Top 20 Stunning Beaches in Thailand for Travel Inspiration

There is no denying that Thailand has the most beautiful islands in the world and on those islands, you’ll find breathtaking beaches. With endless miles of white sand lining the coast of the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, it can be challenging to choose the best beaches in Thailand to suit your needs, but we are here to help.

Thailand kicked off our travels 23 years ago and we continue to put The Land of Smiles at the top of our favorite places on earth. After revisiting it this past November, we were reminded once again of its beauty and want to help you plan your next trip to the stunning beaches of Thailand.

The Best Beaches in Thailand

With soft white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, surrounded by limestone sea cliffs, nothing can compare to a Thai beach holiday. These are the best Thailand beaches to add to your bucket list now!

1. Railay Beach – Krabi

Railay is our favorite of all the beach destinations in the country. It is where we first went rock climbing in 2000. The limestone cliffs drew us there, but the beach is what keeps us coming back again and again. Railay’s gorgeous stretch of sand framed by enormous sea cliffs is picture-perfect.

Railay Beach is not located on an island, but it can only be reached by longtail boat, giving it an island feel. When we first visited, we caught a boat from Krabi Town, but you can also opt for short jaunts from Ao Nang. Many travelers base themselves in Ao Nang and do day trips to Railay Beach.

Railay itself has four beaches to explore including the aforementioned Railay Beach, Phra Nang Cave Beach, Ton Sai Beach, which is popular with rock climbers, and Railay East, known for its beginner rock climbing routes. At low tide, all of them can be reached through jungle paths.

Where to Stay at Railay Beach

• Railay Bay Resort and Spa – We have stayed here a couple of times and loved its location directly on Railay Beach. We have seen mixed reviews, so experiences may vary.
• Sand Sea Resort Railay Beach – Great bungalows on Railay Beach, we have also stayed here as it’s an excellent beachfront location.
• Diamond Cave Resort and Spa – Although not directly on Railay Beach, it is located on east Railay Bay below the diamond cave cliff. Gorgeous!

2. Phra Nang Beach – Krabi

I’ll never forget walking through Railay’s jungle path for the first time. As monkeys played overhead, we walked through limestone overhangs from Railay Bay to Phra Nang Cave Beach. Phra Nang Beach is often voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With sea caves, karst islands, and perfect white sand, it truly needs to be experienced.

Longtail boats line the beach filled with daytrippers from Ao Nang and Krabi Town, but to truly appreciate it, you must stay on Railay. When we first visited 20 years ago, it was deserted. Today it can become crowded during the day, but if you stay in the area, you will have it all to yourself at sunrise.

Where to Stay on Phra Nang Beach

• Villa Macaque and Villa Languour – This four-star hotel, located directly on Phranang Beach, features two swimming pools, free Wi-Fi, a spa and wellness center, along with a restaurant.

Getting to Krabi from Bangkok

There are daily flights from Bangkok to Krabi Airport. From Krabi, you can take a longtail boat to Railay or a bus to Ao Nang.

3. Koh Phi Phi Islands – Krabi

I believe Koh Phi Phi was the first beach in the country to truly capture international attention. The pathway to that perfect beach with clear turquoise waters took our breath away. I recall the purest soft white sand lining a beautiful horseshoe bay. Although it is a busy beach escape, it remains stunning.

Where to Stay in Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi Don is where you will find accommodations when exploring these islands. There are numerous hotel options, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.

• Sai Phi Phi Island Village – Escape from the crowds at this boutique resort situated on a private white sandy beach.
• Phi Phi The Beach Resort – Offers hillside villas overlooking the beach, away from the busyness of the island.

4. Maya Bay Koh Phi Phi Leh – Krabi

Consider taking a day trip to Koh Phi Phi Leh to explore the National Park and the beautiful Maya Bay. We had the fortunate opportunity to visit Maya Bay before it was closed to tourists, and luckily, it has reopened as of 2022. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, featuring pristine white sands, crystal clear waters, and palm trees lining the shore.

It’s no surprise that “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed here. Maya Bay is located within the National Park, which has limited tourism and a national park entrance fee. However, you can book tours to Maya Bay through Get Your Guide.

5. Laem Thong Beach – Krabi

A secluded, white sand beach on Koh Phi Phi Don, Laem Thong Beach provides a tranquil environment with clear waters ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. It is only accessible by boat, making it a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle. Consider taking a day trip to see the nearby Mosquito and Bamboo islands.

Where to Stay at Laem Thong Beach

Phi Phi Natural Resort – Enjoy this SHA Extra Plus beachfront property, complete with traditional Thai design, private balconies, a pool, and a restaurant.

