With over 2,000 miles of coastline and 8,000 diverse islands, many with luxurious white sand, warm waters and beautiful scenery, it’s no surprise that travellers from around the globe flock to Thailand in search of the perfect beach experience.
Whether you’re looking for a family holiday, an active beach holiday, a romantic luxury getaway or somewhere off the beaten track, there is a Thai beach or island waiting for you.
The only question is which?
Your choice may be influenced by when you can travel. One of the first considerations will be the time of year, which will in turn help to narrow down options as generally when one side of the country is wet the other will be drier, with the notable exception of the lower Gulf Coast, which can be unsettled in early December.
December through to February is the best period for a beach holiday in Thailand, with March and April also excellent months.
Outside of these periods, from May through to early October, you would be wise heading for the Gulf Coast where there is more sunshine and less rainfall compared to other areas, and from late October onwards the Andaman Coast brings more sun and less rain.
So, having ascertained the best areas to visit at what time of year, it’s time to decide which may be the best beach for you.
The following are some of the more renowned destinations and both my own and my clients' favourites. Please remember though that this is only a small selection - there are plenty more beautiful beaches, some lesser-known than others and I'll happily find the one that is right for you.
Similarly, when it comes to where to stay, your accommodation options are plentiful with fantastic places to suit all budgets. I do have some preferred choices which I will happily advise on request as well as having started to draft some notes for a future blog post specifically highlighting some that need to be on your radar.
Khao Lak
Khao Lak is a laid-back mainland beach resort in the beautiful Phang-Nga region on the west coast. An hour's road transfer from Phuket Airport, it is one of Thailand’s most appealing destinations with small towns and white-sand beaches scattered along a 15-mile stretch of Andaman coastline.
Nang Thong beach sits in the centre of the Khao Lak area and is where the most extensive range of accommodation and dining options can be found with the attractive and quieter Bang Niang beach slightly further north.
Following the coastline further north you will find the tranquil and serene beaches of KhukKhak, ideal for romantic couples with a long stretch of 5km white powdery sand beach and just a couple of nice hotels tucked between the endless lengths of pine trees and palm grove.
The stunning beaches of the Similan Islands can only be reached by a boat trip from Khao Lak or Phuket. The nine special islands that make up the group are teeming with aquatic life and part of the protected Mu Ko Surin National Park. All have individual names but are also identified by numbers with some off-limits to the public to maintain the reefs and protect the endangered green turtles who hatch their eggs on the beaches there. This is a fantastic area for diving enthusiasts.
The biggest island of the group, Ko Similan (Island 8) has a distinctive shape of the rock formations which has led to one bay becoming known as ‘Donald Duck Bay’. All boat trips stop here with time to relax on the beach, snorkel and drive or climb up to the viewpoint next to the sail-shaped rock overlooking the bay. Overnight stays are not allowed on any of the Similan Islands and they can get a little crowded at times, but the colour of the water and sand is magical and as the boats depart, nature takes a deserved break from tourism.
Phuket
Phuket is one of Thailand’s most popular destinations, a great location with an abundance of beaches - at least 40 official ones - and a wide variety of accommodation to choose from.
Although an island - the largest in Thailand - it's connected to the mainland and airport by a road bridge spanning the short distance.
The best beaches are to be found on the island’s west coast, from Mai Khao in the north to Rawai in the south. Patong, Karon and Kata are the best-known and busiest resort areas, but there is far more to Phuket than these popular beaches.
The longest of Phuket’s beaches, Mai Khao, is also one of its quietest due to much of it, along with the neighbouring beach of Nai Yang, being part of the protected Sirinat National Park that provides a safe nesting environment for the giant sea turtles that come to lay their eggs between October and February.
Mai Khao is home to some superb luxury resorts and is handy for visiting the Splash Jungle Water Park, whilst the more laid-back tree-lined Nai Yang offers lots of shade and is a popular weekend picnic spot for locals.
A hidden gem is the beautiful Freedom beach, located on the west coast in an untouched bay surrounded by tall coconut trees. This spectacular cove has unbelievable crystal-clear water and the softest of white sand and the sunsets viewed from here are truly stunning. It can be reached either by a small boat trip or by following a dirt path which provides breathtaking views over the beach and the various shades of the crystal blue sea.
Krabi
The perfect choice for sun-seekers and dedicated beach lovers, Krabi is a province of outstanding natural beauty where magnificent mountain scenery provides a treat for the eyes and the welcome from the locals provides a treat for the soul.
I loved Ao Nang Beach on Krabi’s mainland, with the enormous limestone rocks jutting out of the turquoise waters and the rugged forests providing the most picturesque of backdrops.
From Ao Nang you can view the speedboats and longtail boats journeying to and from the smaller islands. Hop on a longtail boat and take the short ride across to Ko Pad and you'll see why this gorgeous island features on many boat tours. Most will include a brief stop for lunch and a swim, but if you want to relax and spend longer, then your own arrangements can be made with the boat owners.
No visit to Krabi is complete without a stop to soak up the rays and sublime views at Railay Beach. Although Railay is part of the mainland, the area’s geography makes it feel more like an island due to the peninsula, on which it sits, only being accessible by boat.
The headland at Laem Phra Nang is made up of three main beach areas which are all inter-connected by walkways. West Railay and Phra Nang Beach have the best stretches of sand and incredible views.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is the biggest and most developed of the islands in the Gulf of Thailand and enjoys a broad appeal making it suitable for a family holiday, romantic getaway or a solo adventure.
Endless beaches shaded by fringes of tall coconut palms surround the island’s perimeter with the shoreline combining hidden coves and long sandy stretches dotted with fishing villages and quality hotels.
The sweeping expanse of smooth sand that makes up Chaweng Beach is regarded by many as the island’s most attractive beach. It’s also, however, the most developed area on Koh Samui, which may or may not appeal depending on personal preferences.
For a quieter resort, head for the beautiful bay of Choeng Mon, tucked away to the northeast tip. With a more exclusive feel to this part of the island, Choeng Mon attracts couples looking for a peaceful retreat. The sandy beach is interspersed with rocky coves set against a backdrop of casuarina and palm trees.
Lamai Beach is another popular choice with its attractive beach stretching for around two miles, making for delightful walks. With a broad range of accommodation options, an array of restaurants and a vibrant nightlife it attracts a diverse range of visitors.
Bophut Beach is another charming place to stay, particularly suited to families and although there may be higher rated beaches on Samui, there are great views and a lovely local feel thanks to the Fisherman's Village.
I cannot wait to return to Thailand.
Encapsulating the diversity of options for a great Thai beach holiday is not easy but I hope that I have provided a flavour to whet the appetite and in the throes of researching and piecing together this summary, it was fantastic to be reminded what a special place this is.