17 Best and Beautiful Beaches of Thailand

Thailand is known to be the land of smiles, and why should it be not? It has an enormous number of seashores and most of them are loved by travellers and considered the most beautiful beaches in the world. Surrounded by the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, Thailand has a long coastline that can cater to all beach lovers. The Thailand beach scene is nothing less than paradise with sparkling blue water and white sand all over the beaches.

Suggested Read: Where to Stay in Phi Phi Island and Backpacking in Thailand: An Essential Guide

You can find the best beaches in Thailand for whatever your mood is. So either you want to see a peaceful sunset while you read your favourite book and sip coconut water, or you just like being a party animal and want to have fun at a beach party with tons of beer; this tropical country won’t let you down because you will surely come across the best beaches in Thailand.

1) Patong Beach, Phuket

Patong happens to be a popular spot on the island of Phuket. So you can find people around in the day, evening or night. Patong is known for its nightlife and shopping scene, and the beach gained popularity in the late 1980s when western tourists found it appealing. The beach has a long stretch of warm goldish sand and a beautiful row of tropical trees of palm, almond and coconut that put the concrete road out of your sight. Patong beach is one of the most famous and best beaches in Thailand for activities like parasailing, jet skiing etc. You can also enjoy wakeboarding and kayaking here. If you want to spend some time windsurfing, you should head towards the northern end of the beach. Make sure to go for an insured water sport and don’t forget to wear a life jacket. When you feel tired after your sporty activities, there are plenty of stalls where you can get some snacks and drinks. The southern part of the beach is the mouth of a river, where you can find some fishing boat anchors. A bridge over the river will lead you to various bays and beaches around the headland.

• Things to do: Beachfront Restaurants, Beach Massage Parlours, Parasailing, Jet-Skiing, Wakeboarding, Windsurfing, Kayaking
• How to reach here: take a Cab to Phuket Town and take a bus from there. The option of taking a Phuket Airport Minibus is also available.

2) Nai Harn Beach, Phuket

Nai Harn beach is located in Phuket, and it is one of the most popular beaches in Thailand. Although the beach gets pretty crowded, you’ll find it very beautiful. With crystal clear water and the white sand on the shore, this beach looks scenic and is quite an attraction. The climate here stays consistent all year, and waves are also compatible for those who want to swim. There are lifeguards present as well. The local vendors and the restaurants are there at the beach too, so it is convenient to spend the day at Nai Harn Beach.

• Things to do: Swimming, Eating local food, Take Beach Massage
• How to reach here: Take a songthaew or minibus/ Taxi/TukTuk from Phuket town to Nai Harn.

3) Kata Noi Beach, Phuket

Kata Noi beach is a small beach in Phuket with soft sand and clear water. The beach stretches to nearly 700 metres with deep green forest. It’s a perfect spot where you can get some tan and click the best bikini pictures. You can enjoy a thrilling surfing experience here, and even if you don’t know the sport, it is exciting to watch others doing it. The road actually ends at Kata Noi beach, so you won’t see any obtrusive traffic here. To Ride a banana boat is an excellent activity for families. But if you want some more thrilling experience, go for jet skiing or parasailing. If you wish to see the underwater life, you can opt for snorkelling and get a glimpse of bright and colourful tropical fishes and coral reefs.

• Things to do: Surfing, Snorkelling, Ride a Longtail Boat, Hobie Cat, Kayaking, Parasailing, Try Local Food.
• How to reach here: You can Drive Yourself here or Take a Bus, Tuk-Tuk or a Taxi.

4) Railay Beach, Krabi

Railay beach, also called Rai Leh, is a small peninsula between Krabi and Ao Nang. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand and is only accessible by a long-tail boat since high limestone cliffs cut it off from the mainland access. So for those who intend to relax in a quiet, peaceful atmosphere with some therapeutic sounds of waves, Railay beach is one of the best beaches in Thailand for them. Of course, you should also explore this tranquil heaven, and you shall find caves and a lagoon hidden inside the cliffs with some picturesque viewpoints. This is also a great spot if you want to climb that huge limestone cliff. Tourists like to enjoy rock climbing and snorkelling etc here.

