Thailand has 2500 km of coastline and 1400 islands.
Expect everything from craggy limestone formations that look precariously balanced on the turquoise sea to colorful coral reefs with their inhabitants best observed with snorkels and fins. Vendors on the beach sell grilled skewers and noodles.
There are many types of beach lovers, from backpack-toting students and families on holiday to those who want a buzzy scene or salt air pedicure. The best time to visit Thailand is in the fall and spring.
We have a guide to the best beaches in Thailand.
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Ko Lanta Yai is the largest and most developed island in Ko Lanta. There is a wide crescent-shaped beach on the northwest coast that is a safe playground for children. Two Scoops offers ice cream in a variety of flavors. Look for its pink facade.
Hat Tham Phra Nang is the benchmark in a country that has so much to offer. The golden powdery sand, warm azure waters, and dramatic karst formations that rise out of the sea are just some of the things that make this beach tick.
There is a view of Ko Kai and Ko Pada from the western end of the tree-covered cliffs. You can get ice-cold coconut water and shrimp pad thai from a longboat restaurant here.
Ko Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand. Thailand's most popular destination is this island. The pink, pillowy sands, boutiques, beach bars, restaurants and throbbing nightlife on Chaweng Beach give it a run for its money.
You can sip a Bird of Paradise cocktail on the shady patio at the Elephant Beach Club. You can catch the late show at Paris Follies Cabaret before you eat at Khaw Glong.
Thailand's oldest beach resort is located three hours from Bangkok. It was developed in the 1920s as an escape for the elite and was even more popular when King Rama VII built his summer palace here. With a renowned night bazaar and seafood galore, restaurants like Chao Lay offer a fantastic array of freshly- caught meals.
It's a good budget alternative to the southern islands if you're looking for a trendy place to stay.
You can take an eight-hour bus ride from Bangkok to Sichon, a stretch of sand that is mostly untouched by tourists. If you are lucky, you will be able to see one of the region's adorable 60 pink dolphins, which call the waters home.
When you're here, be sure to try the local speciality dish. Khanom krok are made of coconut and covered with scallions. You can find fresh-caught eels, local steamed clams or pad phet-style mackerel at the beach.
Water activities can be found on the Similan islands. The most popular island in the archipelago is Island #8. Some of the world's best dive sites and snorkel expeditions can be found there. There are coral reefs, huge sea fans, barrel sponges, swim-throughs, cliffs and stone piles in the small bay on the western side of the island.
Do you prefer to remain on dry land? The hiking trails have nice views out to the sea.
While the islands that stud the bay get all the attention in Phang-Nga province, the mainland has its fair share of hidden gems.
Outside of the water's edge are mangrove swamps and rubber tree plantations, there is a grove of mature pine trees. There are string lights, bamboo tables and chairs in the sand and island-inspired dishes at Be Friend Restaurant.
In a cruel twist of fate, Maya Bay, which was made famous by its appearance in the 2000 film The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio, followed the same theme as the fictional atoll: too many people found out about it. Mass tourism forced the Thai authorities to close the shoreline after the film company damaged it. After a clean up program and some time for the natural environment to recover, it reopened in 2022.
A bar, restaurant and spa can be found on the secluded cove of Nui Beach. The bay is accessible by 4wd and can be reached through the jungle and coconut grove.
The Gulf of Thailand off the coast of Surat Thani is where Samui is located. The laid-back vibe of Ko Pha-Ngan has attracted backpackers because of its close proximity to Samui.
Sunset Beach is famous for its monthly Full Moon Parties, which are the most immersive experience. Attracting upwards of 30,000 body paint-clad, mostly Gen Z-aged attendees sweating it out to live music, swigging from cold drinks served in buckets and watching street performers tackle a flaming limbo stick and watching street performers tackle a flaming limbo stick and watch street performers tackle a flaming
If you can't make it for the full moon, there's a local tip. The other 28 nights of the month include the area's nightlife.
The best beach on the island is just a 20-minute walk from the airport. Mai Khao is the island's longest beach at 6 miles and is home to the largest cluster of coral and sea anemones on the island.
About 4 hours ago, this article was updated.
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