Thailand has some of the best beaches on this planet, beaches in Thailand come in all shapes and sizes. From well known touristy spots to the hidden gems. In this blog I’ll give you a list of the 10 best beaches in Thailand. And I’ll give you my personal opinion about my favorite beach in Thailand. When visiting the amazing beaches in Thailand you should also take a look at the wide variety of resorts since they are close to the beach most of the times!

Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi

This is probably one of the most famous beaches in Thailand but why?

This is the Thai beach where the movie ‘the beach’ is filmed with Leonardo DiCaprio. But, because of all the tourists they temporarily closed the beach down. They did this to perserve the beautiful nature. Until this day, you can’t swim, snorkel or get into phi phi by boat. That being said, the amazing white beach, the clear water and lush greenery make Maya Bay a must when visiting Thailand!

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Lamai Beach, Koh Samui

Lamai Beach on Samui’s southeast coast offers a more peaceful vibe compared to the busy Phi Phi Islands.

The deepest water is at the southern end, and as you stroll along, you’ll encounter soft, fine sand. Keep an eye out for unique “emergency vinegar stations” because Samui’s waters have active box jellyfish, especially during the wet season from October to early December. Don’t worry; just stay alert, and enjoy your time at the beach.

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Railay Beach, Krabi

Railay beach offers an amazing scene with a beautiful white sand beach and amazing cliffs. Railay is only accessible by boat, not because its an island but because there are massive cliffs surrounding it. 

But this is easily done since you can book a boat service from anywhere at the beach, also perfect for solo travelers since you can book not only private boats but also group tour boats. When doing so make sure you’ll also visit some of the amazing nearby islands, or go out snorkeling near the shore.

The cliffs and rocky formations along the beach at Railay are perfect for climbing, with many marked paths for you to follow. If climbing isn’t your thing, you can take a hike to Railay’s lagoon.

Along the way, you’ll find a spot with incredible views of the peninsula. Railay is also a great starting point for boat trips to other places for ocean-based climbing or to explore hidden beaches and snorkeling spots in Phang-Nga Bay.

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Nui Beach, Phuket

Popular Phuket beaches like Patong and Kamala are well-known, but they can be crowded with tourists and vendors. For a quieter experience, check out Nui Beach on the island’s southern shore. You can reach it by walking two miles down a steep hill or taking a short, bumpy ride in a truck.

Nui Beach is a small and charming cove surrounded by palm trees and big rocks. There are a few simple bars and restaurants, and while it won’t be completely empty, you’ll likely enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere away from the usual crowds.

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Ko Lipe, Satun Province

For Thai tourists, Ko Lipe has been a popular island getaway for a while. Its remote location and excellent diving spots have attracted many visitors.

Unfortunately, there has been some unwanted development on the island, but two of its longest beaches, Sunset Beach and Sunrise Beach, are still beautiful. They have white sandy shores, surrounded by lush hills, and offer access to nearby protected coral reefs.

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Tubtim Bay, Ko Samet, Rayong Province

Tubtim Bay is on the northern part of Ko Samet, which is part of the Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park. The island is known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. You can reach Ko Samet by taking a ferry from the mainland, as motor vehicles are not allowed on the island. 

This beach really makes you feel like you are in paradise, I would recommend you to visit this national park to really relax and log off for a bit.

Once on the island, various modes of transportation, such as local taxis or walking, can be used to access different beaches, including Tubtim Bay. This beach is more popular with Thais than foreigners, which makes it not to crowded like some other tourist spots.

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Long Beach, Koh Lanta

Long Beach in Koh Lanta is an incredibly beautiful beach with clear blue water and a long stretch of white sand that goes on for more than 2 miles. There’s a lot to do at Long Beach, like swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and enjoying freshly grilled fish at the top of the beach.

You can also take morning walks along the beach and check out the nearby Klong Dao Beach. With its peaceful vibes, tasty food, and beautiful scenery, Long Beach in Koh Lanta is a must-visit for anyone wanting a fun and relaxing beach vacation.

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Patong Beach, Phuket

Patong Beach something way different than Long Beach earlier in this list, since Patong Beach is the party capital of the island. A well-know place for foreigners, and something you can’t miss when visiting Phuket. 

The beach is 2.2 miles long and is surrounded by a busy atmosphere filled with nightclubs, beach bars, restaurants, and tourist shops. Patong Beach boasts the renowned Bangla Road, a bustling walking street that transforms from a hub of daytime shopping and dining to a lively scene of clubs and bars in the evenings.

Personally I’m not a fan of this beach, but that’s because I don’t like the extremely touristy locations where there is a lot of partying going on.

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Phra Nang Beach, Krabi

Phra Nang Beach in Krabi, with its lovely Phra Nang Cave, is one of the most famous and beautiful places in Thailand. The best thing about this beach is the Phra Nang Cave, also known as Princess Cave. Inside, there’s a unique shrine related to fertility.

With a beautiful white powdery beach and crystal clear waters, this is one of the best beaches you can visit when staying in the Krabi district. The best places for snorkeling are at the far end of the beach.

It’s quieter and more relaxed there compared to the busier upper area near the beach cave. Around lunchtime, especially in the peak season, Phra Nang Beach can be quite crowded because many tour boats stop there. 

But don’t worry, if you go very early in the morning or in the late afternoon, you’ll have the beach almost to yourself. This is something we did when we visited Krabi and I would highly recommend you to do this aswell so you can avoid the crowds!

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Buffalo Bay, Koh Phayam

Buffalo Bay is a beautiful beach on Koh Phayam, the second-biggest island in the Andaman Sea. With its clear turquoise waters, white soft sands beach, and amazing sunsets, it’s a special and stunning place for anyone visiting.

You can do lots of fun things at the beach, like snorkeling, kayaking, and checking out the mangrove forests nearby. You can stay in beachfront bungalows or eco-friendly resorts, letting you enjoy the island’s beauty to the fullest.

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My favorite beach in Thailand and why?

Its hard to say which of the beaches in Thailand is my personal favorite, but when I look at the beaches and the impression they’ve made on me. Then I’ll definitely have to choose Maya Bay as my all time favorite, the amazing lush greenery on the cliffs, and stunning white sand beach makes it such an extraordinary location. Above that, you can also spot little black tip baby sharks when you visit Maya Bay, something I will never forget. 

We didn’t visit Maya bay during high season since we visited Thailand during rainy season, but even during off season the beach was packed with people. That’s the only downside of this beautiful beach.