13 Best Beaches in Thailand
SRC:https://www.hotels.com/go/thailand/best-thailand-beaches?pos=HCOM_EMEA&locale=en_IE Thailand Best Beaches
Thailand is undoubtedly one of the best beach destinations in the world, thanks to the gorgeous tropical islands in the south of the country, in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Practically the definition of the typical tropical paradise, their soft white sands, clear and calm seas, nodding palms and cooling sea breezes are on almost everyone’s bucket lists.
We’ve taken on the challenging task of picking out the best beaches in Thailand. Check out our list below for the absolute must-see shorelines in the Land of Smiles.
Donald Duck Bay
Similan Islands
Photo
Donald Duck Bay takes its name from the iconic shape of the rocks overlooking the small bay. It’s the best beach in a small island chain of perfect beaches – the Similans. Part of a national park, the breathtaking natural beauty of this spot is well protected and preserved. There’s quite a lot of coral growing close to the shore so wading out can be a slow experience, but the snorkelling is fantastic.
Kata Beach
Phuket
Families
Adventure
Budget
Couples
Photo
Phuket’s Kata Beach is big enough that its popularity doesn’t make it overcrowded. You have luxurious hotels at one end and traditional long-tail boats at the other, with a tree-lined road separating the beautiful soft sand from a fun nightlife and great restaurants.
See also
6 Best Restaurants in Sukhumvit
Thailand
5 Great Restaurants in Surin Beach
Thailand
9 Crazy Ideas for a Bangkok Bachelor Party
Thailand
Railay Beach
Krabi
Families
Adventure
Couples
Photo
Railay is actually a peninsula with 4 first-rate beaches to choose from. Among them, Phra Nang Beach takes the crown as the best for its pristine sands, striking rocks and interesting caves, as well as the novelty of noodles served from beached long-tail boats.
Thong Nai Pan Noi & Yai Beaches
Koh Phangan
Families
Budget
Couples
Photo
While there’s no doubting that Haad Rin is the best-known beach on Koh Phangan (because of the Full Moon Parties), it’s not the most beautiful on the island. That title belongs to the much quieter but much more amazing Thong Nai Pan beaches (big and small), on the northern side of Koh Phangan.
Lamai Beach
Koh Samui
Families
Budget
Couples
Photo
Lamai is the best beach on Koh Samui because of its good choice of restaurants, bars, beachfront hotels, and for the iconic Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks at the southern end. It’s slightly more laidback than the more famous and slightly longer Chaweng Beach.
Buffalo Bay
Koh Phayam
Families
Budget
Couples
Photo
Koh Phayam is a quiet and peaceful retreat near Koh Chang in Ranong Province. Of its 2 main beaches, Buffalo Bay is the quieter, but also has more varied attractions, including a mangrove forest in the river and a small sea gipsy settlement at the southern end.
White Sand Beach
Koh Chang
Families
Budget
Couples
Photo
Koh Chang’s White Sand Beach is a must-visit if you’re looking for soft white sand during your holiday in Thailand. The beach also has a tropical island idyll created by the gentle crystal-clear waves and nodding palm trees.
Laem Thong Beach
Phi Phi Islands
Families
Adventure
Budget
Couples
Photo
Laem Thong Beach (Golden Bay) certainly takes the top prize for the most beautiful beach in the Phi Phi Islands. It’s relatively close to Bamboo Island, with stunning coral reefs to explore just off the pristine white sandy shore.
Koh Nang Yuan
Koh Tao
Families
Couples
Photo
Just off the northwest coast of Koh Tao, Koh Nang Yuan is actually 3 tiny islands connected by a sandy bridge of beautiful beach. While it is something of a victim of its popularity, it remains a beautiful and must-see spot in Thailand.
Klong Dao Beach
Koh Lanta
Families
Budget
Couples
Photo
Klong Dao Beach is known throughout Thailand for its striking sunsets. Despite being Koh Lanta’s most popular beach, it still has a quiet, natural atmosphere. Add powdery white sand and you have a really outstanding place to unwind.
