A quick overview of the 10 most famous beaches in Thailand.
1. Patong Beach, Phuket
Phuket is now Thailand's most important tourist destination, offering a variety of beaches, attractions and exciting night life.
Patong Beach is the most popular and well-developed beach on Phuket Island.
With a wide coastline, soft white sand, warm water and plenty of hotels, restaurants, shopping and nightlife options within walking distance it’s impossible to get bored here.
2. Railay Beach, Krabi
Though it’s technically on the mainland, Railay Beach is only accessible by boat and has a desert island feeling you won’t find on most of the country’s popular beach destinations. Clear blue waters, small islands on the horizon and majestic cliffs surround the small beach, which is generally not crowded except during peak season. A unique and romantic scenery.
3. Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi
Maya Bay is maybe the most popular location in Thailand, and has become even more popular after the 2000 movie "The Beach" was filmed there. Than, according to the Lonely Planet's Thailand guidebook, the 2004 tsunami dramatically improved the look and the celebrity of this beach.
Maya Bay can only be visited on day trips by boat, since there are no accommodations here. Hordes of people visit during high season, but the beauty makes dealing with the crowds worth it.
4. Hua Hin Beach, Hua Hin
This beach on the Gulf of Siam is immensely popular for locals and international visitors, thanks to the very Luxury Hotels, the flat stretches of beach, plenty of things to do and the ease of travel from Bangkok. Hua Hin Beach slopes very gently into the gulf, so while it’s not the best beach for real swimming, it’s a great place for families with small children.
5. Kata Beach, Phuket
The pleasant bay of Kata, just a few minutes away from Patong, charms many visitors with its white sands and clear waters. Very popular with families, Kata is an all-round favourite due to its spectacular palm-lined beach, great restaurants, lively but not excessive nightlife and varied accommodation options - all close to the beach. From May to October surfers flock to catch Kata's waves, while from November to April the beach is alive with sunseekers.
6. Chaweng Beach, Samui
Chaweng is the largest and most popular of Samui's beaches and is the longest on the island's east coast.
Approximately 7 km long with powdery white sand, bordered by emerald-blue waters and a coral reef where waves break.
Almost all activities are on the beach (even parts of the nightlife), from the sunset to the late evening it's possible to enjoy a wide choice of bar and restaurants.
7. Sairee Beach, Koh Tao
Certainly the best choice for all the snorkelers and divers, even if… visitors are slowly realizing that Ko Tao has more to offer.
Sairee, this one mile stretch of white sandy beach, clear waters with swirls of aquamarine, and coral aquatic life has a plenty of inexpensive accommodations and restaurants and it's perfect for any-purpose tourism!
8. White Sand Beach, Koh Chang
White Sand beach or Haad Sai Khao as it is called by the locals.
This beautiful stretch of beach on the west side of the island is fringed with palm and coconut trees against a backdrop of jungle clad mountains, fine powdery white beach sand and spectacular sunsets. It is the most popular place to stay on this wild island and offers the most diverse ranging from simple shacks to 5 star luxury units.
9. Haad Rin, Koh Phangan
As beautiful as it is, Haad Rin is really known for just one thing – Full Moon Parties! Once a month the beach goes on an all-night bender with plenty of drinking, dancing, music… and the moon. At other times of the month, the party atmosphere still pervades so this beach is really suggested for young guys!
10. Ko Nang Yuan, Ko Tao
Just 1km North from Ko Tao, this close-knit group of three tiny islets provides the most spectacular and unique beach scenery in these parts, thanks to the causeway of fine sand that joins up the islands. It is famous for its diving spots and its great snorkeling beach.
