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The 10 Best Beaches in Thailand That You Must Visit

Thailand Beach Beautiful

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Thailand is a great destination for traveling, and being a tropical, coastal nation with many islands, the country is home to many beautiful beaches. If you want to relax and enjoy a day in the sun, you will definitely want to visit some of the best beaches Thailand has to offer.

What are the best beaches to visit in Thailand? The ten best beaches to visit in Thailand are:

  1. Railay Beach, Krabi
  2. Thong Nai Pan Noi, Koh Phangan
  3. Hua Hin Beach, Hua Hin
  4. Long Beach, Koh Lanta
  5. Sairee Beach, Koh Tao
  6. Kata Noi Beach, Phuket
  7. Maenam Beach, Koh Samui
  8. White Sand Beach, Koh Chang
  9. Sunrise Beach at Haad Rin, Koh Pha Ngan
  10. Sunset Beach, Koh Lipe

Not only do these beaches offer a fantastic view, but some of them are also conveniently located near popular restaurants and other attractions worth checking out after a day on the sand or in the water.

10 Best Beaches in Thailand

The following lists the top ten beaches in Thailand and the features that make them stand out among the rest:

1. Railay Beach, Krabi

Railay Beach is one of those beaches that can be labeled as a lost paradise that is seemingly untouched by civilization. The location is only accessible by boat, and there are very little manmade structures on the beach; there is the sand, the ocean, and the beautiful scenery surrounded by cliffs and wilderness.

At Railay Beach, you make your own fun. The huge number of rocky cliffs make this beach the ideal place for rock climbers of any experience level. You can even get rock climbing lessons there. It is also possible to climb the cliffs by the ocean side and jump into the deep water at the end, just make sure you ask the locals which cliffs are best for doing so.

There are many other activities in Railay Beach, such as snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. As previously mentioned, you create your own fun on the beach. It is a nice getaway from all the complexities and loudness of civilization.

There aren’t really any options for food, drink, and entertainment directly on the beach since it is only accessible by boat, which is why it is important to plan ahead and bring your own food and beverages. However, the trip back to town isn’t that far.

2. Thong Nai Pan Noi, Koh Phangan

Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach is a little more on the civilized side of things. This beach is known for its long and sandy shore, which stretches across the eastern shore of Koh Phangan, making it ideal to see the first light of day in the morning.

In fact, the famous Sunrise Beach, which will be mentioned further down the list, is on the same island, so if you visit Thong Nai Pan Noi, you can visit two beaches in one day. This is an ideal location for anyone looking to witness some of Thailand’s most wonderful sights.

There is also the option of visiting the local village of Noi, where you can find different types of stores, restaurants, and entertainment. Noi is particularly known for its tattoo shops. However, the environment at the village is somewhat more laid back and calm, so don’t expect a wild and loud nightlife.

There are many hotels in the area from luxurious, five-star hotels to family-owned bungalows, giving you lots of affordable options for accommodations. The resorts include all sorts of services such as spas, restaurants, pools, gyms, free breakfast buffets, etc. If you wish to spend your entire stay in Thailand on a single beach, the resorts at this beach have got you covered.

3. Hua Hin Beach

Hua Hin Beach has the great advantage of being incredibly close to Bangkok, making it an ideal location for tourists who want a quick break from the wonders of city life. It, of course, has an incredible view of the ocean and a long shore, giving you lots of room to find a spot to rest that isn’t as crowded. This beach is great for strolls and walks while enjoying the beautiful sight of the sea.

Hua Hin Beach isn’t particularly ideal for watersports since it doesn’t have that many waves, and jellyfish are present. However, it is home to many areas of interest for activities such as spas by the seaside, and golf courses. In its main strip, you can find a multitude of stores, clubs, and many other opportunities for entertainment.

One of the many fun activities that Hua Hin Beach has to offer is horseback riding. You can find rental ponies down the beach for an affordable price, and you can ride them up and down the beach as you please.

