The Best Beaches in Thailand

See Also

• Eateries to check out in Cancun.
• Premium Hotels in Koh Samui

One of the greatest locations to lodge when exploring Phuket is at the premier hotels on the island

On This Page

• 13 Premier Beaches in Thailand
• 19 Best Hotels & Beach Resorts
• What time periods have the best conditions for travel in Thailand?
• Top-rated Hotels in Vancouver
• What is the preferable way to travel within Thailand?
• What are the trains like and how do I buy tickets?
• Is a visa necessary for travel to Thailand?
• The estimated budget for traveling within Thailand
• What vaccines are recommended when traveling to Thailand?
• Recommendations on travel insurance for Thailand

The 13 Best Beaches in Thailand

1. Railay Beach – Krabi

One of my absolute favorite locales in Thailand. Railay is only accessible by boat from Ao Nang or Krabi. There are no motor vehicles in the town so it is very tranquil and perfect for children. Several excellent beaches are within easy reach of the town. Recommended Hotels: Railay Bay Resort & Spa (moderate) – Sunrise Tropical Resort (moderate) – Railay Garden View Resort (budget)

2. Phra Nang Beach – Krabi

Phra Nang is a short walk from Railay – or rent a kayak and go by sea. Rock climbing nearby and some fun caves to explore. Recommended Hotels: Rayavadee (luxury)

3. Karon Beach – Phuket

A superb beach location with many dining and evening entertainment options – though not as lively (or seedy) as Patong. Recommended Accommodations: Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa (high-end) – Andaman Seaview Hotel (high-end) – Moevenpick Resort & Spa (average) – Golden Sand Inn (budget)

4. Kata Beach – Phuket

The beach at Kata on Phuket island offers calm, protected waters along with quality nearby restaurants, making it very family-friendly compared to some choppier spots on the island. Recommended Hotels: The Shore At Katathani (luxury) – Mom Tri’s Villa Royale (luxury)

5. Khao Lak

Khao Lak is about an hour north of Phuket. A great mix of small town charm and beautiful beaches. Recommended Hotels: The Sarojin (luxury) – Le Meridien (luxury) – Baan Krating Khao Lak Resort (moderate) – Khaolak Banana Bungalow (budget)

6. Kantiang Beach – Koh Lanta

Fantastic beach for those seeking solitude and sand. Just a handful of hotels and restaurants – sufficient to have some alternatives but not so many as to attract large crowds. Recommended Hotels: Pimalai Resort & Spa (luxury)

7. Phi Phi Don – Koh Phi Phi

While Phi Phi Don sees lots of travelers, it remains fairly close to ideal. The island has many lengthy stretches of sand away from the busy Tonsai beach. Rooms are limited on Phi Phi so plan well ahead. Recommended Hotels: Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort (high-end) – Zeavola Resort (high-end) – Holiday Inn Resort (high-end) – Mama Beach Residence (moderate) – PP Ingphu Viewpoint (budget)

8. Chaweng – Koh Samui

Chaweng is Koh Samui’s busiest town and where you’ll find many nightlife venues and dining options (including a well-known international coffee chain). The beach is also a popular attraction. Recommended Hotels: Amari Koh Samui (luxury) • Baan Chaweng Beach Resort & Spa (moderate) • Poppies Samui (moderate) • Ark Bar Beach Resort (budget)

9. Bophut – Koh Samui

The evening dining is quite popular on several beaches and Bophut does it as well as any seaside destination. Some consider the sand at Bophut to be somewhat too coarse but it remains one of my truly favorite beaches. Recommended Accommodations: Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort (luxury) – Hansar Samui Resort & Spa (luxury) – Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa (boutique) – Peace Resort (moderate) – Smile House (moderate)

10. Thongtakian Beach – Koh Samui

Thong Takian Beach (also Silver Beach) is a small inlet between Lamai and Chaweng on Koh Samui. Although secluded, it`s still an easy taxi ride to nightlife and dining. Recommended Accommodations: Promtsuk Buri (moderate) – Crystal Bay Beach Resort (budget)

11. Bottle Beach – Koh Phangan

Accessible only by boat and thus highly tranquil. A beautiful beach surrounded by mountains is perfect for those seeking some solitude. It’s very popular with long-term travelers. Recommended Accommodations: Bottle Beach 1 Resort (moderate) – Smile Bungalow Bottle Beach (budget)

