Encompassing over 3,200 kilometres of coastline and around 1,400 islands across the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, it is no surprise that Thailand is a destination renowned for its beach holidays. Once you start exploring Thailand’s coastline, however, you quickly realise just how different one beach can feel from the next.
Some of Thailand’s beaches are made for long lazy days and early nights, whilst others boast remarkable sunsets and then come alive after dark. Some are backdropped by limestone cliffs and lush jungle, whilst others host family-friendly resorts and water sports centres.
This variety is what makes a beach holiday in Thailand so rewarding. Whether you’re planning a multi centre Thailand holiday or you’re looking for the perfect beach base, there are destinations to suit every type of traveller. To help you choose, we have picked out some of the best beaches in Thailand for different types of holiday. Read on for our recommendations, or get in touch with an Asia Expert for their first-hand advice.
With Thailand’s beaches earning their place on the set of James Bond and inspiring films like ‘The Beach’, you know they’re going to be dramatic. Picture craggy limestone cliffs, glittering, emerald bays and jungle-clad islands… The scenery really does feel cinematic.
Completely enclosed by dramatic limestone cliffs, Railay Beach is on a peninsula within the Krabi province, entirely inaccessible by road. Instead you can reach the beach by a 10 to 15 minute long boat ride from Ao Nang or Ao Nam Mao. Part of Railay Beach’s appeal is that the small peninsula has several distinct beach areas, each with their own personalities.
West Railay is the point at which most visitors arrive, and it offers a relaxed and welcoming beach experience. Parallel to a long stretch of soft white sand is Walking Street, lined with shops and cafés. The sunsets are spectacular here too. Just a five minute walk away is East Railay Beach. Whilst the coast here is doesn’t really have a proper beach, you can take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy waterfront dining.
For a more secluded spot, you can hike or travel by boat from East Railay to reach Phra Nang Cave Beach. When you arrive, you almost feel like you are surrounded by the cliffs and the namesake caves, with powdery white sands and turquoise waters juxtaposed against the rock features. It is also home to the Princess Cave Shrine, where local sailors and fishermen leave offerings in return for the promise of a safe voyage.
Even more secluded but similarly breathtaking, Tonsai Beach feels rugged and off-grid. This cove is not necessarily what you’d expect from Thailand’s beaches: the shoreline here is comprised of pebbles, shells and fragments of coral, and the waters aren’t suited to swimming, but you can soak in its spectacular raw beauty. This is a famous spot for rock climbing, and you can find climbing schools and guides offering courses for all experience levels, teaching you how to navigate the towering limestone karsts… or you can just spectate from ground level.
Experience Railay Beach for yourself staying at Railay Village Resort.
This small island off the Andaman Coast is around a 20 minute boat ride from the Thai mainland, and you are welcomed by the view of the striking triangular peninsula of Pearl Beach. As well as its pristine white sands, Koh Mook is characterised by laid-back fishing villages. Although the island is one of the largest in the Trang Sea, it is small enough to get around on a motorbike, by bicycle, or on foot.
For dramatic scenery, head to Emerald (or Morakot) Cave on the west coast of the island. Swim or kayak through an 80-metre sea tunnel and, after being plunged into darkness, you’ll be struck by the sight of emerald green waters and bright white sands. As you emerge into the hidden lagoon, take in the towering, jungle-clad cliffs above you. I challenge you to name a more dramatic entrance. Make sure to book an organised tour, as the tunnel is completely pitch black in the middle, so your guide will provide you with life jackets and waterproof torches.
Visit Koh Mook on an Andaman Island Hopping Holiday.
If the idea of of lazy days sunbathing drives you stir crazy, then fear not! Thailand is a fantastic destination for water sports. Whether you’d like to go for a casual snorkel or paddle board, or you want to try scuba diving, or kite surfing, there is plenty to keep you busy.
A laid-back island in the Krabi Province, Koh Lanta’s uncrowded beaches make a fantastic place for snorkelling. At the southern tip of the island you’ll find Mu Ko Lanta National Park, which encompasses over 130 kilometres of coral reef, mangrove forests and small islands. Through snorkelling or scuba diving you can truly immerse yourself in this magnificent landscape. There are even multi-day diving trips on offer, as there is so much to explore. The National Park is home to a wealth of marine life, including dugongs (similar to manatees), sea turtles, manta rays, a huge variety of reef fish and elusive white sharks.
