20 best beaches in Thailand

There are 1430 islands in Thailand, so there are thousands of fantastic beaches to choose from. Whether you want to party hard with a vodka bucket, or just relax in a beachside bungalow, Thailand has it all – so, taken from the latest guidebook, here’s our rundown of the best beaches in Thailand.

The information in this article is inspired by the Rough Guide to Thailand, your essential guide for visiting Thailand.

Hat Sai Kaew, Ko Samet

Best for ultra-fine, squeaky sand.
Where is Hat Sai Kaew? → View on Google Maps

Otherwise known as “Diamond Beach”, Hat Sai Kaew was named for its long and extraordinarily beautiful stretch of luxuriant sand, so soft and clean it squeaks under foot – a result, apparently, of its unusually high silicon content. Unsurprisingly, it’s the busiest beach on Samet, but the northern end is slightly more peaceful.

How to get to Hat Sai Kaew

Ferries and speedboats run regularly from Ban Phe Pier on the mainland to Na Dan Pier on Ko Samet. The ferry takes 30-40 minutes, while a speedboat gets you there in 10-15 minutes. It’s just a 5-minute songthaew (shared taxi) ride to the beach. If you don’t have much luggage, you can walk in about 10 minutes.

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Ao Thong Nai Pan, Ko Pha Ngan

Best for postcard-perfect bay framed by steep green hills.
Where is Ao Thong Nai Pan? → View on Google Maps

Ao Thong Nai Pan is a beautiful, semicircular bay. It's backed by steep, green hills and looks as if it’s been bitten out of the island’s northeast corner by a gap-toothed giant, leaving a tall hump of land dividing the bay into two parts. With lovely, fine, white sand, the longer, more indented southern part is the marginally better beach, but both halves of the bay are sheltered and deep enough for swimming.

Once you get here you’ll find most of the basic amenities you’ll need: internet shops, travel agents, dive outfits, ATMs and a tiny post office (on Thong Nai Pan Yai).

How to get to Ao Thong Nai Pan

Ferries to Ko Pha Ngan run from Koh Samui (30-45 minutes), Koh Tao (1.5 hours), and Surat Thani (2-3 hours), all arriving at Thong Sala Pier. From there, it’s a 45-minute, 14-mile ride by songthaew taxi or motorbike on steep, winding roads. A more scenic option is a longtail boat from Haad Rin or Thong Sala.

Ao Phra-Ae, Ko Lanta Yai

Best for soft sand, clear water, and a laid-back island feel.
Where is Ao Phra-Ae? → View on Google Maps

With its lovely long parade of soft, white sand, calm and crystal-clear water that’s good for swimming and shady fringes of casaurina trees, Ao Phra-Ae (also known as Long Beach) is strikingly beautiful and the best of Lanta’s many long beaches. The middle section of the beach has variable sands but some interesting, artsy places to stay, at Hat Khlong Khong, Hat Khlong Nin and Hat Khlong Nam Jud.

How to get to Ao Phra-Ae

Ferries run to Ko Lanta Yai from Krabi (1.5-2 hours), Phuket (4 hours), and Koh Phi Phi (1 hour), arriving at Saladan Pier. From there, it's a 15-minute, 3-mile ride by taxi or motorbike along the island’s main road. If you’re coming from the mainland, car ferries run from Hua Hin Pier to Ko Lanta Noi, with a short drive and second bridge crossing to Ko Lanta Yai.

Ao Soun Yai, Ko Mak

Best for sunset views and island scenery.
Where is Ao Suan Yai? → View on Google Maps

Long, curvy Ao Soun Yai is not as pretty as Ao Kao on the opposite side of Ko Mak, but it's still one of the best beaches in Thailand. The sand is fine and the outlook is beautiful, with Ko Chang’s hilly profile filling the horizon and Ko Kham and other islets in between.

How to get to Ao Soun Yai

Ko Mak is accessible by speedboat from Laem Ngop Pier, near Trat, with a journey time of 45-60 minutes. Once on the island, Ao Soun Yai is just 1.2 miles from the main pier and can be reached by motorbike, bicycle, or a short taxi ride.