12. Bang Bao – Koh Chang

Koh Chang is located in the far eastern region of Thailand. This off-the-beaten-path island offers fantastic beaches. Recommended hotels: The Emerald Cove Koh Chang (luxury) – Santhiya Tree Koh Chang Resort (luxury) – Centara Tropicana Resort (moderate) – KC Grande Resort & Spa (moderate) – Garden Resort (moderate) – Siam Beach Resort (budget)

13. Koh Samet

Some of the nicer coastlines near Bangkok that are worth exploring. Koh Samet lies about a 4 hour bus and ferry ride from Bangkok. During the wet season, it possesses one of Thailand`s driest atmospheres in the country. Recommended Resorts: Paradee Resort (luxurious) • Ao Prao Resort (luxurious) • Samed Grand View Resort (moderate)

More Thailand Beaches

Mae Nam, Koh Samui

Mae Nam is very popular with expats and long term travelers. It is the kind of place where you want to unpack your bags and hang out for a week (or a month). Recommended hotels include: W Koh Samui (luxury) – Coco Palm Beach Resort (moderate) – Samui Buri Beach Resort (moderate) – Harry’s Bungalows (budget)

Choeng Mon, Koh Samui

One of the most kid-accommodating shorelines on Koh Samui. A calming ambience is the principle here but Chaweng is 10 minutes away if you need any nighttime attractions or more diverse eatery selections. Advised Hotels: SALA Samui Choengmon Beach (luxury) – Meliá Koh Samui (moderate) – White House Beach Resort (budget)

Haad Rin, Koh Phangan

Haad Rin hosts the famous monthly full moon bashes. While it certainly becomes quite lively around those lunar celebrations, the beach itself is surprisingly pleasant. Visiting at times away from the full moon dates allows one to enjoy a balanced combination of night entertainment and beach relaxation. Some recommended places to stay include: Pariya Resort & Villas Haad Yuan (luxurious) – Sarikantang Resort And Spa (moderate) – Buri Beach Resort (moderate) – Cocohut Beach Resort & Spa (moderate) – Lighthouse Bungalows (budget-friendly) – Rin Bay View Resort (budget-friendly)

Haad Yao, Koh Phangan

Famed for experiencing breathtaking sunsets and exploring colorful coral reefs, a well liked stretch of sand is attracting larger crowds yearly. Recommended accommodations: Haad Yao Bayview Resort & Spa (moderate pricing) • Haven Resort (economical) • Shiralea Resort (economical)

Haad Salad, Koh Phangan

Haad Salad is a peaceful and secluded beach located far from the lively party scene at Haad Rin. Recommended lodging: Salad Buri Resort (moderate) – Green Papaya Resort (moderate) – Haad Salad Villa (budget)

Thong Nai Pan, Koh Phangan

Wonderful beach which is home to several of Koh Phangan’s top resorts. A calm peaceful paradise. Suggested Hotels: Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas (luxury) • Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa (luxury) • Panviman Resort Koh Phangan (luxury)

Mai Khao, Phuket

Mai Khao lies close to the airport and makes a good stop after a lengthy flight. Very calm compared to Phuket’s other resorts. The main reason to stay here is the enormous water park with slides at the Centara (great for families). Recommended Hotels: Splash Beach Resort

Kata Beach vs Karon Beach

The photograph depicts the positioning of neighboring beaches on the Thai island of Phuket. Closest is Kata Noi beach, followed by Kata Beach, while the most distant cove visible from the vantage point is Karon Beach. Further along lies Patong Beach, though it does not appear within the frame.

The 19 Best Hotels & Beach Resorts in Thailand

Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort – Bangkok
(Hotel phone: +66 2 476 0022)

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok – Bangkok
(Hotel phone: +66 2 659 9000)
Updated: November 2, 2020 – Written by Roger Wade of the Water Villa Resort Guide(Hotel phone: +66 53 253 333)

• A restaurant, garden, and bar – $$$$ – Provides French and international fine dining with an extensive wine list. Located slightly east of Kraus Village.

(Hotel phone: +66 53 298 181)

The Hansar Samui Resort & Spa – Bophut, Koh Samui
(Hotels phone: +66 77 245 511)

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui – west of Mae Nam
.”(Hotel phone: +66 77 243 000)

• The Elephant Bar in Phnom Penh serves globally influenced cuisine alongside their famous craft cocktails in an upscale setting.

