With so many diverse islands and inviting stretches of sand to choose from, Thailand is the perfect destination for a beach holiday. But with so much choice, how do you narrow down the destination that’s right for you? To help you out, we’ve put together some tips and advice to point you in the right direction. Whether you’re looking for a family beach holiday, a romantic getaway or somewhere off the beaten track, there is a Thai beach or island waiting to welcome you.
When is the best month to visit?
One of the first considerations is the time of year you can travel. Check out our monthly guides below which give you an idea of the weather to expect and suggestions for islands or beach resorts to visit.
Active beach holidays
If you’re looking to combine your Thai beach holiday with keeping active, there are lots of options. If you’re into the fitness benefits of Thai boxing, book a Muay Thai holiday on the islands of Ko Samui or Phuket. Golfers can head to Hua Hin or Pattaya to enjoy the world-class courses and cyclists should check out the coastal routes of Southern Thailand which can be booked with Spice Roads. Keen snorkelers and divers can enjoy some outstanding dive sites using Ko Tao or Ko Samui as a base. And for access to some of the best dive sites in South-East Asia, Khao Lak or Phuket are both a good base to explore the underwater diversity of the Similan Islands and the Surin Islands.
Check out these articles for more ideas
- Dive into paradise on the Andaman Coast
- Top tips from Dive Academy, Ko Samui
- 12 of the best locations in Thailand for snorkelling and diving
Family beach holidays
When it comes to choosing a beach holiday for your family, what is ideal for one family might not be ideal for everyone. You know your children the best. Are they easily bored? Do they need to be occupied away from the beach? Are they adventurous with food? These are the questions that only you can answer which will help determine the best Thai beach or island for your family.
Thailand’s best-known islands and beach resorts tend to offer a little bit of everything for an enjoyable family holiday. With a broad range of accommodation to choose from, a wide range of restaurants and lots of things to see and do away from the beach, locations like Ko Samui, Krabi and Phuket are a good option. Khao Lak is another excellent choice with an enjoyable family-friendly atmosphere. Adventurous families may also enjoy some of the less well-known Thai beach destinations like Chumphon or Khanom.
Check out these articles for more ideas
- Tips for enjoying a family holiday in Thailand
- 9 fabulous family friendly activities in Thailand
- It’s a family affair
Book a Thailand family holiday:
Stubborn Mule
Tell Tale Travel
Luxury beach holidays
Some of the most luxurious beachfront hotels in South-East Asia are located in Thailand. On the East Coast of Thailand, check out the outstanding Soneva Kiri on the lovely island of Ko Kood or the delightful Paradee Resort on Ko Samet.
On Thailand’s Gulf Coast, head to the secluded charms of Aava Resort and Spa in Khanom. The nearby island of Ko Samui is host to a number of outstanding luxury resorts including Santiburi Resort and Sala Samui. A short speedboat ride from Ko Samui brings you to the island of Ko Pha Ngan. The island often gets overlooked because it has a reputation for being a backpacker island because of its association with the Full Moon Party. But savvy travellers know that the island has far more to offer and with luxury resorts including Anantara Rasananda and Buri Rasa, Ko Pha Ngan is an excellent choice for a luxury beach holiday.
Ko Pha Ngan
On Thailand’s Andaman Coast, there are an abundance of luxury resorts waiting to tempt you. Check out the Amanpuri on Phuket or the Rayavadee in Krabi. On Ko Lanta just to the south of Krabi, luxury travel guru David Kevan from Chic Locations suggests staying at Layana or Pimalai. And just to the north of Phuket and Krabi, Khao Lak is another excellent choice for a luxury Thai beach holiday with beachfront properties like Casa de La Flora and The Sarojin. Or stay on the laid-back island of Ko Yao Noi to experience the award-winning luxury at Six Senses and enjoy sublime views of Phang Nga Bay.