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Ao Hinwong, Ko Tao

Best for marine life, including stingrays and turtles.
Where is Ao Hinwong? → View on Google Maps

For a particularly remote, almost desolate escape, head to Ao Hinwong – one of many sheltered inlets on the east coast. As the most northerly habitation on Ko Tao, this is a deeply recessed, limpid bay strewn with large boulders and great coral reefs.

It's home to a wide range of fish, including blue-spotted fantail stingrays, sweetlips pufferfish and boxfish, as well as hawksbill turtles. All the more reason for its place as one of the best beaches in Thailand.

How to get to Ao Hinwong

Ao Hinwong is on Ko Tao’s remote east coast, about 1.8 miles from Mae Hat Pier. The easiest way to get there is by longtail boat, which takes around 15 minutes from the main beaches. If you prefer to go by land, you can take a steep and bumpy motorbike ride or hike through jungle trails — expect a tough but rewarding trek.

Ko Nang Yuan, Ko Tao

Best for iconic sandbar with rich coral gardens and abundant fish.
Where is Ko Nang Yuan? → View on Google Maps

Just 0.5 mile from Ko Tao, this close-knit group of three tiny islets provides the most spectacular beach scenery in these parts. This is thanks to the causeway of fine sand that joins up the islands surrounded by a variety of sites, with assorted hard and soft corals and an abundance of fish.

How to get to Ko Nang Yuan

Ko Nang Yuan can only be reached by longtail boat. Boats leave from Sairee Beach and Mae Hat Pier, taking about 10 minutes. Some dive and snorkeling tours also stop here. A 100 THB entrance fee applies, and outside food and drinks aren’t allowed.

Ao Bang Bao, Ko Kood

Best for pristine waters, perfect for spotting marine creatures.
Where is Ao Bang Bao? → View on Google Maps

The fourth-largest island in Thailand, Ko Kood (also spelt Ko Kut and Ko Kud) is a wild and largely uncommercialised island. Though it’s known for its sparkling white sand and clear turquoise water Ko Kood is as much a nature-lover’s destination as a beach-bum’s. This is definitely one of Ko Kood’s prettiest beaches.

How to get to Ao Bang Bao

Ko Kood is accessible by speedboat or ferry from Laem Sok Pier on the mainland, with journeys taking 60–90 minutes. Once on the island, Ao Bang Bao is about 5 miles from the main pier. The best way to get there is by songthaew taxi or motorbike, both of which follow Ko Kood’s quiet, scenic roads.

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Ao Phrao, Ko Kood

Best for unspoiled beauty and peaceful relaxation.
Where is Ao Phrao? → View on Google Maps

Just one hour by speedboat from the mainland, this long, unspoilt, stunning beach of white sand, backed by densely planted palms and the slopes of Khao Chom, is the perfect place to relax after the chaos of Bangkok. Behind Ao Phrao, the tiny fishing village of Ban Khlong Phrao occupies the mangrove-lined banks of Khlong Phrao (which extends another kilometre inland).

How to get to Ao Phrao

Ko Kood is accessible by speedboat or ferry from Laem Sok Pier, taking 60-90 minutes. From the main pier, Ao Phrao is about 7 miles away, reachable by songthaew taxi or motorbike along quiet jungle roads.

Ao Nuan, Ko Samet

Best for hidden retreat with minimal crowds.
Where is Ao Nuan? → View on Google Maps

Accessible by climbing over the headland to the north (which gives a fine panorama over Hat Sai Kaew), the secluded Ao Nuan is Samet’s smallest and most laid-back beach. Because it’s some way off the main track, it gets hardly any through-traffic and feels quiet and private.

How to get to Ao Nuan

Ferries and speedboats run from Ban Phe Pier to Na Dan Pier on Ko Samet, taking 10-40 minutes depending on the boat. From there, it’s a 10-minute songthaew ride to Hat Sai Kaew. Ao Nuan is just a short walk south, reached by climbing over the headland — a small effort for a secluded, peaceful escape with almost no crowds.

Ao Hin Kok, Ko Samet

Best for escaping the masses.
Where is Ao Hin Kok? → View on Google Maps

One of the many beaches on Ko Samet’s east coast, and much smaller than its busier neighbour, this stretch has more of a travelers’ vibe. Just three sets of bungalows overlook the petite white-sand beach from the slope on the far side of the dirt road – surely making this not only one of the best beaches in Thailand, but one of the best secrets, too.

