When you think of Thailand, chances are you think of beaches. Long white strips of powder soft sand, the glistening ocean, and perhaps a relaxing sun-lounge under an umbrella (shading a cocktail). There’s a reason that Thailand is known as a mecca for beach lovers.
These are the kind of places that make you blink twice to make sure you’re seeing things properly. Those locations where you can barely resist the urge to jump right into the cerulean sea — and you don’t have to.
So, get ready to feel some serious wanderlust as we take a look at Thailand’s best beaches.
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Table of Contents
Sunset Beach, Koh Lipe
Sunset Beach, Koh Lipe
What we love
It’s perhaps not the largest of Thailand’s best beaches, but it’s perfectly formed. With about 500 metres of beautifully soft sand, it’s a lovely place to hang out by day. The name gives away when it’s at it’s best though — that’s during sunset.
It’s truly magical to watch the sun dip below the water, changing the sky and reflections off the sea into a kaleidoscope of colour.
How to get there
From Bangkok, you can fly to Hat Yai airport, where it’s a quick ride over to the Pak Bara Pier. From here, you can get the ferry across to beautiful Koh Lipe. you’ll find Sunset Bay on the west side of the island.
Transport
Check Transport Options, Schedule and Booking Info To Koh Lipe here on 12Go Asia
Where to stay
Compare Koh Lipe Accommodation Options, Prices and Reviews here on Agoda
Bamboo Island, Koh Phi Phi
Bamboo Island (Koh Phai), Phi Phi Archipelago
Why we love it
As you can see, there are many beautiful beaches in Thailand but it’s perhaps the untouched ones that we love the most. That’s why we’re so enamoured by Bamboo Island, which still boasts its rugged and unspoiled beauty.
There’s undoubtedly great appeal in arriving on an island that seems an entire world away from busy modern life. Here, life is simple, with few distractions and just a magically beautiful beach to enjoy.
How to get there
Reaching Koh Phi Phi is easy as there are many boats daily from Krabi and Koh Lanta, which both have their own airports. From Koh Phi Phi, it’s just a short boat ride to Bamboo Island.
Transport
Check Transport Options, Schedule and Booking Info To Phi Phi here on 12Go Asia
Where to stay
Compare Phi Phi Accommodation Options, Prices and Reviews here on Agoda
Railay Beach, Krabi
Railay Beach, Krabi
What we love
Yet another of the best beaches in Thailand can be found on the ever popular (but not overcrowded) province of Krabi. Railay Beach is simply stunning, with steep cliff-faces surrounding it, along with street food stalls and humble bars and restaurants.
Railay Beach is only accessible by longtail boat. While this means it requires a little more planning, it also keeps crowds to a minimum.
How to get there
As above, you can fly to Krabi from Bangkok and elsewhere. From there, you’ll need to get a longtail boat to nearby Railay Beach.
Transport
Check Transport Options, Schedule and Booking Info To Krabi here on 12Go Asia
Where to stay
Compare Krabi Accommodation Options, Prices and Reviews here on Agoda
Hat Khlong Chao, Koh Kood
Hat Khlong Chao, Koh Kood
What we love
For those wishing to get that bit of a “Robinson Crusoe” experience, Hat Khlong Chao on Koh Kood island may just be ideal. It’s one of the quieter and less developed islands in Thailand, and many would say one of the most beautiful.
Of the several gorgeous beaches, Hat Khlong Chao is a standout. There are a few amenities nearby so you won’t be hungry or thirsty, but the beach itself is beautiful and almost never crowded.
How to get there
To get to this gorgeous island, you’ll need to make it to Trat in southern Thailand via bus or flight from Bangkok. From here, you can get a speedboat directly to Koh Kood from the Laem Sok pier, or you might prefer to stopover in nearby Koh Chang first.
Transport
Check Transport Options, Schedule and Booking Info To Koh Kood here on 12Go Asia
Where to stay
Compare Koh Kood Accommodation Options, Prices and Reviews here on Agoda
Ton Sai Beach, Krabi
Tonsai Beach, Krabi
What we love
You can forget all of your worries on Krabi, as the island has a laidback and friendly atmosphere. As if that isn’t enough, it boasts several spectacular beaches including the magical Ton Sai Beach.
We just adore the stunning coastal views you get from the beach. The beach itself is very beautiful, but it’s the view out over the dramatic coastal cliffs that we really love. It’s particularly popular with rock climbers, for obvious reasons.
How to get there
Charming Krabi has an international airline that is serviced by flights from several destinations in Asia, so it’s very easy to get to.
Transport
Check Transport Options, Schedule and Booking Info To Krabi here on 12Go Asia
Where to stay
Compare Krabi Accommodation Options, Prices and Reviews here on Agoda
Phra Nang Beach, Krabi
Phra Nang Beach, Krabi
What we love
Yes, Krabi gets not one or two, but three entries on our list of Thailand’s best beaches. But trust us, they are all well deserved – Phra Nang Beach is divine. There’s soft sand and clear water, but our favourite is the foliage-covered cliffs that surround it.
