Sea, Sand, and Surf in Thailand: Top 5 Spots

Do you want to stroll for miles along the stretches of sun-drenched sugary white sands?

Are you planning to snorkel, dive, and surf offshore?

May be you want to party on the beach until dawn, or just need a tropical escape from the rest of the world?

You can enjoy all these experiences at one place - Thailand.

Thailand has no shortage of gorgeous coastlines along both the Andaman Sea and Gulf Coast. This tropical paradise is home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches. Here are five of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand you can add to your bucket list.

1 Railay Beach

Railay Beach is actually a small peninsula that consists of four secluded beaches. With gorgeous white sand coastline, dramatic jagged cliffs, laid back vibe and a lagoon hidden inside the cliffs, Railay Beach offers incredible views to travellers.

Just south of Ao Nang Beach, this isolated peninsula is not connected by roads because of tall limestone cliffs and steep jungle valleys that surround it. This gives Railay Beach a tranquil and extraordinary island vibe. So you can reach here only on foot, which adds to the beach’s serenity, cleanliness, and simplicity.

In terms of dining, you can find Thai cuisines in small restaurants throughout Railay and international cuisines like Indian, Italian, and American dishes.

How to reach: Fly into Krabi's small international airport and hire a taxi to the piers in Krabi Town or Ao Nang. Hire a long-tail boat to Railay Beach. Daily ferry services are available from famous Thailand beaches including Phuket and Phi Phi Islands.

2 Kata Noi Beach

Kata Noi is a beautiful beach with long stretches of white sand and incredibly clear blue waters during the high season. This little bay along the west coast of Phuket is located just south of the main Kata Beach. This quiet and pristine destination presents stunning scenery during dusk and dawn.

The rocky headlands surrounding Kata Noi beach make it an excellent place for snorkelling. During the high season between November and April, the sea off the beach provides peaceful swimming, while during the low season between May and October, the beach becomes a paradise for surfers. You will find some of the Phuket’s most luxurious restaurants and resorts on this beach.

How to reach: There are regular songtaews between Phuket Town and Kata. If you are coming by air, you can hire a taxi or minibus for a large group. Kata Noi is found just south of Kata Beach.

Go straight after the The Boathouse in Kata Beach and veer to the left. Turn to the left and continue on the road that will pass the Katathani Phuket Beach Resort.

3 Patong Beach

If you are fond of shopping and nightlife, Patong Beach makes a great beach to visit in Thailand. This is the heart of Phuket and is always big, bright, and loud, which make it one of the best beaches for party lovers.

The northern part of Patong beach is more beautiful and less crowded than other parts. Water is bluer during high season, and there are plenty of palm trees to sit and relax under.

To spend the day, you can rent beach chairs, get a massage, rent a jet ski, or try some parasailing. At night, you can enjoy at rooftop bars, bowling, cable ski, and shop at night markets.

How to reach: The bus service and the minivan service depart from the Phuket International Airport every hour. You can also get a metered taxi or hire a car to Patong Beach.

4 Ko Nang Yuan

Koh Nang Yuan is a small island off the west coast of Koh Tao in Thailand. It encompasses three little islands connected by a vast sandbar. Ko Nang Yuan is known for its enticing aquamarine waters, quaint rocks and white sand beaches that set perfect scenery.

From the beach, take 15 minutes’ stroll up to the astonishing viewpoint of Koh Tao Island in Thailand. The island is the centre of many swimming and scuba diving destinations, including Green Shake and Twin Pinnacles. You also have the choices of rock jumping, zip lining, and snorkelling.

How to reach: The quickest way to reach the Koh Nang Yuan Island is through the air to the Chumphon Airplane terminal, which is located 30km north of Chumphon town in Pathio Locale. Then take a fast sailboat to the island.

5 Lamai Beach

Lamai Beach is Koh Samui’s second-largest beach after Chaweng. It is quieter and less bustling than its big sister, while still has plenty of dining, hotel and shopping options. The southern end of the beach is full of bars and markets, while the northern end is quieter and has a laid-back atmosphere.

You can simply relax on the long sandy beach in the hammock or take a refreshing dip in the ocean. Lamai viewpoint provides unbeatable views of Lamai and Chaweng.

The overall climate makes Lamai Beach ideal for a variety of water sports, such as surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and kitesufring. You can also snorkel to explore the precious underwater marine life at the beach.

How to reach: Minibus transfers between Lamai and Samui Airport or you can hire a private taxi charter. A minibus and songteow to and from the ferry terminal are also available.

Discover Thailand’s Amazing Coastline

The list of the best beaches in Thailand is exhaustive. However, the five beaches explained here are some of the best ones for a memorable tropical escape for anyone.

Make sure you pack lots of quick try clothing and your sunscreen. Also, carry your travel water bottle, sand-free beach blanket, and a good pair of waterproof sandals when heading to beaches in Thailand.