Top 10 Must-Visit Beaches in Thailand, I’ve Checked Them All for You!

If you’re also struggling to decide on your next beach vacation—I’ve been to the 10 most unique beach routes in Thailand, all completely firsthand, just to tell you about the “seas truly worth your money.” 1️⃣ Hat Yao Nui This place is nothing like the crowded Patong or Kamala. Walking down a steeper mountain path, you’ll find a small bay surrounded by palm trees and huge rocks, quiet and romantic. 2️⃣ Ao Khanom A bit farther from Bangkok (bus 12h, train 15h, plane 1h), but the sea here is unbelievably clean. Colorful fishing boats, almost no tourists, and if you’re lucky, pink dolphins will swim right before your eyes 🐬💗. By the way, visit the “Chicken Temple” Wat Chedi to see thousands of concrete roosters—both strange and stunning 🐓. 3️⃣ Tubtim Bay Koh Samet is basically a “weekend getaway express” from Bangkok. Staying by the sea, eating seafood, and feeling the sea breeze is so comfortable. At night, listen to locals play guitar and drink Sangsom by the beach, the vibe is perfect 🎸🍻🌙. 4️⃣ Ko Kut Few people, beautiful sea, white sand—just paradise. The sand at Hat Khlong Chao is as soft as talcum powder, and there are more trees than hotels. The island also has waterfalls and trails, every walk feels like a “wild vacation movie” 🌴💦. 5️⃣ Railay Island Karst cliffs rise directly by the sea, stunning like CGI. Even if you don’t rock climb, you can hike up to the lagoon and see breathtaking views of the whole peninsula 🧗‍♂️🪨🌊. Accessible only by boat, making it quieter. 6️⃣ Surin Islands One of Thailand’s top diving spots. White sand, turquoise sea, dense forest all together, the water is as clear as if filtered 100%. The only accommodation on the island is the national park campsite, so book in advance 🐠🏝️. 7️⃣ Maya Bay Truly breathtaking—white sand, palm trees, green sea. Due to its popularity, it was closed for restoration in 2018 and only reopened in 2022: ❌ No swimming allowed ⏰ Only 1 hour stay 🚫 Daily visitor limits But still worth a visit ✨. 8️⃣ Khladan Island Sunset Beach The sea in Trang Province is seriously underrated. Rocky small beaches + white sand + jungle = increasingly addictive views. Very few tourists, so quiet you can hear the sea breeze 🧡🌅. 9️⃣ Ha Kuat Beach A small white arc on the north shore, with mountains behind and sea in front—like a dream. You can sunbathe, snorkel, and hike to nearby fishing villages 🎒🌊. Quietest from April to June. 🔟 Lipe Island Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach are both crescent-shaped sandbars, with glowing blue water. Right next to Langkawi, Malaysia, and you can take direct boats between the islands 🛥️💙. 📅 Best Travel Time 🌤️ December – February is peak beach season 🌧️ June–October is the rainy season (but Koh Samui area still has good weather in July–August) ⚠️ Prices rise and crowds increase during Songkran and public holidays 💡 Ao Khanom is one of the few “amazingly stable beaches” unaffected by the monsoon season