The 10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Thailand

Thailand offers some of the most beautiful islands in the world. So discover which are the best beaches in Thailand and the must-see beaches to enjoy this true seaside paradise: the beaches of Phuket or the beaches of Koh Samui? Our Thailand travel tips will help you plan your trip just the way you want.

The country is a paradise for beach lovers, with more than 3,200 km of coastline and 8,000 islands.

There really is something for every taste: kilometres of white sandy beaches, secluded islands and rocky bays.

Dive, climb or relax all day long!

But which are the most beautiful beaches? Discover our very own personal selection.

Andrew Greiner

The most beautiful island in Thailand is Koh Tachai, part of a marine national park off the coast of Phang Nga. As it's a wild site, visitors are only allowed to land as part of a day trip. The sand is white and soft as velvet, and the water a crystal-clear turquoise. As well as sunbathing and swimming, visitors love snorkelling, where they can watch colourful corals and fish and, more occasionally, sea turtles. The island is world-famous for its proximity to Tachai Point, a spot renowned for spotting manta rays and leopard sharks.

The island of Koh Lipe, in southern Thailand, offers visitors beautiful seaside scenery: the finest is at Sunset Beach, to the west. This beach has everything you need: golden sand, clear water and sunbathing. Not to mention the breathtaking sunsets. Most visitors come in the early evening to enjoy them, so the beach is almost deserted during the day. Essentially wild, it still has a few open-air restaurants. There's also Sunrise Beach to the east for admiring equally magical sunrises.

Klong Dao Beach is on the island of Koh Lanta, in the south of the country, in the Andaman Sea. The beach is very clean and has fine white sand. It lies on the west coast of the island, in a fairly large bay. The water is a good temperature, clear and invites you to enjoy a peaceful swim. We recommend staying until early evening; Klong Dao will treat you to one of the most magical sunsets in the kingdom.

The island of Koh Muk, in the Thai province of Trang, is a true paradise still little known to Westerners. Koh Muk offers superb beaches and a coral cave for snorkelling. Ao Kham Beach offers visitors clear, warm waters and fine sand. You won't find sun loungers here; the place is quiet and the few visitors enjoy their privacy. Early in the morning, you can watch the hermit crabs retreat into their nests, leaving ripples on the sand.

Let's not mince words: Railay Beach at Krabi is certainly one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, if not Asia. The limestone cliffs pile up and preserve the natural beauty of the various bays. The beach, surrounded by coconut palms, invites you to enjoy the clear waters of the gulf. On some rocks, you can watch climbers trying to see the scenery from higher up. The monkeys who live here make their presence known and will share the place with you for the duration of your stay.

Freedom Beach in Phuket is at once so close and so far. It lies in a sheltered bay, not far from the beaches of Kata and Patong, yet no road leads to it. On site, there are no sun loungers or parasols, but an idyllic setting of coconut palms and turquoise water. Be warned, this paradise can only be reached by boat or by a small trek through the jungle. Freedom Beach is also known as the pearl of Phuket. For a moment you'll think you're in the Maldives.

Nang Thong Beach is at Khao Lak, in the south of the country. It offers visitors golden beaches a kilometre long and shallow waters. Palm trees line the beach and you can glimpse the village of La On. There's something for everyone: relaxing massages, spicy curries, freshly caught fish and laid-back bars with music. A day at the beach reaches peak romance when the sun slowly disappears behind the little beach lighthouse and the sand shimmers in shades of red.

The island of Koh Nang Yuan, not far from Koh Samui and Koh Tao, is privately owned. Clear seawater meets an accessible beach that's ideal for relaxing. Divers look out for triggerfish and parrotfish. All day long, you can watch how the beach transforms with the tide. On your visit to Koh Nang Yuan, don't forget to climb up to the iconic viewpoint for a memorable photo.

Maenam Beach is on the north of Koh Samui, near the village of the same name. The beach is around seven kilometres long and not too busy. Coarse-grained sand meets clear seawater here. Thanks to the surrounding hotels, the beach is very clean and there are hardly any stones. The calm sea looks transparent; you might spot a small fish or two keeping you company as you swim. The locals like to head to the west of the beach to relax and eat grilled chicken or a papaya salad. Feel free to join them!

White Sand Beach, as its name suggests, shines with its white sand. It's the longest and most beautiful beach on the island and is perfect for beach walks. Settle in the shade of a coconut palm and enjoy the sea breeze. Swim in the warm sea or explore the neighbouring village. The restaurants offer specialities for every taste, and the souvenir shops invite you to browse at leisure. Be warned, in high season the beach can get very busy. Our tip: head to the north of the beach. There, the sand is even better and there are fewer people.

Those are the ten most beautiful beaches in Thailand. Some lie in a small bay and others stretch for kilometres. From the accessible beach to the most private, which one made you want to go most? Let us know!