While Others Have Coarse Sand or Rocky Shores? When traveling by the sea, many of us notice a clear difference between beaches.
Some beaches feature soft, powder-fine white sand—like those commonly found on Koh Tachai—
while others have coarse sand, larger grains, or even rocky shorelines.
These differences are not a coincidence.
They are the result of natural processes that have taken hundreds to thousands of years to shape.
Table of Contents
What Creates Powder-Fine White Sand?
Beaches with exceptionally fine sand usually originate from
coral, seashells, and marine life.
- 🐚 Corals and shells are broken down by waves, erosion, and repeated natural abrasion
- 🐟 Some fish, such as parrotfish, feed on coral and excrete it as fine calcium sand
- 🌊 In areas with gentle waves, tiny sand particles are able to settle and remain
The result is white, smooth, powdery sand that feels incredibly soft underfoot—
a texture many travelers fall in love with from their very first step on the beach.
A well-known example is Koh Tachai,
an island in the Andaman Sea famous for its 800-meter-long beach
and its ultra-fine white sand, earning it the nickname “The Virgin Island.”
Why Do Some Beaches Have Coarse Sand?
Coarse sand usually comes from
rocks on land, such as granite or volcanic rock.
- 🪨 Rocks naturally weather and break down, then are carried into the sea
- 🌬️ In areas with stronger waves, fine sand is washed away
- Only heavier, larger grains are left behind
These beaches feel more rugged, raw, and natural,
with a beauty of their own—
even if the sand is not as soft or white as coral-based beaches.
Why Are Some Beaches Rocky?
Rocky beaches are commonly found in areas where:
- 🌊 Waves and currents are strong throughout the year
- 🕰️ There has not yet been enough time for rocks to break down into sand
While rocky shores may not be ideal for swimming,
they form strong coastal environments and provide habitats for many unique marine species.
🔍 A Simple Summary
Fine white sand comes from corals, shells, and marine life that have been broken down over long periods of time.
Gentle wave conditions allow tiny grains to accumulate, creating soft beaches like those on Koh Tachai.
Coarse sand originates from land-based rocks such as granite.
Stronger waves wash away smaller grains, leaving larger, rougher sand behind.
Rocky beaches form where wave energy is very strong or where there hasn’t been enough time for rocks to erode into sand.
Strong waves = fine sand is washed away
Gentle waves = fine sand can settle
Wave energy plays a major role in shaping the character of each beach.
Why Does Love Andaman Care About This?
Because powder-fine white sand is not easily replaced.
A single grain of sand can take hundreds to thousands of years to form.
Walking on coral, collecting sand, or disturbing marine ecosystems
means damaging the very source of beautiful beaches—often without realizing it.
Love Andaman believes that:
The best kind of travel is one that leaves only footprints
and brings home unforgettable memories.
So the natural beauty of the Andaman Sea
can remain pristine and thriving for generations to come 💙🌊
Eco-Friendly tour with us Love Andaman 💙
Similan Day trip
Surin Islands Day trip
Phi Phi Island + Bamboo