, the shrine is the perfect place to practice and get some understanding of the age-old Shinto rituals. Along with that, every visit to a Shinto shrine, I take a whiff of the smell of burning incense or cedar, or just have a glance at the bright red cedar floor in the forest, and each time I get a different insight into how primitive communities have transformed the land. Although it is really tough to designate the best Japanese shrines to visit, I would like to show you the ones that left a deep impression on me. You can visit most of these shrines on a day trip from Tokyo. But before that, let's talk about the Shinto religion in Japan and what makes Shinto shrines so priceless. The Shinto Religion In Japan: A History Rooted In Nature Shinto is an indigenous religion of Japan and is the oldest form of worship in Japan.  It differs from most Western religions in that there is no central text for Shinto, nor is there a single historical founder of the faith.  Rather, Shinto grew out of the relationship that early Japanese people had with the land and their environment.  While Shinto is less about trust through a prescribed belief (or doctrine), it is more about lifestyle, and in particular, how to live life in harmony with nature. 1. The Core Belief Of Kami At the heart of Shinto lies a philosophy of the universe where various forms of nature (of the divine) are inhabited by divine spirits known as kami (in Shinto).  The kami can take on many different forms, from mountains, trees, rocks, and waterfalls to winds, rains, fertility, and much more.  Furthermore, in Shinto, people believe that after humans die, they become kami themselves.  As a result, it is a profoundly beautiful and cyclical view of existence where our forebears continue to be present with us to influence and guide our lives in the landscape we live in today. 2. Rituals, Offerings, And Evolution At The Best Japanese Shrines To Visit  Shrines are where kami (gods) receive worship from believers in Shintoism.  Because kami can be both good and bad for human beings. So, people can make offerings in hopes of receiving blessings from them.  Shinto uses purification and prayers as a method of avoiding bad kami through Shinto rituals.  There are no founders, no scriptures, or no absolutes in Shintoism, and it has no preaching or strictures.  Instead, Shinto relies on time-honoured traditions to help ensure the spiritual well-being of its followers, or for them to receive good fortune. As a matter of fact, Shintoism was Japan’s official religion from the 1870s until the 1940s.  It was officially separated from Buddhism at that time. Shintoism continues today to be an important part of Japanese culture and exists amicably with Buddhism. What Are The Features Of The Shinto Shrines To Visit In Japan?  Shrines are places where worshippers come to honor the kami.  If you are staring at a map or walking on a street, you can recognize these locations by their shrine-related words. Shinto shrines in Japan end in –jinja, –jingu (this one is reserved for Imperial shrines), or –taisha.  As I travel to a new town, one of my favourite things to do is try to find these suffixed words, as I know there are shrines nearby, and I have a quiet place to relax. 1. The Types Of Shinto Shrines  Each type of Shinto shrine has a different spiritual purpose to accomplish. In the table below, I have tried to divide the shrines into different categories.  Types of Shinto ShrinesWhat They MeanImperial ShrinesHistorically funded and overseen by the government.Sengen ShrinesDedicated specifically to the deity of Mt. FujiInari ShrinesThese are for the kami of rice and prosperity (easily spotted by fox statues).Tenjin ShrinesThese shrines worship the kami of Sugawara Michizane, a famous scholar and politician.Hachiman ShrinesDedicated to the kami of war and protection. 2. Distinct Architecture Of The Shinto Shrines  Torii gates are the easiest and most recognizable way to mark Shinto shrines.  These gates are entrance accessories to the shrines, and are usually made of wood painted in the color combination of bright orange and black. Although some can be made of stone.  After the gate, you will find the worship hall (haiden), where you can offer prayers. Furthermore, the main sanctuary (honden) is the most sacred.  Also, you will see shimenawa or sacred straw ropes and komainu or guardian lion-dogs in the architectural features of the shrines.  Moreover, ema are small wooden plaques where visitors express their innermost desires to the gods and hang them to be read. What Are The Best Japanese Shrines To Visit?  There are about 80,000 Shinto shrines in Japan. However, based on the shrines I have visited, I have made choices of which I consider to be the most attractive places to visit for any traveler. 1. Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto  Probably the most widely recognized image of Japan is Fushimi Inari Shrine.  It is well-known for its thousands of vermillion torii gates "tunnel" that lines the 4 km track going up Mount Inari.  Being the main shrine of all shrines, Inari, the god of rice and sake, is deeply significant.  I advise you to hike a bit more on the mountain. The lower section is very crowded, but the upper trails have a serene atmosphere where you can enjoy the fox statues of the deities in an unhurried manner. 2. Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Meiji Jingu is the most magnificent Imperial shrine in Tokyo.  It is also quite different from the flashing neon lights of the nearby Harajuku.  It is a shrine devoted to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.  Moreover, a forest of more than 100,000 trees surrounds it. To me, this shrine stands for the "hopefulness" of Shinto.  Moreover, it's a place where you can stroll along wide gravel paths, look up huge sake barrels that brewers have given. Also, if you're lucky, see a Shinto wedding ceremony carried by a slow, graceful bridal party crossing the courtyard.  3. Toshogu Shrine, Nikko The Toshogu Shrine in Nikko is a very bright and gaudy place with the use of various colors and gold.  This shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate.  Detailing here is mindblowing, and you will notice the elements such as "See No Evil" monkeys and the "Sleeping Cat" carving.  It is a one-of-a-kind place as it has preserved numerous Buddhist features even after the Meiji-era separation of the two religions. Thus, it is a combination of a regal and an eccentric style, which is a wonder in itself. 4. Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima Located on Miyajima Island near Hiroshima, Itsukushima is world-famous for its "floating" torii gate.  The shrine stands on stilts over the water, so it looks like it's drifting in with the tide.  It's a classic example of Shinden-Zukuri design.  The thing is that I always go at sunset when the gate fades into shadow against the Seto Inland Sea.  That moment feels deeply quiet, almost sacred.  It seems hard to ignore how powerful that stillness can be. And the colors shift with the light. Making it one of Japan's most striking photo spots. 5. Nezu Shrine, Tokyo Nezu Shrine is perfect if you want some respite from the crowded temples of Kyoto.  There's a small tunnel of torii gates like Fushimi Inari, and a koi pond that glows under the Sun.  The buildings flash red and gold, kind of like Nikko's Toshogu, but it is smaller and simpler.  Moreover, late April brings wild azaleas up the hillside and pink waves rolling through purple hillsides. You don't see that everywhere. 6. The Sengen Shrines Of Mt. Fuji Located in the area of Fuji Five Lakes, I was quite impressed by two shrines that are a must-see for me.  Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine is right at the foot of the mountain and was the old point for pilgrims who started climbing the volcano.  It has a very ancient feel thanks to huge cedar trees that surround and stone lanterns.  Close to it is the Arakura Sengen Shrine that gives the "typical" Japanese photograph. It has a red five-tiered pagoda with Mt. Fuji towering in the background.  If you decide to go to the top, you will have almost 400-step stair climbing, but the panorama is breathtaking. 7. Kumano Nachi Taisha, Nachisan This shrine is the main shrine of about four thousand Kumano shrines and is located on the Kii Peninsula.  It is extremely beautiful because it is very close to Nachi Falls, which is the highest waterfall in Japan.  Also, it is quite a spiritual experience to witness the vivid red pagoda of the shrine contrasting with the white thundering falls and the misty mountains.  Moreover, it is one such place of worship along the old Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. Read Also: Haneda Vs Narita: Which Tokyo Airport Should You Choose For Your Next Trip? Are You Planning A Trip To Osaka? This Is Your Quintessential Guide Is an Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo Worth It? How To Plan It?