When you start planning a trip to Thailand, one of the biggest considerations and questions is regarding the best beaches in Thailand.
With so many islands and coastal areas to choose from, it’s no surprise that the choices can be overwhelming.
Today I’m going to share with you the best places to go in Thailand when you are simply looking to relax and recuperate in the sun!
Before booking a trip to Thailand, make sure you know when is the best time to visit Thailand.
11Railay Beach, Krabi
Without a doubt one of the top beaches in Thailand, Railay Beach was one of my favorite places to visit on my last trip.
It’s accessible by boat from either Krabi or Ao Nang. I found this area to be so peaceful, especially as no vehicles are allowed in the town.
This area also has some of the best resorts in Thailand. My top choices for a mid-range budget are the Sunrise Tropical Resort and the Sand Sea Resort.
I loved exploring the lagoons and caves here, as well as admiring the magnificent limestone cliffs.
Looking for a place to stay in Krabi?
10Ao Prao, Koh Samet
If you are considering beaches near Bangkok for a short break from the city, I’d highly recommend Ao Prao.
Located on the northwest coast of Koh Samet, this beach is a massive contrast to your time in the city.
With clear seas for swimming in and perfect white sand, it’s the ideal place to relax for a few days.
See also: 10 Best Party Islands in Southeast Asia to Visit this Year
9Mai Khao Beach, Phuket
Mai Khao is one of the best beaches in Phuket as it offers an escape from the crowd and wild nightlife of the area.
After late nights of partying, sometimes all you want is to sit and relax on the beach for the day.
It’s in the north of Phuket and is an unspoiled area. It’s a really long stretch of beach, totaling 7 miles in distance.
Because of its length, even in the busiest of times in Phuket, you’ll have no problem finding a secluded spot here.
8Kata Beach, Phuket
7Thong Nai Pan Noi & Yai, Koh Phangan
While I traveled to Koh Phangan primarily for the full moon party, I was surprised to find out that the island was the perfect spot for a Thailand beach vacation.
These two beaches are some of the most beautiful on the island, located on the quieter, north side.
They are everything you could imagine from a tropical beach with turquoise seas, white sand, and lush greenery surrounding them.
After traveling all over the country, I still remember them as the most beautiful beaches in Thailand.
6Lamai Beach, Koh Samui
In my opinion, Koh Samui is one of the best islands in Thailand. It offers something for any type of traveler and has some of the best beaches in Thailand.
It’s the perfect area to stay in, especially for couples. I found it more relaxing than Chaweng Beach where most visitors spend time in.
At the southern end of the beach, you’ll find the famous Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks, which are well worth the walk to explore.
5Laem Tong Bay, Phi Phi Islands
4Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi
Many visitors to Thailand have watched the movie The Beach, and can’t wait to explore the areas of the film.
Maya Beach became famous due to this Leonardo DiCaprio film. With amazing clear waters and a beautiful curved bay, this is a stunning area to visit.
I consider Maya Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and by far the most interesting place you would love to visit on your next Thailand trip.
3Sunrise Beach, Koh Lipe
For many people looking for a quieter beach in Thailand, they head to Koh Lipe.
What used to be a secret area for the well-traveled, has now become a very popular place.
One of my top picks for best Thai beach is Sunrise Beach, which feels like a secret paradise.
With a relaxing atmosphere, it’s the perfect escape from modern life. I’d highly recommend enjoying the sunrise here, which is the ideal romantic activity for couples.
Koh Lipe is one of my favorite areas to visit and has some high-quality Thailand beach resorts.
2Hat Khlong Chao, Koh Kood (Koh Kut)
If you are looking for a quieter island away from the bustling Thailand resorts, consider visiting Koh Kood (aka Koh Kut).
Hat Khlong Chao is a dazzling beach, with plenty of palm trees for those needing to shelter from the sun.
With clear seas for swimming in and a nearby waterfall for cooling off, it’s one of Thailand’s best beaches.
I also found the island had a really diverse and high-quality range of bars and restaurants.
1Ao Sai Daeng, Koh Tao
I loved visiting the island of Koh Tao, where I spent an unforgettable time and took part in the biggest pub crawl in Southeast Asia.
After a few days of exploring the island, I found Ao Sai Daeng beach.
I’ve visited it just before Christmas, and it was one of the best beaches in December.
With clear waters and the nearby Shark Island, snorkeling is available straight from the beach.
It’s a spotless and tranquil beach, and it was the perfect place to chill out after a busy week.
Also, Koh Tao is the home of the best and cheapest diving schools in the world.
Most of the tourists who come to visit this island are looking to get their Open Water Certificate or if they are more advanced, the Divemaster Program.
See also: Koh Tao Pub Crawl
As you can see, this amazing country has so many different options when it comes to beaches.
With Thailand’s famous beaches and islands, you are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to picking where to stay in Thailand.
Wherever you choose, you’ll be impressed with the turquoise seas and white sands that await you on your next visit.
Watch the video below and see a different perspective of the best Thai beaches.
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Long Story Short,
Best Beaches in Thailand
- Railay Beach, Krabi
- Ao Prao, Koh Samet
- Mai Khao Beach, Phuket
- Kata Beach, Phuket
- Thong Nai Pan Noi & Yai, Koh Phangan
- Lamai Beach, Koh Samui
- Laem Tong Bay, Phi Phi Islands
- Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi
- Sunrise Beach, Koh Lipe
- Hat Khlong Chao, Koh Kood (Koh Kut)
- Ao Sai Daeng, Koh Tao