On an evening kayaking tour, you can see the mesmerising bioluminescent waters of the Thung Yee Peng Mangrove Forest. First, watch the sun set over the water, then the sea comes alive with the neon sparkle of glowing plankton. For relaxed, self guided tour, you can hire a stand-up-paddleboard from Khlong Dao Beach.
The island boasts some excellent resorts to help you make the most of the coast. At Twin Lotus on Klong Dao Beach you can enjoy complimentary use of kayaks and paddleboards to explore the gentle waters around the resort, or you can join a group kayaking tour, venturing further afield to the island’s mangrove forests and sea caves. Further south, Layana Resort & Spa on Long Beach similarly offers kayaking and paddle boarding, as well as guided catermaran cruises and snorkelling excursions.
Enjoy Koh Lanta’s water sports at Layana Resort & Spa or Twin Lotus.
With some Thai beach stays, you’ll want to linger a little longer. Whether you’re seeking the perfect place to spend your honeymoon or anniversary trip, or you just want to unwind in style after a busy multi centre holiday, you’re really spoilt for choice for luxury beach escapes in Thailand. It’s regarded as one of the world’s best destinations for affordable luxury. Go on, treat yourself!
Sitting between Phuket and Krabi, Koh Yao Noi remains relatively unknown. Staying here feels more secluded and sophisticated than the popular beach resorts that occupy its neighbours. You really feel away-from-it-all, yet the island is only a 30 minute speedboat ride from Bang Rong Pier in Phuket.
A luxurious Thai beach stay is not necessarily about polished grandeur, it’s about thoughtful details, enjoying a beautiful setting and having the space to unwind. Koh Yao Noi is noticably quieter and less developed than Krabi and Phuket. There are no beach clubs, no crowds and no pressure to fill your days. The island invites you to slow down and truly appreciate your surroundings.
Koh Yao Noi is known for its boutique accommodation, and of these, TreeHouse Villas certainly stands out. Staying here, your accommodation is the experience. The resort’s architecture rises organically from the landscape, with the Villas nestled amongst ancient jungle, overlookking the gently lapping waves in the bay. The TreeHouse Villas invite the indoors in, whilst still offering every luxury you’d expect from a five star resort. Enjoy quiet mornings by the pool, indulge in blissful spa treatments and soak in every sunset from the beach.
Plan your own luxury beach escape, staying at TreeHouse Villas Koh Yao.
Family is really at the core of social life in Thailand, with family taking prescedent over most other things, and this value really comes through in the way visitors are welcomed. Children are made to feel special and included, rather than simply being accommodated. This is part of what makes Thailand such a fantastic destination for families.
Bo Phut Beach is known for its relaxed pace and authentic feel, making it a great destination for families. Situated on Koh Samui’s northern coast, Bo Phut Beach is considerably quieter than nearby Chaweng, which is a hub for water sports and beach clubs.
Opting for Koh Samui makes family travel feel that little bit easier, as there are regular flights from Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai, which all take less than two hours. Then, once you’ve touched down at Samui Airport, Bo Phut is just a 10-minute drive.
There are plenty of family-friendly hotels to choose from, many boasting kids’ clubs, family swimming pools and complimentary use of kayaks or paddle boards for older children. The beach front stretches for around three kilometres, its swooping curve forming a sheltered bay. This means the waters are calm and shallow, with designated swimming areas. For older families, there are a handful of places that offer water sports, but Bo Phut Beach is generally much quieter than high-energy Chaweng, making it better suited to lazy days lounging, swimming, and playing on the beach.
Away from the beach, you’ll find Bo Phut’s charming Fisherman’s Village, just a short stroll from the waterfront. Here, you can wander between rustic wooden shophouses, which now host boutique shops and trendy cafés. From Bo Phut, you can also take a boat trip to Ang Thong Marine Park, to admire limestone islands and turquoise lagoons.
Incorporate a beach stay at Bo Phut into your family holiday on our Thai Wildlife Adventure.
Phuket’s Kata Noi Beach offers a dramatic contrast to the hustle and bustle of nearby Patong, so it’s no surprise that it attracts families. The beach front is relatively small, but neighbouring Kata Yai is just a ten-minute walk away, so you can visit both during your stay. The sand is powdery white, perfect for making sandcastles, and it is regularly raked, keeping it absolutely pristine.
