8 Most Beautiful Beaches in Thailand
Thailand draws visitors for numerous reasons: Jungle hiking, snorkeling, lively cultural, island hopping, and full moon parties, to name a few. But of all the reasons to come, Thailand’s beaches might be the biggest draw.
Across the country, from Phuket, to the Ko Phi Phi islands, beautiful, manicured white-sand beaches can be found. Truth be told, there’s no shortage of stunning coast in this Southeast Asia stronghold. At each postcard-worthy beach you’ll find world-class spas, eco-tourism lodges, and a range of water sports to partake in. Not to mention, a cold beer or tropical cocktail is always nearby.
But of all the country’s beautiful stretches of sand, which ones are the most beautiful? From the undiscovered beaches of Krabi, to the islands in the Gulf of Thailand, these are eight of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches.
- Railay Beach, Krabi
The cat is out of the bag about Krabi, the resort region on Thailand’s Anadaman coast. Here, you’ll find tons of pristine, stunningly beautiful beaches. But one of the best is Railay Beach. The beach – which is one of four beaches on Railay Bay – is a perfect example of the Thai beach experience.
Crystal-clear teal waters, an amazingly beautiful yellow-sand beach and jungled limestone sea stacks provide a beautiful backdrop for some R&R. Railay isn’t just great for soaking up the sun. You’ll find numerous adventures in the area, from rock-climbing and cliff jumping, to jungle hiking and ATV tours.
- Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi
Maya Bay might be the most famous of all Thailand’s beaches. Why, you ask? Well, the crescent shaped beach – which is lined by lush limestone cliffs – was featured in the hit movie The Beach. Ever since, Maya Bay has drawn visitors seeking out this tropical paradise. The bay is undeniably beautiful. From the karsts (the tiny limestone islands that jut out of the water), to the dense jungle that meets the white sand, Maya Bay will take your breath away.
- Morakot Cave, Trang Koh Muk
Morakot Cave might be Thailand’s most unique beach. A hidden oasis, the beach at Morakot can only be reached by a swim or paddle through a 60-meter underwater cave. On the other side, visitors are welcomed by the sight of a hidden lagoon and tiny white-sand beach. A lush jungle canopy rises over the emerald waters, which adds to the beach’s remote feel. It’s best to make the trek in the morning at low tide to avoid the tourist boats that start pulling in at mid-morning.
- Bottle Beach
Many travelers visit Koh Phangan Island for the legendary Full Moon parties on Haad Rin beach. But outside of Haad Rin, you’ll find numerous, quiet places for a relaxing beach day. One of the best is Bottle Beach. Located on a secluded cove that’s only reachable by boat or a strenuous jungle trek, Bottle Beach is a half-mile halfmoon bay with the most beautiful aquamarine waters. Backing up to a lush jungle, the beach has a decidedly isolated vibe that makes it perfect for a day of solitude. One note of advice: The beach gets more crowded near the full moon, as visitors flock here for the partying.
- Freedom Beach, Phuket
Away from the crowds of Phuket’s more tourist-friendly beaches, you’ll find this more remote stretch of sand. Freedom Beach lies near the town of Patong, but is only reachable via boat or a steep downhill climb. That means the crowds avoid this spectacular spot, and they’re missing out. Freedom Beach is striking! Measuring nearly a quarter-mile in length, the crescent-shaped beach is revered for its super-soft white sands, beautiful jungle surrounds (with resident monkeys) and tranquil vibes. This is the best place to unwind after a day in the bustling Old Town.
- Sunset Beach, Koh Lipe
Remote and romantic, Sunset Beach is an absolute stunner on Koh Lipe. The island – which is located in Tarutao National Marine Park – is a snorkeling mecca in the Andaman Sea, and you’ll find great snorkel spots right off this beach. But the real draw is the laidback vibes and all-star views. At sunset, the beach comes alive, putting on a colorful display. And you can enjoy it from any one of the numerous seafood joints along the jungle edge. If you want to relax, Sunset Beach is the perfect spot to go.
- Phra Nang Beach, Krabi
There are just so many out-of-this-world beaches in Krabi, that you can’t help but add a few to a list of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches. Aside from Railay, another must-see in Krabi is Phra Nang. The beach is remote, as it’s only accessible by boat. And it’s home to many unique geological formations. On the southern end of the beach, for example, you’ll find Princess Cave, and nearby islands like Poda, Chicken and Tub are great day-trip destinations. Reaching Phra Nang is an adventure, but it’s well worth the trip.
- Donald Duck Bay
If you’re headed to the Similan Islands, a national park in the Andaman Sea, you have to visit this interestingly named beach. (A rock formation on the beach looks like Disney’s famous duck, hence the name.) The beach is located on Island 8, and it epitomizes the unique Similan experience. Vibrant sapphire waters teeming with tropical fish meet the powdery white sand. And a jungle rises steeply over the bay. Plus, Donald Duck Bay is remote, which means you’ll likely have this stretch of coast all to yourselves.
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