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.
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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