Your guide to best beaches in Thailand
Thailand is world-famous for its stunning beaches, attracting millions of visitors each year with its crystal-clear waters, powdery white sands, and idyllic tropical settings. As one of Southeast Asia's top beach destinations, Thailand offers a mix of lively shores, quiet retreats, and perfect spots for water sports, making it a paradise for all kinds of travelers.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best beaches in Thailand, highlighting their unique qualities and how to get there. Don’t forget, these beaches can easily be added to your travel plans based on our 3-week itinerary for Thailand, which covers all the must-see spots
Bangkok
Chiang Mai
Koh Phi Phi
Krabi
Chiang Rai
Phuket
Maya Bay
Koh Yao Yai
Ayutthaya
Phuket: Patong Beach
Patong Beach is Phuket’s most famous spot, known for its lively atmosphere, nightlife, and wide sandy shores. It’s perfect for those wanting a mix of sun, water sports, and evening entertainment.
Location: West coast of Phuket
Koh Phi Phi: Long Beach
Long Beach is a peaceful retreat with stunning views of Phi Phi Leh. Its turquoise waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, offering a quieter alternative to the party spots on the island.
Location: Koh Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Islands
How to Access: A 5-minute boat ride or a 30-minute walk from Tonsai Pier.
Read more : Your Complete Guide to Koh Phi Phi: Beaches, Parties, and More
Krabi: Railay Beach
Railay Beach, famous for its towering limestone cliffs, is a paradise for rock climbers, beach lovers, and those looking for a serene environment. The clear water is perfect for kayaking and swimming.
Location: Railay Peninsula, Krabi
How to Access: Reachable by boat from Ao Nang (15 minutes) or Krabi Town (30 minutes).
Read more : Krabi Travel Guide, Best Beaches, Activities, and Local Secrets
Koh Yao Yai: Loh Paret Beach
Loh Paret Beach on Koh Yao Yai is a tranquil, less-visited spot, ideal for those looking to escape the crowds. Its serene environment is perfect for relaxation and enjoying the untouched beauty of Thailand.
Location: Koh Yao Yai, Phang Nga Bay
How to Access: 30-minute speedboat ride from Phuket or Krabi.
Read more : Koh Yao Yai Essentials, Discover Tranquil Beaches and Local Culture
Maya Bay: Phi Phi Leh
Maya Bay is definitely our favorite beach and one of Thailand’s most iconic beaches, known for its role in The Beach. With crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs, this destination is a must-visit for snorkeling and sightseeing.
Location: Phi Phi Leh, Phi Phi Islands
How to Access: Accessible by boat from Koh Phi Phi Don or via speedboat tours from Phuket or Krabi.
Read more : Maya Bay, the untouched paradise
Koh Lanta: Klong Dao Beach
Klong Dao Beach is ideal for families, offering shallow waters, a peaceful setting, and spectacular sunsets. It’s perfect for a quiet beach day away from the crowds.
Location: Koh Lanta, Krabi Province
How to Access: 10-minute drive from the main pier after arriving by ferry from Krabi or Phuket.
Koh Samui: Chaweng Beach
Chaweng Beach is the liveliest and longest beach on Koh Samui. It’s famous for its nightlife, water sports, and white sandy shores, making it the go-to spot for those wanting both relaxation and entertainment.
Koh Tao: Sairee Beach
Sairee Beach is the most popular beach on Koh Tao, offering excellent snorkeling, diving, and a vibrant backpacker scene. The sunsets here are some of the best in Thailand.
How to get to the best beaches in Thailand
By plane :
Traveling by plane is one of the most convenient ways to reach some of Thailand's best beaches, especially from major cities like Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi.
From Phuket International Airport, you can easily access popular beaches such as Patong Beach (about 45 minutes by taxi) and Koh Yao Yai (30 minutes by speedboat).
Krabi International Airport serves as another major gateway, providing quick access to stunning spots like Railay Beach (reachable by boat from Ao Nang in 15 minutes) and Koh Lanta (10-minute drive from the main pier).
This makes flying a preferred option to go to Krabi or Phuket for those wanting to maximize their beach time.
By Ferries
Ferries are a popular means of transportation for island hopping in Thailand, connecting various beaches and islands. From Krabi, you can take ferries to Koh Phi Phi (approximately 1.5 hours), with easy access to Long Beach and the iconic Maya Bay. Ferries also connect Koh Samui to Koh Tao, allowing travelers to enjoy Sairee Beach after a short boat ride. Additionally, you can hop between islands like Koh Yao Yai and Koh Phi Phi, making ferries a flexible and scenic option for beach lovers.
By Bus or Tuk Tuk
In addition to planes and ferries, traveling by bus or tuk-tuk is a convenient way to get around once you arrive in the region. From major cities like Krabi Town and Phuket, local buses and shared vans can take you to nearby beaches such as Ao Nang Beach or Patong Beach. In urban areas, tuk-tuks are readily available for quick trips to local beaches, markets, and attractions. They offer a fun and easy way to explore your surroundings, ensuring you won’t miss any hidden gems along the coastline.
