It goes without saying that Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The country is one of the most popular places to visit in South East Asia, largely because the climate is ideal. There are tried-and-true destinations, like Phuket and Koh Samui, but even some of the more remote islands are getting more and more attention from travelers.
There are certain things that characterize a Thai beach experience — clear waters, white sand, and the iconic longtail boats that dot the shore. No matter where you go, you’ll find vendor peddling food, drink, souvenirs, or massages. There will be plenty of ice-cold beverages (frozen mixed cocktails, coconuts, or local Singha beer). And most likely, you’ll be elbow to elbow with other people.
It’s pretty much impossible to avoid crowds at Thailand’s most popular beaches, but if you’re willing to go a bit further off the beaten path, you might actually find room to stretch out on your towel. Our advice: ask one of the longtail boat vendors to bring you to one of these more isolated islands for a day, where you can sun and play in (relative) peace. And best of all, once you’re well-rested, you’ll be able to return to the resort areas and mingle away at night, as the islands are known for their party scene.
From romantic spots known for their sunsets to incredible adventure destinations where you can zip-line between islands to amazing resort beaches, our list has it all. It’s a wonderful time to visit Thailand — the food scene is growing, Bangkok is quickly becoming more than just a stopover city — and no trip is complete without at least a few days at the beach. Here is our guide to the best of the best — some well-known, some completely remote — that will keep you more than busy on any trip.
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Railay Beach, Krabi
This pristine beach in Krabi, one of Thailand’s most beautiful areas, is surrounded by limestone cliffs and is absolutely stunning. It’s only accessible by (an admittedly choppy) boat ride, but once you get there, it almost feels like a private island — complete with plenty of hidden coves. This is also the ideal beach for the active, with rock climbing, snorkeling, kayaking, and more. On West Railay Beach, there’s a promenade with a few shops and restaurants, as well as ferries that will take you to Ko Phi Phi and Phuket.
Phra Nang Beach, Krabi
Part of the Railay Peninsula, this broad beach is flanked by two huge cliffs. It’s incredibly remote — you’ll have to take a longtail boat here from Ao Nang, but it’s a great option. Visitors can rent sea kayaks, explore caves, or even take rock climbing lessons.
Koh Libong, Trang
Despite its beauty, Trang remains one of Thailand’s most undiscovered places. It’s got an amazing coastline and white sand beaches, as well as many uninhabited islands. The largest island, Koh Libong, has a population of endangered dugongs. Ask your hotel to set up a boat excursion so you can watch them graze in the shallow waters.
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