Thailand is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with over 3,000 kilometers of coastline and hundreds of tropical islands. From iconic destinations like Phi Phi Islands to hidden gems such as Koh Kradan and Koh Kood, the country offers beach experiences for every travel style. In this guide, we share the best beaches in Thailand, including snorkeling hotspots, quiet island escapes, and the best time to visit each coastal region.
Best Beaches in Thailand
Andaman Sea
Phi Phi Islands
Phi Phi Islands, or locally known as Mu Ko Phi Phi, is one of the most famous destinations in Thailand, and for good reason. Phi Phi islands consist of 6 small islands by the Andaman Sea in the Krabi province of southern Thailand.
The most developed island is Phi Phi Don, which is the only island with hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. It is also home to Monkey Beach, where visitors can see monkeys roaming along the shore.
Phi Phi Leh is a protected national park and is completely uninhabited. On this island is where you’ll find Maya Bay, famously known for its feature in the film The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
Maya Bay now closes yearly during the low season to allow its ecosystem to recover, as it suffered immensely from overtourism in the past. The exact closure dates are announced annually by local authorities.
Koh Kradan
Koh Kradan is a small, peaceful island in the Andaman Sea, often considered one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. It has won international awards for having one of the best beaches in the world. Here you will find no cars or motorcycles, the island is an excellent choice for those looking for a quiet escape. Koh Kradan is also an excellent option for those who enjoy snorkelling and diving. The island is part of Hat Chao Mai National Park, which also allows for hiking opportunities.
Day trips to Koh Kradan can be easily arranged from nearby islands such as Koh Mook and Koh Lanta. Accommodation on Koh Kradan is available but very limited. Koh Kradan is also closed during the low season, from around June to September.
Koh Mook
Koh Mook is considered more of a hidden gem than other islands in Thailand, making it an ideal option for those looking for a quieter and more secluded stay. Koh Mook is surrounded by dense jungles, and it has quite minimal infrastructure. Long trips are easy to organise as Koh Mook has a number of hotels and accommodations, which can range from simple accommodations to beachfront resorts. Koh Mook is known for the Sivalai Resort, which sits right in front of the water and offers a secluded, island feel.
Koh Mook is also known for the Emerald Cave (Morakot Cave), a natural lagoon hidden inside a limestone cave and accessible by swimming or boat. It is also an excellent choice for those interested in diving and/or snorkeling.
Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is often referred to as the Thai Maldives due to its beautiful, clear turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Koh Lipe is home to the Urak Lawoi (Sea Gypsies), the island’s original inhabitants, who live a semi-nomadic lifestyle. Koh Lipe also has a unique cultural mix of Buddhist and Muslim communities. It is considered a relatively remote destination compared to other Thai islands, but it is still popular with both locals and travellers. Despite its popularity, it feels more relaxed and less crowded than many of Thailand’s beach destinations.
Koh Lipe is a bit more developed than other remote islands, with many restaurants and hotels that you can easily visit. Walking Street stretches across the middle of the island and is lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants. Koh Lipe is also excellent for diving and snorkelling, and is also a good spot for island hopping in Thailand.
Similan Islands
The Similan Islands are famous for having some of the clearest waters in Thailand and are considered internationally as one of the best destinations for snorkeling and diving. The name Similian comes from sembilan, the Malay word for 9, as there are exactly 9 islands, each of which has a number and a name.
The islands are completely uninhabited by humans and are surrounded by plenty of wildlife. The islands are part of a national park, and surrounding the water are lush forests and greenery, making it well-suited for those looking for short hiking trails. These trails are easy to follow and take you to incredible viewpoints.
There is no accommodation on the islands, visitors can visit the island through day trips. The park closes every year for a few months, with the schedule confirmed by local authorities.
Racha Island
Racha Island, located just south of Phuket, is a popular spot for a quiet and relaxing getaway. The island is famous for its crystal-clear waters and it is also a great spot for snorkeling.
