The Official Guide to Thailand’s Best Beaches

I’ve always had a soft spot for Thailand. To me, it’s the kind of place that feels like home the moment you step off the plane. While I love the energy of Bangkok and the tranquility of the north, it’s the beaches that truly steal my heart every time. 

White sand, crystal-clear water, dramatic limestone cliffs: each one feels like something out of a dream. Over the years, I’ve made it my mission to explore as many of Thailand’s best beaches as I can, chasing that perfect combination of sun, sea and serenity. 

From the party scene on the mainland to the hidden coves of Koh Lanta, I’ve soaked it all up. Not sure where to start? Read on for the best beaches in Thailand that made me fall even more in love with this country.

While it’s by no means a secret beach, Railay Beach is definitely worth the hype. Think: towering limestone cliffs, soft golden sand and that turquoise water you dream about on grey days. 

Railay isn’t an island, but it might as well be; it’s only accessible by boat, which keeps it feeling a little more tucked-away. The west side is the quintessential postcard shot, with longtail boats bobbing in the bay and a few relaxed beach bars perfect for sunset beers. 

You won’t find lifeguards here, but there are basic facilities like restrooms and casual restaurants scattered along the beach. Stay the night if you can —sunset turns the cliffs to gold.

Yes, it’s that Maya Bay—from The Beach. And yes, it’s as jaw-dropping in real life as you’d hope. When I visited, the Thai authorities had recently reopened it with strict visitor limits to protect the marine ecosystem, so it was still pretty quiet. 

Swimming is sometimes restricted, but walking along the powder-soft sand and wading in the shallow waters is still definitely worth doing. There are no restaurants or amenities on the bay itself (as it’s a protected national park) but nearby Phi Phi Don has everything you need. Go early in the morning with a guided longtail tour to beat the crowds and see the magic before the day-trippers arrive.

Patong is Phuket’s party central, and while it’s not exactly a peaceful hideaway, it’s got its own wild charm that’s well worth a visit. I stopped here during a longer trip down the Andaman coast and was amazed at how much was packed into one stretch of sand—parasailing, jet skis, beach bars, you name it—Patong’s got it. 

You’ll find lifeguards stationed along the shore, public bathrooms and plenty of beach vendors selling everything from fresh fruit to sarongs. Bangla Road is just a short walk away if you’re chasing nightlife. Sure, it’s not for everyone (if you want serenity, it’s probably not for you), but if you want high-energy vibes and a bit of chaos with your beach day, Patong brings it.

True to its name, White Sand Beach on Koh Chang is all about long, powdery stretches of white sand and clear, swimmable water. It’s the first major beach you’ll hit when arriving from the ferry and it’s a great all-rounder: family-friendly, easygoing and full of places to stay within easy reach. 

I loved grabbing grilled seafood from the little beach shacks at sunset, toes in the sand and icy cool Chang beer in hand. There are restrooms at some of the larger resorts and lifeguards are sometimes present near the busier sections. While the north end is more developed, I recommend walking a little further south and you’ll find quieter patches to unwind.

Chaweng is Koh Samui’s busiest beach, but it still manages to deliver big holiday vibes without losing its charm. I stayed at nearby Lub D and spent my days hopping between swim sessions, beach massages and ridiculously good pad Thai from roadside stalls. The beach is long and wide, so you can always find your own patch of sand. 

Lifeguards are present near the bigger resorts and you’ll find all the expected amenities—restaurants, shops, bars and bathrooms. If you want peace, head to the southern end. The north is where the party gets going, especially as the sun goes down.

I found Haad Yao by accident while looking for something a bit quieter than the party buzz of the island’s southeast—and it ended up being one of my favorites. It’s long and wide, with gently curving white sand and calm, swimmable water. 

The atmosphere is peaceful without being boring: reggae bars, hammock-dotted cafés and massage huts tucked under the trees. I stayed in a hotel just above the beach’s steps and basically lived barefoot for three days. There are a few mid-sized resorts with bathrooms and restaurants and while there weren’t any lifeguards on my visit, the beach felt super safe and easygoing.

