Top 10 best Beaches in Thailand

The white sand of Maya Bay contrasts so perfectly with the turquoise waters that even Leonardo DiCaprio couldn't resist going there. Maya Bay, in the shape of a half-moon, is surrounded by gigantic limestone cliffs on the island of Koh Phi Phi Leh, providing a surreal setting. For keen divers, the best time to visit Maya Bay is during the dry season, between November and April. Its translucent lagoon is so clear that you can count the yellow-tipped sergeant fish diving through the coral. Take a boat from the neighbouring island of Koh Phi Phi Don, which is 20 minutes from Maya Bay, and arrive as early as possible before the crowds arrive. As Maya Bay made its debut in the film The Beach (1999), it tends to be very busy.

Who would have thought that the north-west coast would be home to Ao Prao beach, just outside Bangkok? Once you've had enough of the clamour of the city, step into a golden bay framed by limpid green palm trees and laze on the sun-baked sand.

Railay beach has all the hallmarks of a typical Thai beach: mountainous shores overgrown with jungle and a relaxed atmosphere in impeccable surroundings. The beach is backed by limestone cliffs, and part of the attraction lies in the access to Railay beach itself. It is only accessible by long-tailed wooden boats and has many secret coves tucked into rocky ridges teeming with marine life or gold coins, for example. Phra Nang and West Railay beaches are close by, and The Grotto is a fabulous restaurant around the corner in the shadow of a limestone precipice.

Kata beach has everything to appeal to lovers of serene beaches: blue waters, sugar-soft sand, a calm atmosphere and idyllic conditions for snorkelling, swimming and scuba diving! The best time to ride the waves is between March and October. For a more leisurely dive with fluorescent corals and marine life, head to Kata Noi, just around the corner. After a relaxed stay in the bay, watch the sun set while savouring the delights of the Kata Rock restaurant.

Phra Nang beach is the perfect place for adrenaline seekers looking for new thrills in the ocean. With climbing guides, vibrant coral reefs and glorious watersports spots, there's no adventure to be missed here. Reach the top of the western rocks rising out of the sea to take in the impeccable scenery of Ko Kai Island and spot tropical fish as you explore the underwater world with the help of a one-man band.

North of Railay beach on the pristine coastline of Krabi, lies hidden Tub Kaek bay, and it’s definitely worth a visit. Sheltered with dense, tropical leafage, its glamorous bay is very secluded for those who want to get away from tourists. Just a few minutes of sinking your toes under canopies will take all your stresses away, rest assured the vibes of this place are tranquil and beyond beautiful!

Nui Beach is a great alternative if you love Maya Bay but want to escape the crowds, as it's Maya's twin beach! Nestling on the island of Ko Phi Phi Don, it is surrounded by half-moon-shaped cliffs overlooking the azure sea. This breathtaking little beach is known for its calm waters and exhilarating seabed teeming with magnificent coral, allowing visitors to explore the rich variety of marine life.

Petite and glamorous, Choeng Mon beach on Koh Samui is one of the most beautiful in Thailand. With its silky white sand, intimate restaurants and majestic ambience, this beach exudes relaxation and romance. Take advantage of your stay at SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort to treat yourself to a candlelit dinner while admiring the sunset over the seafront.

Visiting Haad Rin Nai beach will leave you with lasting memories during the Lunar Calendar celebrations to enjoy an epic party paradise. This event makes Gen-Z visitors sweat to the sound of rave music, live DJs, bendy limbo sticks and buckets of ice-cold drinks. The Full Moon Party, which takes place on nearby Sunset Beach, is considered a legendary experience!

One of the best diving/snorkelling sites in the world, this isolated islet is the biggest island out of the Andaman Sea archipelago and certainly the most popular for a reason with average water depths reaching 25m or 822 ft. Grab some gear and explore unique crevices of underwater sea fans, aquatic sponges, gleaming corals, and more. If you’re a landlubber, trek out into sandy hiking trails backed by mangroves with striking views out to sea, if you take a look from a different angle the rock formation resembles a big blue whale!