Thailand: Beach Paradise
Thailand boasts some of the world’s most stunning beaches, from the famous shores of Phuket to hidden gems in the Andaman Sea. Here’s your comprehensive guide to finding your perfect beach paradise.
Andaman Sea Islands (West Coast)
Phuket: The Complete Package
- Best for: First-timers, families, nightlife
- Top beaches: Kata, Karon, Patong, Freedom Beach
- Activities: Island hopping, diving, shopping, parties
- Best time: November to April
- Vibe: Developed, busy, lots of options
Krabi Province: Limestone Cliffs
- Railay Beach: Rock climbing paradise, accessible only by boat
- Ao Nang: Budget-friendly base for exploring
- Tonsai: Rock climbing, backpacker vibe
- Hong Islands: Day trip to stunning lagoons
- Best for: Adventure seekers, rock climbers
Phi Phi Islands: Iconic Beauty
- Phi Phi Don: Main island, accommodation available
- Phi Phi Leh: Maya Bay (sometimes closed for recovery)
- Warning: Can be overcrowded, especially during peak season
- Best for: Stunning scenery, snorkeling, parties
- Tip: Stay overnight to avoid day-tripper crowds
Koh Lanta: Relaxed Island Life
- Best for: Families, couples, relaxation
- Top beaches: Klong Dao, Long Beach, Kantiang Bay
- Vibe: Laid-back, less developed
- Activities: Scooter rides, snorkeling, sunset watching
Koh Lipe: Thailand’s Maldives
- Best for: Snorkeling, diving, pristine beaches
- Top beaches: Sunrise Beach, Sunset Beach, Pattaya Beach
- Note: More expensive and remote
- Best time: November to April (closed monsoon season)
Gulf of Thailand Islands (East Coast)
Koh Samui: Palm Trees & Luxury
- Best for: Luxury travelers, families, honeymooners
- Top beaches: Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, Maenam
- Attractions: Big Buddha, Na Muang Waterfall, Fisherman’s Village
- Vibe: Developed, upscale, good infrastructure
Koh Phangan: Full Moon Parties
- Best for: Backpackers, party-goers, yoga retreats
- Famous for: Full Moon Parties at Haad Rin
- Quiet areas: Bottle Beach, Thong Nai Pan, Srithanu
- Activities: Yoga retreats, jungle trails, snorkeling
Koh Tao: Diving Paradise
- Best for: Divers, budget travelers, water sports
- Top sites: Shark Island, Sail Rock, Chumphon Pinnacle
- Certifications: Cheapest place in world to get PADI
- Best time: February to October
Lesser-Known Islands
Koh Chang: Jungle & Beaches
- Near Cambodia border, large mountainous island
- White Sand Beach, Lonely Beach, Klong Prao
- Waterfalls, jungle trekking, elephants (ethical sanctuaries only)
- Less developed than Phuket/Samui
Koh Kood: Ultra Peaceful
- One of Thailand’s most pristine islands
- Very quiet, limited development
- Perfect for couples seeking seclusion
- More expensive due to remoteness
Similan Islands: Day Trips Only
- National park, no accommodation
- World-class diving and snorkeling
- Open: November to April only
- Day trips from Khao Lak
Beach Selection Guide
For Partying:
- Patong (Phuket), Haad Rin (Koh Phangan)
- Chaweng (Koh Samui), Ao Nang (Krabi)
For Families:
- Koh Samui, Kata Beach (Phuket)
- Koh Lanta, Koh Chang
For Couples/Honeymoon:
- Railay Beach, Koh Kood
- Koh Lipe, Koh Lanta
For Budget Travelers:
- Koh Tao, Koh Phangan
- Koh Lanta, Ao Nang
For Diving/Snorkeling:
- Koh Tao, Koh Lipe
- Similan Islands, Surin Islands
Essential Beach Tips
Safety
- Watch for strong currents and riptides
- Red flags mean no swimming
- Box jellyfish season: October to January (wear protective clothing)
- Don’t swim after drinking alcohol
What to Pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen (protect the coral)
- Rash guard or swim shirt
- Waterproof phone case
- Snorkeling gear (rental quality varies)
- Flip-flops and water shoes
- Light cover-up for sun protection
Responsible Tourism
- No touching coral or marine life
- Take all trash with you
- Use reef-safe sunscreen only
- Don’t feed fish or animals
- Support beach clean-up initiatives
- Choose eco-friendly accommodations
Best Time to Visit
Andaman Sea (West Coast):
- Best: November to April
- Avoid: May to October (monsoon)
Gulf of Thailand (East Coast):
- Samui/Phangan: December to August
- Koh Tao: February to October
Island Hopping Routes
2 Week Route:
Bangkok → Phuket (3 days) → Phi Phi (2 days) → Krabi (3 days) → Koh Lanta (3 days) → Koh Samui (3 days) → Bangkok
10 Day Route:
Bangkok → Koh Tao (3 days) → Koh Phangan (3 days) → Koh Samui (3 days) → Bangkok
Thailand’s beaches offer something for everyone. Whether you seek party vibes, family fun, diving adventures, or quiet seclusion, you’ll find your perfect slice of paradise in Thailand!
