The best beaches in Thailand

Do you dream of a tour to Thailand and experiencing some of the country’s unique beaches?

Thailand’s islands and coastlines all have some unique and picturesque beaches that are ideal for both relaxation and adventure. So whether you are looking for a completely undisturbed beach experience, or a more active holiday, the Thai beaches have something for you.

Read our guides to the best beaches in Thailand below

Kata Beach, Phuket

Located on the southwest coast of Phuket, Kata Beach is one of the most well-known beaches on the entire island. Actually, Kata Beach consists of two beaches: Kata Yai, the ‘big’ beach, and Kata Noi, the ‘little’ beach. Together, the two beaches make up 1.5 kilometres of golden sandy beach.

Kata Beach is a favourite among both families and couples, and it is known for its scenic surroundings. The beach is perfect for both swimming and sunbathing.

Between May and October, Kata Beach offers good waves for surfing, and there are surfing schools for both beginners and experienced surfers. During the remaining months of the year, the sea at Kata Beach is instead excellent for snorkelling.

Along the seafront, you will find a wide range of restaurants, cafés and shops offering local delicacies and souvenirs.

Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui

Chaweng Beach is Koh Samu’s most popular beach.

The beach has over seven kilometres of soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it ideal for both relaxation and water sports – for the more actively inclined.

During the day, visitors can, in fact, go kayaking, rent jet skis and play beach volleyball, while the evenings offer a festive atmosphere and entertainment.

With its many amenities and energetic vibe, Chaweng Beach is a popular beach for all ages.

Ao Nang Beach, Krabi

Ao Nang Beach in Krabi, located on the mainland of southwestern Thailand, is a popular destination known for its spectacular natural surroundings and convenient location close to both the city and airport.

The beach has fine, white sand and clear waters surrounded by large limestone cliffs.

Ao Nang Beach is a hub for activities such as island hopping, kayaking and scuba diving. It also boasts a plethora of restaurants, shops and bars along the seafront.

Kamala Beach, Phuket

Kamala Beach is a peaceful oasis on the west coast of Phuket. The beach especially attracts families and those looking for a slightly quieter beach holiday.

The beach is known for its soft, golden sand and beautiful waters, and it is particularly child-friendly during the high season between November and April, when the sea is calm and clear. There are also good opportunities for snorkelling, especially at the southern end of the beach.

One of the biggest attractions of Kamala Beach is the stunning sunset, which paints the sky in beautiful shades of orange and pink every evening. Along the seafront, you will find a good selection of restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy delicious Thai dishes.

Thong Nai Pan Beach, Koh Phangan

Thong Nai Pan Beach is a peaceful oasis in the northeastern part of the island of Koh Phangan.

Thong Nai Pan Beach actually consists of two beautiful beaches: Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai. These two bays offer white sand and crystal-clear waters surrounded by mountainous greenery, creating an idyllic setting for this paradise. And if you are an early riser, you can enjoy a truly unique sunrise over the sea.

Thong Nai Pan Noi (North) is the smaller of the two beaches and is known for its intimate atmosphere and luxurious resorts. Thong Nai Pan Yai (South) is larger and has a more relaxed atmosphere, cozy beach bars and restaurants where you can sample tasty Thai dishes.

Thong Nai Pan Beach welcomes visitors to some peaceful days at the beach with relaxation in the shade of the palm trees. Whether you are visiting the northern or southern part of the beach, you will find a perfect place to recharge your batteries and enjoy the unspoiled beauty that Koh Phangan has to offer.

Mae Nam Beach, Koh Samui

Mae Nam Beach on Koh Samui is a quiet paradise set in beautiful surroundings.

The beach is located on the northern coast of the island and stretches for several kilometres of fine, golden sand and clear, blue waters.

Mae Nam Beach is known for its laid-back vibe, where visitors can soak up the sun in a peaceful setting away from the more crowded areas, while the nearby beach bars and restaurants serve delicious local dishes and refreshing beverages.

Bo Phut Beach, Koh Samui

Bo Phut Beach on Koh Samui is a charming and peaceful beach.

The beach, which is located on the northern coast of Koh Samui, is known for its golden sand and calm waters, and offers perfect conditions for relaxing for a couple of days.

Bo Phut Beach also houses the famous Fisherman’s Village, where visitors can explore traditional Thai houses, charming cafés, and traditional markets. In the evening, the area is transformed into a lively pedestrian street with local food stalls and shops.

