Top 10 Stunning Beaches to Visit in Thailand

Pristine white sand, crystalline turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees feature prominently on the itinerary of nearly every traveler to Thailand. The country excels in this regard.

With over 1500 miles of coastline and 1430 islands, there exists a plethora of idyllic beaches. Moreover, once you tire of basking in the sun, many of these sandy stretches offer adventure activities such as snorkeling, diving, or rock climbing, in addition to acclaimed Thai cuisine and rich cultural experiences.

In summary, the options can seem overwhelming. To assist you in your decision-making, we have compiled a list of Thailand’s premier beaches. This selection encompasses a variety of coastal regions, showcasing both well-known destinations and more secluded locales that require a bit more effort to reach.

1. Railay, Krabi Province

With an almost theatrical backdrop of steep, towering karst cliffs, Railay, situated in Krabi Province, presents one of the most striking settings of any beach in Thailand. These cliffs, in conjunction with the karst formations rising from the sea, are ideal for rock climbing, with numerous established routes available. Alternatively, if an active pursuit does not appeal to you, consider hiking to Railay’s lagoon, which offers stunning views over the peninsula. Railay also serves as a convenient departure point for boat excursions to ocean-based climbing areas or hidden beaches and snorkeling sites within Phang-Nga Bay.

Planning tip: Railay, while not an island, is only accessible by boat from Ao Nang, Ko Phi-Phi, Krabi, or Ao Nam Mao due to the surrounding cliffs.

2. Tubtim Bay, Ko Samet, Rayong Province

Sometimes regarded merely as a convenient island getaway from Bangkok, Ko Samet is undeniably a stunning destination. Its sand is so remarkably fine and white that it has been celebrated in Thai literature. Tubtim Bay, located on the island’s east shore, strikes an excellent balance between quality accommodation, reputable dining options, and a pristine beach while providing access to some lesser-known coves.

Local tip: Ko Samet attracts a more domestic crowd than international tourists, offering a unique cultural experience with many Thai university students and members of the local LGBTIQ+ community. A quintessential experience on Ko Samet includes a beachside acoustic guitar session accompanied by a bottle of Sang Som.

3. Ko Kut, Trat Province

While many visitors seeking a Thai beach often overlook the eastern region, those who venture there are rewarded with some of the country’s most beautiful and less-visited islands. Located at the edge of the Gulf of Thailand, directly across from Cambodia, Ko Kut represents the most remote of a small archipelago, which includes the more renowned Ko Chang. The beaches, particularly those on the island’s west coast, such as Hat Khlong Chao, feature exceptionally fine sand resembling talcum powder and are adorned with more palm trees than resorts. As Thailand’s fourth-largest island, there are ample opportunities for exploration along both the coastline and inland, which includes waterfalls and hiking trails.

Planning tip: Access to Ko Kut is facilitated via Laem Sok in Trat Province. If your travel plans include Cambodia, a border crossing at Hat Lek is feasible.

4. Surin Islands Marine National Park, Phang Nga Province

This archipelago, comprising five islands, is among Thailand’s foremost diving destinations. Nonetheless, above the water, it showcases pristine white sand, jade and turquoise waters, rocky outcroppings, rugged jungle, and an abundance of wildlife. Ko Surin Nuea, which contains the island’s sole lodging and dining facility, is an ideal vantage point to appreciate this natural wonder. Furthermore, Ko Surin Tai is inhabited by a relocated community of Moken, also known as Sea Gypsies, who traditionally lived predominantly at sea prior to the 2004 tsunami.

Planning tip: Overnight accommodations are exclusively available through national park facilities on Ko Surin Nuea. Reservations for rooms or tents can be made via the DNP’s official online portal once in Thailand or through agents based in Khuraburi who also manage transportation to and from the islands.

5. Maya Bay, Krabi Province

Maya Bay, located on an island that is part of the Hat Noppharat Tara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, is renowned as one of Thailand’s most breathtaking beaches. Its fine white sand, crystal clear waters, and palm trees epitomize perfection, leading to its feature in the 2000 film The Beach. Unfortunately, this fame resulted in overwhelming foot traffic that jeopardized its integrity.

