Best Beaches in Thailand

Located in the north of Phuket, far from the madding crowd, Mai Khao Beach offers an idyllic retreat. Full of castaway charm, this is the island’s longest beach and it’s easy to find a secluded spot all to yourself. It's no wonder many consider it one of the best beaches in Thailand. Enjoy a slice of serenity as you watch the sun go down without being surrounded by crowds. Part of the beach is protected as a turtle nesting site, falling within Sirinat National Park. Nature lovers can enjoy walks across the 11-kilometre stretch while taking in the area's beauty.

Where to stay: Of the few resorts located here, we’d recommend Anantara. It's a luxury property offering pool villas, gourmet dining and plenty of activities.

Located close to neighbouring Krabi, the island of Koh Lanta boasts a stunning string of pristine beaches along its west coast. Kantiang Bay, towards the southern end, is one of the best beach areas not just on the island but in Thailand. The curved golden sands are backed by rainforest, while the surrounding waters form part of the Lanta Marine National Park. This means you have easy access to world-class snorkelling and dive sites. There are a handful of bars and eateries at the northern end of the beach, allowing you to enjoy a change of scenery at any time. The picturesque nature of Kantiang Bay gives it an undiscovered vibe.

Where to stay: Landscaped within this stunning site is Pimalai Resort & Spa, offering hillside villas with wonderful ocean views.

Pansea Beach is Phuket’s hidden gem, making it one of the best beach areas in Thailand for anyone wanting to escape the crowds. Only easily accessible from the two properties nearby, it has the look and feel of a private beach. Located on Phuket’s west coast, the wide golden sands are lapped by the gentle turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. For anyone looking for a quiet spot to snorkel and enjoy breathtaking sunsets, it won't disappoint.

Where to stay: For world-class service, we’d recommend a stay at the exclusive Amanpuri luxury resort. Characterised by its Thai-style pavilions, it allows you to enjoy Pansea Beach at its finest with an onsite beach club and a private fleet of cruisers and sailing boats.

For those in search of paradise, head to the northwest corner of popular Koh Samui to off-the-beaten-track Bang Por Beach. This remote getaway promises a quiet sandy beach, a laidback vibe and wonderful views of neighbouring Koh Phangan. The shallow waters and coral reef of the Gulf of Thailand are great for snorkelling and with few properties nearby, the beach feels like a secret slice of paradise.

Where to stay: For mesmerising views and indulgent luxury, we recommend the Four Seasons. One of the best beach resorts in Thailand, it's made up of villas with private pools and has unbeatable sea views. The location means that non-hotel guests are unlikely to access the beach, so you can enjoy utter tranquillity.