If you’ve been drawn to Thailand by its postcard-perfect beaches, you’re not alone. The best beaches of Thailand, where emerald ocean laps at icing sugar sand, dramatic limestone sea stacks rise out of the water, and palms dance in a warm wind, are the stuff of dreams. While certain oceanside destinations have been made popular with their big-screen cameos, there are plenty of lesser-known spots that lend themselves to quiet, languid escapes in the sun.
We tapped our Southeast Asia destination experts at Extraordinary Journeys to highlight the best beaches to add to your Thailand travel plans. Once you’ve honed in on your top spots, whether that’s iconic Phuket on the Andaman Coast or smaller islands in the Gulf of Thailand, let our advisors plan a seamless and sun-drenched, toes-in-the-sand trip. Your biggest decision will be whether to sail, snorkel, or sip a cold Singha beer.
Thailand’s Best Beaches
Thailand’s Best Beaches on a Map
Andaman Coast Beaches
Islands such as Phuket, with its quintessential—and undeniably beautiful—tropical beach scenery, put the Andaman Coast on the map, and the region remains one of the most popular stops on Thailand travel itineraries. But the coast is popular for a reason, and there are also quieter, laid-back destinations to discover here far from the crowds.
Phuket
Thailand’s largest and arguably most popular island of Phuket has topped travelers’ wish lists for decades. With its platinum beaches and bright blue waters, there are plenty of quintessential coastal Thai landscapes to be found here. Sail out onto Phang Nga Bay on a long-tail boat, winding around craggy towering karsts and stopping at James Bond Island and Maya Bay, the latter of which played a supporting role in the 2000 film The Beach.
This is one of the country’s most developed beach destinations, so good food and lively nightlife are never far away. Take time to wander through Phuket Old Town, with its candy-colored Sino-Portuguese architecture, cafes, art shops, and buzzing eateries. At the end of a day on the water or exploring the town, retreat to a sophisticated suite or private pool villa at properties such as Trisara, Amanpuri, or The Surin.
Boasting a major international airport, it’s easy to get here from Bangkok, Siem Reap, and Ho Chi Minh City, and also makes a convenient last stop on a Thailand travel itinerary.
Khao Lak
Just an hour drive north of Phuket on the mainland, Khao Lak is a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. Known for its pristine white-sand beaches, this is a great spot for families and travelers looking to slow down for a few days. Khao Lak is also an ideal starting point for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts to make their way to the Surin and Similan Islands, where clear waters and technicolor reefs await.
Affordable yet refined accommodations such as Devasom Khao Lak and The Sarojin set the scene for a serene stay. And if you’re looking to pair your beach time with a land-based adventure, Khao Sok National Park is just 90 minutes inland. In the park, explore Cheow Lan Lake on a day trip or embark on a multi-day trek through the jungle.
Koh Yao Noi
When the mind’s eye summons visions of southern Thailand, Koh Yao Noi is the sun-drenched, saltwater daydream that’s conjured. Worlds away from the full moon parties and energetic streets of Phuket, Koh Yao Noi offers a tranquil, far less developed beach getaway than its bustling neighbors. Step back in time, traveling along forested country roads and villages where island life still feels distinctly local. What makes Koh Yao Noi even more appealing is that it’s still easy to reach, just an hour-long speedboat ride from Phuket or Krabi. When asked, Extraordinary Journeys destination experts admit Koh Yao Noi to be the best island in Thailand. And when it comes to where to stay, the answer is singular: the incomparable Six Senses Yao Noi.
An exclusive collection of private pool villas situated on the shores of Phang Nga Bay, Six Senses Yao Noi is a stunning retreat that embodies barefoot luxury. From the property, explore the bay’s iconic spots, including James Bond Island, as well as more secluded places like Pak Bia and Koh Hong. Koh Yao Noi also offers opportunities to connect with culture, such as during a private invitation into the home of a Thai granny-cook extraordinaire, where you’ll master the fundamentals of traditional southern Thai food in her modest home.
Krabi
When the Andaman Coast’s luminous turquoise waters and craggy karsts come to mind, there’s a good chance it’s Krabi province you’re envisioning. Known for its picturesque bays and emerald coastline carved with cliffs and caves, there’s plenty of dreamy scenery to discover here. Spend time on land and by the water, from the quieter beaches of Tubkaak (ideally, basing yourself in the sanctuary of the Ritz Carlton Phulay Bay) to the dramatic cliffs of Railay Bay, where you can check in at Rayavadee, nestled in lush forest on the shoreline.
Kayak through the mangroves of Ta Lane Nature Reserve, take a day trip by private long-tail boat to the famous Phi Phi Islands, or explore other gems like Hong, Poda, and Chicken Islands. For hikers, a trek up Dragon’s Crest (Ngon Nak Nature Trail) offers sweeping views of the region.
Koh Lanta
Although Koh Lanta has come a long way from its days as a secret backwater, it’s still managed to maintain an understated, authentic Thai island vibe. The island’s peaceful atmosphere is about 2.5 hours away off the coast of Krabi, but the journey is well worth it.
The destination is perfect for families seeking approachable yet beautiful accommodations, such as Pimalai Resort & Spa, a tranquil retreat overlooking the water, or travelers looking to get off the tourist trail. Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts will also love comparatively secluded Koh Lanta, with its long stretches of unspoiled beach and the vibrant nearby dive spots of Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, and Ko Haa.
Gulf of Thailand Beaches
If you’d prefer to hear only the sound of the warm wind rustling through palm trees as you enjoy a peaceful siesta on the sand, head to the Gulf of Thailand. Trade craggy limestone cliffs of the Andaman Coast for horizon-swallowing sea views on the islands of Koh Samui or lesser-visited Koh Kood. Pass slow, splendid days kayaking, snorkeling, trekking, or simply bronzing beneath the Thai sun with toes in the sand.
Koh Kood
The relatively undeveloped and quiet island of Koh Kood is all about rest and relaxation. The island’s pristine beaches are for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-track oceanside experience as part of their travel to Thailand. And even though it’s a bit more remote that doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style and luxury.
Decompress at Soneva Kiri, with the option to arrive by charter flight from Bangkok. Here, your beachfront or jungle villa is shaded by tropical gardens and a private pool, which sets the tone for a rejuvenating stay. Spend your days trekking to waterfalls, snorkeling, and tasting regional flavors—there’s even a treetop dining experience overlooking the ocean where dinner arrives on a zipline.
Koh Kood follows the same seasonal rhythm as the southwestern Andaman Coast, making it an ideal beach getaway if you’re visiting between November and April.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is Thailand’s second largest island, with its own airport that offers direct flights from Bangkok and Chiang Mai—but you’d never know it from the tranquil atmosphere. There are plenty of sophisticated hotels on the island too, including Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, which has nabbed the attention of set-jetting travelers eager to scope out the filming location of White Lotus season three. Take in the blue water of the Gulf of Siam from the hotel’s infinity pool, or head out on serene boat excursions and sunset cruises.
Embark on days trips to the neighboring islands of Koh Tao, which is known for its diving, and Koh Phangan, or hop in a kayak to explore the waterways in Ang Thong National Marine Park. Koh Samui is an excellent choice for a beach stay from May to August, when the Andaman Coast experiences its monsoon season.
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