satit/Adobe Stock
Beaches and Thailand go together like mango and sticky rice. A sojourn to the country’s southwhere limestone cliffs and emerald waters personify the regionis a must on any itinerary. But with more than 1,400 islands in Thailanddiscovering the ones with the best beaches is like finding the perfect pad kra pao — it takes trial and error. After visiting Thailand regularly for the past eight yearsI’ve compiled a list of 14 of the country’s most stunning beaches.
Ao Prao BeachKoh Samet
Peera/Adobe Stock
Soft silica and gentle waves lure beach bums to this sandy strip on Koh Samet. Home to several four-star hotelstravelers can rent kayaks and paddleboards to get a glimpse of the reef’s colorful fish. Come eveningits beachside restaurants are a great place to post up for sunset — coconut in hand.
Sunrise BeachKoh Lipe
Markus Matzel/ullstein bild via Getty Images
Koh Lipe is one of Thailand’s most beloved and hard-to-reach islandsclose to Malaysia. But once you see its silky shoresyou’ll be glad you made the trek. Sunrise Beach has crystal-clear waters with picturesque long-tail boats dotting the coast. And as its name suggestsyou can catch an excellent sunrise herefollowed by a morning snorkel.
Kradan BeachKoh Kradan
Twenty47studio/Getty Images
Also known as Paradise Beachthis stretch lives up to its name. The majority of the island’s accommodations are located steps from the sandso it’s an ideal place to base yourself for easy access to its pristine shores. Warmclear water and gentle surf make this quiet beach a dreamy honeymoon destination.
Railay BeachKrabi
Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure
You’ve probably seen this beach splashed on Thailand adverts for the past decade. It’s extremely popularbut for good reason. Accessible only by boatits towering limestone cliffs on either side make for epic vacation shots and serious rock climbing. Swimming on the west side of the beach is possiblebut the striking landscapes are the main draw here.
White Sand BeachKoh Chang
AzByCx/Getty Images
As its name impliesyou’ll find blinding white sand on this wide stretch of Koh Chang. The beach’s sprawling size means it’s never too crowdedso finding a place to bask with a good book isn’t hard. At nightit comes alive with fire dancersbarsand plenty of local restaurants.
Koh Ngai BeachKoh Ngai
CHRIS TAYLOR/500px/Getty Images
This tiny island in the Andaman Sea is a bit less-trodden than its neighbors. Clear waters epitomize the island’s namesake beach. Stroll the entire lengthposing for pictures with long-tail boats and stopping for fresh seafood at one of the feet-in-the-sand restaurantsor grab a lounge chair and stare at the postcard-perfect limestone karst formations.
Thong Nai Pan BeachKoh Pha Ngan
Pierrick Lemaret/Getty Images
This crescent-shaped sliver in the north of Koh Pha Ngan is the perfect place to rest and recuperate after the island’s famously debaucherous Full Moon Party. Its soft sandshallow watersand shady palm trees are ideal for a lazy beach day on one of Thailand’s most festive and yoga-filled islands.
Maya BeachPhi Phi Leh
Monica Farber/Travel + Leisure
Made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach, this picturesque bay was nearly decimated by overtourism. But thanks to a massive rehabilitation program and increased regulation (there’s no swimming here)the natural beauty of this beach has returned. Only several thousand tourists are allowed here dailyin prebooked time slotsbut many say it's worth it for the limestone cliffs alone.
Long BeachKoh Lanta
sitriel/Getty Images
Visitors to this Thai island have skyrocketed in the past decade. A popular destination for digital nomadsLong Beach is made for long walks on the beach. There’s plenty to see along its shoresfrom easygoing bars to wooden bungalows and seafood shacks. Just remember to bring a hat and take frequent dips; there’s very little shade here.
Taling Ngam BeachKoh Samui
Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure
Koh Samui is the definition of an island paradiseknown for its romantic five-star hotels and pristine bays. On its western coast is this more secluded section of sand. Post up on its sugar-white beach for an epic sunset (with views of the famous Five Islands) or a Thai feast at one of its unassuming beach shacks.
Charlie BeachKoh Muk
sitriel/Getty Images
Also known as Garnet Beachthis gem can be found on Koh Mukwhich translates to “Pearl Island.” A tuk-tuk ride from town means Charlie Beach is away from the hustle and bustleand those who venture out are rewarded with gentle waters and standout sunsets. Head here in the peak seasonwhen beach businesses come alive.
Khao Takiab BeachHua Hin
pierrick/Adobe Stock
This laid-back coastal escape lies less than three hours from the capital. A go-to for Bangkok locals looking to escape the smog and traffic of the cityHua Hin is home to wellness retreats and beach resorts. One of the most beautiful places for a dip is Khao Takiab Beach. Next to a fishing harboryou can spend the day on a beach bed and then grab fresh seafood as the sun dips below the horizon.
Golden Buddha BeachKoh Phra Thong
satit/Adobe Stock
It’s hard to find a place that still feels untouched in tourist-beloved Thailandbut this remoteseven-mile sandy expanse manages to do it. On the Andaman Seaquiet beach eco-resorts and local restaurants line the golden sand. Climb to Turtle Viewpoint for a sweeping vista over the beach and the emerald ocean below.
Bottle BeachKoh Pha Ngan
4FR/Getty Images
Reachable via forest trek4x4 vehicleor boatadventurous travelers will love the far-flung feel of this small bay. Beach lovers can rent a lounge chair for the daygrab a few cold Singha beersand simply relax. If that’s not your there are kayaks for rent and a few worthwhile hiking trails nearby.