How to get to Ao Hin Kok

Take a ferry or speedboat from Ban Phe Pier to Na Dan Pier on Ko Samet (10-40 minutes). From there, a 10-minute songthaew ride along the east coast gets you close, but the final stretch is best reached on foot.

Ao Teluk Son, Ko Tarutao

Best for long stretches of untouched sand.
Where is Ao Sone? → View on Google Maps

For a few on-foot excursions once you’re all beached out, head to Ao Teluk Son on Ko Tartuao – part of the Ko Tarutao National Park archipelago. Named so because of the casaurina trees that fringe the beach, this is a sweep of flawless sand that has a one-hour trail leading up to Lu Du Waterfall at the north end. There's also a 90-minute trail to Lo Po Waterfall in the middle and a mangrove swamp at the far south end.

How to get to Ao Teluk Son

Ko Tarutao is reached by boat from Pak Bara Pier in Satun, with ferries and speedboats taking 30-60 minutes. From the main pier, Ao Teluk Son is a short boat ride or a hike through the island’s rugged terrain.

Ao Laem Thian, Ko Tao

Best for secluded escape with excellent snorkeling.
Where is Ao Laem Thian? → View on Google Maps

In the middle of the coast, the dramatic tiered promontory of Laem Thian shelters, on its south side, a tiny beach and a colourful reef, which stretches down to the east coast’s most developed bay of Ao Ta Note. Ta Note’s horseshoe inlet is sprinkled with boulders and plenty of coarse sand, with excellent snorkeling just north of the bay’s mouth.

How to get to Ao Laem Thian

Reaching Ao Laem Thian requires some effort, but it’s worth it for the vibrant reefs and secluded setting. You can hike there in about 45 minutes from Mae Hat via an old, overgrown dirt road, or take a 15-minute longtail boat ride from Sairee Beach.

Lonely Beach (Hat Tha Nam), Ko Chang

Best for budget travelers and beach bars.
Where is Hat Tha Nam? → View on Google Maps

Named “Lonely Beach” before it became Ko Chang’s top place to party, this stretch of sand has, despite the creeping concrete, some creatively designed little wood and bamboo bar restaurants. Some offer chilled, low-key escapes from the loud dance music, all-night parties and buckets of vodka Red Bull that the beachfront places are notorious for.

How to get to Lonely Beach (Hat Tha Nam)

Ferries run from the mainland at Laem Ngop Pier to Ao Sapparot Pier on Ko Chang, taking 30-45 minutes. From there, it’s a 9-mile  ride by songthaew (shared taxi) along the island’s winding coastal road.

Hat Pattaya, Ko Lipe

Best for backpackers and families.
Where is Hat Pattaya? → View on Google Maps

A shining crescent of squeaky-soft white sand, with its offshore reef and relaxed, anything goes atmosphere, Ko Lipe island ­– another of the Ko Tarutao National Park archipelago – is attracting an influx of Westerners, Thais and Malaysian backpackers and families. As so many flock to this pristine stretch of sand, it's secured a firm place up there as one of the best beaches in Thailand.

How to get to Hat Pattaya

Ko Lipe is accessible by speedboat or ferry from Pak Bara Pier (Satun) on the mainland, taking 1.5-2 hours. Boats also run from Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Langkawi (Malaysia) in high season. Once you arrive at Pattaya Beach Pier, you’re already on Hat Pattaya — a soft white-sand bay with clear waters, beachfront bars, and a lively yet family-friendly atmosphere.

Ao Kao, Ko Mak

Best for a relaxed island vibe and beachfront bungalows.
Where is Ao Kao? → View on Google Maps

On the southwest coast, the longest and nicest beach on Ko Mak is a pretty arc of sand overhung with stooping palm trees and backed in places by mangroves. The beach is divided towards its southern end by a low rocky outcrop that’s straddled by a couple of resorts, while the long western beach is shared by a dozen other sets of bungalows, most of them around the pier.

How to get to Ao Kao

Ko Mak is reached by speedboat from Laem Ngop Pier near Trat, with a journey time of 45-60 minutes. Once on the island, Ao Kao is about 1.8 miles from the main pier and easily accessible by motorbike, bicycle, or taxi.

