Top 25 Stunning Beaches in Thailand You Must Visit

Travelers globally are drawn to Thailand for its extensive coastal offerings, featuring over 2,000 miles of coastline and around 8,000 islands, many of which boast exquisite white sands, inviting warm waters, and stunning landscapes.

Certain islands, such as Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, showcase multiple beaches that are included in the top rankings. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preferences, which is why I have selected my favorites.

1. Railay Beach, Krabi

Railay Beach, located in Krabi, is enveloped by the Andaman Sea and can only be reached by boat. It is bordered by dramatic limestone cliffs that isolate this area from the outside world. The beach offers a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere, remaining relatively uncrowded as access requires renting a long-tail boat accompanied by a guide. Overnight accommodations are available, allowing visitors to enjoy the pristine sands throughout the day and unwind in a serene bar during the evening.

2. Ton Sai Beach, Krabi

Ton Sai Beach, also in Krabi, is an appealing option for budget-conscious travelers, featuring a beautiful sandy beach surrounded by affordable accommodations and excellent rock climbing opportunities. You can reach this beach either by a quick five-minute ride in a long-tail boat from Railay Beach or via a challenging one-and-a-half-hour trek through the rainforest from Ao Nang. Due to the relative difficulty of access, visitor numbers remain low, leading to a more peaceful experience away from the crowds.

3. Phra Nang Beach, Krabi

Phra Nang Beach has recently been recognized among the top ten beaches in the world. Accessible via long-tail boat from Ao Nang, the short 20-minute journey is well worth the wait. The beach features pristine white sand along its entire length and towering cliffs at both ends, enhancing its scenic beauty. Despite its popularity, the area maintains a non-touristy feel as it remains inaccessible by road. A few food and drink stalls are available to ensure visitors do not go hungry or thirsty.

4. Mai Khao Beach, Phuket

Mai Khao Beach in Phuket extends for 11 kilometers and is part of Sirinat National Park. The beach area is largely undeveloped apart from a few major hotel chains, allowing guests to walk or jog for extensive distances without encountering many people. The beach’s name translates to ‘white wood,’ reflecting the coarseness of the sand. This untouched, natural environment makes it an exceptional destination for those seeking a tranquil beachfront experience.

5. Karon Beach, Phuket

Karon Beach, situated in Phuket, is the third longest beach on the island and the second most popular among tourists. Located on the west coast, the beach is characterized by its golden sands and strikingly clear waters. The expansive shoreline offers ample space for visitors, minimizing the likelihood of feeling overwhelmed by crowds. Options for snorkeling and diving are available, along with a plethora of activities around the beach, including Karon Center, which features numerous dining and entertainment options alongside a beautiful Buddhist temple.

6. Kata Beach, Phuket

Located just a few minutes from Karon Beach, Kata Beach features white sands and clear waters, further explaining its inclusion on this list. Palm trees line the beach, providing shade that appeals to families. The beach also boasts a variety of excellent dining establishments and a lively nightlife, although it is less focused on party atmospheres, making Karon Beach a preferable choice for those seeking more energetic nightlife.

7. Kantiang Beach, Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is home to numerous remarkable beaches, yet Kantiang Beach stands out for its beauty. Located within a national park, this secluded beach often welcomes only a handful of tourists at a time. It features soft golden sands and stunning turquoise waters. Adjacent to the beach lies a small cliff with an abandoned lighthouse perched atop, which you can climb for panoramic views of the national park and beach below. While monkeys inhabit the national park, they rarely venture onto the beach itself. Note that access to the beach is via walking paths through the national park, as no direct road leads there.

8. Long Beach, Koh Lanta

Known locally as Phra Ae, Long Beach on Koh Lanta features a lengthy stretch of white sand with crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming. Positioned at the northern end of the island, it is one of the more developed areas for accommodations. Various bungalow resorts offer proximity to the beach, enabling easy access from your room to the sea within minutes. The beach also hosts numerous dining options serving cocktails and grilled fish and meats. Additionally, fire shows occasionally entertain the guests in the evening. Despite its popularity, the beach maintains a relaxed atmosphere with ample space for sunbathing.

9. Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi

Maya Bay gained global fame after being featured in the film ‘The Beach’ in 1999, and its allure has not diminished since. The beach boasts exceptionally soft sand, vibrant coral reefs, crystal-clear water, and diverse marine life—words cannot adequately describe this paradise. The bay, sheltered by cliffs on three sides, offers the best visiting conditions between November and April to avoid the unpredictable weather that can occur in this region. However, the multitude of daily visitors has begun to affect the beach’s pristine condition, making it less idyllic than it once was.

10. Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui

Chaweng Beach represents the vibrant heart of Koh Samui, being the largest and most sought-after town on the island, known for its stunning beach. This area also features lively nightlife, with numerous bars and restaurants offering diverse entertainment options. The Chaweng strip, which runs alongside the beach for three kilometers, is lined with various dining and entertainment establishments competing for attention, resulting in relatively affordable prices. For a more tranquil experience, beachside bars provide a quieter ambiance with beautiful views of the ocean and refreshing breezes, ideal for unwinding after a long day.

11. Mae Nam Beach, Koh Samui

Mae Nam Beach is characterized by its tranquility and remains less developed compared to other areas of Koh Samui. Spanning approximately seven kilometers, the beach features numerous palm trees at the shore’s edge, marking the transition from sand to land. This beach is particularly popular with backpackers and budget travelers, offering an untouched atmosphere with fewer vendors and dining options compared to busier locations. Nevertheless, a selection of bars and restaurants remain open until around 11:00 PM, catering to those who prefer a more relaxed pace away from bustling towns.

12. Choeng Mon Beach, Koh Samui

Choeng Mon Beach consists of a series of coves, each featuring beautiful white sandy beaches. Located approximately fifteen minutes from Chaweng and five minutes from Big Buddha, these picturesque beaches offer relative tranquility as songthaews infrequently visit this area. Visitors can engage in various water sports, with options to rent kayaks and partake in swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving activities.

13. Thongtakian Beach, Koh Samui

Commonly referred to as ‘Silver Beach,’ Thongtakian Beach is among the most stunning coastal destinations on Koh Samui. Although it is relatively small, it remains entirely unspoiled. With soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters, it quickly captivates visitors. Surrounded by hills, picturesque rock formations, and a few coconut trees, the beach is complemented by several nearby resorts and restaurants where guests can enjoy light meals and beverages. This natural and beautiful beach is a must-visit for anyone exploring Koh Samui.

14. Haad Rin, Koh Phangan

Globally renowned for its legendary full moon parties, Koh Phangan’s Haad Rin Beach is where these festivities originated. With 30,000 attendees drawn to each party, the opportunity for a peaceful day on the beach has become increasingly rare. Given the success of the full moon events, half-moon and quarter-moon parties have emerged, establishing this area as the party capital of the island. These celebrations can last for several days and often involve bucket drinks and fire performances.

15. Haad Yao, Koh Phangan

Revered by many as the ‘perfect beach,’ Haad Yao showcases stunning white sands that gently slope towards the clear, warm waters, which are ideal for swimming. The coral reef, located approximately 400 meters offshore, presents excellent snorkeling opportunities to explore the vibrant marine life. Various scuba diving schools on the island also take divers to this site. One side of the beach is adorned with numerous palm trees, enhancing its postcard-perfect charm and providing a true sense of paradise.

16. Bottle Beach, Koh Phangan

Bottle Beach is located on the opposite end of the island from the bustling full-moon parties. Nestled within its own cove, the beach hosts only a few bungalows, creating a secluded atmosphere. Frequently described as a ‘hippie beach,’ the few visitors who venture here tend to embody a laid-back vibe. A couple of restaurants serving freshly caught fish and authentic southern Thai cuisine at reasonable prices can be found nearby. The most efficient means of reaching the beach is via long-tail boat from Chaloklum, or alternatively, you can hike through the jungle along a designated trail.

