Thailand's coastlines deliver every kind of beach: the cliff-backed sands of Railay and Phi Phi, the long resort strips of Phuket and Samui, and quiet hidden coves you reach only by longtail. Here's where to find the sand that suits your trip.
Andaman vs Gulf beaches
The Andaman coast (Krabi, Phi Phi, Phuket) has the dramatic limestone scenery; the Gulf islands (Samui, Phangan, Tao) have softer palm-lined sand and calmer seas in different months. Chase the dry season on whichever coast you choose.
Best destinations
Top experiences
Phuket
- Kata, Karon & Freedom Beach — From easy family sand to a hidden cove reached by longtail or trail.
- Island hop to Coral & Racha — Clear-water snorkel islands a short boat ride offshore.
- Phi Phi & Maya Bay day trip — Speedboat to the Andaman's most famous islands from Phuket.
Krabi (Ao Nang)
- Four Islands tour — Chicken Island, Tup, Poda and Phra Nang lagoon in one longtail day.
- Hong Islands by longtail — A hidden emerald lagoon ringed by cliffs - kayak or swim.
- Phi Phi day trip — Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and snorkelling from Ao Nang.
Koh Phi Phi
- Maya Bay — The legendary cliff-ringed beach from 'The Beach', now beautifully recovered.
- Pileh Lagoon — Swim in a glowing emerald cove enclosed by limestone walls.
- Monkey Beach — Longtail to a cove where cheeky macaques roam the sand.
- Long Beach (Hat Yao) — Quieter white sand with the best reef right off the shore.
Koh Lanta
- Long Beach & Kantiang Bay — Laid-back west-coast sand with dreamy sunsets.
Koh Samui
- Chaweng & Lamai beaches — The island's liveliest sands with clear swimming water.
Koh Phangan
- Thong Nai Pan beaches — Two dreamy northeast bays with calm, clear water.
- Secret Beach & Chinese temple — Sunset sands and a colourful hilltop shrine on the west coast.
Koh Tao
- Sairee Beach sunset — The island's long west-coast strip of bars and beach fire shows.
Railay
- Phra Nang Cave Beach — Powder-white sand beneath overhanging cliffs, often called Thailand's most beautiful beach.
- Railay West sunset — The peninsula's main beach, framed by karsts as the sun drops into the sea.
Khao Lak
- Nang Thong & Bang Niang beaches — Wide golden sand with calm swimming in season and easy beachfront dining.
Similan Islands
- Donald Duck Bay (Koh Similan) — Dazzling white bay beneath the famous Sail Rock boulder.
- Koh Miang (Island 4) — Park headquarters island with two pretty beaches and a short forest trail.
Koh Jum
- Andaman Beach — Long, quiet west-coast sand with rustic bungalows and fine sunsets.
- Luboa Beach — Gently curving beach with casuarina shade, beach bars and calm swimming.
Koh Lipe
- Pattaya Beach — The island's main crescent of soft sand, busy with longtails and beach restaurants.
- Sunrise Beach (Hat Chao Ley) — Long white beach on the east side facing Koh Adang, great early morning.
Koh Ngai
- Koh Ngai east-coast beach — Long ribbon of soft white sand with calm, shallow water in season.
- Koh Kradan day trip — Hop over to one of the Andaman's most photogenic white beaches.
Koh Mook
- Charlie Beach (Hat Farang) — The island's prettiest west-coast beach, framed by limestone headlands.
- Sivalai sandbar — A narrow spit of white sand near the pier, surrounded by water.
- Koh Kradan day trip — Powder-white sand and coral gardens just 20-30 minutes away by longtail.
Koh Kradan
- Kradan main beach — Long east-coast stretch of powder-white sand and see-through water.
- Koh Ngai day trip — Hop across to a long, shallow beach with coral close to shore.
Hua Hin
- Hua Hin Beach — Kilometres of soft sand for long walks, swimming and early-morning sunrise strolls.
Pattaya
- Koh Larn (Coral Island) — Short ferry ride to clearer water at Tawaen, Samae and Tien beaches.
- Jomtien Beach — Longer, calmer beach south of the centre, popular with families and long-stayers.
Prachuap Khiri Khan
- Ao Manao — Clean, calm beach inside an air-force base, bring your passport.
- Ban Krut Beach — Long, quiet beach backed by casuarina trees and small resorts.
- Bang Saphan — Low-key beaches and fishing villages further down the coast.
Chumphon
- Hat Thung Wua Laen — Long, gently curving beach north of town with seafood restaurants.
- Hat Sai Ri — Pine-lined beach with a shrine to the father of the Thai navy.
Koh Samet
- Hat Sai Kaew (Diamond Beach) — The island's busiest bay, with squeaky white sand and the mermaid statue.
- Ao Phai & Ao Hin Khok — Small neighbouring coves with a sociable, barefoot beach-bar atmosphere.
- Ao Wong Deuan — A sheltered crescent bay with calm water and plenty of seafront restaurants.
Koh Chang
- White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao) — The island's longest, liveliest beach with plenty of restaurants and bars.
- Klong Prao Beach — A wide, calm bay with a lagoon, popular with families and couples.
- Kai Bae Beach — Shallow water, views of offshore islets and a pleasant mid-range scene.
Koh Kood
- Klong Chao Beach — Soft sand where a jungle river meets the sea, with clear, calm water.
- Ao Tapao — A long, palm-lined west-coast bay with glassy water and sunsets.
- Ao Noi — A small, pretty cove next to Ao Tapao, great for swimming.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the most beautiful beach in Thailand?
Railay and Phra Nang near Krabi, Maya Bay on Phi Phi, and the quiet bays of Koh Lanta and Koh Phangan are perennial favourites.
What is the best beach destination in Thailand?
Krabi and Phi Phi for scenery, Phuket for choice and facilities, and the Gulf islands for laid-back palm-fringed sand.
When is the best beach weather in Thailand?
November to April on the Andaman coast; the Gulf islands are best from around March to September.
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