For younger families, the best time to visit is the dry season, between December and April, when the water is flat and calm. For those with older children and teenagers, the off-season, from May to November, is a fantastic time to visit as Kata Noi becomes a renowned surfing destination. You can also get some great deals on accommodation at this time of year, even over the UK summer holiday.
There is a range of accommodation well-suited to families, but one of our favourites is Katathani Phuket Beach Resort. The guest rooms feel like a peaceful hideaway, yet there is a wealth of amenities and dining options on offer throughout the resort. You can cool off in the three kids’ pools (or sneak off to one of the adult pools), enjoy the huge water park, and sample some of the 12 restaurants. The family suites are incredibly well-considered, with under-the-sea themed bunk beds, a sliding door to separate the kids’ and adults’ rooms and a spacious sitting area. The Kids’ Club features a towering soft play, alongside crafts and games, so you’ll know your little ones won’t be getting bored whilst you indulge in a spa treatment or a cocktail at the beach club.
Get in touch to book your stay at Katathani Phuket Beach Resort.
Not every trip to Thailand’s coast is about switching off completely, some beaches are made for travellers seeking a bit of a buzz. Alongside its quieter shores, Thailand boasts beach destinations known for their restaurants, bars, music and nightlife. Even in the livelier areas, however, you can go at your own pace, as you can begin the day by finding a quieter cove or relaxing by the pool before embracing the evening’s live music, fire shows and beach bars.
Situated on Koh Samui’s east coast, Chaweng Beach is the perfect destination for those seeking a more lively beach break. During the day, you can try jetskiing, parasailing or paddleboarding, or simply pitch up at one of many beach clubs, where you can soak up the sun on a lounger, enjoy a dip in the pool, tuck into delicious food and drink and have a boogie to live music or DJ sets. ARKBar Beach Club is somewhat of a Chaweng Beach institution, opening at 10am each day for a relaxed breakfast and swim, then hosting one of the area’s biggest pool parties each afternoon, and rounding off the day with its legendary fire show and a DJ set.
Fire shows are a staple of Chaweng Beach nightlife: a captivating and daring display of incredible acrobatics, soaring flames and dancing embers. Shows are typically free to watch if you grab a drink in a nearby venue, but it is encouraged that you tip performers. Make sure to watch this spectacle from a safe distance, however, as stray sparks can drift. Away from the beach front, the Soi Green Mango area hosts bars and clubs that party well into the early hours.
Although Chaweng Beach is known for its lively atmosphere, there are three distinct areas, so it’s easy to find a quieter spot if you’d like. Both North and South Chaweng beach are more relaxed, with shallower waters and family-friendly resorts, whilst Chaweng Noi is a seperate cove just south of the main headland that feels peaceful and secluded. Central Chaweng is the hub for beach bars and nightlife, and Chaweng Beach Road, running parallel to the main beachfront, is also a fantastic spot for foodies. It is one of the densest restaurant strips outside of Bangkok, boasting all manner of cuisines. To sample some street food, head to Chaweng Night Market.
Experience Chaweng Beach’s nightlife on our Hong Kong & Koh Samui twin centre holiday.
If you’d simply like to slow down, Thailand boasts beaches that are made for doing very little. The setting does most of the work at many destinations along the coastline, all you have to do is soak it all in. Rather than busy promenades or lively beach bars, these are places for gentle swims, evening walks along the shore and enjoying unhurried meals with a spectacular backdrop.
Often overlooked by tourists who flock to nearby Koh Samui, Krabi or Phuket, Khanom is a region on Thailand’s Gulf Coast that offers a quieter alternative. It is characterised by its white sand beaches that stretch for miles, some of the longest in Thailand, that are backdropped by lush, forested headlands.
You really are free to do as much or as little as you’d like in Khanom. You can simply spend your days relaxing on serene shores, where you may find yourself to be the only visitor, or there is plenty to quench a thirst for adventure too. The landscapes around Khanom are rugged and beautiful. You can explore limestone Khao Wang Thong Cave, visit the interesting Pancake Rocks, walk to Samet Chun Waterfall or kayak through mangrove forests.