(Hotel phone: +66 77 422 767)

The Tongsai Bay is situated near Choeng Mon on Koh Samui
(Hotel phone: +66 7724 5480)

Six Senses Samui – near Choeng Mon, Koh Samui
(Hotel phone: +66 77 245 678)

SALA Samui Choengmon Beach – Choeng Mon, Koh Samui
(Hotel phone: +66 77 245 888)
On Khao Lak beach, The Sarojin resort receives high ratings (Hotel phone: +66 76 427 902)

The Shore at Katathani – Kata Beach, Phuket
(Hotel phone: +66 76 330 124)

• University Community, northeast of downtown in Seattle’s University District, is an upscale outdoor shopping center where well-behaved canines are welcome.

(Hotel phone: +66 76 370 100)

The Pavilions, Phuket – Bang Tao Beach, Phuket
(Hotel phone: +66 76 317 600)

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort – Chiang Mai
(Hotel phone: +66 2631 9777)

The Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island is located on Koh Phi Phi Island.

(Hotel phone: +66 75 627 300)

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(Hotel phone: +66 7562 7000 )

What are the best months to visit Thailand’s beaches?

The months of December, January, and February generally boast the finest weather across most of the country if touring the entirety of Japan. This period represents the optimal time to visit with regional differences potentially significant.

March, April, and May get increasingly hot. The skies remain clear but the heat can be difficult to tolerate especially in northern Thailand and anywhere not near the beach.

The rains occur from June through November in most of southern Thailand (where the majority of the islands and beaches are located). Phuket, specifically, experiences rough seas and hazardous undertows from July to October. Koh Samui receives most of its rainfall in October and November. The eastern coast tends to have more hospitable climate through the wet months (though it can still experience some major storms.) Often the rains won’t last very long (just a few hours daily) followed by sunshine – but the water will be murky and the beaches can be littered with debris during the monsoon season.

September and October tend to be the least appealing months to visit – though remarkable discounts can be found on accommodations during this time frame.

If you’re in Thailand during September and October and want some beach time, Koh Samet is a great choice as it doesn’t receive the heavy rain experienced in the rest of the country during this period.

• Bangkok – The coolest and driest conditions occur during December and January. The climate becomes warmer through March and April when rains begin. Wet weather persists until October with September being the rainiest month. Throughout this time period flooding can happen all over the city.
• Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand’s best months are January and February – especially for trekking (any earlier and paths will be muddy and flooded, any later and you’ll be in the burning season and then the hot season). Farmers start igniting their fields in March and by April the air can become smoky and hazardous. The hot and rainy seasons commence soon after with the rains extending into November.
• Phuket,Krabi, and the Andaman Coast – The best time period to visit for a beach vacation extends from late November through May. The weather is wet, humid, and hot from June through October. During these months the ocean is often too rough to swim in and visibility for snorkeling and scuba diving is poor. But even in the rainy season you can get wonderful stretches of sunshine that are perfect for lounging by the pool.
• Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Tao – The best duration to visit is from late December to April. The rains initiate in May but are never as intense as the west coast so Samui makes a better selection (than Phuket) for June, July, and August. It’s rainy here from late September until early December.
• Hua Hin, Pattaya, and Koh Samet – The best weather year-round of any region in Thailand. If visiting in September-October and wanting to avoid rains, this is the place.

What are the best places in Thailand for kids?

Thailand offers a very family-friendly environment. Some of my top destinations in Thailand that are well-suited for families include Phuket, Railay, Koh Samui, Hua Hin, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai.

Bangkok is more demanding than the others but it has so much to offer kids and so many great attractions that if you have a little patience you and your kids will love it as much as my family.

• Best beaches for children: Railay, Kata Beach (Phuket), Choeng Mon (Koh Samui), Haad Salad (Koh Pha Ngan), Jomtien (much better than the nearby Pattaya)
• Premier Family Accommodations: These are my favorite places to stay with families in Bangkok,Phuket,Koh Samui,Koh Phangan,Railay,Pattaya, and Chiang Mai.
• Rainy Season: No one enjoys rain when on holiday but it can be a bigger disappointment to children. Phuket, specifically, gets rough seas that make swimming unsafe for children from July to October (July and August may be fine if you don’t mind swimming in the pool instead of the ocean). In Koh Samui October and November are the rainiest months.
• Car Seats: Some car rental agencies will have them but if it’s a necessity bring your own. Most cars (and taxis) only have seat belts in the front seats (where car seats should never be placed). So even when you have a car seat finding a car that will allow its use is an effort.
• Kid-friendly Food: Western cuisine, ranging from pasta to hamburgers, is widely accessible at all beach resorts and in larger cities. Fried rice and pad thai are two Thai dishes often loved by children.

