One of the main things that draw gap year students and adventure seekers to Thailand is the stunning exotic beaches. If you’re searching for the best beaches to visit in Thailand, you’ll find a spectacular coastline like nowhere else in the world and discover your own tropical paradise. With so many amazing Thailand best beaches on offer, it can be hard to know where to begin exploring. So, to get a better idea about the best beaches in Thailand to visit while on a gap year, take a look at our comprehensive guide.
Phuket
If you’re looking for the best beaches in Thailand, a visit to Phuket should be high on the list of things to do. Phuket is the largest and most popular island in Thailand – made up of over 30 spectacularly beautiful beaches. The white, soft sand and aquamarine water of Phuket draw thousands of people to its shores each year. The beaches in the southwest are generally more vibrant and developed. Head over to the beaches on the west of Phuket for a more tranquil, authentic, Thailand best beach experience.
The Coral and Racha islands on the southern coast of Phuket have some of the most popular beaches in the area. The small islands are surrounded by fluffy, white sand and coral reefs, so it’s a fantastic place for snorkelling and diving. If you want something more secluded, head to Banga Toa beach, which is 3.5 miles long. Banga Toa is very natural and undeveloped, but you can find some bars and beach shacks in the south.
Mai Khao is almost 7 miles long, the longest in Phuket, and is one of the more secluded beaches. Mai Khao is covered in golden sand and is part of the Sirinat National park, making it one of the very best beaches in Thailand. It’s a protected area and mostly underdeveloped, but you can find some beach shacks at the north end.
Discover the best beaches in Phuket on our Thailand 12 Day Adventure Tour.
Koh Phi-Phi
Koh Phi Phi gained international acclaim as the setting of the blockbuster movie, The Beach, starring Leonardo Dicaprio. The Koh Phi-Phi islands are part of a national park in the middle of the Andaman Sea, and are home to some of the best beaches in Thailand. There are six islands altogether, but the main ones are Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Leh. You can get to the islands on a boat from Phuket or Krabi.
Koh Phi Phi Don is the only inhabited island, and Koh Phi Phi Leh is home to Maya Bay, the setting of The Beach. Due to the large influx of tourists after the movie, Maya bay was closed for three years to preserve the wildlife and ecology. Maya Bay reopened to tourists again this year.
The most lively place on the Phi Phi islands is Tonsai beach, famous for its party scene and nightlife. Tonsai is a beautiful, buzzing beach dotted with limestone cliffs and coral reefs – fantastic for snorkelling.
Discover Koh Phi Phi on our Island Explorer Tour.
Krabi
Krabi has some of the best beaches in Thailand, if not the whole world. It’s famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, and stunning turquoise sea, and it’s a popular destination for Kayaking and rock climbing.
Ao Nang beach is the main beach in Krabi, with plenty of nightlife and activities on offer. It’s busy and lively because it’s the main starting point to explore the other beaches in the area. Ao Nang is a fantastic sunset spot, with a buzzing vibe in the evening when everyone is returning from their tours.
Railay Bay in Krabi is a spectacular, unspoilt bay close to Au Nang, but it’s only accessible by boat. At Railay bay, you’ll find four amazing beaches with plenty of rocks to climb and water activities such as kayaking. From Railay beach, you can take a short jungle walk to Tonsai beach, which is quieter and more secluded.
Koh Hong beach on Koh Hong Island is part of a national park, so it’s natural and untouched, with a secret lagoon. You have to take a boat to get to this small natural paradise, but it’s worth visiting to see the tropical fish and wild monkeys.
Fancy visiting Krabi’s hot springs and mangrove Kayaking? Join the 21 Day Ultimate Adventure Tour.
