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Travel advice for Thailand
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Thailand
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written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 19.10.2022
On the hundreds of islands on Thailand’s coast, there are thousands of fantastic beaches to choose from. Whether you want to party hard with a vodka bucket, or just relax in a beachside bungalow, Thailand has it all – so, taken from the latest guidebook, here’s our rundown of the best beaches in Thailand.
The information in this article is inspired by the Rough Guide to Thailand, your essential guide for visiting Thailand.
5 days / from1180 USD
Chiang Mai Safari Adventure
The perfect trip for some family fun and adventure, lovely Chiang Mai with its lush valleys and national parks ticks all the boxes. Expect majestic cliff-top temples, sprawling national parks and exciting safari adventures.
view tour ⤍12 days / from2750 USD
Thailand's Islands and Highlands
Experience the best of Thailand as you discover glitzy Bangkok's temples, markets and waterways. Compare the bustling, lively capital with the glorious rolling hills and lush interior of mountainous Chiang Mai before heading south to beach bliss and unexpected cultural delights in hedonistic Phuket.
view tour ⤍12 days / from2450 USD
Thailand Discovery
A great way to discover Thailand, take in the Central Plain and Bangkok, the north with Chiang Mai and the south at the lively resort of Phuket.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1250 USD
Bangkok-Pattaya Explorer
The perfect trip for adventurers, sun seekers and lovers of island life: take in cosmopolitan Bangkok’s wats or temples, street markets and waterways. Witness the excitement of Bangkok before heading to Thailand’s east coast for island-hopping in the sunshine.
view tour ⤍5 days / from950 USD
Pattaya Sun
The sandy beaches and tiny offshore islands, dense forests and hidden waterfalls are a natural draw to Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard. Pattaya abounds with activities – from watersports to international-standard golf courses.
view tour ⤍5 days / from680 USD
Chiang Mai Sustainable Trails
Chiang Mai offers a balmy escape from Bangkok’s humidity. Regarded as the cultural heart of the country, come here for nature, lovely Lanna-style temples, museums and the infamous night bazaar.
view tour ⤍3 days / from615 USD
Thailand Luxury Camping
Experience Thailand in a different light, with this unique glamping trip. This trip is the perfect add-on to any trip to Thailand. You'll stay at the Hin Tok River Camp, near Kanchanaburi, one of Thailand's finest tented luxury camps, and explore the surrounding area, including the River Kwai.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1150 USD
From Bangkok to Hua Hin
Ideal for those not wishing to travel too far, this multi-centre trip to Thailand combines exciting Bangkok city with royal-favourite resort Hua Hin, just a few hours from the capital.
view tour ⤍5 days / from1350 USD
Southern Thailand Explored
Discover the best of Southern Thailand: soak in the serenity at a forest temple, experience the opulence of a summer palace fit for a king, marvel at seemingly impossible limestone formations and walk bare-footed along pristine white-sand beaches – all of this, and much more, with this unique trip!
view tour ⤍7 days / from1750 USD
Northern Thailand Explored
Experience the best places to visit in Thailand, from the majestic former capital of Siam at Ayutthaya and the ancient temples and pagodas at Sukhothai, to the beautiful green hills of Chiang Mai and the famous Golden Triangle, all with this unique trip!
view tour ⤍8 days / from1150 USD
Thailand exploration with nature and beach
Dreaming of a trip that allows you to spend time in the jungle and on the beach? You can do both on this 8 day Thailand exploration trip! From Bangkok head down south by overnight train, to explore the jungle in Khao Sok and stunning beaches in Krabi.
view tour ⤍14 days / from2450 USD
Explore Northern Thailand with beach days in Koh Samui
Thailand has a lot to offer and this trip will take you to the best natural and cultural spots in the country! Spend the first part of your trip exploring the cities, national parks and cultural sites of Northern Thailand, then head down to the stunning island of Koh Samui for some relaxation.
view tour ⤍5 days / from829 USD
Krabi Beach Escape
Stretching along Thailand’s spectacular Andaman Coastline, bordered by striking limestone karsts and providing visitors with a relaxing getaway is Krabi. Soft-sand beaches and inviting turquoise waters await, as well as rainforest excursions and boat trips to iconic Ko Phi Phi.
