Who hasn’t heard of the beauty of Thailand’s blue water and sandy beaches? There are plenty of options you can choose from in this tropical heaven, from a white sandy beach to a rocky coastal area. This article comprises a list of the best beaches in Thailand where you get to take a nice long walk in between the lip-smacking pad Thai.
Pick the best beach areas Thailand offers where you get to stay close to the beach yet not far from the action. Something secluded but accessible is what you should aim for. To help you arrange the optimum tropical vacation experience, we also pick some of the best accommodations in the area. Without further ado, let’s find out which the best beaches to stay in Thailand are!
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Bottle Beach, Koh Phangan
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Let’s start with our list of the best beaches in Thailand with Bottle Beach. Most beaches in Thailand can be so crowded during high seasons. However, you’ll find many secluded and tranquil beaches, like Bottle Beach in Koh Phangan. Though it’s one of the most challenging beaches to reach, Bottle Beach is also one of the most rewarding.
It boasts natural and beautiful sandy beaches, clear blue water, and the wildlife of the jungle. Located at the Northernmost point of Koh Phangan, you could only reach Bottle Beach by boat from Thong Sala Pier. Whether it’s one day trip or overnight, you will find a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
Enjoy the spectacular scenery while you’re relaxing on the soft white sand along the beach. You could also plunge into its beautiful warm water to swim. How about having some fun by playing beach volleyball? If you plan to do those, don’t forget to bring your bikinis for the summer.
Most visitors stay on the east coast of Koh Phangan. But, Bottle Beach 1 Resort can be your choice if you prefer to stay overnight on the island. It offers a private beach area, giving you a chance to the beach all to yourself.
Phra Nang Cave Beach, Krabi
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Next on our list of the best beaches in Thailand is Phra Nang Cave Beach in Krabi. Located in Railay Peninsula, Phra Nang Cave offers a beautiful beach with limestone mountains and cliffs. You can only reach the beach by longtail boat, either from Ao Nang Beach or Krabi Town.
Not only Phra Nang Cave Beach is surrounded by a stunning landscape, but it also offers outdoor adventures. Plenty of activities can be done here, from relaxing and sunbathing on its soft white sand, snorkeling, and kayaking. The shallow clear waters of the Andaman Sea make the beach a favorite stop for families to swim.
For a more private beach experience with your family, stay at Railay Bay Resort & Spa. It’s one of the best hotels in Krabi with two swimming pools and a beach area. Kids would have fun while staying here. The secluded area with lush gardens and views of the beach brings you close to nature. It can be the perfect choice if you’re looking for the best beaches to stay in Thailand.
Pattaya Beach
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When talking about the best beach areas Thailand has to offer, we couldn’t skip Pattaya. Pattaya Beach is also one of the most popular beaches and can be too crowded at times. But, the beach is home to several water sports you may not find on smaller beaches, including parasailing and jet skiing.
If you prefer not to do anything, just relax on the deck chair and umbrella while you’re enjoying the view. You could also try Thai massage on the beachfront from a local vendor.
This 4-km crescent coastline is located next to Pattaya Beach Road. Not only can you enjoy beach activities, but also world-renowned shows and the city’s bustling and nightlife. Hence, Pattaya Beach can also be your option for the best beaches to stay in Thailand.
Pattaya offers accommodation for all types of travelers. From budget hotels to expensive resorts, you’ll find the perfect Pattaya hotels depending on your traveling type and budget, including gay-friendly hotels. Hotel with beachfront, like Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, will make the best of your stay. Enjoy the private beach and experience beachfront dining on this property.
Long Beach, Koh Lanta
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If you’re visiting Koh Lanta, you’ll find some best beach areas Thailand boasts, including Long Beach. It comprises 2,5 miles (4 km) of beach and sea, making it fantastic for long beach walks. Moreover, the breathtaking crystal clear water is perfect for swimming.
