The 7 Best Beaches In Thailand: Experience Tropical Bliss

Beaches, beaches, and more beaches! That’s what awaits you in Thailand – well that and the most delicious street food ever!!! … But I am not here to talk about the food, I’m here to tell you how to experience tropical bliss at the seven best beaches in Thailand.
Koh Lipe Sunset, Photo: WIL I Flickr

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Beaches, beaches, and more beaches! That’s what awaits you in Thailand – well that and the most delicious street food ever!!! … But I am not here to talk about the food, I’m here to tell you how to experience tropical bliss at the seven best beaches in Thailand.

1. Maenam Beach, Koh Samui

Maenam Beach. Photo: Per Meistrup | Wikimedia Commons

Maenam Beach  Maenam Beach on Koh Samui island is four miles of paradise. There are a few high-end resorts scattered along the beachfront so it’s always clean and well-maintained.

One bonus of Maenam Beach is that it is secluded. You won’t have to deal with the same crowds that other beaches attract. That means you can easily find the perfect spot to sunbathe and set up camp for the day. On hot sunny days, you can find shade under one of the coconut trees and relax without a care in the world.

As far as things to do, there’s a weekly walking street on Thursday nights in the village and a few temples but other than that there isn’t a whole lot going on. If you really want to get away from it all, this is the beach for you.

2. Klong Dao, Ko Lanta

Ko Lanta is a little chain of islands in the Krabi Province. Klong Dao is hands down the best beach on Ko Lanta. It stretches for 3.5km (2 miles) along the northwest coast and it’s wide and spacious — perfect for barefoot walks along the beach.

When compared to other beaches on Koh Lanta, Klong Dao beach is better for swimming because there are no rocks close to shore. After soaking up the sun, you can take a quick dip in the clear shallow waters.

Unlike many Thai beaches, the hotels are not right up on the beach, but behind the beach’s treeline. Their location gives the beach a more remote feel to it but that doesn’t mean the resorts neglect their front yard! The resorts keep Klong Dao well manicured.

What’s more, Klong Dao beach is easily accessible. It’s right off the island’s main road, so you can get there by tuk-tuk ( a scooter or motorbike) or go by foot. The walk from Saladan Pier is just 30 minutes and once you get there I recommend running straight into the ocean to cool off.

With Klong Dao’s white powder sand and delicious restaurants and bars, what more could you need?

Klong Dao, Photo: prilfish I Flickr

3. Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui

Chaweng Beach is Koh Samui’s most popular beach utopia. Many people come to Chaweng beach for its lively atmosphere. You can rent lounge chairs, get cold beverages brought right to you, and try delicious snacks like broiled sweetcorn, papaya salads, and ice cream without moving a muscle.

If lounging around isn’t your thing, take a walk down the beach and go for a ride on a banana boat or rent a jet ski. While Chaweng is generally a safe place for swimming, keep a lookout for red flags warning you of dangerous currents.

Chaweng Beach goers also love to take advantage of affordable massages right on the beach. I don’t know about you, but count me in!

Chaweng, Beach, Koh Samui, Photo: celebrityabc I Flickr

4. Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan

Just three hours outside of the hustle and bustle of Bangkok is a little piece of tropical bliss. Thailand’s oldest beach resort was built here in the 1920s as a getaway for Thailand’s elite … even royals built homes here.

The name ‘Hua Hin’ originates from the words ‘stone head’ to pay homage to the large rock formations just offshore at the end of the beach. Today, it is known for its night bazaar and fresh seafood

Hua Hin Night Market, Photo: Krista I Flickr

A highlight of Hua Hin is that it’s one of the few beaches in Thailand that offers horseback riding on the beach. The horses are well cared for and their comfort and wellbeing is a top priority for the locals. A sunrise ride is a peak experience for tourists.

Hua Hin, Photo: Björn Groß I Flickr

If you don’t have the time or money to go island hopping in Thailand, Hua Hin is a great alternative. It is a truly unique beach that shouldn’t be missed.

5.Ko Similan, Phang Nga

The island of Koh Similian was a shoo-in for a list of the seven best Thai beaches.

Ko Similan, Photo: Andrew K. Smith I Flickr

It’s an isolated beach on the west coast of Southern Thailand that can only be reached by ferry. The sand is snow-white, and the water is turquoise.

The coral reefs off the coast of Koh Similan have a reputation for being some of the best in the world. The reefs are filled with colorful sea creatures just beneath the Andaman Sea. Divers and snorkelers from all over the world come to observe the enchanting underwater world firsthand.

Underwater. Thailand, Photo: Phuket I Flickr

At the popular diving spots, expect to see—among other things— white tip sharks, turtles, ribbon eels, and leopard sharks. The marine life is truly second to none. If that’s not enough, there are jungle hikes galore with incredible views of the beach from above.

In an effort to preserve the coral reefs, the island closes during the monsoon season ( May to October) so check the season before making plans.

6. Mai Khao, Phuket

The beach of Mai Khao, Phuket is eleven kilometers (7 miles long). The sand is a little more coarse than the sand on the southern beaches, but it is still soft and beautiful. The beach has remained untouched by vendors, renters, and all touristy distractions.

Mai Khao beach. Photo: Michelle Maria | Wikimedia

One of the coolest things about Mai Khao is its close proximity to the Phucket Internation Airport. When you’re flying into Phucket, keep a weather eye on the horizon and you might just be welcomed to Phucket by views of Mai Khao.

Once you arrive, head and watch the planes coming in while getting your tan on. You would be surprised just how close to the beach these massive airplanes get! It seems like you could reach up and touch them!

7. Sunset Beach, Koh Lipe

Last but not least is Sunset Beach. It is the quietest and most relaxing beach on the island of Koh Lipe and as its name suggests, Sunset Beach is the prime spot to watch the sun go down. Expect it to get busier around 5:00 pm.

Koh Lipe Sunset, Photo: WIL I Flickr

It isn’t very commercial yet which adds to its charm. It does have one local bar that you can’t miss called Banana Bar. During the day, it’s a shady spot where you can wet your whistle and grab a bite to eat. Locals and tourists alike frequent Banana Bar— that’s when you know it’s good!

The vibe at Sunset Beach is perfect for those who want to relax to the max and experience that tropical bliss I keep mentioning.

To Sum Up

Thailand has countless beautiful beaches — It would be impossible to visit them all! Now that you know which ones are the best, you can book your holiday.

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