If you can draw yourself away from the stunning beach, a little further inland you’ll find some rather eyebrow-raising fertility shrines. These are definitely an interesting stop – although not really kid-friendly.
How to get there
You’ll also need to take a boat to Phra Nang Beach. Luckily, these depart frequently from Ao Nang on Krabi.
Transport
Check Transport Options, Schedule and Booking Info To Krabi here on 12Go Asia
Where to stay
Compare Krabi Accommodation Options, Prices and Reviews here on Agoda
Main Beach, Koh Kradan
Koh Kradan, Andaman Sea
What we love
With hundreds of islands dotted off its shores, don’t believe anyone who tells you that Thailand’s beaches are overcrowded. Sure, some have well and truly attracted the crowds, but others – like the glorious Koh Kradan Beach – are little slices of a hidden paradise.
If your idea of the perfect beach escape is getting lost somewhere slightly untamed and absolutely beautiful, then you’ll love Koh Kradan.
Koh Kradan’s narrow main beach doesn’t just make our list of the best beaches in Thailand; it was actually voted the ninth best beach in the world by readers of the Guardian back in 2016. So it’s not just us that loves its beauty paired with its relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Part of the charm of this beach is the great snorkelling that lies just off it — not surprising considering 90% of the surrounding water is a national park. You can also launch off in your kayak for your own little adventure.
How to get there
From Bangkok, you’ll need to make your way to Trang by plane or bus. From here, it’s a relatively straightforward boat ride to Koh Kradan. Main Beach is, as the name suggests, the most popular beach on the island, and easy to find.
Transport
Check Transport Options, Schedule and Booking Info To Koh Kradan here on 12Go Asia
Where to stay
Compare Koh Kradan Accommodation Options, Prices and Reviews here on Agoda
Koh Nangyuan, Koh Tao
Koh Nangyuan, Koh Tao
Why we love it
Koh Nang Yuan is the stuff beach dreams are made of; the reason why beach lovers return to Thailand year on year. Think soft, pale sand under your feet, and dazzling clear cerulean water to dive into.
Add in a few swaying palm trees and plenty of thick green foliage to add to the jungle-y charm, and you’ve got one of Thailand’s best beaches.
How to get there
From Bangkok, you can get a bus or fly to Chumphon, where you can then get a boat to Koh Tao. Koh Nang Yuan is only about 20 minutes from Koh Tao by longtail boat and they can easily be hired to take you there. You could also go as part of an organised day trip.
Transport
Check Transport Options, Schedule and Booking Info To Koh Tao here on 12Go Asia
Where to stay
Compare Koh Tao Accommodation Options, Prices and Reviews here on Agoda
Donald Duck Bay, Similan Island – Island 8
Donald Duck Bay, Similan Islands
What we love
The name makes the name of this beach easy to remember, but it’s the diving that makes it unforgettable! If you’re a diver, you’re sure to be dazzled by the plethora of life, including sea turtles, just under the surface. By day, you certainly won’t be alone in exploring the waters off the shore.
The beach itself is also very beautiful, with outlying, stacked rocks that are a favourite with photographers. Undoubtedly, Donald Duck Bay is one of the best beaches in Thailand and an unmissable stop.
How to get there
You can get to the Similan Islands from either Phuket, Khao Lak or Ranong. The best way to experience the diving in the Similan Islands is by a dive trip such as a liveaboard.
Transport
Check Transport Options, Schedule and Booking Info To Similan Islands here on 12Go Asia
Where to stay
There are no hotels on the Similan Islands. It was possible to stay in bungalows and tents, however the National Park Officials have decided to close all accommodation. The best and only way is to go on a Liveaboard trip.
Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi
Maya Bay, Ko Phi Phi Le
What we love
Get ready to be dazzled by the incredible beauty of Maya Bay. Yes, this is the famous setting of Leonardo DiCaprio’s film The Beach, and one look at its dramatic scenery will tell you why. Think a large droplet of crystal clear water, surrounded by towering and dramatic cliff-faces.
There’s no denying Maya Bay’s huge popularity, but it’s popular for good reason. Its incredible beauty certainly makes it a well-deserved entrant on our list of the best beaches in Thailand.
How to get there
There are many companies that run trips and excursions from Phi Phi Don, as well as Krabi and Phuket. You shouldn’t have any problems getting a ride to Maya Bay!
Transport
Check Transport Options, Schedule and Booking Info To Phi Phi here on 12Go Asia
Where to stay
Compare Phi Phi Accommodation Options, Prices and Reviews here on Agoda
Kantiang Bay, Koh Lanta
Kantiang Bay, Koh Lanta
What we love
You’ll be blown away with the beauty of Kantiang Bay on Koh Lanta, first time I set eyes on this beach was from a restaurant on the cliff top over looking the bay, the views we absolutely stunning. The beach itself offers crystal clear waters and beautiful powdery white sand all secluded by lush rain forest mountains in the background. The beach is never crowded and has a real nice relaxed and peaceful feel.