It is also quite close to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, so if you wish to find yourself in a little more natural environment, it is well worth visiting. On the other hand, since Bangkok is very close to the beach, you can transition from wilderness to civilization back and forth with ease.

4. Long Beach, Koh Lanta

Long Beach is one of the most scenic beaches in Thailand. It is located on the somewhat remote island of Koh Lanta, and it surely lives up to its name, because it is long. It must be reached by ferry, meaning that it still has the right balance between wilderness and development. It is home to many restaurants by the seaside that offer breathtaking views to the see.

Nightlife in Long Beach offers lots of opportunities. The beach has very few hazards, such as pointy rocks and sea urchins, so it is ideal for a late-night swim. Parties and other social activities are isolated in a few places, so it is possible to go for a calm late-night walk down the beach. This is not to say, however, that you can’t find good parties at Long Beach.

There are lots of options for accommodation at Long Beach, such as guesthouses and even resorts, which you should definitely take advantage of since long beach is one of those places that you want to take your time in enjoying.

5. Sairee Beach, Koh Tao

Sairee Beach has recently gained a reputation as the ideal beach for the young to party and socialize. At Sairee Beach, you can find all sorts of entertainment such as bars, restaurants, and clubs. The beach also has many accommodation options at a reasonable price, so exploring around during the day and partying the night away is more than viable on the beach.

Sairee Beach also possesses beautiful landscape views of the ocean and other islands. It is not impossible to find a little private spot for you to find some shade and enjoy the view. Its access is limited to a ferry, which keeps this paradise relatively wild and not too packed. Although, this can be both a pro and a con for some.

One of the fun activities that this beach has to offer is snorkeling. You can pay for a tour to some of the most beautiful bays at Koh Tao island and explore the underwater world that this exotic paradise has to offer. You can see all sorts of marine life while swimming in crystal clear water. You can find coves and caves to explore. All this and more definitely makes Sairee Beach a tropical adventure of its own.

Sairee Beach is worth visiting if you wish to experience the best of both civilized and wild worlds. You will enjoy the freedom of a beach ideal for exploring and watersports throughout the day, with all sorts of services and luxuries in the evening.

6. Kata Noi Beach, Phuket

Kata Noi Beach could be described as the stereotypical beach paradise: a long, warm, sandy beach surrounded by palm trees and an astonishing view of the ocean. Kata Noi is also a really good location for watersports, especially surfing due to its waves.

Another advantage of Kata Noi Beach is that the only signs of city life that are present are the wonderful resorts lined up by the beach. You won’t find that many options for entertainment and shopping close around the beach, but being able to relax at a luxurious resort and then going to such a magnificent beach doesn’t leave much else to ask for.

Every fall, Kata Noi hosts the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. This festival is also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. It is actually a Chinese tradition that has a great religious significance. Make sure to wear white if possible, since it is a tradition of the festival and it would show respect for the local customs.

The festival is known for its firecrackers, which can be quite loud and considerably powerful. During the festival, you can find a wide variety of foods (some of them not vegetarian) and opportunities to socialize. It is highly recommended that you plan ahead and attend the festival if possible.

7. Maenam Beach, Koh Samui

Maenam Beach is for those who want an escape from all the noise and chaos of the city. There are multiple resorts present by the beach that provide you with a comfortable place to stay and relax. However, Maenam Beach’s main characteristic is its peacefulness and how easy it is for you to find a private spot.

This is definitely a place for those who wish to take things a little slower and take in the wonders that a tropical paradise has to offer. The beach is ideal for long walks to enjoy the beautiful landscapes that it has to offer; you can even go for a swim. Partying isn’t exactly viable on this beach, but nothing is stopping you from doing so with a couple of friends.

Maenam Beach has an interesting nightlife. Sure, you won’t find wild parties and loud music as you would on other beaches. However, you can still find many pubs to drink the night away and some entertainment options such as cabaret shows.

