19 of the best · the Thai Islands, Thailand
The Best Beaches in the Thai Islands
Cave beaches beneath limestone cliffs, long west-coast sands and coral coves, from the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s records.
Our 19 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated 2026-10-25
What's onThis week in the Thai Islands
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Insiders' picks
Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love the Thai islands.
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Clear water and Ko Pu
Kata Beach
A scenic bay of clear water flanked by hills, with little Ko Pu offshore.
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Between Bang Tao and Kamala
Surin Beach
Powdery sand between two rocky capes, shaded by coconut palms.
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Quiet and relaxed
Kamala Beach
A quieter two-kilometre beach north of Patong, home to some of the island’s grandest resorts.
The full list: Beaches, A–Z
Show all 19 places on a map
The Andaman Sea 11
Phuket, Krabi and Railay, Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Phang Nga Bay. Best November to April.
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Quiet and relaxed
Kamala Beach
A quieter two-kilometre beach north of Patong, home to some of the island’s grandest resorts.
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Clear water and Ko Pu
Kata Beach
A scenic bay of clear water flanked by hills, with little Ko Pu offshore.
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West-coast beaches
Ko Lanta Yai
The main island, with beaches down the west coast and the old town on the east.
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The busy heart of the island
Patong Beach
The island’s busiest beach, with watersports by day and Bangla Road by night.
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Beneath the limestone cliffs
Railay Beach
Railay’s three faces: West for swimming and sunset, East for climbing, and Phra Nang.
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Between Bang Tao and Kamala
Surin Beach
Powdery sand between two rocky capes, shaded by coconut palms.
The Gulf of Thailand 4
Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Driest from January; wettest October to December.
The eastern seaboard 4
Koh Chang and Koh Samet, closest to Bangkok. Calm November to April.