Khanom is also known for its population of rare pink dolphins. The dolphins’ unique colour develops as they age, so seeing pink dolphins is a great sign that their ecosystem is healthy, so the dolphins are living long and healthy lives. Whilst sightings are not a guarantee, the best time of year to see dolphins is between February and September, with the most activity in the morning.
Why not enjoy a peaceful stay at Aava Resort & Spa in Khanom?
Just 25 minutes northwest from popular Ao Nang, Tubkaek (or Tubkaak) Beach is one of Krabi’s most peaceful coastal spots, offering a quieter alternative to some of the region’s busier beach resorts. Tubkaek Beach feels wonderfully unhurried and remote. The two kilometre stretch of soft sand is lapped by calm waters that are well suited for swimming throughout much of the year, thanks to its natural protection from the surrounding islands.
The views are certainly a big part of Tubkaek’s appeal. Looking out from the beach, admire limestone islands rising dramatically from the Andaman Sea, their craggy peaks clad in lush jungle. From Tubkaek, you can explore the surrounding islands by traditional longtail boat. Hong Island, known for its stunning lagoon and secluded coves, is just 20 minutes away. Tubkaek faces directly west, so this also makes it one of the best spots on Krabi for watching the sunset. The islands fade into a striking shilouette against the pink and orange hues of the sky.
If you do want to break up your blissful beach days, Tubkaek is just a stone’s throw from Dragon Crest Mountain, or Khao Ngon Nak. You will be rewarded with even more spectacular views if you take on the hike, with sweeping vistas over Krabi’s coastline and the island-dotted sea.
Staying at The Tubkaek Krabi Boutique Resort makes the perfect base for a relaxing Krabi beach stay.
Even if you’ve not got much time, or you’re just passing through Thailand’s capital, a beach break is accessible. Offering a striking contrast to the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, a beach stay can be the perfect change of pace. We’d recommend adding a short beach stay to round off your travels in Thailand before you head home.
Hua Hin is one of the easiest beach destinations to pair with Bangkok, making it a fantastic choice for a couple of days’ getaway from the city. After your senses have been filled with the sound of racing tuk-tuks, the smell of sizzling street food and the colours of bustling night markets, swap the hustle and bustle for the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of Hua Hin.
Hua Hin is just two-and-a-half to three hours’ drive from Bangkok, and there are several options for getting there. Travelling by taxi or private transfer takes around three hours and is relatively affordable, but you can also get to Hua Hin using public transport. The 43 Special Express train also takes around three hours, departing from Krung Thep Aphiwat in Bangkok. The journey is scenic, as you travel through pastoral lands and quaint towns, and arriving by train you will be welcomed into Hua Hin Railway Station, one of Thailand’s oldest and most iconic with its regal wooden architecture.
Hua Hin itself is a family-friendly and laid-back beach destination. For those feeling adventurous, you can go horse riding along the shoreline, go for a banana boat ride or try your hand at windsurfing. For a slower paced beach break, Hua Hin’s gentle water lends themselves perfectly to swimming, you can enjoy a stroll along its stretching sands, or simply sunbathe.
Perched above Khao Takiab Beach, you’ll find Wat Khao Takiap (or Monkey Mountain) Temple which offers panoramic ocean views. Hua Hin is also known for its lively markets. Cicada Market is open from Friday to Sunday evenings, with local art, handmade crafts and live music creating an enticing atmosphere. The Hua Hin Night Market occupies the central walking street, packed with souvenirs and delicious treats, like mango sticky rice. From Hua Hin, you can also visit Phraya Nakhon Cave to see the iconic royal pavilion, illuminated by the sunlight streaming in through the opening in the cave ceiling.
Combine Bangkok and Chiang Mai with Hua Hin on our Thai Capital, Culture & Coast holiday.
No matter what you’d like to get out of a beach break in Thailand, there will be a destination to suit you. Our recommended holiday ideas can simply be booked as they are, or we can create an entirely bespoke itinerary. Our Asia Experts have all travelled extensively in Thailand, so they would be delighted to offer recommendations and help you to plan the perfect trip. Just get in touch and let them know what you’d like to do.
Just get in touch with our Asia Experts to plan your bespoke itinerary
Grace joined the Marketing Team at Freedom Destinations after she returned from three months backpacking around Australia. Her long-haul travels have also taken her to Canada, the U.S. and South East Asia so far, but her destination wish list is far from complete!
