Thailand Beaches
Thailand has some of the most beautiful best beaches in the world,
with breathtaking views and lots of tours and activities. Beaches
and Islands in Southern of Thailand include Phuket island, Krabi,
Phi Phi islands, Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Chang
and Koh Samet. Mainland beaches in the Gulf of Thailand close to
Bangkok include Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Cha Am.
But with so many to choose from, it can be difficult to pick the
perfect one. The best Thailand beach spots are listed below.
Patong Beach, Phuket
The largest beach on the island of Phuket is also the country’s
most popular beach. With a wide coastline, soft white sand, warm
water and plenty of hotels, restaurants and shopping within walking
distance it’s impossible to get bored here. The vibrant nightlife
attracts a partying crowd and the jet skis keep the volume cranked
to high during the day, so those looking for peace and quiet might
want to head elsewhere.
Railey Beach, Krabi
Though it’s technically on the mainland, Railey Beach is only
accessible by boat and has a desert island feeling you won’t find
on most of the country’s popular beach destinations. Clear blue
waters, small islands on the horizon and majestic cliffs surround
the small beach, which is generally not crowded except during
peak season. Aside from rock climbing, swimming and snorkeling,
there’s not much else to do here but admire the gorgeous scenery,
so bring a book and prepare to relax.
Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Ley
This small stretch of sand is the quintessential Thailand beach and
might just have the best scenery of any in the country. Part of a
little island adjacent to Ko Phi Phi, the beach is nestled in a small
bay and surrounded by tall limestone cliffs. Maya Bay can only be
visited on day trips by boat, since there are no accommodations
here. Hordes of people visit during high season, but the beauty
makes dealing with the crowds worth it.
Hua Hin Beach, Hua Hin
This beach on the Gulf of Siam is immensely popular for locals and
international visitors, thanks to the flat stretches of beach, plenty of
things to do and the ease of travel from Bangkok. The beach
slopes very gently into the gulf, so while it’s not the best beach for
real swimming, it’s a great place for families with small children.
Kata Beach, Phuket
Just a couple of miles away from the hustle and bustle of Patong
Beach is this quieter, relaxed beach in Southern Phuket. Kata has
everything that makes Phuket so popular – palm trees, warm water
and nice scenery, but there are no high rise hotels or shopping
malls in sight. During low season, waves at this beach can be
intense, making it a great place to do some surfing but not the
perfect spot for those with young children.
Lamai Beach, Samui
Though Samui’s beaches can be packed, especially during high
season, this beach strikes the perfect balance for visitors looking
for pretty scenery, good swimming and plenty of other things to do
when you’re not in the water. At night, the scores of bars and
restaurants turn Lamai Beach into a party scene.
Sairee Beach, Koh Tao
Once almost exclusively a base for divers, visitors are slowly
realizing that Ko Tao has more to offer than just a place to eat and
sleep between dives. This one mile stretch of white sandy beach
with a beautiful view of small islands in the horizon is Ko Tao’s
most popular, with plenty of inexpensive accommodations and
restaurants. The closest airport is in Samui, so getting there
involves a ferry trip and keeps the beach relatively uncrowded.
White Sand Beach, Koh Chang
This beautiful stretch of beach on the west side of the island is
fringed with palm and coconut trees against a backdrop of gentle
sloping hills. Though Ko Chang is still considered more of a
backpacker island than a luxury destination, there’s a wide
selection of accommodations to choose from.
Haad Rin, Koh Pha Ngan
As beautiful as it is, Haad Rin is really known for just one thing –
Full Moon Party! Once a month the beach goes on an all-night
bender with plenty of drinking, dancing and music. At other times of
the month, the party atmosphere still pervades so those looking for
a quieter beach experience might want to steer clear. During the
day the soft, gold sand and gently sloping coast make Haad Rin
ideal for swimming and enjoying the surrounding scenery, though
many visitors are too bleary-eyed to appreciate it. The beach is on
a small peninsula jutting out from the island so while there are
places to sleep and eat, it’s still relatively undeveloped.
Koh Mun Nork
This small, private island in the northern part of the Gulf of Siam is
paradise found for anyone looking for a true desert island
experience. The white sandy beach is surrounded by palm trees
and not much else – there’s only one resort on the island. That and
the 45 minute ferry from the mainland guarantee the beach will
never be crowded.
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