Highlights of Thailand's Beaches

The beach life in Thailand is legendary and with good reason. Not only are the beaches fantastic and the seas around the coast deliciously blue, but there is a wealth of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. The choice of beach in Thailand is also varied: you could choose to stay in the royal resort of Hua Hin, just a few hours drive from Bangkok, or maybe you would prefer the facilities and nightlife on offer in the developed islands of Phuket and Koh Samui. Lovers of tranquillity might opt for the smaller islands of Koh Yao and Koh Lipe and those seeking lush surroundings might like a stay in the national park of Koh Chang.

Wherever you choose on the Thai coast you can be sure of a great beach, warm waters, delicious food, comfortable accommodation and charming hospitality. There’s nowhere quite like the Thai beach for that wonderful combination of relaxation and self indulgence!

We have highlighted the main Thai beach resorts below, and made a few suggestions as to where you might like to stay. If your favourite hotel, or island, is not shown please let us know as we can offer a host of other options.

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Hua Hin is approximately 3 hours drive from Bangkok. The royal family have a summer palace here and the royal association gives the resort a good deal of kudos.

You will find the resort of Khao Lak an hour or so north of Phuket Island on the Andaman coast, surrounded by lush tropical forest which gives the resort a secluded and unique feel.

Located around 23km off the coast of Pakbara in Southern Thailand's Satun Province, the tiny island of Koh Bulon Lae is a paradise for those looking to get away from it all.

The island of Koh Chang is Thailand’s second largest and is one of 42 islands that make up the Koh Chang Marine National Park, near the Cambodian border.

Koh Jum is a charming ‘pocket of resistance’ against the commercialisation that has taken place on many of Thailand’s other islands. With its traditional way of life, rustic feel and some wonderful beaches, Koh Jum (or Jam) is drawing visitors in search of a quieter side to island life.

Koh Kood (also known as Koh Kut) is the second largest island in the province of Trat, after Koh Chang, and is located very close to the border with Cambodia. The island covers 65 square miles and can best be described as a nature lover's destination.

Rapidly gaining in popularity Koh Lanta is part of a group of 52 islands close to Krabi, some of which have been declared a marine national park. The scenery on the island is typified by white sandy beaches, coral reefs, stretches of mangroves with hill and forest covering the interior.

Koh Lipe is situated in the southernmost part of Thailand close to the Malaysian Border and even closer to the Malaysian island of Langkawi. The island is wonderfully positioned in the midst of deep blue seas around 40 miles from the Thai mainland and is fast becoming a Mecca for beach lovers due to its rustic feel and its amazing white sand beaches.

Koh Phangan is the largest of Koh Samui's neighbouring islands and is just a short ferry ride away. Until recently the island was the preserve of backpackers but now a number of smarter hotels have opened up giving a wider choice of accommodation and attracting a new generation of visitors.

Koh Phi Phi is one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand with white sand beaches and coral reefs which are in pristine order. There is no direct access from Bangkok so visitors to Phi Phi usually combine a stay here with a couple of nights in Phuket or Krabi from where you can take the ferry or a speedboat.

The small island of Koh Samet sits off the Thai coast just a few hours drive, and a ferry (or speedboat) ride, from Bangkok. This picturesque island has been designated a national park which has restricted the level of development allowed here.

Koh Samui has changed enormously since being ‘discovered’ by backpackers in the 1970s. This lush tropical island has been developed significantly and is rapidly rivalling Phuket as one of Southeast Asia's premier beach destinations.

Koh Tao is located in the Gulf of Thailand north of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. The island gained the name Koh Tao, which means Turtle Island, due to the fact that the waters in the area were at one time rich with sea turtles. Unfortunately these days the turtles have moved on to other breeding grounds, and you would be lucky to see one, but the island does still have abundant marine life in its surrounding waters which draw in visitors.

Between Phuket and Krabi, in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, lie the islands of Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai. The islands have escaped development until recently and as a result you will find life here a good deal quieter than either Phuket or Krabi with plenty of opportunity to relax peacefully.

The province of Krabi sits on Thailand's Andaman coast and has an ancient history, with some archaeological remains found here dating back as far as 35,000BC. Things have changed a little since then and now Krabi is famous for its excellent beaches, the wonderful karst rock formations and a number of first class hotels.

The island of Phuket is just an hour’s flight from Bangkok and its spectacular scenery, stunning tropical location, plentiful entertainment and warm blue seas make it one of Thailand’s most popular beach destinations.

Highlights of Thailand's Beaches

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