Freedom Beach is the pretty, low-key counterpoint to busy Sairee, tucked into the south of the island beyond Chalok Baan Kao. A short walk, boat ride or scramble past Haad Tien brings you to a small, soft crescent of sand with clear, calm water and a coral reef just offshore that makes for easy swimming and good snorkelling. It is more relaxed and far less developed than the main strip, with a beach bar or two and shady trees to laze under. Crucially, it sits right at the foot of the trail up to the John-Suwan viewpoint, so the classic plan is to snorkel and swim here, then climb up for the panorama. A small access fee is sometimes charged through the resort that manages the approach. Bring water and snacks, since options on the sand are limited. It is the sort of place you come to do very little, very happily, for an afternoon.
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