Best Beaches in Thailand: A Complete First-Timer's Guide

Dr. Theodore (Professor Bear) 11 min read

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Thailand is the best choice if you're looking for a beach vacation. This Asian country attracts several tourists annually. The waters are crystal clear, and the beaches are pristine white. The weather is ideal for a holiday. However, with various breathtaking beaches, deciding which one to go first becomes difficult.

In this guide, we will help you discover the best beaches in Thailand. There are endless options. You can relax and enjoy the sun, snorkel and observe marine life, or party the night away on the beach. We have compiled a list of the best beaches in Thailand that best represent the country's natural beauty. So, grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, and sunglasses as we tour some of Thailand's beautiful beaches.

Why is Thailand a Top Beach Destination?

There are many reasons why tourists want to go to Thailand's beaches. Thailand has nearly 1,500 miles of shoreline. Its Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea coastlines have hundreds of pristine islands. Travelers can enjoy different cultural life and natural beauty at each beach.

Many things make Thailand's beaches unique, but their diversity is among the best. Thailand has beaches that are perfect for all types of travelers. There are quiet, private beaches on Koh Lanta, busy, lively beaches in Patong in Phuket, and beautiful, serene beaches in Railay, Krabi. Thai beaches offer peace of mind, exciting water activities, and beautiful marine life.

Let's get right to the list of the best beaches in Thailand!

Our Top Picks for The Best Beaches in Thailand

Here are our top picks for the best beaches in Thailand that you must visit:

1. Railay Beach, Krabi
2. Koh Phi Phi Beach, Krabi
3. Kata Beach, Phuket
4. Koh Lipe Beach
5. Koh Tachai, Similan Islands
6. Ao Yai, Koh Phayam
7. Koh Kradan Beach, Trang
8. Koh Lanta’s Secret Beach
9. Rawai Beach, Phuket
10. Tha Pho Beach, Koh Kood 
11. Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach
12. Sunset Beach, Koh Lipe
13. Nang Thong Beach, Khao Lak
14. Nang Yuan Beach, Koh Tao
15. Patong Beach, Phuket

Let’s dive into the details of what our best beaches in Thailand have to offer.

#1 Railay Beach, Krabi

Railay is a beautiful beach hidden between tall limestone rocks on the coast of Krabi. You can only reach by boat. It is a hidden paradise for its guests. Railay is often called the most beautiful beach in Thailand because of its clear blue water, soft white sand, and lush green surroundings. 

The limestone cliffs of Railay provide excellent rock-climbing routes of different difficulty levels. You can go at your own pace while kayaking through the crystal-clear waterways and into the secret caves. Deep water soloing is a form of free climbing. It provides an adrenaline rush that no other activity can provide.

#2 Koh Phi Phi Beach, Krabi

Koh Phi Phi Beach in Krabi is another excellent destination famous because of the movie "The Beach" with Leonardo DiCaprio. The clear blue waters and mesmerizing limestone cliffs make it perfect for pictures. The beach may be crowded during high season, but the beautiful scenery and plenty of water sports make it well worth the wait. Phi Phi Island has a lively nightlife and a wide variety of beautiful options for local foods. You should take advantage of both of them!

There are a lot of water sports you can do at Koh Phi Phi. You can swim and dive among the colorful coral reefs, sail, and hop from island to island. You can go cliff jumping for excitement or just relax and enjoy the sunshine. Beachside bars host exciting parties with fire performances and music at night. You should try the famous Thai street food at the night market.

#3 Kata Beach, Phuket

Kata Beach is located on Phuket's western coast. It is a favorite destination for those seeking a low-key holiday. Its fine sand and calm, shallow waters are ideal for strolling or sunbathing. Kata Beach provides guests a wide range of dining, drinking, and shopping opportunities nearby.

Kata Beach is a great place to go surfing or jet skiing if you want a thrill. Thai massages and beachside yoga classes are great options for anyone seeking a slower pace. The beach becomes a lively gathering place when the sun goes down, with local food stands and bands playing into the night. There is also the possibility of experiencing a performance of authentic Thai dance.

#4 Koh Lipe Beach

Koh Lipe is the place to go if you're looking for unaltered peace and beauty. It is also called "Thailand's Maldives" due to the beautiful colors of its surrounding water. There aren't many people on these beaches, so that you can enjoy a quiet day by the water. 

There are many things you can do on Koh Lipe Beach. You can go on a relaxing kayaking adventure to learn about the area. You can scuba dive to see the diverse marine life below the water's surface. If you're looking for a more relaxing vacation, getting a massage on the beach or lying in the sun are two great options. As night falls, visit one of the beachside pubs to experience a fantastic sunset.

#5 Koh Tachai, Similan Islands

Koh Tachai Beach is an absolute must-visit for nature lovers. This stretch of beach is home to a wide variety of marine life. Lush green trees encircle it. It extends out into incredibly transparent waters. It is a perfect place to sunbathe or picnic because of the soft, white sand and the calm, relaxing ambiance.

Only 70 people can visit the island daily to preserve its natural beauty. The crystal blue waters are perfect for snorkeling. You can see various coral reefs, tropical fish, and other marine life. The island is rich in endemic bird species, which makes it an excellent destination for birdwatchers.

#6 Ao Yai, Koh Phayam 

Ao Yai is a quiet beach in the Andaman Sea on the small island of Koh Phayam. It gives a truly Thai experience. You can relax and get in touch with nature in peace because there are no roads or traffic near this isolated beach. You can go swimming, snorkeling, or just relax on the beach.

You can enjoy the mesmerizing sunset while having delicious seafood at one of the restaurants. Ao Yai is an excellent place for yoga and meditation as it is a very peaceful place and one of Thailand's hidden gems.

#7 Koh Kradan Beach, Trang 

Koh Kradan Beach is located in the province of Trang. It is another secret beauty that you should not miss. This beach is known for having some of Thailand's best diving and snorkeling opportunities, as it has beautiful coral reefs and clean seas. Visitors to the island can also explore its lush jungles or go on an adventure trip by boat to nearby islands.

Private bungalows and beachfront resorts on Koh Kradan Beach make it the perfect place for couples or honeymooners looking for a romantic break. It has a peaceful vibe, and you will get pictures you might have seen in picture postcards.

#8 Koh Lanta’s Secret Beach 

Koh Lanta is known for its stunning beaches, but Secret Beach stands out for being completely remote and undisturbed. Because of its remote location, this beach is ideal for those seeking peace. Secret Beach has powdery white sand and crystal clear blue waters. It is a perfect destination for the outstanding pictures you dream of on a beach.

In addition to lying on the sand, you can explore the cave or trek up to the cliffs for breathtaking landscapes. There is lots of greenery around the beach, making it a peaceful place to relax. Sleeping under the stars is an unforgettable experience; you can have it by setting up camp on Secret Beach for the night.

#9 Rawai Beach, Phuket 

Rawai Beach is known to be located at the southern tip of Phuket. It is less crowded and more peaceful than some of the island's other beaches. Fishing boats line the shore. Plenty of seafood restaurants provide a taste of authentic Thai village life. The calm water is great for swimming and stand-up paddleboarding. You can have a great hiking trip on the hills nearby.

You can also board longtail boats to the nearby islands to go snorkeling or fishing for an unforgettable experience. Although it lacks the white sand and turquoise waters of other popular Thai beaches, Rawai Beach is a must-see for a more natural and laid-back Thai vacation. 

#10 Tha Pho Beach, Koh Kood 

Koh Kood is a relatively unknown island in the Gulf of Thailand. This makes it a perfect destination for people seeking a peaceful, undeveloped beach experience. Tha Pho Beach is on the west side of Koh Kood. It has clear blue water that is great for swimming and beautiful sunset views.

You can get in touch with nature and hike through the lush tropical forest. The forest has many plants and animals. Surrounding waterfalls will make your tour extraordinary. Nature lovers can enjoy this green paradise by watching birds.

#11 Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach

This beach is located on the northeastern shore of Koh Phangan. It is known for its quiet environment and magnificent natural beauty. The soft, powdery sand and clear, turquoise water at Thong Nai Pan Noi make it look like it came from a picture. The beach is shaped like a crescent bay, making it feel more private and away from the masses.

Many restaurants and resorts on the beach also ensure tourists stay happy. Sunbathing, swimming, or reading at Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach is a memorable experience for beachgoers.