view tour ⤍13 days / from7235 USD
Thai Sojourn
This ultimate luxury multi-centre tour of Thailand combines cosmopolitan Bangkok with the lush valleys, mountains and national parks of Chiang Mai before venturing south to the amazing beach bliss to be found at stunning Khao Lak. A wonderful overview of Thailand in style and complete comfort.
view tour ⤍5 days / from751 USD
Bangkok Sustainable Trails
Visit Thailand’s must-see capital Bangkok with its evocative markets, glitzy malls, Buddhist philosophy and traditional reserve. Discover its fabulously rich culture, great nightlife and have lashings of fun.
view tour ⤍5 days / from990 USD
Bangkok Culture
Visit Thailand’s urban capital for a fabulous cultural experience. Explore Bangkok’s wonderfully ornate wats, learn about history at the stunning Grand Palace, tour the eccentric floating market and get a taste of Siam Thai culture.
view tour ⤍22 days / from4799 USD
The Ultimate Southeast Asia Grand Tour
Explore the highlights of four countries in a bit over 3 weeks: Halong Bay & the Mekong Delta in Vietnam combined with the cities Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Proceed to Cambodia with Angkor Wat before watching the monks in Luang Prabang/Laos. Your trip ends in Thailand with elephants and Bangkok.
view tour ⤍6 days / from1200 USD
Krabi Discovery
Visually striking, Krabi and its islands make for one of Thailand’s most charming spots. It’s perfect for beach-lovers, sports enthusiasts and those seeking a bit of adventure around the Andaman Coast.
view tour ⤍12 days / from2150 USD
Thailand Explorer
A great way to see Thailand, this multi-centre trip takes you from lively Bangkok to the beach resort of Pattaya before completing your circuit in the fresher climate of verdant Chiang Mai.
view tour ⤍5 days / from1450 USD
Bangkok Gourmet
Enjoy a culinary whirlwind tour of Bangkok. Partake in one-to-one cookery classes, explore the fragrant markets and delight your tastebuds with Michelin-star menus and street food alike. Take some time out to explore the city too and meet monks at Wat Pho and visit the Grand Palace.
view tour ⤍15 days / from5250 USD
Family Time in Thailand
Explore incredible Bangkok city before heading to the verdant Chiang Mai area to meet elephants in their natural habitat. From here, it’s down to the spectacular beach resort of Khao Lak for complete family relaxation. The perfect trip for the whole family to enjoy.
view tour ⤍3 days / from680 USD
River Kwai Discovery
Discover the stunning River Kwai and its surroundings with this unique, compact trip, which would make the perfect add-on to an existing trip to Thailand. Experience unforgettable scenery, walk along the spot where the infamous Thailand-Burma Railway once stood and canoe down the River Kwai!
view tour ⤍4 days / from730 USD
Hua Hin Getaway
Thailand’s Northern Gulf Coast is home to attractive sandy beaches, good weather, interesting towns and two national parks. Come stay in chic Hua Hin, a popular getaway spot with Thai royalty.
view tour ⤍12 days / from1750 USD
Bangkok-Pattaya Safari Adventure
Visit Thailand’s exciting capital Bangkok where you can explore the city by bike and see giant Buddhas and extravagant temples. Then head east to the coastal resort of Pattaya for some watersports and beach time.
view tour ⤍5 days / from1400 USD
Thailand's Golden Triangle
Tour Thailand's glorious Golden Triangle. An almost untouched region, come here for a sense of romance and adventure as you travel through the verdant hills and river valleys of Thailand's lush north taking in both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai's markets, temples and mouthwatering northern cuisine.
view tour ⤍9 days / from1850 USD
Off the beaten track in Thailand
Are you ready to explore the lesser-known destinations in Thailand? From busy Bangkok to relaxing Chiang Mai, along the way, you will explore off the beaten path cities, such as Uthai Thani, Phitsanulok and Lampang, where temples, rivers, mountains and local markets are waiting to be discovered!