• Things to Do: Visit caves and lagoons, Explore the island, Rock Climbing, Snorkelling
• How to Reach: Take a Longtail Boat from Ao Nang to Railay BeachWest.

5) Phra Nang Beach – Krabi

Phra Nang beach, located in the southern region of Railay Bay, Krabi, is one of the most amazing beaches in Thailand. Because of the cave, this beach is an exceptional tourist attraction. This beach is stretched out to a length of 450 metres and can be reached by a longtail boat from Ao Nang, and if you are already here on the island, it is a 10-minute walk from Railay East. The beach is surrounded by a stunning landscape and an unmatchable outdoor adventure along with the rocky caves. Due to the low depth of the sea at the beach, it is a good spot for a safer swimming experience. If you want to enjoy snorkelling and rock climbing, it is the best beach spot in Thailand for the same. If you are in a laid back mood, just find some shade of limestone cliff and get yourself a sand spa at the beach only.

• Things to Do: Snorkelling, Rock Climbing, Relaxing and Swimming
• How to Reach: Take a longtail boat from Ao Nang. Or Take a walk from railay east if you are on the island already.

6) Pattaya Beach, Pattaya

Located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Thailand. A 100km down south to Bangkok, it’s nearly an hour drive to Pattaya. The beach has the most beautiful landscape, and it attracts sea-lovers from all around the world. The most exclusive attraction of this beach is the temple that sits on the verge of the beach. With a long stretch of 4 km and many water activities, this beach can cater to all the tourists every day. You should enjoy terrific marine sports like parasailing, jet-skiing, and banana boat ride at this beach. The weather here is excellent and calm with a soft breeze, making it perfect for swimming and floating, and even if you don’t wish to exhaust yourself much physically, you can just relax and eat some Thai cuisine. There are many restaurants by the coast; you can opt as per your choice.

• Things to Do: Jet Skiing, Banana Boat Ride, Parasailing, Swimming, Floating, Snorkeling
• How to Reach: Take a flight/train/bus from Bangkok to Pattaya. Then rent a car or a private bike.

7) Jomtien Beach, Pattaya

Jomtien Beach is situated on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand in Pattaya. It is a crescent-like, neat and clean, and a well-maintained beach where you can lounge in the sun under the shade of big umbrellas. It’s a great spot in the city to have fun with friends and family. Dazzled by the bright sun, this beach is epic for gazing at the horizon, and you can witness one of the most beautiful sunset evenings here. Beachfront has an accentuated range of shops, restaurants and cafes where you can get delightful Thai food. Not just this, you can also enjoy water activities like swimming, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and catamaran sailing etc. Get yourself a pleasant and relaxing massage here if you get a stiff neck after loads of activity. With so much to offer to everyone, isn’t this an awesome and the best beach in Thailand.

• Things to Do: Swimming, Kiteboarding, Catamaran Sailing, Windsurfing, Take a massage
• How to Reach: Take a flight/train/bus from Bangkok to Pattaya. Then take a bus or taxi.

8) Bamboo Beach, Pattaya

If you want to have a less crowded beach experience within Pattaya city, you should definitely go to this underexplored spot. Bamboo Beach shall be a great place to be visited if you are a digital nomad. You can sit on a mat or lie in a hammock and just work on your laptop or binge-watch a show. It will also make a perfect spot if you want to admire nature. Different shades of blues of the water, the enormous blue sky, and the gigantic clouds passing by will mesmerize you. This beach stretches up to the Gulf, due to which the sea waves are mostly mellow and calm. So even if you feel lazy, just go and sit in the water and enjoy the waves touching you back and forth. This beach doesn’t have plenty of restaurants like Jomtien beach or Pattaya Beach but still, it can offer you a handful of food joints and restaurants serving mouthwatering Thai curries.

• Things to Do: Try Local Food, Relax and Chill
• How to Reach: Take a flight/train/bus from Bangkok to Pattaya. Then take a bus or taxi.

