Thailand is a country of stunning natural beauty – think majestic, mist-shrouded mountains, elephant-filled jungles and winding rivers filled with palm trees. But its crown jewels, arguably, are the coral-strewn islands and powdery beaches of its southern coast and islands.
From the Andaman Sea in the west to the Gulf of Thailand in the east, Thailand has hundreds of miles of tropical coastline that seems to have been woven from fantasy. Whether it’s the picturesque cliff-top Railay Beach or the beach made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio, Thailand has incredible coastline. So without further ado, here are the best Thai beaches in Southeast Asia for you to explore.
1. Railay Beach, Thailand
When you close your eyes and imagine a beach in Thailand, you probably think of the legendary Railay Beach. Set against a backdrop of towering limestone karst cliffs, Railay Beach in Krabi Province features dreamy fluffy white sand and stunning views of the crystal-clear Andaman Sea. Green limestone karsts rise from the sea, and it’s these features that tempt climbers to scramble up the rocky face for more sweeping views. But for those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, Railay is full of tropical charm and scenery.
Want to experience the best of both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and the Bangkok culture in between? our 15 days The Journey: An Iconic Thailand Journey The itinerary will visit Krabi, Koh Samui, Bangkok and Chiang Mai, as well as some other classic Thai cultural destinations.
2. Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand
Lively Patong Beach is the main beach in Phuket’s seaside town of Patong. Visitors to Patong Beach prefer to enjoy the energy of beach bars and restaurants rather than relax. The beach’s golden sands stretch for nearly 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) along the Andaman Sea, and water sports, beachside massages and sizzling street food are all available. When the sun goes down, Patong Beach transforms into a lively playground with bustling bars, nightclubs and markets.
For a more tranquil atmosphere near Patong, Nui Beach is on Phuket’s south coast, at the end of a long walk down a steep hillside. Sure, it takes some legwork, but you’ll get a secluded cove surrounded by huge boulders and the shade of lush palm trees.
3. Kata Beach, Phuket, Thailand
Of course, Phuket is more than just a vibrant party scene. Kata Beach is located on the southwestern corner of the island and has a cool, relaxing vibe. Imagine soft white sand and gentle blue waters stretching for days. Located next to Karon town, Kata Beach has a laid-back vibe with cute cafes, cool bars, and gorgeous seaside resorts. The beach itself is great for sunbathing, but if you’re a sports enthusiast, you’ll find some of the best snorkeling in Thailand. You can also go kayaking and motor boating. Come lunchtime, there are several restaurants and bars at the southern end of the beach, while street food vendors set up shop at the main entrance to the beach.
4. Jomtien Beach, Chonburi, Thailand
Jomtien Beach is Pattaya Beach’s answer to the crowds and high price tags. This quiet neighbor to the south has sun-bleached sand and much cleaner water. Once rice paddies, now a seaside paradise filled with beach bliss, the endless coastline calls out to windsurfers, sun worshipers and the eternal chill. Buy a fresh coconut from a beach vendor or feast at a seaside seafood shack or alfresco restaurant.
5. Ao Nang Beach, Thailand
Krabi Province’s coastal mainstay is the beach town of Ao Nang. This is the starting point for day trips to attractions such as Railay Beach or Phi Phi National Park. The town’s main beach, Ao Nang Beach, is a wide expanse of golden sand overlooking the Andaman Sea and rising karst formations beyond. During the day, the beach is crowded with clattering long-tail boats taking tourists on day trips. In the evening, Beach Road’s lively bars and restaurants come alive with music and dancing.
For some relaxing beach views, head from Ao Nang to Klong Huang, a sleepy little village with several seaside restaurants and a spectacular stretch of dreamy beach.
6. Hua Hin Beach, Thailand
Hua Hin’s main beach stretches for four kilometers (2.5 miles) in the sun, spreading out like a wide boulevard of pink-white sand. This coastal hotspot attracts glamorous beachgoers with its sky-high vacation rentals and sprawling resorts. On the beach you can find activities ranging from banana boats to windsurfing schools. Located adjacent to Bangkok, Hua Hin is one of Thailand’s top resort destinations. You’ll find great restaurants, shopping malls, trendy coffee shops and street food markets.
For a more tranquil atmosphere, head to the other side of Khao Takiab Mountain, where the smaller, quieter Suan Son Beach offers a break from the hustle and bustle of downtown Hua Hin.
7. Karon Beach, Thailand
Karon Beach, along with Patong Beach and Kata Beach, form the trilogy of beaches on the west coast of Phuket. Located between two other beaches, Karon Beach is a 3-kilometer (1.8-mile) stretch of luxurious white sand, backed by lush tropical jungle. Unlike other beaches in Thailand, there are no hotels, restaurants or bars on the beach, which gives the beach a more peaceful and peaceful atmosphere. One of the best times to visit Karon Beach is at sunset, when everyone comes together to enjoy the fun, communal energy and the sky explodes with fiery red colors that are reflected in the turquoise sea below.
8. Tongsai Beach, Thailand
Located on the same peninsula as Railay Beach, Tonsai Beach is a dreamy, idyllic scene. Towering limestone cliffs covered in lush green foliage loom over golden sandy beaches and dense palm groves. Since the beach is protected by cliffs and can only be reached by boat, this isolation adds to its allure and mystique. Forget major restaurants and convenience stores. Here you can find rustic beach bars and budget accommodation. Behind the beach is the laid-back village of Tonsai, home to a series of cash-only bars and eateries. Activities here include climbing the famous limestone cliffs, snorkeling, kayaking, yoga and tai chi.
9. Maya Beach, Thailand
Anyone who has seen the legendary movies of Leonardo DiCaprio beach Know Maya Bay. While the community in the movie is completely fictional, the beach it’s based on is very real. Part of the Phi Phi Islands, Maya Bay is a tranquil, secluded bay with sparkling turquoise waters and sheltered by towering limestone boulders. Sadly, due to the film’s popularity, Maya Bay suffered from overtourism and was closed in 2018 for a coral revitalization project. The beach reopened in 2022 but is subject to strict conservation regulations. New regulations mean boats cannot enter the bay, so visitors must enter on foot from the other side of the island. Only 300 visitors are allowed at a time, and swimming is no longer allowed.
10. Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, Thailand
The largest beach in Koh Samui is the most popular and one of the best in Thailand. Chaweng Beach stretches for an impressive 7 kilometers (4.3 miles). Sugary sand and jaw-dropping blue waters are the main attractions of this Gulf of Thailand island. As a result, the beaches are rarely quiet, but travelers looking for plenty of activities will find Chaweng Beach to be just what they’re looking for. Think Thailand’s best scuba diving, great bars and restaurants, and plenty of sunbathing opportunities. If you’re looking for a quieter spot in Chaweng Beach, head to the southern end, which doesn’t have as many bars and is generally quieter than the center of the beach.
11. Khao Lak Beach, Thailand
Located north of Phuket, in Phang Nga province on mainland Thailand, Khao Lak Beach is a quiet, laid-back paradise overlooking the Andaman Sea. The quiet beach community is the perfect base for exploring nearby attractions such as the Similan Islands, Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park or Khao Sok National Park. The area is great for water sports and offers some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in Thailand. Sparkling clean beaches feature fluffy white sand, turquoise waters, and a laid-back town with trendy restaurants, bars and affordable accommodation.