Bangsak Beach, Khao Lak, Phang Nga

Khao Lak is a village in the Phang Nga province, located about 100 km north of Phuket. Khao Lak consists of several interconnected beach areas that together make up this lovely, relaxing paradise.

For example, you can visit Bangsak Beach, which is beautifully flanked by lush, green rainforest on one side and the beautiful, calm waters on the other. Along the beach, you can also find good local seafood restaurants.

You can spend your days relaxing on the honey-coloured sandy beaches, or you can explore the area and experience life below sea level. The area is, in fact, known for the nearby islands that have perfect conditions for snorkelling. Some of the most prominent islands are the Similan and Surin Islands, which offer some of Thailand’s best underwater experiences.

Phra Nang Beach, Krabi

If you want a completely unspoiled beach experience, you must visit Phra Nang Beach.

The beach is located on the mainland in the Krabi province, but it is not as frequented as the larger, more popular beaches. It can only be accessed by boat or via a walk from Railay East Beach, which is located about a kilometre away.

At Phra Nang Beach, you can experience the Princess Cave or the lesser-known bat cave, both located on the beach. Here you can explore the caves, which the local fishermen regard as a holy place, where sacrifices have previously been made in the belief that it would yield a good catch.

Relax Beach, Koh Lanta Yai

The island of Koh Lanta is the largest island in the Krabi province and covers an area of just over 80 km2. Despite its modest size, however, the island is packed with beautiful beaches. One of the best is Relax Beach.

Relax Beach fully lives up to its name and is a quiet paradise that makes the beach an obvious choice for those looking for a quiet escape from their everyday life at home.

The beach is part of Long Beach, which is Koh Lanta’s most famous beach, but it has a slightly remote location, which contributes to making Relax Beach a hidden gem. The beach offers golden sand and calm waters, and it is surrounded by palm trees providing natural shade.

Along the beach, you will also find some cozy restaurants where you can taste local delicacies and enjoy fresh coconuts. Relax Beach is relatively unknown, which means that there is plenty of space for enjoying the surrounding landscapes without many disturbances. The welcoming atmosphere and friendly locals make Relax Beach a great place to relax and recharge your batteries.

Mae Haad Beach, Koh Phangan

Mae Haad Beach on Koh Phangan is a true gem located on the northwest coast of the island – an ideal place for those looking for a peaceful beach experience. The beach stretches over 800 metres of soft, white sand and is surrounded by lush hills on one side and clear, turquoise blue sea on the other.

One of the things that makes Mae Haad Beach so special is the natural sand bank connecting the beach to the small rocky island of Koh Ma. At low tide, visitors can walk from the beach over to Koh Ma, where they can go snorkelling and explore underwater life.

Mae Haad Beach has a fine selection of beach bars and restaurants where you can buy refreshing beverages and local specialties while enjoying the beautiful views of the sea.

Pearl Beach, Koh Mook

Pearl Beach (Hao Laem) on Koh Mook, an island in the Trang province in southwestern Thailand, is a hidden gem that truly lives up to its name. The beach is known for its white sand and crystal-clear waters that sparkle like pearls in the sun.

Pearl Beach stretches out onto a narrow peninsula with chalk-white sand and clear waters on both sides, shimmering between green, turquoise and blue depending on which side you look at. With its peaceful atmosphere and scenic surroundings, Pearl Beach is the perfect place to spend some days relaxing in the sun and enjoying Thailand’s beautiful scenery.

For adventurous travellers, we recommend heading to the west coast of Koh Mook to visit one of the island’s most unique attractions: the Emerald Cave. The Emerald Cave is a lagoon that can only be reached by swimming through a dark tunnel. Once you arrive, you will be on a hidden beach surrounded by high rock walls, where the sunlight makes the water glisten in emerald green shades.

Ao Prao Beach, Koh Samet

Ao Prao Beach is located on the island of Koh Samet off the coast of the eastern province of Rayong. Koh Samet is relatively close to Bangkok, and it is therefore an obvious refuge from the busy atmosphere of the city.

The sandy beach is surrounded by palm trees, making it a perfect place to experience idyllic Thailand.

The shallow, warm waters and the many fish in the area make Ao Prao Beach one of the best places on the island if you want to go snorkelling during your stay.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller