Thailand is a country that many people dream of visiting. And, with good reason! The beaches of Thailand are some of the most beautiful in the world.
It is a country full of natural beauty and charm, with some areas just too incredible to describe. Thailand has beaches that span for miles, beautiful coral reefs, and exotic islands.
In fact, you’ll find any season is the best time to visit Thailand. Whether you’re looking for a secluded beach or an active beach, you’ll have no problem finding what you’re looking for in Thailand.
Here are some of the best beaches of Thailand you can visit while you’re there.
Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is a small island in Thailand that has beautiful beaches and plenty of tourist attractions. It can be challenging to get there, but once you’re on the island, it’s worth it.
The best time to visit Thailand’s Koh Phi Phi would be between November and April since they are drier than usual during these months, which makes them a little warmer.
Mae Haad Beach is where the pier and most of their food carts are located, so that’s usually your first stop when you get to Phi Phi island.
There are plenty of restaurants on this beach and bars, making it a good place for daytime activities before heading over to Maya Bay or Kho Puu.
As one of the most famous beaches in Thailand, Koh Phi Phi has long white sand and turquoise water. The island is also home to limestone hills and a lagoon, which are perfect for snorkeling.
Kata Noi Beach
Kata Noi Beach is a beautiful beach on the east coast of Phuket, just south of Karon Beach. It is about 30 kilometers from Phi Phi Island and in between Kata and Patong Bay. The bay has clear water that’s shallow for quite some distance out to sea, making it an ideal place for swimming or getting your feet wet during low tides.
Kata Noi Beach is a small, secluded beach popular with travelers looking for peace on Phuket island. You have to drive south from Karon Beach about 6 kilometers before you find this little gem tucked away between two other beaches— Kata Beach to the north and Nai Harn Beach to the south.
Railay Beach
Railay Beach is one of the best beaches in Thailand. The beach is situated on a limestone peninsula that juts out into Krabi’s Andaman Sea, giving it plenty of seclusion from other tourists nearby. The water here is crystal clear, and you can swim right up to the cliffs that surround it. There are also plenty of great places for sunbathing, snorkeling, diving, or kayaking on these stunning shores.
It’s a good idea to take your own towel, food, and water as there are limited facilities on the island. It’s possible to stay in one of Railay Beach’s five resorts or rent a hut near the beach for around 500 baht ($17) per night, but this is pricey considering you can find cheaper accommodation elsewhere in Thailand. If you want to experience different beaches of Thailand from this one, it’s recommended you take a day trip.
Ao Nang Beach
Ao Nang Beach is best known for its fantastic white sand, blue waters, and tropical climate. The town itself has plenty to offer – fine dining, shopping, boutique hotels, and accommodations, along with various water sports activities like jet-skiing, snorkeling, and kayaking.
It is known for its coral reefs and great snorkeling spots and quickly becomes the number one destination for scuba diving in Thailand.
Koh Lanta Yai Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand is Koh Lanta Yai Beach. The water temperature here hovers around 27°C, and its crystal clear waters are great for snorkeling and scuba diving.
The sand on this beach is also excellent because it’s very fine and powdery with a smooth texture. All of these unique qualities make this beach one of the most beautiful in Thailand.
Bottle Beach
Located in Koh Phangan, Bottle Beach has a beautiful view of the surrounding islands and sea. It is one of the most popular beaches of Thailand because it offers plenty to see and do, including water sports like kayaking or banana boat rides.
One thing you may not know about this beach – which is actually an island surrounded by sandbanks requiring some effort to reach – is that it has a bunch of shops and restaurants to enjoy without having to leave the beach.
It’s the perfect spot for travelers looking for some seclusion.
Khao Lak
Khao Lak is a charming beach town with high-quality hotels, restaurants, and accommodations for all budgets and some excellent water sports opportunities like snorkeling or diving in clear waters that are home to abundant sea life, including turtles, whales, sharks, and dolphins.
The area’s easy access to other spots in Thailand and the region was also a significant draw. Khao Lak offers visitors spectacular views from its high vantage point overlooking Phang Nga Bay and being home to one of Thailand’s most famous national parks (Khao Lak National Park) and the Phi-Phi Islands. The area’s long white sandy beaches are ideal for swimming or surfing.
Final Thoughts: Beaches of Thailand
Thailand has some of the best beaches in Asia, and you really have plenty to explore. In addition, the country has a reputation for being an unsurpassed backpacker’s destination, so if this sounds like something you’re interested in, then Thailand is the destination for you.
The beaches of Thailand are all different, and there really isn’t just one type of beach that defines it. So if you want to lounge on a quiet stretch of sand with your favorite book while enjoying views of pristine white-sand dunes or if you prefer an active lifestyle where you can scuba dive, snorkel, and kayak, then you’ll find the perfect beach in Thailand.