view tour ⤍12 days / from1980 USD
Unique Thailand
Discover the hidden treasures of Bangkok, Hua Hin and Chiang Mai. A unique multi-centre trip around Thailand, this is the perfect package for those seeking adventure, culture and an off-the-beaten-track experience.
view tour ⤍10 days / from1850 USD
Best of Thailand with Phuket
Discover Thailand's busy capital Bangkok with its unique markets and temples before heading north to Chiang Mai - the cultural center of Thailand offers authentic family experiences as well as elephants up close. End your trip with beach days in beautiful Phuket.
view tour ⤍13 days / from2050 USD
Olde Thailand – North & South
This is a trip to Thailand for the adventurer. It takes in must-see Bangkok, exploring the city’s waterways by boat and delving into its lively and unique markets. From here you will head to Chiang Mai to admire awe-inspiring temples and then on to Hua Hin, just a few hour’s drive from Bangkok.
view tour ⤍15 days / from3715 USD
Signature Vietnam & Thailand
Discover 3 main areas in each country: Vietnam with Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and the Halong Bay. Thailand with Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. Discover authentic food experiences, historic city tours with knowledgeable guides and much more on this two week itinerary.
view tour ⤍If you’re just arriving and want to stay on one of the less accessible beaches, it might be a good idea to go with one of the touts who meet the ferries at Mae Hat, the island’s main village. To the north of the island's main landing point, Mae Hat, and beyond a small promontory, you’ll find Hat Sai Ree – Ko Tao’s longest beach.
Hat Sai Ree, Chumphon © Photoongraphy/Shutterstock
For a particularly remote, almost desolate escape, head to Ao Hinwong – one of many sheltered inlets on the east coast. As the most northerly habitation on Ko Tao, this is a deeply recessed, limpid bay strewn with large boulders and great coral reefs.
It's home to a wide range of fish, including blue-spotted fantail stingrays, sweetlips pufferfish and boxfish, as well as hawksbill turtles. All the more reason for its place as one of the best beaches in Thailand.
In the middle of the coast, the dramatic tiered promontory of Laem Thian shelters, on its south side, a tiny beach and a colourful reef, which stretches down to the east coast’s most developed bay of Ao Ta Note. Ta Note’s horseshoe inlet is sprinkled with boulders and plenty of coarse sand, with excellent snorkelling just north of the bay’s mouth.
Ao Laem Thian, Ko Tao © Aleksandr Ozerov/Shutterstock
Just 1km from Ko Tao, this close-knit group of three tiny islets provides the most spectacular beach scenery in these parts. This is thanks to the causeway of fine sand that joins up the islands surrounded by a variety of sites, with assorted hard and soft corals and an abundance of fish:
Set in Koh Tao, a few steps from Chalok Baan Kao Beach, View Point Resort - SHA Plus offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a garden. Boasting a terrace and a private beach area, this property is situated near attractions such as Shark Bay Beach, Freedom Beach and Chalok Viewpoint. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, room service and free WiFi.
Sai Daeng Resort has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a bar and shared lounge in Koh Tao. With free WiFi, this 4-star resort offers water sports facilities and room service. The resort has a garden and offers a sun terrace.
Located in Koh Tao, within 500 m of Mae Haad Beach and 700 m of Sairee Beach, Koh Tao Heritage provides accommodation with a restaurant and free WiFi as well as free private parking for guests who drive. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. Certain rooms at the property include a patio with pool view.
Ko Nang Yuan on Ko Tao island © Mix and Match Studio / Shutterstock
A shining crescent of squeaky-soft white sand, with its offshore reef and relaxed, anything goes atmosphere, Ko Lipe island – another of the Ko Tarutao National Park archipelago – is attracting an influx of Westerners, Thais and Malaysian backpackers and families. As so many flock to this pristine stretch of sand, it's secured a firm place up there as one of the best beaches in Thailand.
Accessible by climbing over the headland to the north (which gives a fine panorama over Hat Sai Kaew), the secluded Ao Nuan is Samet’s smallest and most laid-back beach. Because it’s some way off the main track, it gets hardly any through-traffic and feels quiet and private.
