The Best Beach Destinations in Thailand

Koh Phangan Ang Thong Marine Park

Thailand is home to some of the best beaches in the world. Famed for its white-sand beaches, post-card perfect palm-lined shores, and inviting tropical waters, stunning beaches abound in this southeast Asian Kingdom. Journey with us here as we look at six of the best beach destinations in Thailand!

Thailand's Beaches
Photo: Marriott Thailand

Whether it’s the quintessential laidback island life you’re after or a busier beach town, you will find it in Thailand.

From the palm-fringed stretches in lush and exotic Koh Phi Phi to the famous full-moon parties of Koh Phangan, this guide will get you started in narrowing down the perfect beach location for you. Be sure to link to other, more in-depth guides highlighted throughout.

Related: Want to know what the best islands are in Thailand? Discover the famous Thai islands, and a few you’ve never heard of with this guide!

1. Koh Tao

Koh Tao Thailand
Koh Tao is a divers’ paradise …

Koh Tao (or Turtle Island) is one of the best islands for anyone who loves diving, or wants to learn to dive. All skill levels are catered for, and there’s also night diving, wreck diving and shark diving.

2. Krabi

Krabi has a stunning coastline with limestone cliffs, turquoise waters and white sand beaches. It’s also a great destination for active couples. Activities include rock climbing, kayaking and soaking in a hot spring.

Related Article: What to do and see in Krabi

3. Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a good destination for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle. There are no high-rise buildings and few shops. The best thing to do here is relax and enjoy the sun. Although the strip of coastline has well and truly recovered from the 2004 tsunami, it’s sobering to visit the tsunami monument.

4. Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan
The fascinating landscape around Ang Thong National Marine Park; photo: Dreamstime

Famous for its Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan is a top spot for couples looking to party all night long. During the day there are plenty of golden sand beaches on which to recover from the night before.

See more about holidaying and honeymooning in Koh Phangan with this comprehensive article.

5. Hua Hin

Hua Hin
Buddhist Monks walking the beach at Hua Hin

While Hua Hin may not be as picture-postcard-perfect as some of Thailand’s other beaches, the fact that it’s only a three-hour drive from the capital is quite a drawcard. With its cosmopolitan vibe, Hua Hin is a good choice for a beach escape close to Bangkok.

Here’s the low-down on what to do and see when visiting Hua Hin.

6. Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a popular island for fun-loving couples who dream about escaping to the idyllic Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh, where The Beach was filmed.

Discover Thailand’s Best Hotels & Resorts For Couples With Our Hand-Picked Library Of Luxury Escapes.

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