20 Best Beaches in Thailand

Thailand is popular for pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear seawater. With more than 2,000 miles of coastline and 8,000 tropical islands, Thailand boasts of having diverse kinds of beaches, including isolated ones and the ones crowded with tourists.

So, whichever is your priority, this article will help you pick the one as it lists the best beaches in Thailand.

Mentioned below is the list of top beaches in Thailand that you should visit:

1. Nai Harn Beach, Phuket

It is one of the most famous beaches in Thailand and therefore experiences a massive tourist crowd. Situated in Phuket, this beach is popular for pristine white sand, crystal clear water, and gentle waves. You can either swim or relax on the beach and enjoy the serene ambience.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Famous for: Nai Harn beach is popular because of the following:
  • Royal Phuket Yacht club
  • Massage parlours
  • Ao Sane beach
  • Elephant shrine
  • Kanchanaphisek Lighthouse

2. Kata Noi Beach, Phuket

Kata Noi beach is one of the best beaches in Thailand and is ideal for you if you want to avoid crowds and relax peacefully. It is popular for its mesmerising views, especially during sunset.

You can either simply walk barefoot across the beach to feel its soft sand and enjoy its scenic beauty or go snorkelling.

• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Famous for: Kata Noi beach is popular because of the following:
  • Water sports like snorkelling and surfing
  • Karon viewpoint

3. Railay Beach, Krabi

You should visit this beach while travelling to Thailand. This is because this beach is an appropriate spot that will satisfy both your yearnings to indulge in something adventurous and relaxing in this paradise.

You can reach this beach via boat as it is surrounded by limestone cliffs that make it inaccessible to reach by other modes of transportation.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Famous for: Railay beach is popular because of the following:
  • Snorkelling
  • Rock climbing
  • Elephant trekking
  • Sea kayaking
  • Water rafting

4. Phra Nang Beach, Krabi Province

Phra Nang Beach offers a jaw-dropping scenic view. This beach is surrounded by cliffs and is used for activities like rock climbing. The shallow water makes it a perfect beach for families searching for safer sea waters to swim.

Although it often becomes crowded with many tourists, it is a must-visit for every travel enthusiast.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Famous for: Phra Nang beach is popular because of the following:
  • Beachside barbeque and cooking
  • Snorkelling
  • Kayaking
  • Swimming

5. Sunrise Beach, Koh Lipe

Sunrise beach is situated on Koh Lipe and is known for its spectacular view. The Koh Adnag islands complement the turquoise blue water with local long-tail wooden boats.

This place is lined by stunning resorts and hotels where you can stay comfortably and relax.

• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Famous for: Sunrise beach is popular because of the following:
  • Stunning sunrise views
  • Snorkelling
  • Exquisite marine life

6. Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach, Koh Phangan

Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach gives a bohemian vibe and is inhabited by extremely friendly locals whose courteous and welcoming behaviour will always draw you to visit this beach.

Besides, the gentle curve of this beach covered with white sands appears to be a paradise for every beach lover, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand.

• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Famous for: Thong Nai Pan Noi beach is popular because of the following:
  • Beach bars
  • Surfing
  • Friendly locals

7. Karon Beach, Phuket

Being the third-longest beach on Phuket Island, Karon beach will never make you feel that it is crowded. This beach is surrounded by crystal clear seawater and filled with golden sands. You can either enjoy this panoramic view of the beach or engage in activities like snorkelling.

• Best Time to Visit: November to May
• Famous for: Karon beach is popular because of the following:
  • Snorkelling
  • Diving

8. Freedom Beach, Phuket

Freedom beach is a 300-metre long stretch of coastline covered with white sands. This beach is located in a bay surrounded by hills, covered by dense forests, and dotted with granite rocks.

Its accessibility may seem challenging, but it will be worth your effort due to the ambience.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Famous for: Freedom beach is popular because of the following:
  • Snorkelling
  • Sunbathing
  • Exotic marine life

9. Long Beach, Koh Phi Phi

Long beach is covered with possibly the finest and softest white sand on Phi Phi Island. Being faced in the southwest, it offers an excellent opportunity for snorkelling. Besides, it is worth the experience to watch monkeys and sea eagles in their natural habitat.

This beach is appropriate for you if you prefer to spend your time quietly instead of going to other crowded places.

• Best Time to Visit: November to May
• Famous for: Long beach is popular because of the following:
  • Stunning sunset view
  • Snorkelling
  • Kayaking
  • Long Beach Bar

10. Laem Tong Beach, Koh Phi Phi

Laem Tong Beach is the most remote beach on Koh Phi Phi Island. There are only four resorts on this beach, and they are expensive. These include Zeavola, 3-star resorts, Phi Phi Natural Resort, P.P. Erawan Palms, and 4-star Holiday Inn.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Famous for: Laem Tong beach is popular because of the following:
  • Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Coral reefs and amazing marine life

11. Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi

The Maya beach in Thailand became popular after Leonardo Di Caprio's film 'The Beach' was shot here. Apart from being popular, this beach is another most beautiful beach in Thailand due to its picturesque view.

