Thailand is definitely one of the world’s best beach destinations, thanks to the dreamy tropical islands in the southern part of the country. These islands are like the ultimate tropical dream, with their soft white sands, clear turquoise waters, and beautiful palm trees that everyone dreams of seeing. We’ve taken on the challenging task of selecting our favorite beaches in Thailand. Take a look at our list below for 6 must-visit beaches in Thailand.
1. Sanom Beach, Koh Lipe
When we think about our favorite beaches in Thailand, Sanom Beach is the first one that pops into our heads. It has literally everything we love! This cozy beach has a lovely beach bar where we enjoyed the most delicious fruit plate ever. Plus, there are comfy bean bags where you can relax all day – you never have to leave this place. We stayed here the whole day and paid € 10 for both of us, very reasonable. The water is crystal clear, making it a perfect spot for snorkeling. What adds to its charm is its somewhat remote location. To reach it, you have to walk all the way to the end of Pattaya Beach until you spot a wooden bridge. After crossing the bridge, continue walking until you reach the beach. Along the way, you’ll pass a resort, which serves as a marker that you’re almost there. 😉
2. Phra Nang Beach, Krabi
Even though Railay Beach is often highly praised, we think Phra Nang Beach has just that little bit extra. More secluded and scenic, so dreamy! And… a lot less boats. 😂 And if you’re not in the mood for sunbathing all day, you can also rent a kayak, or even do some rock climbing. So much to do on this amazing beach, what more could you ask for? To get to Phra Nang Beach you’ll first have to take a longtail boat from Ao Nang Beach to Railay Beach, which takes about 15 minutes. Then you’ll have to walk for about 15 minutes to Phra Nang Beach. We definitely recommend coming at 8 AM to avoid the crowds! When we left at 11 AM it was already very very crowded.
Discover the best things to do in Krabi, the ultimate getaway for anyone craving a slice of paradise.
3. Ao Nang Beach, Krabi
We included Ao Nang Beach in Krabi on this list for a special reason: we witnessed the most enchanting sunset of our six weeks in Thailand here. Just the whole setting of longtail boats sailing in the distance, the colors in the sky changing as the sun dipped behind it… It really was a magical scene. Apart from the stunning sunset, the beach itself is beautiful too. It’s a lovely sand beach with tons of beach bars. Just the perfect spot to unwind for a whole day or afternoon before experiencing this magical sunset.
Pro tip
Our favorite spot to watch the sunset from Ao Nang Beach is The Last Fisherman Bar. They offer delicious food and cocktails, we can really vouch for the quality of their cocktail buckets. On top of that, the atmosphere is incredibly romantic. Just be sure to arrive at least thirty minutes before sunset to secure a good spot.
4. Freedom Beach, Koh Tao
Freedom Beach in Koh Tao may not be a hidden spot, but its natural beauty definitely earns it a spot on this list. It’s the most popular beach on the island for a reason – it’s truly one of the most stunning beaches we’ve seen! The scenery is simply breathtaking, with vibrant blue waters and soft sand. Plus, the surrounding rocks and palm trees add to its paradise-like charm. Despite its fame, the beach still feels secluded. Even though there were other people there when we visited, it still felt like a peaceful escape. Morning visits are recommended to avoid crowds, but if it gets too busy, you can always retreat to the quieter Taa Toh Lagoon Beach nearby!
Good to know
To enter Freedom Beach, you’ll need to pay a fee of 50 baht (approximately € 1,30). This fee covers entry to the John Suwan Viewpoint and Taa Toh Lagoon Beach as well.
5. Sai Nuan Beach, Koh Tao
Sai Nuan Beach is a set of two scenic beaches that are still under the radar for most people. You can visit the main beach for free, but there’s a small fee to reach the second beach since it’s private property. The second beach is definitely the prettier one, so we suggest going all the way to the second beach! Both of them are secluded, but the second beach definitely takes the cake. Another reason to visit Sai Nuan Beach is the journey to get there. The route offers picturesque views of hilly landscapes and endless palm trees, creating a postcard-perfect setting. A great way to discover lesser known parts of Koh Tao, too!
Our travel guide to Koh Tao covers the best things to do, the top places to eat, and the perfect place to stay.
6. Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands
Even though Maya Bay isn’t made for sunbathing or swimming, it’s still worth mentioning here. With its crystal clear water, incredibly soft white sand, and towering limestone cliffs, this place seems like something out of a dream! Oh how we wished we saw this place before it got its immense popularity. Maya Bay is one of Thailand’s most famous and picturesque spots, thanks to its role in the movie “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. A trip to Thailand wouldn’t be complete without seeing this iconic beach.
Good to know
You need to pay 400 baht (a bit over € 10) to enter Maya Bay, usually not included in the price of your tour. Maya Bay shuts down for two months every year. This year, it’ll be closed from August 1, 2024, to help the ecosystem recover. So, keep this in mind when you’re planning your visit.
Looking for more Thailand inspiration?
The ultimate travel guide to Koh Tao
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Complete guide to Khao Sok National Park
