Thailand is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations for many reasons. It has a rich culture, jaw-dropping landscape, and amazing cuisine, but above all else, it is home to some of the world’s most incredible beaches. Get your fill of sun, sand, and crystal clear blue waters by relaxing on some of Thailand’s best beaches.
What are the best beaches in Thailand?
- Railay Beach, Krabi
- Phra Nang Beach, Krabi
- Koh Yao Noi, Krabi/Phuket
- Kohn Nang Yuan, Surat Thani Province
- Koh Libong, Trang
- Hua Hin, Gulf of Thailand
- Lamai Beach, Koh Samui
- Kata Noi, Phuket
- Sunset Beach, Koh Lipe
- Kantiang Beach, Koh Lanta
- Thong Takian Beach, Koh Samui
- Haad Rin, Koh Pha Ngan
- Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui
- Pattaya Beach, Gulf of Thailand
- Patong Beach, Phuket
Read through this list to get an idea of which Thailand beaches are best for your ideal traveling experience. With over 2,000 miles of coastline and 8,000 islands, there are amazing beaches all over Thailand. Whether you’re traveling with children, ready to snorkel through coral
Great For Activities:
Railay Beach, Krabi
- Located in between Krabi and Ao Nang
- 15-minute longtail boat ride from Ao Nang (boats run all day)
- Huge limestone cliffs great for rock climbing
- Quiet, relaxing atmosphere because there are no vehicles on the island
- Views of the Andaman Sea and other islands off the coast
- Mix of rustic bungalows, mid-priced resorts, and luxury resorts
Phra Nang Beach, Krabi
- Located on the southern strip of Railay Bay
- 15-minute longtail boat ride from Ao Nang or 10-minute walk from Railay East
- Busier than the west side of Railay Beach
- Shallow water safe for swimming
- Two caves to explore with offerings to an ancient fertility Goddess
- Very remote
- Only one resort
Koh Yao Noi, Krabi/Phuket
- One hour longtail boat ride from Phuket departing at 9:30 am, 12:00 pm, and 5:00 pm
- Off the beaten path and doesn’t attract many tourists
- Plenty of private, secluded beaches
- Home to many rubber plantations and rice paddy fields
- Popular for kayaking and snorkeling
- Stay in guest houses or bungalows
Kohn Nang Yuan, Surat Thani Province
- A 15-minute longtail boat ride from Koh Tao and cheaper than a day trip from Koh Samui
- Private island, but can get crowded with tourists
- Can only get food at the resort restaurant (only resort on the island)
- Must leave the island at 5:00 pm unless you are staying at the resort
- Great for diving, snorkeling excursions, or zip lining between islands
Short hike that takes you to the island’s highest peak with stunning views
Good For Kids:
Koh Libong, Trang
- The largest island in Trang (one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets)
- Can take a minibus from the mainland that runs every hour or a local ferry from Hat Yao
Large population of endangered dugongs (sea cows) which you can take a boat excursion to go watch- Lots of jungles, temples, rubber groves, cashew trees, and fruit orchards
- Shallow waters great for children swimmers and beach-combing
Hua Hin, Gulf of Thailand
- Busy resort beach with plenty of families
- Easily accessible from Bangkok by a 2 hour drive
- Plenty of spas, golfing options, water parks, markets, and American restaurants for children who are picky eaters
- Popular for kite surfing
- Walking ability to coral reefs when the tide is low
- Hotel and resort options for any budget
Lamai Beach, Koh Samui
- Plenty of new buildings and villas made for families
- Slightly quieter than the main resort area it is by, Chameng
- Entertain kids at the Samui Elephant Sanctuary, temples, and night markets
- Wat Plai Laem and other temple attractions
- Relaxing beach with chair rentals and water sports facilities
- Easy to get to by driving along the main road in a car or scooter, but also accessible by taxi or bus
Quiet And Remote:
Kata Noi, Phuket
- One of the only quieter, laid back beaches in Phuket (one of the most popular islands for foreigners)
- Only a few miles from Patong Beach
- Popular for surfers in the low season and also great for snorkeling
- Very clean, quiet, and cosy beach with white, fine sand that doesn’t get very crowded
- Has Phuket’s most luxurious hotels and restaurants
- Recommended to take a taxi tuk-tuk from Patong