How to Get to Koh Phi Phi from Bangkok

To reach Koh Phi, you can fly to Phuket and then catch a ferry to Phi Phi. You can also fly into Krabi and take a ferry from there.

6. Sunset Beach – Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe features one of our favorite beaches in Thailand (in our humble opinion). Being the southernmost island, it is less touristy than Krabi. Lipe is an excellent chill spot to spend a few days, boasting several beaches where you can relax.

Sunset Beach is located on the opposite side of the island from Sunrise Beach and is far away from the busy Pattaya Beach, where you’ll arrive. As its name suggests, it is the ideal place to watch the sunset and is the quietest spot on the island.

How to Get to Koh Lipe from Bangkok

To reach Koh Lipe, you will need to fly into Hat Yai and then take a ferry from Pakbara Pier in Satun.

7. Kata Beach – Phuket

When we first visited, we didn’t love Phuket. However, after participating in a Muay Thai Kickboxing course there, we fell in love with Thailand’s largest island. It is filled with exquisite beaches, and by hiring a tuk-tuk or renting a motorcycle, you can explore them all.

Patong is the main town of Phuket, which features a long, bustling beach. Nonetheless, we suggest escaping Patong and heading to Kata, where you’ll find lovely long beaches and calm waters.

Where to Stay in Patong and Kata

• Patong – For those who want to be in the heart of the action and nightlife, Patong is the place to stay. Check Patong Hotels here.
• Where to Stay in Kata Beach – The BoatHouse

8. Kata Noi Beach – Phuket

Just a bit further south is the even more tranquil Kata Noi Beach. Known as Little Kata Beach, it’s an excellent day trip to take in Phuket. You’ll find good luxury accommodations on Kata Noi, including The Shore at Kata Noi, an all-adults luxury resort.

Where to Stay in Kata

• Chanalai Romantic Resort is a highly rated option for Kata Beach.

9. Karon Beach – Phuket

Karon Beach in Phuket spans a massive 5 km long white sand beach, making it a great destination. In fact, it is the second-busiest beach after Patong. Located just north of Kata Beach, it is the quieter of the two options. This beach attracts windsurfers and is known for its turtle hatching. There are numerous accommodations available on this beach as well.

Where to Stay on Karon Beach

• Suggested Hotel on Karon Beach – Beyond Resort Karon
• For the 10 best hotels in the Karon area of Phuket, check out our recommendations.

How to Get to Phuket

To get to Phuket from Bangkok, there are daily flights available from Bangkok to Phuket Airport.

10. Long Beach – Koh Lanta

We spent considerable time relaxing on the beaches of Koh Lanta during one of our trips. Long Beach is just that; the longest beach in Koh Lanta. At 4 km long (2.4 miles), it was perfect for our morning walks. Long Beach connects to Klong Dao Beach, another beautiful beach in Thailand that features a good selection of backpacker hangouts, places to enjoy Singha Beer, and to stargaze.

Where to Stay on Long Beach

Layana Resort and Spa – This SHA Extra Plus property overlooks the sea and offers an outdoor infinity pool with direct access to Long Beach from the resort.

11. Kantiang Beach – Koh Lanta

Situated at the southern tip of Koh Lanta, Kantiang Beach boasts a kilometer of white sands nestled between rainforest and crystal blue waters. Far from the hustle and bustle, it’s an excellent spot to relax with a Chang Beer or enjoy a traditional Thai massage under the palm trees. Yoga classes are offered, and with 2km of silky sand, it’s perfect for a morning walk.

12. Sai Kaew Beach – Koh Samet

Known as White Sand Beach, Hat Sai Kaew Beach is the largest beach area in Koh Samet. It’s conveniently close to the ferry when you arrive, placing you in the heart of all the action.

13. Klong Kloi Beach – Koh Chang

Also referred to as Bangbao Beach, Klong Kloi Beach in Koh Chang is accessible via a 1-hour flight from Bangkok. There are numerous beaches on the island of Koh Chang, some busier than others.

Klong Kloi Beach is a hidden gem, surrounded by lush tropical greenery, and features crystal-clear waters excellent for swimming and snorkeling. The soft white sand and relatively quiet atmosphere make it an ideal spot for those seeking a more peaceful, secluded vacation experience.

One of the best aspects of Klong Kloi Beach is that it is largely untouched by tourism, allowing visitors to experience a more authentic, local way of life. The beach is home to a small fishing village, where locals can be seen going about their daily routines and selling their catches at the local market. This provides visitors with a glimpse into a different side of Thailand, offering insights into the country’s culture and traditions.

14. Chaweng Beach – Koh Samui

Koh Samui was one of the first islands to welcome an influx of tourists on the Gulf coast of Thailand and remains the largest of the gulf islands, offering plenty of beaches to explore.