Maenam Beach also offers wonderful sights, having the clear blue sea and the island of Koh Phan Ngan in the distance. It is a great place to take your friends and or family to enjoy some peace and quiet before continuing with your travels.

8.   White Sand Beach, Koh Chang

White Sand Beach is another beach that lives up to its name with its beautiful stretches of soft, white sand. At White Sand Beach, you will find the best of both worlds. On one part of the beach, you can find multiple resorts and restaurants, while on the other side, you can still find the calmer and more traditional environment that a tropical paradise has to offer.


White Sand Beach is an ideal location for long walks, thanks to its soft and warm sand and its gently sloping hills. You will find that it is a very pleasant experience to explore around the island. You can also find shade under the numerous palm trees that surround the beach and maybe even a coconut.

Due to its moderate level of development, you can find different options for accommodation, food, and entertainment on the island while enjoying the peace and quiet of an escape from city life. The White Sand Beach resort offers all sorts of services and is close to both the nearby village and the beach, making it ideal for a stay with a touch of extravagance.

White Sand Beach is famously known for its diverse food options. One example is Buffalo Bill’s, which offers quality meat with potatoes and all sorts of cold beers. The restaurant even has a mechanical bull for anyone brave enough to ride it.

9.   Sunrise Beach at Haad Rin, Koh Phangan

Sunrise Beach is famously known for its various opportunities to party the night away. Know this: it is not a beach where you can find a quiet and relaxing spot, because the partying, drinking, and dancing are a daily custom. In fact, once a month, the beach has a party that lasts for the entire night.

However, the beach has lots to offer during the daytime as well. The beach is not as crowded as you would think. It is an ideal location to lie down and enjoy the sun or go for a swim. The beach is also somewhat underdeveloped, meaning that you can find both a wilder, untouched environment and, at the same time, a variety of places to eat, drink, and sleep.

As previously mentioned, Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach is relatively nearby on the same island, so if you visit Sunrise Beach, you will be able to enjoy everything that both beaches have to offer in just one trip. This also means that you can stay in the same resort while visiting both, so it’s definitely a cost-efficient option.

You can also find multiple resorts at Haad Rin. However, all options for accommodation tend to fill up about a week before the big party that occurs every month, so plan ahead before visiting this amazing beach.

10.  Sunset Beach, Koh Lipe

Sunset Beach is exactly what you would imagine: a calm, beautiful sandy beach with astonishing views to the ocean and other islands surrounded by palm trees and wilderness. It does more than enough to earn its reputation as Sunset Beach; it’s an ideal location for relaxing for an afternoon and watching the sunset.

The island can have quite a lot of visitors, and you can find some human structures here and there. However, one of the three main stretches of sand remain relatively undisturbed and undiscovered, so if you want a quiet place to watch the sunset, then this is the ideal location for you.

One of the fun activities that you can take part in at Sunset Beach is scuba diving. You can pay for a one-day program which will take you to the underwater world of the island, and you can see all sorts of wildlife and reefs.

Koh Lipe is the southernmost island of Thailand; it can only be reached by boat and is somewhat underdeveloped. For that reason, there aren’t as many options for accommodation, eating, or entertainment, but watching the sunset on this comfy beach makes it all worth it.

Conclusion

Thailand is, to put it simply, a tropical paradise. It has many wonderful beaches that offer many opportunities for quiet relaxation by the seaside, as well as an ideal environment for watersports like swimming and surfing, and an extravagant nightlife where you can dance, drink, and socialize.

At Thailand’s beaches, you can find wonderful landscapes and a place to relax like no other. Some of the more developed beaches offer many options for food, drink, entertainment, and accommodation. Meanwhile, the less developed beaches offer an amazing retreat from the chaos of city life and a feel of a lost, tropical paradise. Of course, the ten beaches mentioned above are not the only beaches worth checking out; it is always worth visiting as many as you can while there!

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