The beach is located around 10 to 20 minutes of drive from Saladan Village, the main entry and exit point from Koh Lanta. Due to its closeness to the village, Long Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Koh Lanta. But, it’s never too crowded. You’ll always find a space to sunbathe or relax and feel like you have the beach to yourself. In the afternoon, you shouldn’t miss enjoying the spectacular sunset over the Andaman Sea.
Long Beach offers a wide range of accommodation and entertainment for beach lovers. Plenty of guesthouses, bungalows, and resorts stretch along the beach. Book a room at Long Beach Chalet to make your vacation more enjoyable. The hotel offers rooms in the garden zone or along the coast for more private beach feels. There are also cafes, bars, and restaurants selling BBQ meats and fish around Long Beach.
Sai Kaew Beach, Koh Samet
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Sai Kaew Beach, also known as Diamond Beach, is a top-rated clean beach in Koh Samet Island. This alone makes it one of the best beach areas Thailand offers. Though the beach is only 780 meters long, it has beautiful landscapes, nature, and weather. The shallow waters are perfect for swimming, even for children. A lot of palm trees and tropical greenery add more protection from the heat of the sun.
The white sand as snow and the green-blue color waters are perfect for the holiday. Visitors could relax under the warm sun. Besides, you can try various water sports, such as a banana boat, snorkeling, jet-skiing, and windsurfing. While you’re relaxing, enjoy selections of Thai cuisine, juices, and cocktails from some bars and restaurants on the beach.
This area is also one of the best beaches to stay in Thailand. You won’t encounter any difficulties finding the various type of accommodation, including the beachfront hotel. Sai Kaew Beach Resort is only within a few steps to Sai Kaew Beach. The hotel boasts two beachfront restaurants, three outdoor pools, and a variety of water sports. It would be perfect for your vacation, whether you’re alone or with family and friends. Sai Kaew Beach is easy to reach by boats and ferries either from Bangkok or Pattaya.
Kata Noi Beach, Phuket
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Phuket has become so well known as one of the best beaches to stay in Thailand. It’s the largest island in the country and offers gorgeous sandy beaches and blue waters. Besides, this beautiful coastline offers rich culture, many outdoor activities and sport, fantastic dining, and entertainment options.
The island offers plenty best beach areas Thailand has. Some of them are crowded, while many others are quiet, including Kata Noi Beach. Kata Noi is the ideal place to visit with family, a bit out of the way from the tourist crowds.
This small beach offers clear blue water, soft sands, and green scenery. It’s a perfect place for you to bathe under the sun. Kata Noi also provides water sports activities for the whole family, from snorkeling, banana boat, kayaking, to parasailing.
The wave is calm and inviting from December to April, making it perfect for swimming. From May to October, Kata Noi offers bigger waves. It’s the favorite season for surfers for learning and practice. You’ll find plenty of the best hotels in Phuket in Kata Noi Beach, including Katathani Phuket Beach Resort.
Maenam Beach, Koh Samui
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Maenam Beach is next on our list of the best beaches in Thailand. Maenam Beach in Koh Samui is the best choice for family, beach lovers, and travelers who prefer long stays to experience authentic Thai life.
The silky white shand stretches for 4 kilometers, with crystal clear water and palm groves along the coast. Its calm surf water makes the beach a perfect spot for swimming. You can also relax under the sun, long walk along the beach, and enjoy the landscape. Sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach are mostly available for hotel guests. But, you’ll also find some cozy gazebos for travelers and tourists.
Here, you could find some high-end resorts with private beaches easily, such as Santiburi Koh Samui. The property is located along Maenam Beach and is surrounded by greenery. If you don’t want to go to the beach, there are two outdoor swimming pools for you to swim in.
Cha-Am Beach, Petchburi
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Petchaburi province is located around 120 kilometers South West of Bangkok. It has some popular destinations, including royal palaces and natural caves. The province is also known for its natural beauty and long clean sandy beaches. One of the best beaches in Thailand located in Petchburi is Cha-Am Beach.
This beach offers many different activities, such as sunbathing, pony riding, water skiing, and parasailing. The long beach is also a perfect place to find quiet spots for you to relax or read a book under the umbrella.