Chaweng Beach is Koh Samui’s most popular beach for good reason. It features a vast stretch of white sand, divided into four sections: North, Central, South, and Little Chaweng (Chaweng Noi). If you want to be where the action is, this is the place to be.

15. Lamai Beach – Koh Samui

Lamai Beach is the runner-up to Chaweng Beach, attracting a quieter crowd. Nowadays, it’s our style, drawing a slightly older and more laid-back clientele than Chaweng Beach (which we loved back in the day). For higher-end accommodations, Lamai Beach is the place to stay.

Where to Stay at Lamai Beach

• Lamai Samui is a luxurious retreat featuring villas and suites on the water. Some villas have private plunge pools, infinity pools, and their own dining pavilions.
• For a close option near the rocks, the Beluga Boutique Hotel offers a secluded escape with an infinity pool, lounge bar, and modern amenities right on the beach.

16. Thongtakian Beach – Koh Samui

Thongtakian Beach on Koh Samui is one of the most picturesque beaches on the island. With boulders scattered along the shore, it creates fantastic photo opportunities. The waters are calm and clear.

• Where to Stay on Koh Samui
• Four Seasons Resort – Although expensive, it is worth the splurge. You can never go wrong with the Four Seasons brand.
• For additional hotel options on Koh Samui, check out TripAdvisor for reviews.

How to Get to Koh Samui from Bangkok

There are direct flights to Koh Samui island from Bangkok.

17. Bottle Beach – Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is renowned for its full moon party occurring each month on Haad Rin Beach. While the full moon parties draw large crowds, Bottle Beach is far removed from the frenzy. Similar to Phra Nang Beach in Krabi, it attracts day-trippers, yet if you stay on this beautiful beach, you’ll have it all to yourself in the early morning.

18. Haad Rin – Koh Phangan

If you seek a party beach in Thailand, Haad Rin is the spot to be. Divided into two sections, Hat Rin Nai (Sunset Beach) and Hat Rin Nok (Sunrise Beach), Sunrise really stands out as the more beautiful beach, as it plays host to the monthly full moon party.

Surprisingly, we visited Haad Rin to escape the crowds of Koh Samui back in 2000. Today, it’s one of the busiest beaches in the country due to the full moon parties, which have since quieted down due to the pandemic. Now might be an excellent time to revisit before it gets busy again!

19. Thong Nai Pan Noi – Koh Phangan

If you prefer a quieter choice on Koh Phangan, the beach destinations of Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai provide good options. The beautiful white sands of this long crescent beach create a charming escape with a laid-back hippy vibe.

20. Haad Salad Beach – Koh Phangan

Haad Salad Beach is on the northern end of the island, the furthest point from the party atmosphere of Haad Rin. With a coral reef situated just 80 meters offshore, it’s ideal for diving and snorkeling.

How to Get to Koh Phangan

There are direct flights from Bangkok to Surat Thani or Koh Samui. From both Surat Thani and Koh Samui, you then take a ferry to Koh Phangan.

21. Sairee Beach – Koh Tao

Located on the west coast of Koh Tao, Sairee Beach is the most popular beach where all the action happens. With a coral reef just offshore, Sairee Beach is a prime spot for snorkeling. Koh Tao is well-known among scuba divers, and at Sairee Beach, you’ll find plenty of dive centers, restaurants, and bars. If you want to be in the thick of the action (which we love), this is the place. Not only is it excellent for snorkeling, but the soft white sand is also pleasant for strolling along its 1.85 km (1.1 miles) length.

22. Hua Hin Beach

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin Beach stretches over 7 km. It is popular among locals and tourists alike due to the consistently warm waters throughout the year. It is well worth a visit to relax and walk along the beach while enjoying the stunning coastal landscape. The beach is also home to various activities such as water sports, spa treatments, and golfing. In fact, it is Thailand’s top golf destination, boasting the highest concentration of golf courses in the country.

Hua Hin Beach was Thailand’s first popular vacation destination, serving as the royal family’s villa. It offers visitors a chance to experience traditional Thai culture, along with a vibrant night market and a wide range of dining options.

Best Time to Visit Thailand’s Beaches

Based on our experience, visiting the southern region of the country between late November and early March yields the most pleasant weather.

• December, January, and February represent high season with optimal weather conditions.
• March to May are the hotter months; however, with a beach at your disposal, you can comfortably manage.
• The rainy season occurs from June until the end of October.

These are some of the best Thailand beaches to discover. As traveling opportunities have resumed, ensure that The Land of Smiles stands prominently on your travel list! It is an inspiring destination that speaks to every adventure seeker.