Thailand has earned its spot on every beach lover’s wish list, and it’s not just because the water is turquoise and the sand is soft. The country has hundreds of beautiful coastlines spread across the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. It is full of adventure, relaxation, incredible marine life, water activities and breathtaking sunsets.

Here are 7 beaches in Thailand you shouldn’t miss:

1. Railay Beach, Krabi

Railay isn’t reachable by road, which already makes it feel like a tiny island of its own. You reach it by longtail boat from Ao Nang or Krabi Town, and as the cliffs rise around you, the whole journey feels magical. The beach is framed by tall limestone formations, clear water, and soft sand.

What you can do there:
Railay is world-famous for climbing. There are routes for beginners and experts, and the views from the top are worth every bit of effort. The water is perfect for swimming, especially during high tide, and you can rent kayaks to paddle around the cliffs. There are walking paths across the peninsula that lead to viewpoints, hidden lagoons, and Phra Nang Cave Beach. In the evenings, Railay has a chilled-out vibe with small bars and beach cafés and the west Railay has some of the most beautiful sunsets in Thailand.

2. Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh

Maya Bay became world-famous after “The Beach,” but today it’s carefully protected. After years of closure to allow the ecosystem to recover, it reopened with strict rules – no swimming in the bay and limited visiting hours, but the changes are for the better. The water is clearer and the corals are recovering. And even with these rules, Maya Bay remains one of Thailand’s most stunning natural sights.

What you can do there:
You can take a boat tour from Phi Phi Don, Phuket, or Krabi. Boats stop at a designated point, and visitors walk onto the beach via a pier at the back of the island. Activities focus on sightseeing, photography, and learning about the conservation work that keeps the bay healthy. Most tours include Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, and snorkelling stops. The scenery around Phi Phi Leh is unforgettable.

3. Kata Beach, Phuket

Kata Beach is one of Phuket’s most loved beaches, not too crowded, not too quiet, and perfect if you want a little bit of everything. The beach has a long stretch of soft golden sand, gentle waves, and a relaxed atmosphere compared to Patong. The water is usually calm from November to April, making it great for swimming, while the surf picks up during the monsoon season, attracting surfers from around the world.

What you can do there:
During the dry season (around November to April), Kata is great for swimming and paddleboarding. From May to October, Kata becomes one of the best beginner-friendly surf spots in Thailand, with plenty of rental boards and lessons available. You can rent boards right on the beach. Local massage huts offer affordable Thai and foot massages right on the sand. Just south of Kata is Kata Noi, a smaller beach that’s ideal if you want fewer crowds.

4. White Sand Beach, Koh Chang

Koh Chang is the second-largest island in Thailand, but it feels far less touristy than Phuket or Koh Samui. Koh Chang’s White Sand Beach is long, wide, and relaxed. It has a mix of small family-run resorts, simple beach bars, and beautiful palm-lined stretches. It’s less commercial which makes it appealing for travellers who prefer a slower pace.

What you can do there:
Swimming is good along most of the beach, especially in the southern part, where the water is clearer. The northern section tends to be a bit busier with restaurants and cafés. You can take island-hopping boat trips to nearby snorkelling spots such as Koh Rang, or rent a scooter to explore the waterfalls, hiking trails, and viewpoints across Koh Chang. Evenings on White Sand Beach are easygoing with soft music playing from beach bars.

5. Sunrise Beach, Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe sits near the Tarutao National Marine Park in southern Thailand, and Sunrise Beach is one of its brightest gems. The sand is incredibly soft, the water is clear even in shallow areas, and the beach faces the eastern horizon, making early mornings special.

What you can do there:
Snorkelling is excellent right off the shore, you can often see corals and fish just a few metres from the sand. Kayaks are available to rent, and many travellers paddle to nearby islets like Koh Kra or Koh Usen. At low tide, the beach becomes wide and ideal for long walks. In the afternoons, the water turns calm and glassy, great for swimming. Koh Lipe is also known for boat trips to spots like Koh Hin Ngam, Koh Rawi, and Jabang.

6. Sairee Beach, Koh Tao

Koh Tao is known for diving, and Sairee Beach is the island’s social heart, the longest and liveliest stretch of sand. Known for its shallow water and laid-back atmosphere, it’s also the centre of the island’s diving scene.

What you can do there:
Learn scuba diving, Koh Tao is one of the most affordable places in the world for diving courses and certifications. Rent paddleboards, snorkel at nearby bays, or join a sunset longtail boat cruise. Evenings on Sairee are lively, with fire shows and beach bars, but the northern end stays calm for those who prefer peace. Sairee is great for solo travellers, young couples who want adventure but also the offbeat experiences.

7. Lamai Beach, Koh Samui

While Chaweng is Samui’s busiest and most commercial beach, Lamai is a little more offbeat and peaceful. But still has plenty of places to eat, shop, and explore. The sand is soft, the water is clear, and the beach is long enough that you can always find a quiet corner.

What you can do there:
Swimming is great here, especially in the middle part of the beach. The southern end has the famous Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks—two natural formations that attract curious visitors. Lamai has a mix of beach restaurants, massage huts, and water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. On Sundays, the Lamai Night Market adds a fun local touch with food stalls and handmade crafts. For travellers who want comfort without the rush of Chaweng, Lamai is a perfect fit.

Thailand’s coastline is diverse, and every island has a slightly different rhythm. Travelling between islands is easy thanks to ferries, speedboats, and domestic flights, so you don’t have to limit yourself to just one destination. Many travellers combine two or three islands to experience both the lively and the laid-back sides of Thailand. Wherever you go, the sea will be waiting.