Consequently, in 2018, Thai authorities opted to close Maya Bay. Following a substantial clean-up initiative and a recuperation period for the ecosystem, it reopened in 2022 with stringent visitor regulations concerning numbers, visit duration (one hour), prohibitions on swimming, and rigorous sustainability objectives.

Planning tip: Access to Maya Bay via speedboats from Krabi, Ko Phi-Phi Don, and Ko Lanta is generally restricted between August and October, and overnight stays are not permitted at any time throughout the year.

6. Ao Khanom, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

For pristine, relatively undiscovered sandy stretches largely untouched by mass tourism, travel to Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, reachable by a 12-hour bus, 15-hour train ride (or a one-hour flight) from Bangkok. The northern region of the province features Ao Khanom, a picturesque tropical bay where encounters with local fishers and their vibrantly colored boats are more common than with large crowds. If fortunate, visitors may spot the region’s adorable pink dolphins.

Local tip: Consider a side trip just south to Sichon District, where the Buddhist temple Wat Chedi is affectionately termed Thailand’s Chicken Temple. Devotees leave cement roosters as offerings, resulting in a sight of tens of thousands of these, including some larger than a long-tailed boat, at an adjacent chicken cemetery.

7. Sunset Beach, Ko Kradan, Trang Province

Trang Province is home to some of Thailand’s most impressive coastal landscapes. However, these areas remain relatively less frequented by tourists. Among them, Ko Kradan stands out as an idyllic island characterized by its exquisite, silky white sand beaches that engulf a lush, tropical interior. Development on the island is limited, yet for those seeking solitude, Sunset Beach offers a small, rocky, and secluded retreat on the island’s western shore.

Planning tip: Trang, the landlocked provincial capital and your probable gateway to the island, also ranks among Thailand’s premier culinary destinations. Allocate a night here to take full advantage of the city’s outstanding dim sum halls, noodle shops, and markets.

8. Bottle Beach, Ko Pha-Ngan, Surat Thani Province

Ko Pha-Ngan has attracted backpackers with its laid-back charm since the 1970s. Currently, the renowned Full Moon parties serve as the island’s main draw, but for those uninterested in nightlife, numerous tranquil beach options are available. Hat Khuat, known as Bottle Beach and situated on the northern coast, boasts a paradisiacal stretch of white sand bordered by verdant hills and vibrant turquoise waters. Once you have had your fill of sunbathing, activities such as swimming, snorkeling, or embarking on a day hike to nearby fishing villages await.

Planning tip: The most serene months on Ko Pha-Ngan are from April to June.

9. Nui Beach, Phuket

Prominent beaches in Phuket, such as Patong and Kamala, tend to dominate the conversation, consequently attracting significant crowds. For a more tranquil experience, explore this semi-hidden beach situated on the island’s southern coastline. Accessed by a two-mile hike down a steep incline (or a brief yet bumpy ride in the back of a truck), Nui Beach features a charming cove surrounded by palm trees and sizable boulders. The beach offers a handful of low-key bars and restaurants, ensuring visitors can enjoy the ambiance without feeling overwhelmed.

Local tip: Nui Beach has transitioned into a photographic hotspot, equipped with swings, frames, and picturesque seating arranged around the beach’s perimeter for that perfect capture.

10. Ko Lipe, Satun Province

Among the Thai populace, Ko Lipe has become the favored island retreat over the years, likely due to its remoteness and access to some of the region’s finest diving spots. While certain undesirable developments have occurred inland, the island’s two main beaches, Sunset Beach and Sunrise Beach, retain their allure: pristine white sands forming crescent shapes bordered by lush hills, with access to nearby protected reefs.

Planning tip: Ko Lipe is typically accessible only from mid-October to mid-May via boat transport to and from Pak Bara in Satun. If you wish to expand your exploration beyond Thailand, ferry services connect Ko Lipe to Pulau Langkawi in Malaysia.

This article was first published on February 10, 2012, and has been updated on November 18, 2023.