Pattaya Beach
Koh Lipe
Families
Budget
Couples
Photo
Koh Lipe’s Pattaya Beach spans 1.5 km of exquisite white sand and clear water. The quieter Sunrise and Sunset beaches are both just a short walk away from this beach.
Nang Thong Beach
Khao Lak
Families
Budget
Couples
Photo
All of Khao Lak’s beaches are fantastic, with great sand, beautiful seas and peaceful seclusion. However, Nang Thong is the region’s best thanks to its very stunning setting, which is surrounded by jungle-covered hills. There’s also a good choice of bars, restaurants and shops in nearby La On Village.
Sai Kaew Beach
Koh Samet
Families
Budget
Couples
Photo
While saying that Sai Kaew Beach is the most developed on the island might seem off-putting, Koh Samet is actually a Thai island with next to no tarmac roads. In this case, “developed” just means that it has a few restaurants and nightlife spots on its otherwise pristinely white sands.
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.
Start planning your trip
Related stories
6 Best Restaurants in Sukhumvit
Thailand
5 Great Restaurants in Surin Beach
Thailand
9 Crazy Ideas for a Bangkok Bachelor Party
Thailand
4 Best Things to Do After Dinner on Soi Bar Solo
Thailand
10 Great Restaurants in Chiang Mai
Thailand
Beach Republic in Koh Samui
Thailand
16 Best Things to Do in Lamai
Thailand
10 Best Beach Clubs in Phuket
Thailand
Keep exploring
Thailand
Ayutthaya
Bangkok
Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai
Hua Hin
Kanchanaburi
Khao Lak
Ko Chang
Ko Lanta
Ko Pha-ngan
Ko Phi Phi
Koh Samui
Koh Tao
Krabi
Pai
Pattaya (and vicinity)
Phuket Province
Sukhothai
Trang
Udon Thani
Phang Nga
Satun
Asia
Cambodia
China
Hong Kong SAR
Indonesia
Japan
Laos
Malaysia
Philippines
Singapore
South Korea
Taiwan
Thailand
Vietnam
Africa
Australia – New Zealand and the South Pacific
Caribbean
Europe
Mexico and Central America
Middle East
North America
South America
Attractions and experiences recommended in our guides may be affected. Please check local guidance before you travel.
Maps
Choose one of the following to unlock Secret Prices and pay less on selected properties.
Sign up for our latest offers
Hotels.com app
Download the app and book on the go
Hotels.com® Rewards
Join now! Collect 10 stamps, get 1 reward* night
Top destinations
Hotels in Las Vegas
Hotels in New York
Hotels in Chicago
Hotels in Orlando
Hotels in New Orleans
Hotels in San Diego
Hotels in Nashville
Hotels in San Francisco
Hotels in Los Angeles
Hotels in Miami
Hotels in Paris
Hotels in Denver
Hotels in Washington
Hotels in Austin
Hotels in Atlanta
Hotels in San Antonio
Hotels in Boston
Hotels in Atlantic City
Hotels in Key West
Hotels in London
Hotels in Virginia Beach
Hotels in Seattle
Hotels in Anaheim
Hotels in Dallas
Top Countries & Regions
Hotels in Aruba
Hotels in Turks and Caicos
Hotels in Singapore
Hotels in Maldives
Hotels in Bermuda
Hotels in Malta
Hotels in Jersey Shore
Hotels in Maui
Hotels in Puerto Rico Island
Hotels in Kauai
Hotels in Oahu
Hotels in Cape Cod
Support & FAQs
Trips
FAQs
Contact us
Website feedback
Review a property
For suppliers, affiliates and the media
Affiliate with us
Expedia Partner Solutions
Promote with us
Travel agents
User terms & Privacy
Terms & Conditions
Privacy
Cookies
Legal Information
Website feedback
About us
List your property
Careers
Travel Guides
Site index
* Some hotels require you to cancel more than 24 hours before check-in. Details on site.
© 2022 Hotels.com is an Expedia Group company. All rights reserved.
Hotels.com and the Hotels.com logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Hotels.com, LP in the United States and/ or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.