Travel Guides & Information
Beaches in Thailand
The southern regions of Thailand are home to some of the most visually stunning and exotic beaches in the world. If you are looking for quiet serenity, stroll the beaches overlooking the towering limestone monoliths and caves in the green water of Krabi Province. For a more active beach scene, you can head on over to popular Phuket Island.
The southern tip of Thailand is a beachgoer's paradise no matter where you choose to lay out your beach blanket. Choosing the right beach for your getaway depends on how you want to spend your time, being active or relaxing, and the kind of environment that suits your mood, social or secluded. Some beaches are always crowded, and other hidden gems are tucked away on islands, requiring a bit more effort to find. Figure out what suits you with our list of the top beaches in Thailand.
Krabi - Railay Beach
The majestic Railay Beach in, one of the top attractions in Krabi, Thailand, is only accessible by longtail boat since it sits on a small peninsula, but it is well worth the effort to get here. The soft white sand on the beach is only one part of the experience. Railay Beach is surrounded by cliffs and caves, limestone monoliths, jungle landscapes, and lagoon-like swimming areas.
There are several smaller beaches that make up Railay Beach, and all are within close proximity. This stretch of coast is perfect for combining traditional beach time with some exploration around the island.
Haad Rin Beach
Haad Rin Beach is one of the most popular of the nearly 30 beaches on the small island of Koh Phangan. The long stretch of white sand and blue water surrounded by coconut trees and cliffs makes it a picturesque beach day. The beach is generally an active scene, with spontaneous games of volleyball, people swimming, and vacationers enjoying water sports like jet skiing and kayaking.
If you're looking for peace and quiet, the best time to visit is outside monthly full-moon events, when the area can get quite crowded with young beach-goers.
Phra Nang Cave Beach
For a beach surrounded by a stunning landscape and outdoor adventure that few others can match, visit the Phra Nang Cave Beach in Krabi Province in southern Thailand. Characterized by outcroppings of cliffs that are popular for rock climbing, the shallow water of this beach makes it a favorite stop for tourists and families looking for safer waters to swim. It can be overcrowded at times, but it is one of the most unique beaches in Thailand.
Short trails near the beach take you through caves and showcase the area's landscape. Try some fresh fruit from a floating vendor to cool off in the heat. The best times to visit for decent weather and fewer crowds are May and October. High season is November through April.
Maya Bay
The shallow, azure waters of Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi, one of the world's most beautiful islands, are almost entirely surrounded by huge limestone monoliths. The aerial view of the beach makes it easy to see why this location was used as the backdrop for the Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach. The steep hills that surround the water make it feel like a private paradise, even though it is likely to be crowded with visitors and longtail boats when you go.
Since the bay is a large reef, you will see many tropical fish – snorkeling is one of the popular things to do here. The best time to visit is during the high tourist season from November to April when seas are calm.
Chewang Noi Beach
The popular beach of Chaweng on the island of Koh Samui can be quite crowded, which is why its smaller and more secluded version down the coast, Chaweng Noi, is a top choice. The shallow water, calm surf, and quiet beachfront make this beach perfect for a day of relaxation away from the crowds.
Enjoy lunch from one of the many small beach restaurants with tables in the sand, or melt your worries away with an ocean-front massage from a local vendor.
Freedom Beach
Spend a day relaxing or snorkeling in the clear waters of Freedom Beach in Phuket. It is best to take a longtail boat from Patong to reach the beachfront, as it is difficult to access by land. Be aware that you will need to pay a small entrance fee, but the view is worth it.
Freedom Beach is typical of the picturesque, unspoiled beach scene that you expect to see in tropical Thailand. The best time to visit is December through February.
Koh Chang
About 300 kilometers from Bangkok via bus plus ferry is the island of Koh Chang (Elephant Island), a somewhat close neighbor to Koh Kood island. High-speed ferries connect the two islands, a perfect option for island hopping.
Part of Mu Ko Chang National Park and home to stunning rain forests and waterfalls, Koh Chang was once a backpacker's destination. Over the years, resorts and amenities arrived, making the island a popular destination for families and young travelers looking for a quiet stretch of sand.
Of the many beaches on the island, White Sand Beach is the busiest and most touristy. It's also the most developed, offering plenty of places to eat, rent a boat, or just chill. The area around it also has everything from banks to hotels and pensions. If you're hoping to visit several beaches, this is the best jumping-off spot, as you can easily catch a motorcycle taxi to take you around.
Klong Prao Beach, the largest on the island, is near the beautiful Klong Plu waterfall and offers long stretches of soft white sand fringed by palm trees.
Klong Prao Beach, the largest on the island, is near the beautiful Klong Plu waterfall and offers long stretches of soft white sand fringed by palm trees.
Nai Harn Beach
Though Nai Harn Beach can get quite crowded, it is still one of the most popular beaches in Thailand. Located on Phuket, the beach is known for crystal clear water, white sand, and waves that are not overbearing when swimming.
The beach is one of the most popular because of its consistent climate and weather conditions that make it suitable to visit year-round. Nearby restaurants and local food vendors make it convenient to stay a full day at the beach.
Pattaya Beach
About an hour south of all the attractions in Bangkok is Pattaya Beach, a popular tourist beach on Thailand's Gulf coast. The most notable feature is the hillside temple that sits above the sand. The area that was once a fishing village is now modernized with resorts and shopping.
This is a great beach if you want to do water sports like parasailing or Jet Skis that you will not find on smaller beaches. Like other beaches near Bangkok, Pattaya Beach can be a bit crowded at times but still ideal if you enjoy strolling the crescent coastline or promenade area. The best time to visit Pattaya Beach is March through May, when the weather is typically fine but there are fewer tourists.
Sairee Beach
One of the best views of a spectacular Thailand sunset is from Sairee Beach on the tiny island of Koh Tao. This is the happening spot on the island, with plenty of restaurants and water sports like diving and snorkeling. The long, narrow beach is great for walking, with unobstructed views of the sunrise and sunset, so it is a popular beach for photographers.
Ao Prao Beach
With 14 white-sand beaches in Ko Samet there are plenty of choices in this area, but Ao Prao Beach is one of the best. The area is a weekend retreat for locals in Bangkok because of the jewel-toned water and soft white sand. Another great beach for families, visitors here can enjoy calm waters for swimming during the day and indulge in local seafood at a beachside restaurant in the evening. Ao Prao Beach generally has decent weather year-round, but the best months to visit are October through February during the milder season.
Hua Hin Beach
With over four kilometers of sandy beachfront, Hua Hin has something for everybody: plenty of family-friendly activities such as banana boats and pony rides, great windsurfing and parasailing schools, and sun loungers and umbrellas as far as the eye can see. Hua Hin Beach has a more relaxed vibe than other beach destinations in Thailand, attracting visitors looking for rest and relaxation.
At the far end of Hua Hin Beach, behind Khao Takiap hill, there's the small, palm-fringed Suan Son Beach. And for those up for a day trip, the spectacular Sam Roi Yot National Park is not far from Hua Hin and home to Laem Sala Beach, a secluded stretch of sand that is hard to access but is always peaceful with stunning water views.
There are plenty of places to visit in Hua Hin and near the beach, including restaurants, world-class golf courses, and many shopping destinations.
Hotels in Thailand
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Beautiful beaches and islands, ancient ruins, temples, jungles, and unique cultures form the basis of Thailand's tourism industry. Bangkok is the main entry point for most tourists, and from here travelers generally head south to the beaches or north to the jungle towns. Our Discovery guides will help you choose your perfect Thailand destinations, whilst our tour partners-viator will ensure picturesque excursions, thrilling activities and memorable experiences.
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