The 9 Best Beaches in Thailand

This quiet island to the south of Koh Chang is becoming increasingly popular for family holidays and romantic getaways away from the infamous Thailand party scene. The motto here is, less is more, and the development is in tune with preserving local nature. Unlike its jungle-covered neighbouring islands, Koh Mak’s centre is mostly coconut plantations, so the beaches are the main draw. Ao Kao is the most popular beach on the island with a wide choice of authentic restaurants and the quintessential sunset view. The shoreline is thoroughly undeveloped, leaving you to pitch your towel where you please or walk the 5-km length, weaving in and out of palm trees, yearning over the golden sand towards the shallow sea. There are plenty of island activities like Muay Thai classes, cooking classes, diving and snorkelling.

Hua Hin is one of Thailand’s original beach resorts, just a few hours’ drive from Bangkok and popularised by the Thai Royal Family decades ago. It has everything you’re looking for in a stunning beach in Thailand: pale, powdery sand, a backdrop of forested mountains, temples, night markets, and fresh seafood. The 8-km stretch of custard-coloured sand is east facing, so you can watch a spectacular sunrise here. Much of the beach is taken up with resort loungers and shade, so it’s a good idea to book and stay on the beachfront or get a day pass to access all the facilities. There are also unoccupied stretches where you can pitch your towel and enjoy an old-fashioned beach day if you prefer. One of the most popular activities here is horse riding along the shore.

Khao Lak is a series of villages in Phang Nga Province on Thailand’s south-west coast. If you’re looking for rugged beauty, low-key resorts and no crowds, this is one of the best beaches in Thailand. You’re surrounded by hiking, rainforests, waterfalls and sanctuaries, as well as easy access to Thailand’s most coveted diving spots. The unspoilt coast is fringed with honey coloured, perfectly soft sand, backed by a lush forest. The two most popular beaches are Nang Thong and Bang Niang and you can simply walk between the two uninterrupted. Bang Niang is the best of both worlds, with a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere and still plenty of beach-facing hotels, restaurants and a few bars, with loungers and shade if you desire. Stay until the waters and sky start to glow orange and pink at sunset.

Tucked on Thailand’s south-west coast, Krabi is best known for its spectacular limestone cliffs, mangrove forests, and more than a hundred offshore islands. Three of the most popular beaches– all of which are breath-taking – are Railay Beach, Tonsai Beach and the ice-cream-coloured sands of Ao Nang Beach. It’s a laid-back shore without too many resorts staking their claim to the sands, so you can pitch up and enjoy the captivating views and tantalisingly warm waters for free. Stroll the entire length or head up the popular Monkey Trail at the southern end of the beach and admire the geology, accompanied by curious primates, or book a boat trip on the colourful, longtail boats. Behind the promenade there’s food and drink options for every taste, from fine dining and locally caught seafood to fast food and Irish pubs.

Koh Lanta is an island district in the stunning Krabi Province, on Thailand’s Andaman coast. Its long, frilly coastline is fringed with dozens of beaches and it’s a popular haunt for divers and snorkellers. Facing west – sunset direction – Long Beach is one of the most popular stretches of sand on the island. You’ll find beach clubs and resorts backing some of the shore, offering shade and loungers or refreshments served amongst the trees with your toes in the sand. Heading to one of these establishments after dusk, when the shore is lit only by lanterns, is particularly magical. There is, however, plenty of space to do your own thing on this spacious and peaceful beach, with green space behind, and clean, mid-depth sea to cool off in the summer heat, undisturbed by noisy water sports.