most beautiful beach in Thailand
Trip Ideas

9 Thai Beaches We LOVE

One thing about Thailand that's simply indisputable? The Southeast Asian country is lined with some of the world's most gorgeous beaches. From the palm-fringed stretches in lush and exotic Koh Phi Phi to the popular shores of Phuket, these are the best beaches in Thailand.

A Brooklyn-based writer and editor, Chelsea's work has appeared in Matador Network, The Huffington Post, the TripAdvisor blog, and more. When not planning her next trip, you'll usually find her drinking way too much iced coffee (always iced—she’s from New England) or bingeing a Netflix original series.

See recent posts by Chelsea Stuart

beautiful sandy beach at Maenam Beach, Koh Samui
1

Maenam Beach, Koh Samui

Maenam Beach may be popular among families and backpackers, but it’s still a degree removed from Samui’s hyped-about spots, making it one of the best Thailand beaches. With more than four miles of silky white sand lapped by calm surf, and an array of high-end resorts (that ensure the beach is kept in tip top shape), finding a relatively private chunk of shore isn’t too hard. The mellow spot also affords cloud-capped views of Koh Pha Ngan to the north, all enjoyed under the shade of an umbrella or coconut tree.

Book Hotels in Koh Samui
beautiful sandy beach at Sunset Beach, Koh Lipe
2

Sunset Beach, Koh Lipe

On the west side of Koh Lipe—Thailand’s southernmost isle—facing the Butang Islands is the bungalow-dotted Sunset Beach. Despite its status as one of Koh Lipe’s three main stretches of sand, the smallest coastline of the bunch has miraculously maintained a low-profile and laid-back vibe, popular mostly among local Thai and Malaysian visitors. Named for the incredible sunsets that light up the horizon each nightfall, dusk is arguably the prime time to hit the sand.

RELATED: 9 Life-Changing Trips to Take in Asia

See All Thailand Hotels
beautiful sandy beach Thong Nai Pan Noi, Koh Phangan
3

Thong Nai Pan Noi, Koh Phangan

The remote and tranquil Thong Nai Pan Noi and its twin cove, Thong Nai Pan Yai, sprawl out on the eastern shore of Koh Phangan, catching first sight of the island’s sunrise each morning. The long crescent Thai beach is surrounded by accommodations that run the gamut from humble family-owned bungalows to exclusive upscale retreats, but no matter how many Thailand beach resorts move in (Panviman, Anantara, Santhiya), the small village of Noi still gives off a decidedly bohemian vibe thanks to old-school tattoo shops, raging full moon parties, and backpacking crowds.

See All Hotels in Koh Phangan
beautiful sandy beach Phra Nang Cave Beach, Krabi
4

Phra Nang Cave Beach, Krabi

The southernmost piece of Railway Bay along the glittering Andaman Sea, Phra Nang Beach is accessible only by long-tail boat—about a 20-minute ride from Ao Nang (in Krabi Province). The velvety sand is best from May to December, during low-season, when you can rent a sea kayak to explore the sandstone karsts and limestone caves just offshore, go snorkeling among the shallow water’s coral reefs, or try your hand rock climbing without competing for space.

RELATED: The World's Most Underrated Islands

See All Hotels in Krabi
beautiful sandy beach Sairee Beach, Koh Tao
5

Sairee Beach, Koh Tao

Lazily sprawling for more than a mile along Koh Tao’s west coast is Sairee Beach, the island’s longest and perhaps most adored beaches in Thailand. The narrow shore’s shallow waters make it ideal for families, but past the little ones’ bedtimes, the bar- and restaurant-lined strip continues to rake in foot traffic as it comes alive with lantern-lit bars who blast techno music, dole out drinks by the bucket, and put on choreographed fire shows.

See All Thailand Hotels
beautiful sandy shore and boat Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi
6

Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi

Once teeming with snorkelers, beach bums, and every other type of tourist imaginable, all shuttled in by ferries, catamarans, and long boats from Phuket and Krabi, the sands of Maya Bay are now closed to visitors in a conservation effort to help local coral rejuvenate. That said, the lush cliff-sheltered bay—with its silky white sands, exceptionally clear waters, and exotic marine life—still warrants a visit...if only to take a photo. If it looks familiar, you’re probably a Leonardo DiCaprio fan (I mean, who isn’t); this is where The Beach was filmed, after all.

RELATED: 10 Incredible Beaches to Visit in Winter

See All Thailand Hotels
beautiful beach at Long Beach, Koh Lanta
7

Long Beach, Koh Lanta

Long Beach’s 2.5-miles of gently-sloping sand are fringed not by palms, as one might expect, but by large pines. Any aerial shot of the coast will show that though plenty of guesthouses, bungalows, resorts, bars, and restaurants sit shoulder to shoulder along the stretch, they’re all set back from the sand, leaving the beach uncluttered. Much of Long Beach is also undeveloped, so if a serene spot is what you’re after, a little searching will surely uncover it. While Long Beach sunsets are unmissable, if you want to see what else is around, Klong Dao Beach meets Long Beach to the north, while Relax Beach unfolds to the south.

See All Thailand Hotels
Kata Noi Beach, Phuket, Trip Ideas water sky outdoor Beach Nature body of water shore Sea Ocean Coast people vacation caribbean bay wind wave tropics wave Island cape cove swimming day sandy
8

Kata Noi Beach, Phuket

Avoid the hoards of tourists on Phuket's bustling Kata Beach and head instead for sleepy Kata Noi. The two-resort town is often regarded as out of the way, so those who do venture out are rewarded with soft sands that are all their own. The northern end of this Thai beach is popular with the surfing set, especially during monsoon season (May through October). While you’re in the area, take a five-minute drive to Kata Viewpoint for a panoramic vista that includes Kata, Kata Noi, and Karon Bay.

See All Hotels in Phuket
beautiful sandy beach Lamai Beach, Koh Samui, Trip Ideas outdoor sky water Nature Beach habitat shore body of water Coast Sea natural environment Ocean wind wave sand vacation wave bay material Lagoon cove sandy
9

Lamai Beach, Koh Samui

On Samui’s southeast coast, Lamai Beach provides a quieter alternative to bustling sister beach Chaweng. The deepest water is found along the southernmost section of the beach, but up and down you’ll wade through ultra-fine sand and come across a few puzzling "emergency vinegar stations"– yes, vinegar stations. Koh Samui’s waters are home to quite the active box jellyfish population—particularly in wet season, October to early December—but don't let them scare you away. Just keep your eyes peeled.

See All Hotels in Koh Samui

Want more?

Comments

comments

All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. If you buy something through our links, Jetsetter may earn an affiliate commission.