Thailand has some of the most beautiful tropical islands and beaches in the world. Thailand is a beachgoer’s paradise. With so many beautiful beaches around, choosing the best beaches during your getaway will depend on you. Whether you are looking for a beach that is easy to get to, a hidden gem, a party paradise or just simply to soak up the sun’s rays, Thailand has it all. Find the best beach for you from our list of the 10 best beaches in Thailand.
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10 Best Beaches in Thailand
The best beaches in Thailand are located in the southern region. Here you will find some of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in the country. Thailand is famous for having the bluest waters in Southeast Asia. Read this list of the 10 best beaches in Thailand and tell us which one you think has the bluest water in the comments below.
10. Karon Beach, Phuket
There are countless beaches on the island but one of the best beaches in Phuket is Karon Beach. It’s just south of Patong beach. It’s not located in a bay like Patong beach but Karon beach is quiet and the water is clearer.
Karon beach is 3 km long with a more orange-coloured beach and clear light blue water. The beach is lined with loungers that you can rent and there are many hotels, restaurants, bars and shops just across the road.
❥Also Read: Free Travel Guide for the Famous Phuket, Thailand
9. Nung Yuan Island
Nung Yuan island is just off the coast of Koh Tao. This island is two small hills that are connected by a sand bar to create one island and a lovely beach. The beach is great for swimming and snorkelling with many people coming here on day trips from Koh Tao.
The best way to see this beautiful beach is from the Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint. It’s easy to walk to this viewpoint however there are a lot of mosquitoes, so bring some mosquito repellent.
❥Also Read: 7 Things to do on Koh Tao, Thailand: Unique Island Itinerary
8. Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui
Koh Samui is a trendy island in Thailand. There are countless beaches on the island but our favourite beach is Chaweng beach. This is also the most popular beach on the island and for a good reason.
Along Chaweng beach you can find beautiful resorts and hotels. The water can get choppy during some seasons but most of the time is calm and a beautiful beach to relax on.
7. Railay Beach, Krabi
Railey beach in Krabi is one of the most famous beaches in Thailand. It’s only assessable by boat since it’s blocked off from the rest of Krabi by massive limestone cliffs. It’s not an island like many people think.
The beach is also surrounded by limestone cliffs. It has beautiful white sand beaches and clear emerald-green water. For the best experience, try to get here as early as possible and during high tide.
The only downfall is the crowds. During high season, thousands of people flock here however if the beach is too busy for you there are other adventurous things to do in the area such as rock climbing, kayaking, lagoons and other hikes as seen below.
❥Also Read: The Best Things to do in Krabi, Thailand: Top 8
6. Tawaen Beach, Koh Larn
Tawaen beach is on the small island of Koh Larn, just off the coast of Pattaya city. This is the main beach on the island and the most visited. You can either stay on the island or do a day trip here from Pattaya.
It has bright white sand and beautiful blue water as far as the eye can see. The beach is surprisingly clean and you can sometimes see stingrays jump out of the water. There are many loungers on the beach to rent and lots of restaurants, cafes and bars to buy food and drinks from. It’s the perfect place to relax under an umbrella or participate in some watersports.
Book a day tour to Koh Larn here
❥Also Read: Koh Larn Travel Guide: Beautiful hidden Island close to Bangkok
5. Koh Hong, Krabi
Koh Hong or Hong island is a tropical island in Krabi, Thailand. It’s a 45-minute ride from Ao Nang Beach by longtail boat.
Once on the island, you will see huge limestone cliffs, clear emerald colour water and a soft sand beach. In the water, there are fish swimming around but also be aware of jellyfish, especially during low tide. The island also has a secret lagoon and a beautiful 360-degree viewpoint.
Book a tour to Hong island in Krabi, Thailand here
❥Also Read: Beautiful Hong Island: The Perfect Day Trip From Krabi
4. Sunrise beach, Koh Lipe
On Koh Lipe, you will find a stunning beach that looks like something you would find on a postcard, this is sunrise beach. Sunrise beach is one of the best beaches here. It’s a 1.5km long white sand beach lined with palm trees and with crystal clear blue water.
There isn’t much development along this beach only a few resorts and restaurants. This beach could easily be No.1 on any best beaches list.
❥Also Read: Koh Lipe, Thailand: Useful Guide with Everything you need to know
3. Maya Bay, Phi Phi island
Maya Bay is one of the most well-known beaches in the Kingdom. Made famous in 2000 by Leonardo DiCaprio and the movie ‘The Beach’.
This beautiful bay was closed for 3 years but reopened to tourists on 1 January 2022 however things are different now. Boats aren’t allowed to go into the bay and no swimming is allowed. This is all done to protect marine life.
This is still one of the most beautiful beaches to visit in Thailand. Huge limestone cliffs, a soft white sand beach and beautiful blue water characterise the beach. Sometimes you can even see small sharks swimming just off the shore.
You can get your feet wet but the guards are strict. Even with the no swimming rule Maya bay is still breathtaking and one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand
Book a day trip to Maya Bay and Phi Phi island here.
2. Pattaya Beach, Koh Lipe
Not to be confused with Pattaya city’s main beach, this Pattaya Beach is found on the island of Koh Lipe in Southern Thailand. This is the second beach from this island on the list, which tells you just how beautiful this island is.
Pattaya beach is the main beach on the island since most of the hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars are along here. This beach is special because it has the whitest and finest sand we have ever seen. The water is clear and a beautiful shade of blue.
It’s not the easiest island in Thailand to get to because of its remote location but the effort is worth it. Around the island, there are also the most beautiful coral reefs and marine life we’ve seen in Thailand.
Book a speedboat transfer to Koh Lipe island here.
1. Koh Poda Beach, Poda island in Krabi
The most beautiful beach in Thailand is Koh Poda beach. Poda island is located in Krabi and is only a short boat ride from Ao Nang beach.
Many islands in Thailand have been developed and have lost their natural feel but not this island. There’s hardly anything built on the island which just adds to its natural beauty. Poda island is a must-visit when in Krabi, you won’t regret it.
It has a limestone islet standing tall out of the water which is also something unique to Koh Poda. There is marine life in the area and you can often see fish swimming around you.
On the island is a small shop where you can buy food and drinks. Poda island definitely has the best beach in Thailand.
Book a 4 island tour from Krabi in Thailand here
Let us know in the comments below which beach would you would love to visit from this list of the 10 best beaches in Thailand.
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