Ao Nuan Beach on the island of Ko Samet in Thailand © Muzhik/Shutterstock
One of the many beaches on Ko Samet’s east coast, and much smaller than its busier neighbour, this stretch has more of a travellers’ vibe. Just three sets of bungalows overlook the petite white-sand beach from the slope on the far side of the dirt road – surely making this not only one of the best beaches in Thailand, but one of the best secrets, too.
Otherwise known as “Diamond Beach”, Hat Sai Kaew was named for its long and extraordinarily beautiful stretch of luxuriant sand, so soft and clean it squeaks under foot – a result, apparently, of its unusually high silicon content. Unsurprisingly, it’s the busiest beach on Samet, but the northern end is slightly more peaceful.
Hat Sai Kaew, or Diamond Beach, on Ko Samet © Tuomas Lehtinen / Shutterstock
On the island’s north coast, known as Ao Noi Na – even though it’s not strictly a single bay – has a refreshingly normal village feel compared to the rest of Samet. There are an increasing number of places to stay along the narrow coastal road here, offering serene views across the water to the mainland hills, and one white-sand beach of note at the far western end.
A favourite with Thai students, who relish the beauty of its slightly wild setting, “Candlelight Beach”, and contiguous Ao Lung Dum display almost none of the commerce of other beaches on this island. The narrow, white-sand coastline is dotted with wave-smoothed rocks and partitioned by larger outcrops that create several distinct bays.
Part of Sang Thian Beach, Samet Island, Thailand © Rostovtsevayu/Shutterstock
Set in Rayong, 100 m from Passione Shopping Destination, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Rayong City Centre is set in Rayong. Boasting a rooftop pool and bar as well as a fitness centre, this hotel offers accommodation with free WiFi and free parking.
Set in Rayong, 20 km from Emerald Golf Resort, Hotel Fuse Rayong offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. The property is situated 26 km from Eastern Star Golf Course, 33 km from Khao Laem Ya National Park and 38 km from Bira International Circuit Pattaya. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, room service and free WiFi.
Star Convention Hotel (Star Hotel) features a sauna, pool and fitness centre. It offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi in public areas. The hotel also has a nightclub, karaoke facilities and a business centre.
Our tailor-made 8-day travel trip to Bangkok and Pattaya is the perfect opportunity to have a much closer look at Samets' island beauty.
This is a deep, lagoon-like scoop of a bay that’s occasionally visited by dugongs and is edged by a dense mangrove forest. A wide swathe of this mangrove swamp is protected under a royal conservation project and crossed by a kilometre-long boardwalk. The uniqueness of this area makes it one of the best beaches in Thailand you can add to your bucket list.
Khung kraben Bay, Chanthaburi Thailand © Suwatchai Pluemruetai/Shutterstock
One of the island’s nicest beaches, this sweeping, casuarina-fringed bay is yet to see the clutter and claustrophobic development of its neighbours. It begins with a nice 1km-long run of beach that’s interrupted by a wide khlong (canal), whose estuary is the site of some characterful stilt homes and seafood restaurants. The southern beach is partly shaded by casuarinas and backed by a huge coconut grove.
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Khlong Phrao beach on Ko Chang © ronemmons / Shutterstock
Named “Lonely Beach” before it became Ko Chang’s top place to party, this stretch of sand has, despite the creeping concrete, some creatively designed little wood and bamboo bar restaurants. Some offer chilled, low-key escapes from the loud dance music, all-night parties and buckets of vodka Red Bull that the beachfront places are notorious for.
On the southwest coast, the longest and nicest beach on Ko Mak is a pretty arc of sand overhung with stooping palm trees and backed in places by mangroves. The beach is divided towards its southern end by a low rocky outcrop that’s straddled by a couple of resorts, while the long western beach is shared by a dozen other sets of bungalows, most of them around the pier.
Ao Kao, Koh Mak island, Trat, Thailand © Suthikait Teerawattanaphan/Shutterstock
Long, curvy Ao Suan Yai is not as pretty as Ao Kao on the opposite side of the island, but it's still one of the best beaches in Thailand. The sand is fine and the outlook is beautiful, with Ko Chang’s hilly profile filling the horizon and Ko Kham and other islets in between.
Planning to travel to Thailand solo? Find some tips for solo travellers to Thailand.
