In Thailand, a country known for its vibrant culture and scenic landscapes, the beaches stand out as some of the world’s most beautiful coastal gems. Here’s our top 10 Thailand beaches, chosen for their unique features, stunning beauty, and the unforgettable experiences they offer. From secluded shores to bustling nightlife spots, these beaches offer something for every type of traveler looking to discover the magic of Thailand’s coastlines.
The best Thailand beaches (2025)
10. Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui
Photo: Wings of Wanderlust
What makes it great: Koh Samui’s Chaweng Beach is known for its vibrant energy and diverse amenities, making it one of the most popular destinations in the Gulf of Thailand. With soft white sand, a wide range of available water sports, and countless dining options, Chaweng is ideal for first-time visitors looking for a dynamic Thailand beach experience. The southern end is quieter, perfect for a more relaxed day by the sea, while the central and northern parts of the beach offer bars, shops, and nightlife options. Visitors can enjoy Thai massages on the beach, try fresh coconut water, or take in the lively street food scene.
Best time to visit: December to April, when rain is minimal, and temperatures are warm but not overwhelming.
Tip: Plan to spend an afternoon shopping or dining at Chaweng’s bustling night market.
9. Surin Beach, Phuket
Photo: Pexels
What makes it great: Surin Beach is often dubbed “Millionaire’s Row” for its luxury appeal and close proximity to upscale hotels and celebrity-owned properties. Its calm, clear waters and powdery white sand make it a classic Thailand beach destination, with a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. The lack of large crowds and beach vendors sets it apart, making it popular for those looking to enjoy quiet luxury by the Andaman Sea. While the area lacks some of the vibrant nightlife found at other beaches, Surin’s upmarket vibe and high-end restaurants nearby cater to foodies and those seeking a more tranquil beach day.
Best time to visit: November to February, when temperatures are mild and skies are clear.
Tip: Try local seafood dishes at one of the area’s upscale beachfront restaurants.
8. Lamai Beach, Koh Samui
Photo: Pexels
What makes it great: Slightly less crowded than Chaweng, Lamai Beach is known for its relaxed, family-friendly vibe and welcoming local culture. The water is clearer and deeper here, ideal for swimming, while the soft sand and laid-back atmosphere make it a great choice for sunbathers and families alike. Lamai’s town area has a smaller but charming market scene, with a weekly Sunday night market offering a mix of traditional Thai food, handmade souvenirs, and local artwork. A nearby attraction, the famous Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks (Hin Ta and Hin Yai), adds a touch of local legend and humor to the area.
Best time to visit: January to March for ideal beach conditions.
Tip: Take an evening stroll through Lamai’s night market for local dishes like mango sticky rice and coconut pancakes.
7. Freedom Beach, Phuket
Photo: Incredible Asia
What makes it great: Tucked away just south of Patong, Freedom Beach is one of Phuket’s hidden gems, known for its soft, powdery white sand and pristine turquoise waters. Accessible by a longtail boat or a fairly challenging hike through the hillside, this beach offers a sense of seclusion that’s increasingly rare on Phuket’s busier shores. Despite its remote feel, Freedom Beach has a range of amenities, including local food stalls and small restaurants. The calm waters make it an ideal spot for snorkeling and swimming, and its lush, green surroundings add to the tropical paradise ambiance. For those looking to escape the crowds, Freedom Beach provides a peaceful alternative close to the island’s more lively attractions.
Best time to visit: December to March offers the most pleasant weather and calmest seas, making it ideal for swimming and enjoying the beach’s natural beauty. During the monsoon season, access by boat may be limited due to rougher seas.
6. Railay Beach, Krabi
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What makes it great: Railay Beach is an enclave for both relaxation and adventure, popular for its rock climbing and lush landscapes. Known for its dramatic cliffs that rise from the sea, Railay is a paradise for climbers, offering routes suitable for all experience levels. In addition to climbing, kayaking is a popular way to explore the coastline, allowing travelers to reach small caves and hidden coves. The beach itself has a relaxed vibe with plenty of beachfront cafes and restaurants, and since it’s only accessible by boat, the entire peninsula feels like a secluded island. Railay’s West Beach is the main hub with smooth sands and gorgeous sunset views, while the smaller East Beach is dotted with mangroves, offering a different, quieter side of the peninsula.
Best time to visit: December to April for climbing, as this season brings dry conditions and cooler winds.
Tip: Book rock climbing tours in advance, especially during peak season, as they’re highly sought after.
5. Phra Nang Beach, Krabi
Photo: Pexels
What makes it great: Nestled on the secluded Railay Peninsula, Phra Nang Beach is famous for its stunning limestone cliffs and mesmerizing turquoise waters. Visitors can reach the beach by a scenic boat ride from Ao Nang, and while the journey is part of the adventure, it adds to the beach’s appeal as an escape from the busier areas nearby. Phra Nang Cave, or Princess Cave, is an especially unique attraction—known for its sacred shrines to the local goddess and filled with colorful phallic symbols that reflect local beliefs about fertility and protection. The cave’s stalactite formations and cultural history make it a must-see for visitors, adding a sense of mystery to this Thailand beach’s serene environment. Adventurers often try their hand at rock climbing, while snorkelers enjoy the calm waters and abundant marine life.