Hat Sai Ree, Ko Tao

Best for long, golden sands and the best sunset views on the island.
Where is Hat Sai Ree? → View on Google Maps

If you’re just arriving and want to stay on one of the less accessible beaches, it might be a good idea to go with one of the touts who meet the ferries at Mae Hat, the island’s main village. To the north of the island's main landing point, Mae Hat, and beyond a small promontory, you’ll find Hat Sai Ree – Koh Tao’s longest beach.

How to get to Hat Sai Ree

The only way to reach Ko Tao is by boat. Ferries run from Chumphon (3-4 hours), Koh Samui (1.5-2 hours), and Koh Phangan (1 hour). The main arrival point is Mae Hat Pier. The beach is just a 5-minute taxi or motorbike ride from the pier. If you're traveling light, you can even walk — it's around 15 minutes on foot.

Ao Noi Na, Ko Samet

Best for a peaceful stay with a local village feel.
Where is Ao Noi Na? → View on Google Maps

On the island’s north coast, known as Ao Noi Na – even though it’s not strictly a single bay – has a refreshingly normal village feel compared to the rest of Samet. There are an increasing number of places to stay along the narrow coastal road here, offering serene views across the water to the mainland hills, and one white-sand beach of note at the far western end.

How to get to Ao Noi Na

Ferries and speedboats run from Ban Phe Pier on the mainland to Na Dan Pier on Ko Samet, taking 10-40 minutes depending on the boat. From the pier, Ao Noi Na is just 1 mile away, a 5-minute songthaew (shared taxi) ride or a 15-minute walk along the coastal road.

Ao Thian and Ao Lung Dum, Ko Samet

Best for a rugged, unspoiled coastline with a peaceful atmosphere.
Where is Ao Thian and Ao Lung Dum? → View on Google Maps

A favorite with Thai students, who relish the beauty of its slightly wild setting, “Candlelight Beach”, and contiguous Ao Lung Dum display almost none of the commerce of other beaches on this island. The narrow, white-sand coastline is dotted with wave-smoothed rocks and partitioned by larger outcrops that create several distinct bays.

How to get to Ao Sang Thian and Ao Lung Dum

After arriving at Na Dan Pier from Ban Phe (10-40 minutes by ferry or speedboat), take a 15-minute songthaew ride down the east coast. The beaches are a short walk from the main road, tucked among rocky outcrops and hidden from the island’s more developed areas.

Ao Khung Kraben, Chanthaburi

Best for a rugged, unspoiled coastline with a peaceful atmosphere.
Where is Ao Khung Kraben? → View on Google Maps

This is a deep, lagoon-like scoop of a bay that’s occasionally visited by dugongs and is edged by a dense mangrove forest. A wide swathe of this mangrove swamp is protected under a royal conservation project and crossed by a long boardwalk. The uniqueness of this area makes it one of the best beaches in Thailand you can add to your bucket list.

How to get to Ao Khung Kraben

Ao Khung Kraben is located 25 miles south of Chanthaburi town and is best reached by car or motorbike. The nearest airport is in Trat, about 1.5 hours away. From Chanthaburi, take Highway 3149 toward Laem Sing, then follow signs to the Khung Kraben Bay Royal Development Study Center, where you’ll find the mangrove boardwalk and the secluded bay. 

Hat Khlong Phrao, Ko Chang

Best for long, uncrowded sands and a laid-back vibe.
Where is Hat Khlong Phrao? → View on Google Maps

One of the island’s nicest beaches, this sweeping, casuarina-fringed bay is yet to see the clutter and claustrophobic development of its neighbours. It begins with a nice beach that’s interrupted by a wide khlong (canal), whose estuary is the site of some characterful stilt homes and seafood restaurants. The southern beach is partly shaded by casuarinas and backed by a huge coconut grove.

How to get to Hat Khlong Phrao

Ferries run from Laem Ngop Pier on the mainland to Ao Sapparot Pier, Ko Chang, taking 30-45 minutes. From there, Hat Khlong Phrao is about 6 miles away, a 15-minute ride by songthaew (shared taxi) or motorbike along the island’s coastal road.