What’s the best way to get around Thailand?

Flying is the fastest and simplest way to get around the country. There are direct flights from Bangkok to Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui. The train is my next favorite way of getting around and taking an overnight train is a fun way to travel as the locals do.

Thailand has a long narrow shape. Thus, traveling from Bangkok or Chiang Mia to the southern islands covers a good distance. Crossing from one coast to another can be done in a half-day by drive (and ferry) – however, flying remains more time efficient.

• Air – Thailand has excellent air service from several budget airlines. Air Asia has the most flights but NOK Air,Bangkok Airways, and Thai Airways have multiple routes as well. Flying is an easy way to traverse the country and can be incredibly inexpensive if booked in advance. Note to tall people: the seats have extremely limited legroom. I’m 6’6′′ and can barely fit into my designated seat.
• Travel – Taking the train is an enjoyable way to see the countryside. Overnight trains with sleeping accommodations going north from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and south to coastal cities are convenient and authentic options for reaching destinations. Reaching islands and beach resorts often requires taking a bus and/or ferry after disembarking the train (at Surat Thani for Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Samui, and Koh Phangan). The buses are timed with train arrivals so the extra planning and hassle is usually minimal. Be sure to purchase train/bus/ferry combination tickets in Bangkok to simplify making connections.
• Public transportation – Buses connect all parts of the country, providing a flexible option to reach destinations within a few hours typically without needing to purchase tickets far in advance as required for air or rail travel. While bus rides may be lengthy and less stimulating without the ability to move about like on a train, a bus to an island will usually take you directly to the ferry terminal to continue your journey. As with trains, pre-purchasing combined bus and ferry tickets offers convenience but isn`t obligatory.
• Hired Vehicle – These are practical and not as expensive as one might assume – particularly for traveling between Bangkok to Hua Hin or Pattaya or popular tourist destinations like Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui. You can approach any taxi (choose the newer, nicer, and larger ones) and inquire how much to arrive at your intended destination.

What are the trains like and how do I buy tickets?

• Photographs of the trains and sleeper cars
• Seat61 – The finest guide to train travel in Thailand

Train reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance. Excepting Thai public holidays and the period surrounding Christmas and New Years when capacity may fall short, seats are rarely fully booked so securing a sleeper compartment is possible right up until travel and obtaining an ordinary seat remains very feasible anytime (provided flexibility regarding positioning or ticket class).

There are multiple options to reserve your ticket: in person at Hualamphong station; through a travel agent located in Bangkok; or in advance online (which is prone to some modification).

Purchasing train tickets on location in Bangkok provides the most flexibility with scheduling options and customizing travel arrangements (e.g. for multi-compartment accommodations) – however, there is a risk of sold-out trains.

Therefore, booking beforehand may be necessary – particularly if you’re operating under a tight schedule – but be prepared to make some compromises. Some online agencies only sell tickets for the overnight train departing Bangkok at 19:30. (This is my favored train for accessing Samui and has a great connection for boarding the ferry.)

Briefly: if you have some flexibility wait until you’re in Thailand to book your train tickets. On your first morning enter a travel agency and inquire about booking your onward train ticket to your destination. They’ll present all your choices and reserve your tickets for you. You’ll be able to stop back later that day or the next morning to obtain your tickets. You should be able to get tickets that depart Bangkok within 1 day to 3 days – though it can be longer around peak travel periods like Christmas and New Years.

There is a fee associated with booking through a travel agency. If you’re seeking to spend less then book straight at Hua Lamphong (yet be aware you’ll need to cover the cost of a taxi to arrive which is likely comparable to the travel agent’s booking charge). Once you reach the station disregard anyone (including your taxi driver) who direct you elsewhere outside the station. You want to enter the station to arrange your tickets)..

Do I need a visa for Thailand? And how long should my passport be valid for?