#12 Sunset Beach, Koh Lipe

Sunset Beach is the best place to go if you want to get away with your partner and have a nice time. This beach is at the southernmost point of Koh Lipe and has stunning views of the Andaman Sea and the islands that are close by. The beach has soft sand and water, so it's a great place to swim or fish.

Sunset Beach, as its name suggests, is the best place to see a beautiful sunset. This is why it is a popular place for couples and bridal proposals. Additionally, the beach has a chill vibe. Many restaurants and bars there serve tasty fish dishes while watching the sun go down.

#13 Nang Thong Beach, Khao Lak

Khao Lak's Nang Thong Beach is famous for its golden sand and lovely waves. These beaches are big, so there's lots of room to lay out in the sun, and the water is calm, so it's a great place to swim. Green trees surround it, and you can escape the busy city life in Nang Thong.

A strip of shops and restaurants is just meters from the beach, which is a bonus. You can eat authentic Thai food or buy items made in Thailand. As the sun goes down, the beach becomes one of the best spots in Khao Lak to see a beautiful sunset.

#14 Nang Yuan Beach, Koh Tao

Nang Yuan Beach is a stunning stretch of sand on a tiny island off the coast of Koh Tao. A sandbar connects three small islands on the beach, creating unique and beautiful scenery. The crystal-clear water makes it great for snorkeling; you might even see baby sharks swimming near the shore.

During the day, day trippers can make the beach crowded. If you stay at one of the villas on Nang Yuan Island, you can enjoy this paradise when it is peaceful and quiet. No cars or trucks are allowed on the island, so it is a calm place to escape the stress of everyday life.

#15 Patong Beach, Phuket

Patong Beach must be on every list of the best beaches in Thailand. This busy beach is on the west side of Phuket. It is known for its lively nightlife and wide range of activities. You can spend the day lying on sun loungers, sipping drinks at beach bars, or enjoying water sports, including jet skiing and parasailing.

Patong comes to life at night with its busy street markets, restaurants, and bars that offer a taste of Thai culture. There are also many beach events and concerts all year, so it's always a fun place to go.

Best Time to Visit Thailand's Beaches

Thailand is a great place to visit any time of the year. However, the best months to go to the beaches are from November to April, when it is dry and warm. Fewer people will be at the beach during this time, making it ideal for a relaxing holiday. Nevertheless, if you don't mind a little bit of rain and humidity, the off-peak months of May to October can provide fantastic bargains on accommodations and a chance to enjoy the country's rich green surroundings.

Safety Tips for Visiting Thailand Beaches

Make sure to keep these tips in mind when planning your trip to Thailand.

• Arriving at Thailand's Beaches
  • Before anything, it’s essential to know how to reach the best beaches of Thailand. Most international flights go to Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok); you can take a domestic flight, a ferry, or a combination.
  • Furthermore, both Phuket and Koh Samui are easily accessible and have international airports.

• Accommodations at Thailand's Best Beaches
  • You will get many options to stay along the most excellent beaches in Thailand.
  • You can get many accommodations, from five-star seaside resorts to budget-friendly bed and breakfasts. You must plan to get the best rates, especially during the high season.

• Exploring Thai Cuisine on the Beaches
  • You must try traditional Thai food when you go to the best beaches in Thailand.
  • Fresh seafood prepared in various ways is a specialty of Thai cuisine. Beachside food stalls and lively night markets are great places for trying regional dishes.

• Preserving Thailand's Beaches
  • When you visit the best beaches in Thailand, it's essential to be a responsible tourist—keeping your hands to yourself when snorkeling or scuba diving is especially important to prevent harming aquatic creatures.
  • You can help Thailand's beaches stay clean for many years by ensuring you don't harm its environment. 

The beaches in Thailand are truly paradise. They offer many types of adventures to suit all types of travelers. The best beaches in Thailand guarantee a memorable trip full of beauty, excitement, and comfort, whether you choose to relax on the peaceful shores of Koh Kradan, discover the colorful marine life of Rawai, or indulge yourself in the greenery of Koh Kood. Keep in mind that every trip you make helps in the effort to keep beautiful beaches pure for future generations.

As you enjoy the stunning scenery, rich culture, and delicious food, don’t forget to maintain and respect these ecosystems. Travel sustainably by making the most of every opportunity and leaving no trace but your footsteps. We hope you now have a list of the best beaches in Thailand ready for your tour. Enjoy your Tour!