Accommodation is available, with beach resorts like The Racha providing a comfortable stay right in front of the water. Racha Island takes around 45 minutes to an hour to get to by boat from Phuket, making it an easy day trip or a short overnight stay for those looking for something a bit more quiet without having to go too far.
Gulf of Thailand
Koh Nang Yuan
Koh Nang Yuan is made of three islands that are connected by a sandbar, creating a unique landscape that is perfect for exploring and taking photos. Koh Nang Yuan is also one of the best spots for diving and snorkeling in Thailand. It is part of a national park and it is largely undeveloped, making it a great spot for an undisturbed nature escape. Visitors usually get to Koh Nang Yuan via day trips from nearby islands (like Koh Tao) or the mainland. It is important to note that Koh Nang Yuan is a private island and is only open from around 9AM to 5PM.
Koh Larn (Coral Island)
Koh Larn, also known as Coral Island, is located just off the coast of Pattaya. The island is famous for its clear, clean water and sandy beaches, making it a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports. Here you can also head to see the Big Buddha temple (Wat Phra Yai) for beautiful views of the island and the sea.
Unlike some of Thailand’s more remote islands, Koh Larn is very crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, as it is a favorite day-trip destination for both locals and tourists from Pattaya. In our experience, it is best to avoid the weekend if you can, and it can get overwhelmingly busy then. The island has several beaches, restaurants, and hotels, but most visitors come for a short day trip.
Koh Kood
Koh Kood is one of Thailand’s most remote and untouched islands, ideal for travelers looking to truly escape the crowds and enjoy an idyllic nature setting.
Alongside stunning beaches with some of the clearest waters in Thailand, Koh Kood also has some stunning jungle waterfalls – Khlong Yai Kee Waterfall and Khlong Chao Waterfall – which you can swim in. Both waterfalls require a short walk and some climbing over rocks, but they’re worth it. You can also see the Big Buddha Statue which offers incredible panoramic views of the island, and Wat Ao Salad Temple, a local Buddhist temple where you can experience the island’s spiritual side.
Accommodation is limited, but the island is home to luxury resorts like Soneva Kiri, which offers upscale tented villas and exclusive beachfront stays.
Koh Samet (Ao Prao beach)
Just a couple of hours drive from Bangkok, Ao Prao Beach on Koh Samet is truly an incredible escape from the busy city. Unlike the busier beaches on the island, Ao Prao is a lot more secluded, with only three resorts lining the shore. The island’s limited development appeals to travellers looking for a natural, tranquil atmosphere. Many resorts offer romantic dinners on the beach or fire-lit lounges, which works particularly well for couples seeking a quiet, private escape.
Best Time to Visit Thailand’s Beaches
Thailand’s beaches are influenced by two main monsoon seasons, the southwest monsoon (May–October) affecting the Andaman Sea, and the northeast monsoon (November–February) affecting the Gulf of Thailand. Knowing the best time to visit Thailand’s beaches will help you better organise your trip.
Andaman Sea
(Koh Phi Phi, Koh Kradan, Koh Mook, Koh Lipe, Similan Islands, Racha Islands)
- Best time to go: November to April
Calm seas, sunny weather, excellent for diving, snorkeling, and beach activities. - When to avoid: May to October
Heavy rains, strong winds, and rough seas are expected due to the monsoon season.
Gulf of Thailand
(Koh Nang Yuan, Koh Larn, Koh Kood, Koh Samet)
- Best time to go: January to August
Sunny weather, warm waters, ideal for diving and island hopping. - When to avoid: September to December
The Gulf experiences its rainy season, with occasional storms and choppy waters.
With so many incredible beaches and islands across Thailand, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. We hope this guide has helped make things a bit easier, highlighting some of the best that Thailand has to offer. For those seeking personalized advice or a thoughtfully planned beach journey, Royal Vacation offers tailor-made Thailand itineraries to help you discover the best of Thailand’s beaches.