9) Thong Nai Pan Noi, Koh Phangan

At the skirts of luxuriant green hills, you will find this beautiful curved beach with dazzling white sand called Thong Nai Pan Noi. Defined by round rocks on the northern and southern edge, with clear pristine water, Thong Nai Pan Noi is not so large but one of the most epic beaches in Thailand. If you are a newly married couple, this is the place you would like to come back to celebrate your anniversary. You can enjoy snorkelling or taking a romantic walk. You would find a bunch of fine restaurants towards the southern end of the beach. You can get some beer in a happening bar with some upbeat but not loud music. If you are a fan of a chic lifestyle, fine dinner with classy chilled-out scenes, This is your beach! You can eat out at any of the restaurants nearby. There are some fine upmarket restaurants as well; you can step in if you want to experience some exquisite gourmet food.
You can find ATMs, massage salons, pharmacies and shops conveniently. Thus, if you’re travelling with your special someone, you should visit this place and surely tick this place off the list of best things to do in Thailand for couples.

• Things to Do: Snorkeling, Fine Dining, Walk by the Beach
• How to Reach: Take a Flight/ train/ bus to Surat Thani, and from Surat Thani, a minibus to Donsak pier and from there, you can quickly get a ferry to Koh Phangan. Once you reach Koh Phangan, Take a shared taxi or truck. Or rent a scooter in Thong Sala.

10) Bottle Beach – Koh Phangan

Bottle Beach is located in the northernmost part of the island of Koh Phangan. Not on this island but, it is said to be one of the best beaches in Thailand. Despite the fact, this beach is hard to reach, especially when you hike or take a two-wheeler. But you can take a local boat or even a taxi from Chalok Lam Beach. This way you will save yourself a lot of energy and keep away from unnecessary stress. Once you reach here, you will get rewarded with soft sand and clear water, which is very much secluded from the crowd. You can swim in the warm water, play volleyball and enjoy the beautiful landscape. If you are in Koh Phangan, don’t miss the chance to experience this ‘somewhat private beach’ at no cost.

• Things to Do: Swimming, Relax.
• How to Reach: Take a boat taxi from Chaloklum Beach or hike from Haad Khom Beach

11) Thong Takian Beach, Koh Samui

Thoang Takian Beach or also known as Silver Beach, is located in a small rocky bay on the eastern side of Samui. This place is a heaven for the beach lovers and the travellers who like to chill and relax in peace and tranquillity. The water here is pristine and clear with hues of blue, and it dazzles wonderfully when the bright sun touches the water. This beach has been a hidden gem with the most beautiful colour pallet for your Instagram-worthy pictures. It’s a heavenly place with no unnecessary sounds and hawkers around, but just the wind, sun and meditative sounds of waves. You can reach here by Tuk-Tuk, Taxi or even a rented self-driven vehicle.

• Things to Do: Swimming, Kayaking, Diving, Beach spas
• How to Reach: Tuk-Tuk, Taxi or a rented scooter.

12) Bophut – Koh Samui

Located in the northern region of Koh Samui, Bophut is a famous beach. It is a well preserved and neat, and elegant place on the island. By the coastline of the beach, a town has been built that is called Fisherman’s Village. This beach is an amazing spot to soak some sun and sip a refreshing drink. When you are here, you should learn how to dive and relax in a local spa along with a therapeutic Thai massage. Pack some souvenirs with yourself, and don’t forget to pick some exclusive fine quality jewellery and clothing from the shops in the market.

• Things to Do: Diving , Swimming, Shopping, Eating local food
• How to Reach: If you are in Bangkok, take a flight/ train/ bus to Surat Thani, and from Surat Thani, you can easily get a ferry to Koh Samui. If you are in Koh Samui, rent a scooter or take a taxi or Songtaew.

13) Sairee Beach, Koh Tao

Located on the west coast of Koh Tao, Sairee Beach is a major tourist attraction on the island. Offering beautiful hues of pink, purple and tangerine, you can witness breathtaking sunsets here. This is a clean beach with clear waters and a few diving centres by the beach, making it a hub for snorkelling, diving and swimming. Since it is a long and narrow beach, you can easily find a nice spot to chill by yourself. You can spot some photographers in the evening, so don’t forget your DSLR and click the brightest pictures at the beach. You will find some nice restaurants by the beach, so give them a try too.