Ao Suan Yai Beach, Koh Mak Island in Trat Province, Thailand © Chuanchai-KOB/Shutterstock
With its lovely long parade of soft, white sand, calm and crystal-clear water that’s good for swimming and shady fringes of casaurina trees, Ao Phra-Ae (also known as Long Beach) is strikingly beautiful and the best of Lanta’s many long beaches. The middle section of the beach has variable sands but some interesting, artsy places to stay, at Hat Khlong Khong, Hat Khlong Nin and Hat Khlong Nam Jud.
The fourth-largest island in Thailand, Ko Kood (also spelt Ko Kut and Ko Kud) is a wild and largely uncommercialised island. Though it’s known for its sparkling white sand and clear turquoise water Ko Kood is as much a nature-lover’s destination as a beach-bum’s. This is definitely one of Ko Kood’s prettiest beaches.
Beach holiday is a great way to spend your time with family. Find out more places to travel with your kids.
Ao Bang Bao, Ko Kood © Stephane Bidouze / Shutterstock
Just one hour by speedboat from the mainland, this long, unspoilt, stunning beach of white sand, backed by densely planted palms and the slopes of Khao Chom, is the perfect place to relax after the chaos of Bangkok. Behind Ao Phrao, the tiny fishing village of Ban Khlong Phrao occupies the mangrove-lined banks of Khlong Phrao (which extends another kilometre inland).
Want to get to know Thailand better? Read 18 facts you didn't know about Thailand.
Ao Phrao area Ko Kood, Thailand © Phaphthay/Shutterstock
Boasting a shared lounge, garden and views of the garden, Koh Kood BED's l SHA Extra Plus is set in Ko Kood, less than 1 km from Sai Daeng Beach. Around less than 1 km from Bang Bao Beach, the property is also a 12-minute walk away from Ao Ngamkho Beach and offers free WiFi. Guests can have a drink at the snack bar.
Located in Ko Kood, within 300 m of Klong Chao Beach and 1.2 km of Ao Ngamkho Beach, Koh Kood Garden View provides accommodation with a garden as well as free private parking for guests who drive. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The accommodation features an ATM and currency exchange for guests.
Boasting a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, garden and free WiFi, Shantaa Resort, Kohkood SHA Plus B4140 is set in Ko Kood, 2 km from Ao Tapao Beach and 2.2 km from Ao Noi Beach. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. Rooms are equipped with a balcony with sea views.
All guest rooms at the resort come with a seating area. At Shantaa Resort, Kohkood SHA Plus B4140, all rooms have air conditioning and a private bathroom.
Ao Thong Nai Pan is a beautiful, semicircular bay. It's backed by steep, green hills and looks as if it’s been bitten out of the island’s northeast corner by a gap-toothed giant, leaving a tall hump of land dividing the bay into two parts. With lovely, fine, white sand, the longer, more indented southern part is the marginally better beach, but both halves of the bay are sheltered and deep enough for swimming.
Once you get here you’ll find most of the basic amenities you’ll need: internet shops, travel agents, dive outfits, ATMs and a tiny post office (on Thong Nai Pan Yai).
Thong Nai Pan Yai beach, Koh Phangan, Thailand © Smarta/Shutterstock
For a few on-foot excursions once you’re all beached out, head to Ao Sone on Ko Tartuao – part of the Ko Tarutao National Park archipelago. Named so because of the casaurina trees that fringe the beach, this is a 3km sweep of flawless sand that has a one-hour trail leading up to Lu Du Waterfall at the north end. There's also a 90-minute trail to Lo Po Waterfall in the middle and a mangrove swamp at the far south end.
For the first-time Thailand beaches experience try our incredible 6-day tailor made tour to Krabi.
Ready for a trip to the best beaches in Thailand? Check the snapshot of The Rough Guide to Thailand's Beaches & Islands or the Rough Guides to Thailand. If you travel further in Thailand, read more about the best time to go, the best places to visit and the best things to do in Thailand. For inspiration use the Thailand itineraries from The Rough Guide to Thailand and our local travel experts. A bit more hands-on, learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.
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Top image: Khlong Phrao beach on Ko Chang © ronemmons / Shutterstock
written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 19.10.2022
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