As I wrote the a post about the most beautiful islands to visit in Thailand, I realised I had a few more recommendations to share for those who love sinking toes into soft sand and dipping your body into warm water and I could have easily extended this list to my favourite beaches.
From all around the world, the majority of beaches I’ve loved lying on have been in Thailand, so why not list those beaches – the ones that are guaranteed to have water so warm you can swim in it and sand so soft you can lie on it for hours and hours and hours…
Check out my list of favourite beaches helps guide you on your next Thailand adventure.
1. Relax Bay, Koh Lanta
This small and almost secluded beach can be found just south of Long Beach on Koh Lanta, one of my favourite islands in Thailand.
It is rarely busy, doesn’t have any sun loungers for hire and there are only two restaurants to be found on the sand – one a beach shack serving delicious Thai food, and another a more formal restaurant with a Asian and European menu.
At least this was the case when I visited and I hope that it hasn’t changed too much. All you need to get the most out of this beach is a good book and a nice partner to bring you fresh coconut juice from aforementioned beach shack…
Well, a girl can dream…
2. Koh Racha
I found this island by looking on Google Maps. As in I was in Phuket and wanted to escape to an island so zoomed in on any land masses nearby to see if hotels or any sign of accommodation was marked on them.
Koh Racha turned out to be one of the best Google searches I’ve ever done as I ended up spending three days on a bright white beach where the only exercise I did was snorkelling in the clearest blue water I’ve ever swum in.
This isn’t the quietest beach we’ve enjoyed – several boats arrive with day trips from Phuket – but it was the most idyllic after the crowds had gone and the sun was starting to sink.
3. Maya Bay, Phi Phi Leh
Okay, I know what you’re thinking – she put The Beach in this list? Is she crazy?
Well, yes I may be crazy but not because I put The Beach in the list because Maya Bay is still a very special place despite the hordes and hordes of tourists who crowd it every day.
Find the right long tail boat driver and set your alarm for six-something in the morning you will be treated to a few minutes on this beach and on the island with almost nobody. If you can be bothered to do this, the chances are you will then agree with me.
4. Surin Beach, Phuket
When I stayed in Phuket my nearest beach was Surin Beach.
Aside from being the perfect size, boasting a wide range of friendly and affordable restaurants and even having a few stylish options for a cocktail sundowner, Surin Beach has really good sand and really good water.
I know that sounds a bit clinical but some of the beaches on Phuket are either over crowded, or have strong currents and so aren’t good for swimming in. Whilst there are still waves to enjoy body boarding on Surin Beach is a lovely beach to swim in.
5. Maenam Beach: The Best On Koh Samui
Koh Samui might be one the most touristy islands in Thailand, but it is also one of the most stunning with so many amazing beaches.
There are plenty of ways to get away from the resorts and tourists on Koh Samui, and my top recommendation is to head to Maenam beach located on the North side of the island.
Upon arriving on Maenam beach you will noticed it is cleaner and far less crowded than others on the island, and pictures online really don’t do it justice, you really need to visit for yourself.
6. Khao Lak
The only mainland beach to feature on this list, I loved the beach at Khao Lak, where I stayed at Casa de la Flora, because of its calm waters – again, very swimmable – and subtly changing tides.
In other words, this is a lazy person’s beach with the water’s edge not fluctuating too much like it does on other Thai beaches.
With a wide range of resorts lining the beach from luxury to budget and a matching variety of restaurants and bars, it quickly became important that I did some exercise while staying in Khao Lak and lucky for me the beach stretches for a few kilometres giving me no excuses to get running on the sand or swimming in the sea.
For more recommendations check out my Thailand travel guide. If partying is your thing, view Full Moon Party dates and plan a trip to the legendary island of Koh Phangan.
