Railay Beach, Krabi
Accessible only by boat, backed by towering limestone cliffs. Multiple coves within walking distance. The best all-round beach experience in Thailand.
Destination guideThailand Beaches Guide
Thailand's coastline stretches over 3,200 kilometres across two separate seas — the Andaman Sea to the west and the Gulf of Thailand to the east. The two coasts have different characters, different weather patterns, and different best seasons. The Andaman delivers the most dramatic scenery (limestone karsts, turquoise coves) and is at its best November–April. The Gulf coast is calmer, more family-friendly, and at its peak from December through August. This guide covers the genuine highlights of both, with honest notes on what each beach is actually like.
Season note: Andaman beaches (Phuket, Krabi, Ko Lanta, Ko Lipe) are best November–April. Gulf beaches (Ko Samui, Ko Tao, Ko Phangan) are best December–August. Visiting the wrong coast in its rainy season means rough seas and poor visibility.
Andaman Sea Beaches (West Coast)
Hat Phra Nang, Krabi
A short walk from Railay, with a sacred cave shrine at one end. Calmer and less crowded than Railay West.
Destination guideSimilan Islands
National park islands with the clearest water in Thailand. Day trips from Khao Lak, November–April only.
Destination guideKo Lipe, Satun
Near the Malaysian border, with three main beaches and excellent snorkelling. Harder to reach, well worth the effort.
Destination guideKata and Karon, Phuket
The best family-friendly beaches on Phuket's west coast — broad, gently shelving, with lifeguards in high season.
Destination guideKo Phi Phi, Krabi
Iconic scenery and now managed with visitor limits. Stay overnight after day-trippers leave for a different experience.
Destination guideGulf of Thailand Beaches (East Coast)
Koh Tao — Shark Bay & Ao Leuk
Calm, clear bays with excellent snorkelling and regular sea turtle sightings. Best for divers and snorkellers.
Destination guideKoh Phangan — Haad Rin & Haad Yao
Haad Rin hosts the Full Moon Party; Haad Yao offers quiet seclusion on the west coast. Brilliant for variety.
Destination guideKoh Samui — Bang Por & Mae Nam
The north coast beaches are quieter and more local than the popular Chaweng. Turquoise water with fewer sunbeds.
Destination guideHua Hin
Long, wide beach 3 hours from Bangkok. Family-friendly, great for kitesurfing, and popular with Thai royalty since the 1920s.
Destination guideKo Mook (Trang), Emerald Cave
Reached by swimming through a dark sea cave — opening into a hidden lagoon. One of Thailand's most spectacular natural experiences.
Destination guide