Thailand is a country of mind-bending natural beauty — think majestic, misty mountains, elephant-filled jungles, and palm-flanked serpentine rivers. But arguably the jewel in its crown lies in the coral-flecked islands and powdery beaches along the southern coasts and islands.
From the Andaman Sea in the west to the Gulf for Thailand in the east, Thailand has hundreds of miles of tropical shoreline that seem spun out of fantasy. Whether it's the dramatic, cliff-backed Railay Beach, or the beach made famous around the world by Leonardo di Caprio, Thailand is packed with unbelievable coastline. So, without further ado, here are the best Thailand beaches ready for you to explore in Southeast Asia.
1. Railay Beach, Thailand
When you close your eyes and picture Thailand beaches, what you likely imagine is the legendary Railay Beach. Set with a backdrop of towering limestone karst cliffs, the dramatic Railay Beach in Krabi Province has dreamy, fluffy white sand and views out to the crystalline Andaman Sea. Green-carpeted limestone karst formations rise from the sea, and it's these same formations that call climbers to scale the rocky faces for even more sweeping views. But for those who prefer to keep their feet firmly planted, Railay delivers big on tropical vibes and scenery.
Want a bit of the best of both coasts, plus some Bangkok culture in between? Our 15-day Journeys: Iconic Thailand tour tour visits Krabi, Koh Samui, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai, plus a few other classic Thailand cultural destinations.
2. Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand
Buzzy Patong Beach is the main stretch of sand in the seaside town of Patong on the island of Phuket. Travellers who come to Patong Beach are less inclined to chill out than they are to enjoy the vibrant energy of its string of beach bars and restaurants. The beach’s golden sands stretch for nearly 3km (1.8 mi) along the Andaman Sea and are constantly abuzz with water sports, beachside massages, and sizzling street food. When the sun goes down, Patong Beach becomes a lively playground of bustling bars, nightclubs, and markets.
For a more tranquil vibe near Patong, Nui Beach sits on Phuket’s southern shores at the end of a long walk down a steep hill. Sure, it requires a bit of legwork, but you're rewarded with a secluded cove sheltered by enormous boulders and the shade of lush palm trees.
3. Kata Beach, Phuket, Thailand
Of course, Phuket is much more than an energetic party scene. Kata Beach on the southwestern corner of the island is all about chill, relaxing vibes. Picture soft white sand that stretches for days and gentle, blue water. Kata Beach is right next to the town of Karon, boasting a laid-back vibe with cute cafes, chill bars, and splendid beachfront resorts. The beach itself is perfect for sunbathing, but if you're an activity fiend you'll find some of the best snorkelling in Thailand. You can also kayak and jet ski. When lunch rolls around, the southern end of the beach has a handful of restaurants and bars, while street food vendors set up shop at the main entrance to the beach.
4. Jomtien Beach, Chon Buri, Thailand
Jomtien Beach is the answer to Pattaya Beach's throngs of crowds and high price tags. This quieter neighbour to the south boasts sun-bleached sands and far cleaner water. Once fields of rice paddies, this now coastal paradise is all about beachy bliss, with endless shoreline calling windsurfers, sun worshippers, and the perpetually chill. Grab a fresh coconut from one of the beach vendors, or tuck into seafood shacks or open-air restaurants lining the beachfront.
5. Ao Nang Beach, Thailand
The coastal anchor of Krabi province is the beach town of Ao Nang. It’s the jumping-off point for day trips to spots like Railay Beach or Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. The town's main beach, Ao Nang Beach, is a broad stretch of golden sand looking out to the Andaman Sea and rising karst formations in the distance. By day the beachfront is buzzing with sputtering long tail boats taking tourists out on day trips. By night, the lively bars and restaurants along the beach road spring to life with music and dancing.
For a chiller beach scene, head about 10 minutes from Ao Nang to Klong Huang, a small, sleepy village with a handful of beachside restaurants and a spectacular stretch of dreamy sand.
6. Hua Hin Beach, Thailand
For four sun-bleached kilometres (2.5 mi), Hua Hin's main beach unfolds like a broad boulevard of powdery white sand. The coastal hot spot draws in glamorous beachgoers to its sky-high vacation rentals and sprawling resorts. On the beach you'll find everything from banana boat rides to windsurfing schools. Hua Hin is one of the top vacation destinations in Thailand thanks to its close proximity to Bangkok. You'll find fantastic restaurants, shopping, funky coffee shops, and street food markets.
For a more tranquil vibe, head to the far side of Khao Takiab Hill, where the smaller, quieter Suan Son Beach gives respite from the buzzy energy of downtown Hua Hin.
7. Karon Beach, Thailand
Karon Beach completes the trilogy of west coast beaches in Phuket, along with Patong Beach and Kata Beach. Located between the two others, Karon Beach is a three-kilometre stretch (1.8 mi) of luxurious white sand backed by lush, tropical jungle. Unlike other beaches in Thailand, you won't find hotels, restaurants, or bars directly on the sand here, giving the beach a much more tranquil and serene vibe. One of the best times to be on Karon Beach is at sunset, when everyone gathers for convivial, communal energy and the show of fiery colours exploding across the sky reflecting in the turquoise sea below.
8. Tonsai Beach, Thailand
Tonsai Beach, located on the same peninsula as Railay Beach, is a dreamy, idyllic vision. Towering limestone cliffs blanketed in lush, green foliage loom over golden sands and thick groves of palm trees. Because of the cliffs protecting the beach it is only accessible by boat, and this isolation adds to its allure and mystery. Forget major restaurants and convenience stores. Here you'll find rustic beach bars and budget accommodations. Behind the beach is the laid-back Tonsai Village, home to a string of cash-only bars and small restaurants. Activities here include scaling the famous limestone cliffs, snorkelling, kayaking, yoga, and tai chi.
9. Maya Beach, Thailand
Anyone who has seen the legendary Leonardo Di Caprio film The Beach knows of Maya Bay. While the community in the film is one entirely of fiction, the beach it’s based on is very real. Maya Bay, part of Koh Phi Phi, is a serene, sheltered bay of sparkling turquoise water sheltered by towering limestone monoliths. Sadly, because of the film's popularity, Maya Bay suffered from the effects of overtourism and closed in 2018 for a coral rejuvenation project. The beach reopened back in 2022 but under strict regulations to protect it. New rules mean that boats can't enter the bay, so visitors must walk in on foot from the other side of the island. Only 300 tourists are allowed per trip and swimming is no longer allowed.
10. Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, Thailand
The largest beach on Koh Samui is its most popular, and one of the best beaches in Thailand. Chaweng Beach stretches for an impressive 7km (4.3 mi). The sugary sand and eye-popping azure water are some of the top draws to this island in the Gulf of Thailand. As a result, the beach is rarely quiet, but travellers looking for a lot of action and activity will find Chaweng Beach to be exactly what they want. Think some of the best scuba diving in Thailand, great bars and restaurants, and plenty of opportunities to sunbathe. If you're looking for a quieter slice of Chaweng Beach, head to the southern end, which doesn't have as many bars and is often more tranquil than the beach's centre.
11. Khao Lak Beach, Thailand
North of Phuket, on the mainland of Thailand in Phang Nga Province, Khao Lak Beach is a quiet, laid-back slice of paradise overlooking the Andaman Sea. The sleepy beach community is the perfect base to explore nearby attractions like the Similan Islands, Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park, or Khao Sok National Park. The area is fantastic for watersports and offers some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling in Thailand. The sparkling clean beach has fluffy white sand, turquoise water, and a laid-back town with chill restaurants, bars, and affordable stays.
