Search cheap flights to Thailand
1. Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui
This is the largest beach on Koh Samui and very well established to cater for its visitors. There’s lots of accommodation along the sand, with many places hosting parties throughout the night. That said, it’s still possible to find quieter spots which are more popular with couples or honeymooners. Hawkers walk up and down the beaches selling drinks, snacks and trinkets, so you never need to leave your sun lounger or towel if you don’t want to. The sea is quite choppy so it’s not ideal for snorkelers or divers, but there’s lots of other water sports available.
2. Mae Nam, Koh Samui
This Koh Samui beach is much quieter beach which attracts far less traffic than the likes of Chaweng or Railay Beach. There’s plenty of shade under the palm trees which makes it a Thailand beach popular with families. It has a more laid-back vibe too, so isn’t the beach for you if you’re looking to stay up until the small hours of the morning. The weather on the island stays hot (around 30 degrees Celsius) all year round.
3. Lamai Beach, Koh Samui
Lamai Beach is a sort of compromise between Mae Nam and Chaweng. It’s more vibrant than the former but less busy than the latter. It still has its fair share of restaurants, bars, shops and hotels but not on the same scale as Chaweng. The beach has lost some of its charm in recent years so some tourists choose to head to other, less developed islands such as Koh Tao. But on the whole it shouldn’t be overlooked.
4. Tubkaak, Krabi
If you want to explore a quieter beach in Krabi, head to the beautiful Tubkaak beach which is a more exclusive stretch of sand with lots of four and five-star hotels claiming their own part of the beach. It’s also close to the Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park rainforest which offers some excellent hiking (if you drag yourself away from the beach!). There’s not much else around the beach other than the hotels, so if you’re happy just relaxing for a long weekend or more, you’re better off here than some of the country’s busier spots.
5. Railay Beach, Krabi
This is easily one of the best beaches in Thailand, and one of the most popular. It’s separated from the mainland by rocky limestone mountains so is only accessible by boat – how romantic! The east of the beach is generally cheaper, while the west has more luxury resorts. There’s also the Ton Sai area, which generally caters to the rock climbers who come to Railay from all over the world to climb the steep cliffs. Boats from Krabi land at east Railay, but due to the mangrove cover the area isn’t really that good for swimming. If you want to see the most beautiful stretch of sand, you can walk through thin jungle to west Railay beach. It’s all busy, but very beautiful nonetheless.
6. Phra Nang, Krabi
Strictly speaking Phra Nang beach is part of the Railay Beach peninsula, but it’s worth a spot on the list of Thailand’s best beaches in its own right. You can reach it on foot in around 10 minutes from the main Railay Beach through a cave shrine. It’s picture-postcard perfect, but can inevitably get busy. Another fun way to reach it is by renting a kayak from one of the other Railay Beach resorts and paddling around the coast.
7. Thong Nai Pan Noi, Koh Phangan
This beach and neighboring Thong Nai Pan Yai are to the north of this Thailand island and are two of the best beaches in the country. Noi has a more relaxed vibe than Yai, which might be too touristy for some. You can reach both via speedboat or taxi from the main port of Thongsala; be warned, however, the roads aren’t in very good condition so if you choose a taxi be prepared for a slightly bumpy ride!
8. Long Beach (Phra Ae Beach), Koh Lanta
This is a good option if you’re traveling to Thailand with children as the waters on Long Beach are clear and calm, making it safe for swimming. It also has a really good mix of hotels, hostels and resorts, many of them with cheaper prices than you’d find on other Koh Lanta beaches. It’s also not as developed as some other Thai beaches, meaning there’s still lots of parts of the beach that haven’t been claimed by hotels. There’s lots of trees offering shade slightly back from the water.
9. Klong Dao Beach, Koh Lanta
If you’re looking for a Thai beach with a good sunset, head to Klong Dao Beach on the west of Koh Lanta. The west coast is around 25km long, so you’re always going to find some peace and quiet when you want it. There’s a lot of hotels here but planning restrictions mean they can’t build above tree height so you don’t feel it’s overdeveloped. There are quite a few beach bars on Klong Dao Beach but it doesn’t have the same party vibe as the likes of Chaweng.
Find a cheap hotel on Koh Lanta
10. Freedom Beach, Phuket
We couldn’t write about the best beaches in Thailand without mentioning Phuket beaches. Freedom Beach is a blindingly white sandy beach close to the much busier Patong Beach, and is only accessible by boat between around December to June. You’ll be dropped from your boat in shallow waters so make sure you have a dry bag or long arms to carry your personal items above your head and out of the water! There’s a small restaurant serving traditional food and beach chairs to rent.
11. Mai Khao, Phuket
This is another of the best beaches on Phuket, and one of the quietest. You can reach it from main 402 highway which runs from the main Phuket airport, or from the Mai Knao village. There is very little to do on this beach apart from relax, swim and snooze. Part of the beach is within the Sitinat National Park which issues camping permits if you fancy sleeping under the stars.
12. Paradise Beach, Phuket
Paradise Beach is only around 4km from Patong which means it attracts quite a number of tourists. It’s also the home of some of Thailand’s famous Phuket Full Moon Parties. There are two main sandy bays and both have bars, restaurants and shops in easy walking distance. It’s not really a family beach but if you like meeting people and late nights, it’s a good choice!
Search cheap flights to Phuket
*Content first written/published February 2018. Prices correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change and/or availability.
Looking for more ideas for the perfect 2018 vacation? Check out these articles to find something that takes your fancy:
Pretty places in Pakistan
Pakistan is a gorgeous country. We’ve chosen the most beautiful spots in the country so you can have an unforgettable trip…
The best places to go in Canada
Canada is a big place, so we’ve done the research for your next vacation for you!
Ultimate guide to Johannesburg
This vibrant and friendly South African city is on the up and up, and has lots to see and do for every sort of traveler.
Turkey’s top spots for the intrepid traveler
Have the vacation of a lifetime in Turkey’s top spots!