• Things to Do: Snorkeling, Diving, Swimming,Eat at local restaurants
• How to Reach: Take a Songthaew or longtail boat from Mae Haad Pier to Sairee beach.

14) Long Beach, Koh Lanta

Long beach is literally a long beach located on the island Lanta. It is a well-kept and clean beach with less number of people around. With soft sands and a cool breeze, this beach has the best sunset view to offer. Since it faces west, the tangerine hues in the evening sky look nothing less than a cosmic play. The beach has a shallow sea, which is apt to have fun for kids and families. The place has many cafes and restaurants nearby to quench your thirst and hunger. If you are in Ko Lanta, don’t miss this picturesome place.

• Things to Do: Swimming, Chilling, Try new cafes and restaurants
• How to Reach: Take a flight from Krabi/Phuket/Trang Airport to Koh Lanta. Or Book a private or public minivan from Krabi to Koh Lanta. Take a motorcycle sidecar taxi from Ban Saladan to Long beach.

15) Kantiang Beach – Koh Lanta

Kantiang Beach is another hidden gem on the island of Koh Lanta. Located on the southernmost end of the island Lanta, it is an undiscovered palace with a small number of tourists. With spectacular coral reefs and diverse sea life, this beach is a fantabulous spot for snorkelling. We recommend you to take a stroll, go for a swim. Snorkel for a while and then soak some sun. Sip some cold beer under the palm palapas by the beach. Since there is hardly any nightlife with few tourists, the beach remains serene, calm and clean. If you are pleased by the relaxed atmosphere, this shall be a great place to lie in a hammock and read your favourite book.

• Things to Do: Snorkelling, Diving, Swimming, Relaxing
• How to Reach: Once you reach Koh Lanta, take a shared car or rent a scooter.

16) Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi

Maya Bay is an alluring bay surrounded by 100-metre tall cliffs on three sides. Maya Bay has got the most attractive beaches in Thailand. The beach is so alluring that the Hollywood film The Beach was shot here. Indeed Leonardi DiCaprio would have gone for snorkelling in the heavenly azure water of this place; you might want to do the same if you are a fan. You would fall in love with underwater flora and fauna when you see various species of fishes swimming around you and huge coral reefs inhabited by numerous creatures. Make sure you do not keep yourself away from this wonderful experience. Travellers also like to go for sports like Kayaking here.

• Things to Do: Snorkelling, Hiking, Cliff jumping, Rock climbing, Exploring the caves, Diving
• How to Reach: Take a speedboat from Krabi/Phuket to Maya Bay.

17) Sunset Beach, Koh Lipe

Sunset Beach is a beautiful beach in Thailand, covered with soft sand that seems quiet and serene sometimes. Easily walkable from Pattaya Beach. You would like to dip into the warm water or maybe just float with your sunshades on. if you plan to go here and spend the day lazily. Try to get there early in the morning before 9:30, after that more people start to come to this beautiful beach. Keep some snacks and drinks handy in your bag because you might want to visit the Secret Beach. As the name suggests, Secret Beach is hard to find and physically demanding to reach, but trust me, once you hit the right point, you will thank me. It is one of the most beautiful spots with hardly any crowd around you. A little bit of hard work is not a bad deal to get such a beautiful place all for yourself. Enjoy this natural beauty.

• Things to Do: Enjoy local food, Chill and relax
• How to Reach: Once you reachKoh Lipe, take a taxi or a sidecar, or rent a scooter, you can also take a walk to the beach.

So this was a quick list of the best and beautiful beaches in Thailand which includes the exciting beaches of Phuket, and fun beaches of Krabi. Peaceful beach spots of Koh Lanta and Koh Samui, and some other beaches located in Koh phangan and some other places. You can pick some of these and make a suitable itinerary accordingly, or just use this information then and there according to your mood. See what matches your vibe and go ahead to book your Thailand tickets soon.