How to get there
There are a few different options when it comes to transport and getting to Koh Lanta. From Bangkok the quickest way is to fly to Krabi and get a minibus to Koh Lanta from the Airport. Alternatively you can take bus direct from Bangkok to Koh Lanta as the island is now connected to the mainland by a bridge, this is quite a lengthy journey though taking about 18 hours. Ferries are also readily available from Phuket (4 hours), Phi Phi (1 hour 10 minutes) and Ao Nang (2 hours 15 minutes).
Transport
Check Transport Options, Schedule and Booking Info To Koh Lanta here on 12Go Asia
Where to stay
Compare Koh Lanta Accommodation Options, Prices and Reviews here on Agoda
Thong Nai Pan, Koh Phangan
Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach, Koh Phangan
What we love
While parts of Koh Phangan are known as party hotspots, still other sections of the island have that tucked away, serene feeling. One of those places is Thong Nai Pan, a beautiful beach that beckons the whole family over to enjoy it.
Of course, this beach is beautiful, with a generous bay featuring soft white sand and water that is a kaleidoscope of greens and brilliant blues. Then there’s a spattering of amenities – so settle in to enjoy a long and relaxing day in paradise.
How to get there
There are daily ferries between Koh Samui (with its international airport) and Koh Phangan. You’ll find Thong Nai Pan on the island’s northeast corner.
Transport
Check Transport Options, Schedule and Booking Info To Koh Phangan here on 12Go Asia
Where to stay
Compare Koh Phangan Accommodation Options, Prices and Reviews here on Agoda
Ao Kwang Peeb, Koh Phayam
Why we love it
If you’re looking to get away from it all then it doesn’t get much better than Ao Kwang Peeb on Koh Phayam. Apart from one humble resort, there’s very little to do except sit back and enjoy the beauty and serenity of this amazing place.
This beach is tucked away and often overlooked even by those staying on Koh Phayam, so you’ll likely have plenty of space to stretch out and take it all in. Look out for little fish darting through the waves!
How to get there
To get to Koh Phayam from Bangkok you’ll need to make your way by bus or plane to Ranong Pier. From here, you can get either the speed boat (45 minutes) or slow boat (2 hours 30 minutes) to Koh Phayam. You’ll find Ao Kwang Peeb beach on the north coast.
Transport
Check Transport Options, Schedule and Booking Info To Koh Phayam here on 12Go Asia
Where to stay
Compare Koh Phayam Accommodation Options, Prices and Reviews here on Agoda
Bottle Beach, Koh Phangan
Bottle Beach, Koh Phangan
What we love
There’s a saying that the best things in life don’t come easy, and Bottle Beach may just be one of them. It’s definitely accessible, but it does take a little more adventuring than some of the other beaches on Koh Phangan. Trust us, however, you’ll be richly rewarded.
Bottle Beach is one of those places that you fall in love with and never want to leave. You could spend days here just soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and the beauty of its soft sand and glass-like water.
How to get there
Bottle Beach is located right at the northern tip of the popular island of Koh Phangan. The easiest way to get to the beach is to get a boat taxi from Chaloklum Beach, although you can also hike. The easiest way to get to Koh Phangan is to get the ferry from Koh Samui, which is serviced by numerous international airlines.
Transport
Check Transport Options, Schedule and Booking Info To Koh Phangan here on 12Go Asia
Where to stay
Compare Koh Phangan Accommodation Options, Prices and Reviews here on Agoda
Kata Noi Beach, Phuket
Kata Noi Beach, Phuket
What we love
We love the bustling atmosphere of Phuket, but it’s always nice to escape the crowds. For a more relaxing beach stay, we love visiting Kata Noi Beach along the west coast. It’s so incredibly beautiful, and a nice break from the frenetic pace of Phuket Town.
It’s certainly not deserted, and it’s worth grabbing a drink to watch the sunset. By day, surfing and snorkeling out to the nearby rocky headland are also popular.
How to get there
Phuket is one of Thailand’s most popular hotspots. You can easily fly there from Bangkok, while many airlines fly direct from other international destinations. You’ll find Kata Noi Beach on the island’s west coast.
Transport
Check Transport Options, Schedule and Booking Info To Kata Beach Phuket here on 12Go Asia
Where to stay
Compare Kata Beach Phuket Accommodation Options, Prices and Reviews here on Agoda
Final thoughts
Putting together a list of Thailand’s best beaches is not easy, as there are just so many spectacular offerings. If you were to close your eyes and dream of the postcard-perfect beach, it would probably look something like those in Thailand.
These fifteen, however, offer something extra special, that added wow factor that will make sure your beach vacation to Thailand is one you never forget.
To find out more about traveling to Thailand, start here by checking out our Thailand Travel Guide. Here you’ll find the best places to go, things to do, tours, as well as up to date travel information, travel tips and advice about Thailand’s amazing cities and islands.
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