Tourists can quickly go to Cha-Am Beach from Bangkok on various transportation routes, from bus, train, or taxi. You can easily find accommodation in Cha-Am Beach, from budget hotels near the beach to exclusive resorts with private beaches.
Sun Marina Cha-Am is only 20 meters from the beach and 3 kilometers from Cha-Am train station, making it a perfect choice to stay. It offers an outdoor swimming pool and shared garden for guests. While you’re staying here, you can also visit some other popular tourist places, including Santorini Park.
Loh Dalum Bay, Phi Phi Don Island
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If you’re looking for the best beaches to stay in Thailand, Phi Phi Islands or Koh Phi Phi should be on the list. Many travelers often mistake referring to it as one island. Actually, it’s a small archipelago consisting of many, and the biggest island is Phi Phi Don Island.
One of the best beaches on this island is Loh Dalum Bay. The beach could get very crowded, but it’s one of the most breathtaking beaches in the Phi Phi Islands. The beach is shallow, with high waves, yet strong winds almost never occur because limestone cliffs nearly enclose the bay.
The beach boasts a white sandy beach and clear emerald waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing. You can also try some water sports, like banana boat, parasailing, kayaking, and wakeboarding. So, pack your sunglasses for the watersport and start your adventure!
If you are a party lover, you’ll be happy to find many beach bars playing loud music and putting on spectacular fire shows at night. The beach is perfect for partying until morning. Besides, the beach offers tons of accommodation around the island. One of the best hotels in the bay is PP Princess Resort, a short walk away from Loh Dam Beach and Monkey Beach.
Chaweng Noi Beach, Koh Samui
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Koh Samui, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is known for its beauty and offers some of the best beach areas Thailand boasts. If you’re looking for a less crowded beach in Koh Samui, then Chaweng Noi Beach is your best choice. The beach offers a quiet location away from the busy life of the city. Being separated from the other Chaweng beaches by a small river makes it secluded, even though it’s only ten minutes away from the main beach.
You’ll find some bars, restaurants, and beachside cuisine. Most accommodations in Chaweng Noi are high-end villas and resorts, making it considered as one of the more exclusive beaches in Koh Samui. Experience private beach if you book a room in the beachfront hotel, Sheraton Samui Resort.
Swim in the shallow, calm turquoise blue water. Meanwhile, the sand for most parts of the beach is soft enough to walk barefoot. The quiet and secluded beach makes it a perfect place to get away from the crowds. Here, you can have a day of relaxation on the beach lounger or sofa on the shady patio while sipping on a fresh cocktail.
Also, you could try an ocean-front massage from a local vendor or enjoy lunch at the beachfront restaurants. Want to have some challenges? Then, try water sports and book a jet ski for a bit of adventure. Or, maybe you just want to take a walk along the clean white sandy beach?
Mai Khao Beach, Phuket
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Phuket has many best beach areas Thailand boasts, making it a popular destination among tourists. There are many beautiful beaches in Phuket, including Mai Khao Beach. Part of the Sirinat National Park, the beach stretches 11 kilometers long. It’s the longest beach on the island with pristine beauty that is worth visiting. That’s why we pick Mai Khao Beach on the top of our list of the best beaches in Thailand.
So, if you want to avoid crowded, Mai Khao Beach is a perfect place. Still, you can do a lot of activities along its vast stretch of sand, like long walking, jogging, or simply enjoying the blissful silence on the beach. Mai Khao Beach is near Phuket Airport, so don’t forget to grab your phone or digital cameras and take a picture of planes overhead!
During November to April or May, the sea is calm, and almost no waves. It’s perfect for swimming out to the turquoise waters of Mai Kao or kayaking. You won’t see many developments here, but it can be your top choice for the best beaches to stay in Thailand. Here, you’ll find a couple of large hotel chains for you to stay.
Most of the hotels are beachfront, so you can see the spectacular view of the Andaman Ocean. Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa is one of the best beachfront hotels in Mai Khao Beach. The hotel features two large outdoor pools, jogging, and biking trails.
