Best Beaches in Thailand
SRC:https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-beaches-in-thailand/ Thailand Best Beaches
Belongs on List?
Yes
No
Phuket
#1 in Best Beaches in Thailand
Thailand’s largest island appeals to a wide range of beach lovers. When you’re not surfing, snorkeling or enjoying the sunset at family-friendly Kata Beach, consider heading to Patong for luxurious accommodations and first-rate nightlife. A popular tourist destination, Patong attracts a lively crowd with its thrilling water sports and ample people-watching opportunities. For a quieter atmosphere full of untouched natural beauty, set your sights on Kata Noi Beach, Nai Harn Beach or Freedom Beach. Keep in mind that monsoon season runs from May to October, so plan on visiting between November and April for the best beach weather.
Read More
Best Hotels | Flights | Things to Do
Belongs on List?
Yes
No
Railay Beach
#2 in Best Beaches in Thailand
Isolated from Thailand’s mainland by massive limestone cliffs, Railay’s coastline can only be reached via the Andaman Sea. But for visitors willing to make the trip, a brief long-tail boat ride from nearby Ao Nang will reveal thick mangrove forests, turquoise waters and white sand beaches perfect for lounging in the sun. For exclusive resorts and some of the best swimming on the peninsula, venture to Railay West Beach or Phra Nang Beach. Meanwhile, affordable accommodations abound at Tonsai Beach, a rock climber’s paradise, and Railay East Beach, the best place on the island to watch the sunrise.
Belongs on List?
Yes
No
Ko Samui
#3 in Best Beaches in Thailand
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful weekend in a private beachside bungalow or looking to party until the sun comes up, Ko Samui has you covered. Head to Chaweng Beach for vibrant nightlife or go for a swim at Lamai Beach. While both shores offer thrilling water sports, ample accommodations and top-notch amenities (including relaxing massages on the beach), Lamai is more family-friendly. If rest and relaxation is your goal, consider laying down your towel at Silver Beach or Maenam Beach. Calmer and more private than their boisterous neighbors, these tranquil stretches of sand are best for swimming, snorkeling and sea kayaking.
Flights
Belongs on List?
Yes
No
Phi Phi Islands
#4 in Best Beaches in Thailand
This archipelago of six islands in the Andaman Sea is overflowing with beautiful beaches. Long Beach, Monkey Beach and Laem Tong Beach are top-notch shores for snorkeling and scuba diving, but fans of the Leonardo DiCaprio film “The Beach” can’t miss a boat tour of Maya Bay, the pristine stretch of coast featured in the movie. Visit Loh Dalum Bay for optimal kayaking conditions and convenient amenities, or unwind on Bamboo Island. While the islands of Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh attract the most fanfare, nothing beats camping under the stars on secluded Bamboo Island.
Belongs on List?
Yes
No
Ko Tao
#5 in Best Beaches in Thailand
Ko Tao, or “Turtle Island,” is best known as a world-class snorkeling and diving destination. Surrounded by the Gulf of Thailand, this tiny island is home to vibrant coral reefs, colorful marine life and picturesque white sand beaches. Budget-conscious travelers will find affordable accommodations along Sairee Beach, which come nightfall, will light up with beach bars, restaurants and fire dancers. Other top-notch shores include Tanote Bay, which boasts excellent cliff jumping, and Ko Nang Yuan, three nearby islands that offer fantastic scuba diving opportunities. A boat service from Ko Tao will drop off visitors interested in a daytrip.
Belongs on List?
Yes
No
Ko Phangan
#6 in Best Beaches in Thailand
Infamous for its monthly full moon parties, Haad Rin Beach on Ko Phangan’s southern shore is synonymous with music, dancing and all-night beach raves. Backed by lush tropical rainforest, Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai are ideal spots to watch the sunrise, and Hat Than Sadet’s shady coconut trees offer respite on a sunny day. Meanwhile, Haad Khuat (also known as Bottle Beach) is a tranquil cove best for swimming and snorkeling.
Belongs on List?
Yes
No
Ko Lanta
#7 in Best Beaches in Thailand
Less commercialized than some of Thailand’s other islands, Ko Lanta’s laid-back atmosphere and unspoiled beaches are a haven for relaxation-seeking visitors. Particularly esteemed for their gorgeous sunsets, Klong Dao Beach and Long Beach beckon photographers and romantics. Fringed by pine trees rather than palms, Long Beach is a popular choice among travelers thanks to its ideal swimming conditions, ample accommodations and lively nightlife. Other top-notch shores include Kantiang Bay, which offers a small reef for snorkeling, and Hat Khlong Khong, a rocky beach with several eateries and inexpensive bungalows.
Belongs on List?
Yes
No
Ko Kood
#8 in Best Beaches in Thailand
Ko Kood’s luxurious resorts and undeveloped, isolated beaches have made it the getaway of choice for honeymooners and nature lovers. Excellent beaches include Ao Phrao Beach, Tapao Beach and Ao Noi, but Hat Khlong Chao is the island’s top shore. If you’re interested in swimming or snorkeling, consider Bang Bao Beach. Keep in mind, that while Ko Kood’s pristine beaches make an ideal backdrop for catching up on your reading or taking a leisurely sunset stroll, vacationers looking for lots of amenities and nightlife are better off heading to Phuket or Ko Samui.
Belongs on List?
Yes
No
Ko Lipe
#9 in Best Beaches in Thailand
Part of the Tarutao National Marine Park, Thailand’s southernmost island boasts crystal-clear waters and sugar sand beaches. Start your day at dawn when Sunrise Beach is at its most beautiful, then head to the popular Pattaya Beach for an afternoon of swimming and snorkeling. Brimming with boutiques, eateries and plenty of hotels, this south-facing shore makes a convenient home base for visitors. At dusk, retire to Sunset Beach to watch the horizon illuminated with vibrant shades of pink, red and orange. Ko Lipe’s smallest shore, this hippie paradise features cozy restaurants and small driftwood-built bars.
Belongs on List?
Yes
No
Ko Chang
#10 in Best Beaches in Thailand
Named after its elephant-shaped headland, Ko Chang or “Elephant Island,” is part of the Mu Ko Chang National Park. Head to White Sand Beach for lots of convenient amenities, or enjoy the nightlife at Lonely Beach (which, contrary to its name, is anything but deserted). Meanwhile, families will love beachcombing at low tide at Klong Prao Beach and Kai Bae Beach. Just remember that motorized water sports like Jet Skiing and parasailing aren’t allowed due to Ko Chang’s national park status, but snorkeling, kayaking and swimming are fair game.