Best time to visit: November to March for ideal weather and clearer skies.
Tip: Railay and Phra Nang are just two different stops on the same longtail boat route, which departs regularly from Ao Nang. The boat ride is quick, taking only around 15 minutes, and the two beaches are in close proximity, making it easy to enjoy both in one trip. Simply hop on a boat in Ao Nang, and you’ll be able to explore the stunning landscapes of Railay Beach before heading over to the unique cave and temple of Phra Nang Beach, all in a single excursion.
4 Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands
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Maya Bay, located on Koh Phi Phi Leh, achieved global fame after being featured in the movie The Beach. Known for its enchanting aquamarine waters and lush green cliffs that surround the bay, this is one of the most photographed Thailand beaches. To protect its delicate marine ecosystem, the Thai government has implemented strict conservation measures, including limited visitor numbers and “closed” periods during certain months to allow the ecosystem to recover. While it may seem crowded at times, Maya Bay offers an unforgettable experience, particularly in the early morning when the waters are calm, and the beach is relatively empty, making it clear why it’s one of the best beaches in Thailand.
Best time to visit: December to March for the best weather and clearest waters.
Tip: Book an early morning boat trip from Phi Phi Don to experience Maya Bay without the midday crowds.
3. Nangyuan Island Beach
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What makes it great: Just off the coast of Koh Tao, the (private) Nangyuan Island is known for its iconic sandbar that links three small islets, creating a picturesque Y-shaped beach surrounded by vibrant turquoise waters. The island offers one of Thailand’s most unique beach experiences, where visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and lounging in a secluded, tranquil setting. Nangyuan’s shallow, clear waters are teeming with colorful marine life, making it perfect for beginner snorkelers and families. For land-based exploration, a short but steep hike leads to an elevated viewpoint that provides panoramic views over the sandbar and surrounding seas.
Best time to visit: The ideal period is from December to April, when calm seas and clear water make for the best snorkeling conditions. During the monsoon season, May to November, rain can affect visibility and limit boat access.
Tip: This private island can be visited in the excursion combined with a visit to Koh Tao, a famous “Turtle Island” on which you can observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Photo: Wings of Wanderlust
2. Phi Leh Bay, Phi Phi Islands
Photo: Pexels
What makes it great: Nestled between the towering limestone cliffs of the Phi Phi Islands, Phi Leh Bay is one of the most breathtaking locations in Thailand. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, this bay is surrounded by dramatic cliffs that create a stunning, serene atmosphere. This Thailand bay also gained worldwide fame as the backdrop to the film The Beach, where Leonardo DiCaprio’s character discovers the hidden paradise. It’s not just about the scenery, though—Phi Leh Bay is also a fantastic spot for snorkeling, with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Phi Leh Bay is during the dry season, between November and April, when the weather is perfect for snorkeling and beach activities.
Tip: A combined boat trip to Maya Bay and Phi Leh Bay from Ao Nang or Phuket lets you explore two of Thailand’s famous spots in one day.
1. Similan Islands, near Sailboat Rock
Photo: Wings of Wanderlust
What makes it great: Known for crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs, the Similan Islands are among Thailand’s most stunning natural treasures. Located off the Andaman coast and part of the Mu Ko Similan National Park, these islands are a top destination for snorkeling and diving, attracting marine enthusiasts from around the world. Sailboat Rock, named for its distinct shape, towers over the beach and provides an unforgettable view of the surrounding seascape. On the islands’ secluded shores, white sand and calm, warm waters await travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility. The islands are reachable by speedboat from Phuket or Khao Lak and offer some of the most impressive underwater scenes in Thailand, with sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, and rare reef fish.
Best time to visit: The Similan Islands are open to visitors from October to May, with the best diving and snorkeling conditions typically from November to early April when seas are calm and visibility is excellent. The park closes from May to October due to monsoon season, as the rough seas make it unsafe for travel.
Tip: You can visit Similan islands and Nangyuan Island in a single day via a combined boat trip. These tours typically leave early in the morning from Phuket and cover the highlights of each island. You’ll have the chance to explore the Similan Islands’ incredible marine life, Koh Tao’s renowned snorkeling spots, and the stunning sandbar connecting Nangyuan Island.
These were our picks for the best beaches in Thailand. While nearly every beach in Thailand offers a slice of paradise with warm sands, turquoise waters, and lush surroundings, a few locations elevate the experience to a new level of splendor. From hidden coves only accessible by boat to lively shores with thriving local markets, each beach offers a unique mix of natural beauty and cultural charm that reflects Thailand’s spirit.
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