A top-rated destination for tourists and backpackers from around the world, Thailand is home to some of the most stunning stretches of sand on the planet. Not surprising for a nation made of more than 1400 islands!
Below are our picks for Thailand’s best beaches. If you want to see the following beaches for yourself, check out Simba trips.
Freedom Beach
One of Phuket’s best-known beaches, Freedom Beach is nonetheless not very easy to get to! Landing on the beach requires either a tricky route down a steep path or a quick trip on a longboat, so many people pass on it in favor of more accessible options. If you do decide to make that bit of extra effort, it will be well worth it! Freedom Beach is three hundred meters of perfect white sand, lush jungle, and a relaxed, laid-back vibe.
Maya Bay
Made famous by the hit Danny Boyle movie The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Maya Bay (located in Koh Phi Phi) is always mentioned when discussing Thailand’s most beautiful beaches. With soft white sand and sparkling turquoise water, it’s not hard to see why!
In the last couple of decades since the film was released, tourism has had a profound impact on the bay, and parts are now not accessible to tourists, but it’s still an incredible place to visit.
Ao Manao
Often called Lime Bay in English, Ao Manao is a crescent-shaped beach accessed via an Army Base. Not your usual route to the beach!
Ao Manao is a great beach for those looking for somewhere quieter. It usually has much fewer people than more famous locations. There’s still plenty to see and do there, though, with lots of places to stay, as well as bars and restaurants.
Morakot Cave
Accessible only by sea, Morakot Cave is one of Thailand’s most stunning secrets. Approaching the cave, you’ll swim through a small opening in a jungle-covered cliff and emerge from a short time in darkness into a small, but perfectly formed lagoon surrounded by cliffs and a white sandy beach.
Railay Beach
One of the unsung heroes of Krabi, Railay is a picture-perfect beach marked by jaw-dropping jagged cliffs and gleaming white sand. Secluded and only reachable by boat, Railay has stunning views and is populated by birds and monkeys.
Ao Kwang Peeb
Another small beach, Ao Kwang Peeb is located on the island of Koh Phayam. The water is perfect for swimming, there are incredible rock formations at one end, and the whole thing is surrounded by lush jungle. Sit back, relax, and listen to the hornbills in the trees. Paradise!
Kantiang Beach
Way off the beaten track in Koh Lanta’s Mu Koh Lanta National Park, Kantiang is as quiet as it’s remote. You’ll usually find only a handful of people there on any given day. However, if you’re lucky, you may spot a few monkeys on the sand! There’s also an incredible old lighthouse perched on the cliffs.
Additional resources:
– Keeping your family safe while swimming.