Check out these articles for more ideas
Book a luxury holiday in Thailand:
Chic Locations
Elegant Resorts
Turquoise Holidays
Off the beaten track
If you’re a frequent visitor to Thailand or simply looking to find a beach or island that remains off the main tourist trail, head to some less well-known destinations. On the Andaman Coast, make the journey to the quieter Trang Islands and soak up the tropical delights of Ko Libong or Ko Sukorn. Or head further south still and stay on gorgeous Ko Bulon Leh or at National Park accommodation on Ko Tarutao. The islands of Ko Phayam and Ko Chang in Ranong province are also great choices.
On the Gulf Coast mainland, most overseas tourists tend to overlook the beaches of Chumphon and Khanom which leaves them as a quieter alternative to the nearby islands of Ko Tao and Ko Samui. Similarly, the beaches of Pranburi to the south of Hua Hin provide another good option.
Check out these articles for more ideas
- Chumphon
- Ranong
- Tarutao National Marine Park
- Ease into the slow life on Ko Jum
- Sabai sabai on the Thai islands
Responsible tourism
Wherever you decide to visit in Thailand, consider supporting responsible tourism. This can be as simple as leaving a small tip for housekeeping staff at your hotel through to helping out with a beach clean-up with an organisation like Trash Hero. A number of hotels in Thailand continue to do excellent work to support the local community and have also adopted eco-friendly initiatives. When booking your hotel or guest-house check to see what policies they have in place and the same also applies for any tours you may book when you arrive in Thailand.
Romantic beach holidays
If you’re looking to pop the question or enjoy an unforgettable wedding or honeymoon, Thailand’s islands and beaches provide the ultimate in romantic settings.
On the Andaman Coast, the laid-back island of Ko Lanta is a delightful location to soak up those stunning Andaman Sea sunsets. Walk hand in hand with your partner along the soft sands of Khao Lak and enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars at The Sarojin. On the East Coast, the gorgeous Ko Chang archipelago is an ideal choice for a romantic beach holiday. If you’re planning a wedding or honeymoon in Thailand, perennial favourites Ko Samui, Krabi and Phuket are home to some amazing hotels that can make your dreams come true.
Check out these articles for more ideas
Senior travellers
As fun as it can be to travel by longtail boat, getting in and out and then wading through the tide to the beach isn’t practical for anybody who isn’t as mobile as they used to be. Instead, consider staying at a beach destination with convenient access to an airport and which doesn’t involve longtail boat transfers. This includes Khao Lak, Ko Samui, Krabi and Phuket. Another option is Hua Hin which can be reached by taxi from Bangkok in around 3 hours. Hua Hin is a popular choice for mature travellers for the ease of access to the Thai capital and the number of interesting day trips within easy range.
Check out these articles for more ideas
Solo travel
If you’re travelling solo through Thailand you can choose whichever beach or island suits your style. If you’re a younger traveller or a backpacker who wants to meet like-minded people on the Thai islands, then Phi Phi and Ko Tao are both popular choices. Ko Pha Ngan is another island that can appeal to solo travellers of all ages. Over in Ranong province, Ko Phayam has a bohemian feel to it and attracts a diverse mix of travellers.
Check out these articles for more ideas
- Sabai Sabai on the Thai islands
- 9 of the best islands to visit on Thailand’s East Coast
- 10 reasons to visit Thailand’s Gulf Coast islands
- 21 of the best islands in Thailand
- Thailand advice for solo travellers
- Thailand travel tips and advice for solo female travellers
Wellness beach holidays
Thailand is perfect for a wellness holiday where you can escape the stresses of modern life and pamper your body and soul. Treat yourself to a stay at the Chiva-Som in Hua Hin or recharge at the amazing Kamalaya on Ko Samui. Traditional Thai massage plays a key role in Thai culture and whichever island or beach resort you visit you won’t have to venture too far to find an expert practitioner.
Book a wellness holiday in Thailand:
Healing Holidays
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