By Kylian Dev
Andaman Sea beaches (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Lanta, Lipe)
Turquoise water and limestone cliffs. Best from December to March; rough sea from May to October.
Railay West and Phra Nang (Krabi)
IconicFine sand framed by huge limestone cliffs, reachable only by boat. Phra Nang, with its cave, is one of the most photographed beaches in the country. Come early or late to avoid the day-trip boats.
Maya Bay (Koh Phi Phi Leh)
ProtectedThe bay from the film The Beach, now protected: no swimming, a limited number of visitors and a closure every year around August and September. Worth it early in the morning.
Sunrise Beach (Koh Lipe)
Clear waterSoft white sand and clear water at the southern end of the Andaman Sea, with snorkelling a few metres from the shore. Boats run from November to April.
Koh Kradan (Trang)
WildA long, almost empty beach facing a coral reef and the limestone islands of Trang. One of the most beautiful and quietest in Thailand.
Freedom Beach (Phuket)
HiddenA small cove in the south of Phuket, reached by longtail from Patong or by a steep trail. Much calmer than the island's big beaches.
Kantiang Bay (Koh Lanta)
RelaxedA bay surrounded by jungle in the south of Lanta, with a relaxed village and beautiful sunsets.
Long Beach (Koh Phi Phi Don)
ViewAway from the crowds of Tonsai, clear water and a view of Phi Phi Leh, 20 minutes on foot or by boat taxi.
Stay near the sand: hotels at Railay, on Koh Lipe or on Koh Lanta.
Gulf of Thailand beaches (Samui, Phangan, Tao)
A different season: fairly dry from January to August, heavy rain from October to December.
Silver Beach (Koh Samui)
Small coveA small cove between Chaweng and Lamai, with granite boulders and calm, clear water. Perfect for snorkelling close to the beach.
Sairee Beach (Koh Tao)
SunsetKoh Tao's longest beach, lively in the evening, with some of the best sunsets in the Gulf and dive schools every few metres.
Bottle Beach (Koh Phangan)
RemoteA remote bay on the north coast, reached by boat or a rough track. A handful of bungalows and a real feeling of being away from it all.
Thong Nai Pan Noi (Koh Phangan)
CalmA curved bay with golden sand on the north-east coast, calmer than the south of the island.
Stay near the sand: hotels by Sairee Beach or at Thong Nai Pan.
East coast beaches (Koh Samet, Koh Chang, Koh Kood)
The closest islands to Bangkok, best from November to April.
Ao Prao (Koh Samet)
WeekendThe west-facing beach of Samet, quieter than the east coast, with sunsets over the sea. Only 3 to 4 hours from Bangkok.
Ao Bang Bao (Koh Kood)
UnspoiltWhite sand and calm water on one of the least developed islands in Thailand.
Lonely Beach (Koh Chang)
BackpackerA cove with a laid-back backpacker vibe on the west coast of Koh Chang.
Ao Suan Yai (Koh Mak)
FamiliesLong and shallow, ideal for families, on a flat island without traffic.
Stay near the sand: hotels on Koh Kood or at Ao Prao on Koh Samet.
Which coast in which month?
The same beach can be perfect or rainy depending on the month.
| Coast | Best months | Months to avoid | Main beaches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andaman Sea | December to March | May to October (swell, red flags) | Railay, Phi Phi, Lanta, Lipe, Phuket |
| Gulf of Thailand | January to August | October to December | Samui, Phangan, Tao |
| East coast | November to April | June to September (Koh Chang, Koh Kood) | Samet, Chang, Kood, Mak |
Swimming safely
Most drownings in Thailand happen on unguarded beaches in the monsoon season.
- Never swim when the red flag is up, especially on the west coast of Phuket from May to October.
- Watch out for rip currents: if you are pulled out, swim parallel to the beach, not against the current.
- Wear reef shoes on rocky and coral beaches, and never stand on coral.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen: several marine parks ask for it.
