Thailand is full of beautiful beaches. Not surprising, with so many kilometers of coastline and countless islands. I clearly remember thinking at every beach, “Wow, it can’t get more beautiful than this!” And yet, more breathtaking spots kept appearing along the way. So, which beaches did I find the most beautiful in Thailand?
Most beautiful beaches in Thailand: Krabi
Krabi guarantees beautiful beaches — lots of them! To start, the beaches on the mainland are already wonderful. But there are also countless islands off the coast that are definitely worth a visit. I’m not talking about the Phi Phi Islands, where you’re tripping over tourists. They are stunning beaches, but the crowds make them a lot less enjoyable for me. As beautiful as Maya Bay and Monkey Beach are, I’d rather go for the lesser-known, quieter beaches.
Railay Beach
Railay Beach may not be one of those lesser-known, quieter beaches, but I found it to be a very pleasant spot, especially in the low season when the crowds weren’t so bad. If it does get busy, you can climb across the rocky part to Tonsai Beach (about a 20-minute walk) during low tide. Tonsai Beach is much quieter than Railay Beach and is a favorite among climbers and backpackers. A more laid-back vibe! Just make sure to head back in time or you’ll have to walk through the forest (45 minutes). If you really don’t feel like walking, you can always take a longtail boat back to Railay Beach. Railay Beach itself is stunning, with the massive rock formations in the background. Perhaps even more beautiful is Phra Nang Beach, located on the other side of Railay Beach. So, technically, this isn’t just one beach in the list of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand — it’s three!
Tup Island
The most beautiful spot in Krabi for me was Tup Island. We stopped here on our way to the Phi Phi Islands and wow, what a picture-perfect place. At low tide, you can walk from one small island to the next over pristine white sand. When we were there, there was no one else around and for a while, we felt like we were the only ones on Earth. In our opinion, Tup Island definitely deserves a spot on the list of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand.
Koh Hong
I also found Koh Hong to be an absolutely stunning place. We were completely alone here as well, which I found quite special because it was a beautiful day (mid-May). You arrive by boat at a long stretch of beach and when you walk around the rocks on the right, you reach a beautiful round bay, more secluded and peaceful. Another spot on Koh Hong that you can’t miss is the enclosed lagoon. It’s incredibly beautiful! If you’re visiting the Hong Islands during the high season, try to leave as early as possible. I’ve heard from other travelers that it can get very crowded in the middle of the day. Perhaps it was quiet for us because there had been days of bad weather before and it wasn’t certain how this day would turn out (tail end of a cyclone from Myanmar).
Most beautiful beaches in thailand: Mu Koh Chang National Park
The archipelago near the border with Cambodia, where Koh Chang is located, forms Mu Koh Chang National Park. This national park covers a total of 650 square kilometers and consists of 52 islands. It’s a popular spot for water activities such as snorkeling and diving. Many of the small islands are densely covered with vegetation and have rocky coastlines, while others feature a mix of rocks and sandy beaches.
When you rent a boat with a skipper, you can visit various small islands. A skipper knows exactly where he’s allowed to go and where he isn’t. He can also find those very remote spots, where you’re completely alone on a small beach. We spent quite some time on the beach in the photo below. And to be honest, I can’t remember which uninhabited island this was anymore… But it doesn’t really matter, because you’ll see this kind of beauty in many places within Mu Koh Chang National Park. So, definitely a great way to explore with a boat and skipper!
Ko Kham (Ko Mak)
Ko Kham is a small island near Ko Mak. It’s wonderfully peaceful! For how long, I’m not sure, as the island has been sold and is currently being developed. The island is densely covered with vegetation and boasts a beautiful beach on the east and south sides. The southern side, in particular, is stunning, with various rock formations in the water next to a strip of pure white sand that becomes wider at low tide. It’s a great spot for snorkeling and the tranquility makes it even more special.
