Thailand beaches
15 Best Beaches in Thailand for 2026
Thailand has 3,219 km of coastline and several hundred islands. The 15 below — across the Andaman coast, Gulf of Thailand, and the lesser-visited islands — are the standouts in 2026.
Maya Bay (Phi Phi)
The Beach made it famous. Closed 2018-2022 for ecological recovery. Re-opened but with daily visitor limits.
Best for: photographers + day-trippers
Railay Beach (Krabi)
Limestone cliffs around a beach accessible only by longtail boat. Rock climbing destination.
Best for: climbers + atmosphere
Koh Phi Phi Don beaches
Loh Dalum + Long Beach. Party islands at night, beach perfection by day.
Best for: backpackers
Koh Lipe (Andaman)
White-sand island near Malaysian border. Snorkeling reef right offshore.
Best for: tropical postcard
Koh Kood (Thai-Cambodian border)
Far eastern Thailand. Beach quality rivaling Caribbean. Tourist density rivaling Robinson Crusoe.
Best for: escape-from-Thailand-tourists
Koh Yao Yai/Noi (Phang Nga)
Quieter alternative to Phi Phi. Muslim fishing community, no nightlife scene.
Best for: cultural beach experience
Sairee Beach (Koh Tao)
Diving + Sunset bars. Best beginner-diver beach in Thailand.
Best for: divers
Haad Tien (Koh Tao)
Less-visited cove on Koh Tao. Better swimming than crowded Sairee.
Best for: quiet days
Koh Lanta beaches
Long Beach + Klong Khong + Klong Nin. 30km of beaches with progressively less development as you go south.
Best for: families + longer stays
Khao Lak (Andaman mainland)
30km of beach north of Phuket. Resort-development without Phuket prices.
Best for: beach resorts
Mu Ko Surin (Andaman)
National marine park near Burma border. Pristine snorkeling. Day-trip from Khao Lak.
Best for: snorkelers
Koh Phangan beaches
Famous for Full Moon Party. Quieter beaches (Haad Rin off-season, Bottle Beach) on other sides of island.
Best for: party + recovery combinations
Koh Samui (Bophut + Maenam)
Big island with resort infrastructure. Calmer beaches on the north side.
Best for: family resorts
Hua Hin
Mainland beach 3 hours from Bangkok. Day-trip or weekend option.
Best for: easy escape from Bangkok
Koh Adang (Andaman)
Just north of Koh Lipe. Even quieter, less-developed.
Best for: complete solitude