It is covered with powdery yet soft sand and surrounded by karst-studded water.

• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Famous for: Maya bay is popular because of the following:
  • Snorkelling
  • Scuba diving
  • Boat rides to Vikings Cave
  • Hiking at Ao Lo Dalam
  • Diving

12. Patong Beach, Phuket

Patong beach is popular for restaurants and resorts. You can enjoy watching the stunning view of the ocean while resting at a resort. This beach is also known for its wild nightlife. Nightlife is centred mainly on Paradise Complex and Bangla Road.

There are rooftop bars, nightclubs and beach clubs to spend time partying.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Famous for: Patong beach is popular because of the following:
  • Resorts and restaurants
  • Nightlife

13. Bottle Beach, Koh Phangan

Bottle beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Koh Phangan. One of its main highlights is its tranquillity and remoteness from overcrowded tourists. Though most travellers visit this beach to spend a day, you can stay in bungalows and spend your time in this paradise for a longer duration.

• Best Time to Visit: December to March
• Famous for: Bottle beach is popular because of the following:
  • Snorkelling
  • Hiking to Bottle beach viewpoint

14. Haad Puk Tian, Phetchaburi Province

Haad Puk Tian is a bit offbeat yet falls under the category of the best beaches in Thailand. This is due to the quiet and serene ambience that it offers. Another highlight of this beach is the characters' statues from Phra Aphai Mani, such as Phisuea Samut and Phra Aphai Mani, including other statues like the Chinese Goddess, Kuan Yin and giant turtle.

• Best Time to Visit: November to March
• Famous for: Haad Puk Tian is popular because of the following:
  • Serene spot

15. Kantiang Beach, Koh Lanta

Located at the southern end of Koh Lanta, Kantiang beach is one of the best beaches in Thailand. This beach is far away from the crowds of tourists, making it a quiet place for visitors to enjoy.

You can experience a Thai massage under a palm tree here or participate in yoga classes provided at the Orchid Nursery.

• Best Time to Visit: January to April
• Famous for: Kantiang beach is popular because of the following:
  • Swimming
  • Sunbathing

16. Ton Sai Beach, Krabi

Ton Sai Beach is an amazing sandy beach surrounded by affordable accommodations. This beach is also known for offering activities like rock climbing. You can reach this beach in two ways - take a boat from Railay beach or trek through the rainforest from Ao Nang, which will take around an hour and a half.

• Best Time to Visit: December to March
• Famous for: Ton Sai beach is popular because of the following:
  • Rock climbing
  • Kayaking
  • Slacklining
  • Snorkelling or diving
  • Fire show

17. Mai Khao Beach, Phuket

Mai Khao Beach is a part of Sirinat National Park. You may not find many accommodations, except for a couple of hotel chains.

However, since it is far from mass tourism, it is not overcrowded by tourists and is an ideal destination for you if you want to spend time alone.

• Best Time to Visit: January and February
• Famous for: Mai Khao beach is popular because of the following:
  • Plane spotting
  • Sirinat National Park
  • Mai Khao Turtle Foundation
  • Wat Mai Khao

18. Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui

Chaweng beach in Koh Samui is one of the famous beaches in Thailand. This beach is known for its active nightlife, which is mainly centred on the Chaweng strip. It is situated next to the beach and is full of bars and restaurants where you can find great food at lower prices.

• Best Time to Visit: February to May and July to August
• Famous for: Chaweng Beach is popular because of the following:
  • Sunbathing
  • Swimming

19. Mae Nam Beach, Koh Samui

Mae Nam beach is 7 kilometres long. It is a popular destination among backpackers and tourists looking to travel on a low budget. You can enjoy a great view of Koh Phangan from here.

You can also find some resorts at the end of rambling pathways that offer privacy which is uncommon in other places.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Famous for: Mae Nam beach is popular because of the following:
  • Plai Laem Temple
  • Big Buddha
  • Fishermans Village
  • Mystical gardens
  • Boat tours to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park

20. Choeng Mon Beach, Koh Samui

Choeng Mon beach is a one-kilometre-long beach covered with fine white sands, located in the northeastern part of Koh Samui. It is a comparatively quiet beach than its counterparts and is ideal for families and couples to spend a peaceful time.

Besides, you can find some hotels and resorts around the beach for a comfortable stay.

• Best Time to Visit: December to April
• Famous for: Choeng Mon beach is popular because of the following:
  • Relaxing
  • Restaurants offering flavourful foods
  • Excellent sunset view