Sunset Beach, Koh Lipe
- Very remote and romantic beach great for relaxing
- Boasts little to no crowds and is popular for couples
- Known for its stunning views and incredible sunsets (which most beaches don’t face)
- Only has two restaurants on the beach, but is only a 10-minute walk to the main area of Koh Lipe, Pattaya
- Accommodations are chilled, relaxing bungalows
Kantiang Beach, Koh Lanta
- Known as one of the best beaches in Thailand
- Great beach to find solitude because of how quiet and secluded it is
- Soft, golden sandy beach with crystal clear water and views of the mountain range
- Only a handful of restaurants and hotels, so doesn’t attract too many crowds
- Has more upscale, luxury resorts and villas rather than budget hotels and rentals
- 40-minute drive from Saladan Village (located in Koh Lanta)
Thong Takian Beach, Koh Samui
- Also known as “Silver Beach” by tourists
- Nestled in between Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach
- Tons of shade and a great spot for snorkeling
- Quiet, calm beach with dusty, white sand
- Wide range of accommodations available from budget bungalows to high end resorts
- Most restaurants are located at the resorts with stunning views
Lively And Entertaining:
Haad Rin, Koh Pha Ngan
- Monthly full moon parties that run all night long with tens of thousands of people (see our Full Moon Party article)
- Plenty of bars and events for partying and drinking the rest of the month
- Popular for party-goers, expats, and young travelers
- Can easily break away from the party atmosphere by visiting Bottle Beach or Haad Salad
- Can take one of three ferries from Ko Samui or a taxi from Songthaews
- Hotels in the immediate area become booked fast, so make sure to book in advance or stay outside the area
Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui
- Busiest and biggest town in Koh Samui
- Well known for its powdery, white beaches and excellent nightlife
- Attracts a diverse range of travelers because of the wide variety of accommodations and how large the beach actually is
- Home to the famous “Green Mango strip” where most of the bars, dance clubs, and party goers can be found
- Head to the southern end of the beach for a more quieter experience, more locals, and lower prices
- 15-minute drive from Koh Samui’s airport
Pattaya Beach, Gulf of Thailand
- Famous for its beach parties during the night
- Popular as a resort city for locals and Asians
- Popular with singles, young travelers, and retired couples
- A 1.5 hour drive from Bangkok’s Souvannaphum Airport
- Plenty of adult nightlife and entertainment with neighboring beaches if you want a break from the noise with some peace and quiet
- Most accommodations are modern, upscale hotels and resorts
Patong Beach, Phuket
- Most famous beach resort on Phuket
- Busy nightlife with tons of beer bars, restaurants, Go Go bars, and nightclubs
- Can be touristy
- Hosts beach parties at night and numerous watersport activities during the day
- For more beautiful beaches that are less noisy, head to neighboring Paradise Beach or Freedom Beach
- 2 hour bus ride, 1 hour minibus ride, or 1 hour taxi ride from Phuket Airport
Related Questions
What beaches are near Bangkok?
Because of its inland location, the closest, best beaches near Bangkok are between 2-4 hours away. Hua Hin is located about 3 hours away by bus from the airport, or 3.5 hours away from the city center by taxi. Koh Samet is a 4-hour bus and ferry trip away, Pattaya is about a 2-hour taxi or bus ride, and Pranbur is about a 3.5-hour train or bus ride.
Where are the Thailand Beach Resorts?
Except for some of the more secluded, off the beaten path beaches, most of Thailand’s beaches have at least one resort you can stay at. Depending on your budget, whether you’re looking for a resort in the mid-range price wise or a resort that’s luxurious and splurge worthy, will depend on what your resort options are. Some of the best beach resorts in Thailand are located in Koh Samui, Hua Hin, Phuket, and Krabi.
With years of experience and extensive local knowledge, Vacation-Thailand.com is your trusted source for uncovering the best beaches in Thailand. Our expert recommendations guarantee an unforgettable beach vacation.