I woke up at 5:30 a.m. to watch the sunrise here (and trust me, it was worth every minute of lost sleep). Sunrise Beach on Koh Lipe is impossibly pretty, with glass-clear water and soft sand that glows in the early light. 

It’s more relaxed than Pattaya Beach (the main party beach on the island), with low-key beach bars, cafes serving killer iced Thai coffee and bungalows that open straight onto the sand. Most resorts offer their own bathrooms and while there aren’t official lifeguards, the shallow entry makes it family-friendly. One must-do: rent a snorkel—there’s a coral reef right offshore with tons of tropical fish.

Freedom Beach is one of those places that feels like a local secret—hidden in plain sight but just far enough off the usual tourist radar. I took a longtail boat here from Patong and the difference was instant: no blaring music, no vendors, just a quiet arc of soft white sand fringed by jungle. 

The beach has limited amenities. There’s one small restaurant tucked into the trees serving cold drinks and Thai classics, but no bathrooms or lifeguards that I saw. It’s best to bring what you need for the day and just…unplug. Snorkeling near the rocks at either end is surprisingly decent, too.

Thong Nai Pan Noi is where Koh Phangan slows down. I stayed here after the madness of the Full Moon Party and it felt like a different island entirely. The bay is calm and crescent-shaped, framed by jungle-covered hills and the vibe is all about barefoot luxury. 

Expect boutique resorts, spa pavilions and beachside restaurants with cushions in the sand. Most hotels offer public restrooms and you’ll usually see resort staff acting as informal lifeguards. The sea is shallow and swimmable and there’s even a small waterfall hike nearby if you’re feeling active. If you’re after romance, relaxation, or both—this one’s a winner.

If Koh Samet had a “grown-up” beach, Ao Prao would be it. Tucked away on the island’s west side, this beach is quieter, cleaner and a little more refined than the party-heavy east coast. I stayed at a hillside resort here and spent long, lazy afternoons floating in warm, calm water, occasionally surfacing for fresh mango smoothies. 

The resorts lining the beach offer restrooms, loungers and restaurant service right to your towel. It’s also one of the few beaches on the island where you’ll catch the sunset. While there are no public lifeguards, the vibe is mellow and family-friendly, ideal for unwinding in peace.

Kantiang Bay was love at first sight for me. Located on the southern stretch of Koh Lanta, this beach hits that perfect sweet spot between rugged and refined. The sand is soft and golden, the water is clear and calm and the crowd is delightfully sparse. 

A few boutique resorts and beachside restaurants dot the shoreline, including one spot that served up the best grilled snapper I’ve ever had. You won’t find lifeguards here, but many of the resorts have basic facilities like bathrooms and gear rentals. It’s an ideal base for exploring southern Lanta…or just staying put and doing absolutely nothing.

Sairee Beach is the heartbeat of Koh Tao—and probably where I spent the majority of my time on the island. It might even be my favorite spot in Thailand. It’s the island’s main beach, but it still feels super chill compared to Thailand’s busier hotspots.

The sand is soft, the sea is calm and the sunsets here are some of the best I’ve ever seen (the sky turns every shade of orange and pink). There’s a mix of backpacker bars and more polished cafés lining the beach and plenty of dive shops if you’re tempted by Koh Tao’s underwater magic—I even saw whale sharks while diving here. Most spots have restrooms and while I didn’t see official lifeguards, the shallow water makes it easy going for swimming.

This one’s more of a novelty, but it’s a fun little detour if you’re based on Koh Samui. Koh Mat Sum (nicknamed Pig Island for obvious reasons) is a small, sandy island where actual pigs roam the beach. 

It’s a little surreal (and adorable) to see them sunbathing and waddling around like they own the place. I took a private half-day boat trip here (get a bike to the harbour and you’ll find plenty of boats ready to go) and loved that the vibe was super relaxed, with calm water perfect for a quick dip or snorkel. 

There aren’t many facilities—just a small bar for drinks and snacks—but it’s not really about luxury. It’s about beachy views, floating in turquoise water and petting a pig or two between swims.