Citizens of Canada, the U.S., the U.K, Australia, and most countries in Western Europe can obtain a 30 day visa upon arrival – so no documents need to be processed in advance. Citizens of other countries will need to apply beforehand for the 30 day entry visa.

To obtain a 60 day visa (irrespective of citizenship) require applying in advance or securing the 30 day visa (as above) and then extending it within the country. This can be done at immigration offices in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Krabi, and Phuket.

Pre-applied visa’s may begin counting from the date of departure on the flight headed for Thailand – so you could lose a day in the calculation and wind up with just 29 days and 28 nights from the date of arrival.

Travel documents should have over six months of remaining validity after your date of departure. You may encounter exemptions to this rule, but to be safe have a full half-year buffer. For instance, if you’re in Thailand from June 1 to June 15 you’d want your passport to remain legitimate until no earlier than December 15. Failure to have this cushion could result in you not being permitted into the country. (In reality you likely wouldn’t even be able to board your flight heading to Thailand.)

How much does it cost to travel in Thailand?

Expenses fluctuate enormously contingent on your travel style, modes of transportation, lodging preferences, and how much shopping you do (and where you do it).

Regardless of budget level, the more one travels between locations, the higher the total expenses tend to be. By remaining in one area for an extended period, costs typically reduce. Not only are transportation fees avoided but less crowded dining and shopping spots can offer better values, as do lodging options. Looking into less visited accommodation alternatives (e.g. an apartment renting by the week or month) can drastically diminish costs.

A bare minimum spending plan that incorporations low-end inns, buses or 2nd class trains without a sleeper, and street snacks would be about $30/person/day.

A mid-range budget that involved overnight sleeper cabins on trains, the occasional flight, dining out for most meals at restaurants, and hotels with western amenities possibly including a swimming pool, would cost between $80 to $100 per day.

At the high-end the possibilities are endless as Thailand is home to some of Asia’s finest restaurants, finest hotels, and finest shopping. That said, a budget of $500 per day would expose you to some of the country’s best food and lodging.

How do I visit Thailand with limited finances?
Some simple strategies will help save a sizable amount of money in Bangkok

• Locals` dining is worth exploring. Getting a huge lunch or dinner for just a few dollars by eating street food or at a small restaurant without many tourists is easy and also tastier.
• When shopping, especially at Bangkok`s wonderful markets known for competitive pricing, haggling over the quoted cost is a normal expected process that can result in significant savings. Tourists risk initially being offered prices two to three times higher than what locals pay, so aggressively countering with lower offers is recommended.
• Reserving hotels online well in advance usually provides the best deals. Excluding the most inexpensive guesthouses, booking sites like Booking.com (my preferred option) or Agoda.com (good for last minute bookings) often have the best rates. For budget lodging in Bangkok, walking the streets of the Khao San Road area and directly inquiring about rooms and prices at each guesthouse seen is a good strategy.

Do I need vaccinations to travel to Thailand?

The CDC recommends the Hepatitis A vaccine and the Typhoid vaccine for all travelers to Thailand. Other vaccines ( Hepatitis B,Japanese Encephalitis,Rabies, and Yellow Fever) may be recommended depending on where, when, and how long you’ll be traveling.

Our child needed to get multiple injections for Rabies over three weeks after being bitten by a dog while in Indonesia. If the rabies vaccine is administered, follow up shots are still required but far fewer in number. Youngsters are believed to face higher risk for contracting rabies since they tend to interact with canines and other animals more and may fail to report a minor scratch or bite to their guardians.

The CDC estimates the malaria risk in Thailand as low and clarifies the regions with some malarial risk as “Rural, forested areas that border Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, and Laos. Rural, forested areas in districts of Phang Nga and Phuket. None in the cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Phang Nga, and Phuket.”

Furthermore, most adults aren’t up-to-date on their routine vaccinations so pre-travel doctor’s appointments are a good time to receive any recommended booster shots.

Is the H2O safe for human consumption in Thailand?

Generally not. Bottled water is readily available throughout the area. Higher-end hotels and restaurants often offer boiled drinking water that is safe for consumption – but asking first is wise to verify.

Should I get travel insurance for Thailand?

Yes, but it`s worth checking what your current insurance covers – sometimes the scope is more than anticipated. A big concern is emergency evacuation (typically to Bangkok) as most policies do not cover this and if seriously injured or ill regional hospitals may lack the resources for treatment – so a trip to Bangkok is necessary (and expensive).

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