Thailand beaches
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