Top Beaches of Thailand

Thailand has the kind of beaches that stay in your memory long after your flight home — turquoise water, soft sand, longtail boats and sunsets that turn the sky gold. This guide is your magazine-style overview of the best beach areas in Thailand, so you can choose the coastline that matches your mood, budget and travel story.

Below, you’ll find a quick snapshot of each major beach region. Later, every destination can have its own detailed page with maps, hotel zones, and activity guides — but this page is where your planning starts.

Choose Your Thailand Beach Vibe

Every coastline in Thailand has a different personality. These are the main areas most travellers search for when planning their beach holiday:

Phuket – Where the Island Never Sleeps

Phuket is the classic picture people imagine when they think of Thailand: a big island with lively beach towns, sunset viewpoints and a long list of things to do. If you love energy, options and a mix of quiet mornings with busy evenings, Phuket usually belongs at the top of your list.

Patong is the nightlife hub, full of bars, markets and entertainment, while Kata and Karon offer softer sand and a calmer feel. Kamala and Freedom Beach feel more hidden — perfect if you want to disappear from the world for a day.

Pattaya – City, Sea & Non-Stop Energy

Pattaya is a beach city where you’re never far from a café, a massage shop, or a boat to an island. It’s easy to reach from Bangkok and popular with travellers who want a simple mix of sea, nightlife and quick trips.

Pattaya Beach runs along the city, while Jomtien is a bit more relaxed. A short boat ride takes you to Koh Larn, where the water turns a brighter blue and day-trippers line up for parasailing and glass-bottom boats.

Krabi – Cliffs, Caves & Hidden Corners

Krabi feels like a movie set. Enormous limestone cliffs rise straight out of the sea, longtail boats float on emerald water, and small paths lead to caves and viewpoints. It is the place to be if you want photos that look unreal — and days that feel slow and calm.

Railay is only reachable by boat and feels like its own world. Ao Nang is the main town with hotels and tour shops, while Phra Nang and Hong Island are the kind of places where you put your phone away and just stare at the water.

Koh Samui & Phi Phi – For Stories You’ll Tell Again

If you’re travelling as a couple, or you simply want a slower, softer mood, Koh Samui and Phi Phi are two names that keep coming up. They’re not just beaches – they’re a feeling.

On Koh Samui, Chaweng mixes nightlife and resorts, while Lamai and Bophut feel more slow and stylish. In Phi Phi, the days revolve around boat trips, lagoon swims and viewpoints – especially when you stand above the island and see two bays almost touching each other.

Which Beach Area Is Right for You?

Use this quick comparison as a shortcut. If you recognise yourself in one of the rows below, you already know where to start looking.

Best Time to Visit Thailand’s Beaches

Weather changes across the year, but as a simple rule:

• November – February: The classic “perfect” beach season in most areas – cooler, less rain, busier and higher prices.
• March – May: Hot and sunny; great for sea days but afternoons can be very warm.
• June – October: Rainy season in many places – good for budget travellers and slower, quieter trips.

If your dates are fixed, VisaTrip can help you decide whether to lean more towards Phuket & Krabi or other coasts based on recent conditions.