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