17. Haad Salad, Koh Phangan

Haad Salad Beach carries a historic background; its name translates to ‘pirate beach’ due to its sheltered cove with shallow waters, which prevented the Thai Navy from accessing it, creating a perfect hiding spot for smugglers long ago. Nowadays, it is a sought-after location for travelers who enjoy its pristine white sand and crystal-blue waters. The beach spans approximately 600 meters and contains some coral, so swimming is best at high tide to avoid potential injuries.

18. Thong Nai Pan Noi, Koh Phangan

Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai form a stunning double bay. Thong Nai Pan Noi is the busier of the two, featuring clear waters and no coral, allowing for excellent swimming conditions. This beach also possesses a legendary status among visitors due to its laid-back vibe, with numerous bars playing nostalgic music and showcasing various reggae-themed venues. Several tattoo shops are also present, with some offering traditional bamboo tattooing techniques.

19. Hat Sai Kaew, Koh Samet

Also referred to as Diamond Beach, Hat Sai Kaew is the most sought-after and longest beach on Koh Samet, although it measures only 780 meters in length. The beach features nearly snow-white sand and a turquoise-green sea. Visitors can partake in various activities, including windsurfing, jet skiing, banana boating, and snorkeling. The beachfront offers a good variety of dining options and bars serving refreshing juices, cocktails, and traditional Thai cuisine.

20. Ao Prao Beach, Koh Samet

While only 200 meters long, Ao Prao Beach is celebrated for its breathtaking sunsets, often regarded as some of the finest in the world. Visitors can savor the experience as they unwind to soothing music at nearby bars, gazing at the stars that populate the evening sky.

21. White Sand Beach, Koh Chang

This wide beach is an ideal location for those interested in engaging in sports activities, and with its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, it also provides an idyllic spot to relax while sunbathing. Located within the island’s national park, it effectively minimizes the presence of water sports vendors attempting to offer overpriced rentals such as jet skis and banana boats. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon to encounter local vendors strolling along the beach, and if you choose to purchase any items, be sure to negotiate prices, as they tend to be inflated.

22. Cha-Am Beach, Petchburi

Located along the Gulf of Thailand, Cha Am Beach features a lengthy stretch of pristine sand, offering numerous activities for those seeking more than just sunbathing. From pony riding to water skiing, banana boat rides, parasailing, and windsurfing, there is no shortage of options to keep visitors entertained. The expansive beach also contains quieter spots where individuals can retreat with a good book or enjoy a traditional Thai massage while relaxing under an umbrella. For those seeking shade, various areas with clusters of trees are available.

23. Hua Hin Beach, Hua Hin

Spanning several kilometers, Hua Hin Beach has been designed with families in mind. Unique among many beaches, it features ample parking and accessibility to the shoreline has been streamlined. The water is shallow near the entrance, making it one of the safer beaches for swimming; however, it is essential to remain cautious of some sharp sea shells located near the main entrance. Due to its popularity, numerous vendors are present selling food and beverages, along with abundant bars and restaurants along the main road.

24. Hat Suan Son Beach, Rayong

Hat Suan Son Beach is lined with thousands of palm trees, making it a fantastic choice for families as it offers several shaded areas. Visitors can enjoy relaxation on the white sandy beach alongside clear waters, conducive for picnics or meals from nearby stalls and restaurants. This beach is especially popular among locals from Bangkok, who frequently visit on weekends due to its convenient location.

25. Sairee Beach, Koh Tao

Sairee Beach is the longest beach on the island of Koh Tao, stretching about a mile and attracting the highest number of visitors. With exceptionally soft white sand, the beach features a gentle curve towards the west. The ambience is serene, as motorboats are scarce, and only a few long-tail boats occasionally arrive with fishermen or travelers. Surrounding the beach are lush green hills and plentiful coconut trees.