Best Thailand Beaches to Visit for Your Summer Vacation

The sun is out and summer in Thailand has arrived! The season began in March, so expect hotter temperatures this month. Here’s a fair warning: the heat can soar up to 40℃!

One of the best ways to enjoy the sunny season is to relax on the best Thailand beaches. The country has plenty of them and their beauty can rival that of international shores. There’s a reason many locals and foreigners love frolicking them.

Since the Land of Smiles has many beaches, which ones should you visit for your summer escapade? We’ve compiled a list of some of the country’s best for your convenience.

Railay Beach

The photo you see above is a snapshot of Railay Beach. It’s located 11 kilometers from Krabi, a southern Thailand town. The beautiful Andaman Sea surrounds this piece of paradise, which is only accessible by boat.

Railay is a famous beach in Thailand because of its stunning limestone formations. They’re a stark contrast to the calm turquoise waters, yet it makes sense. Pictures don’t do this spot justice!

This archipelago has four beaches for visitors, namely: Railay East, Railay West, Tonsai Beach, and Phra Nang Beach. We’ll give you a glimpse of each one by giving you a thorough rundown:

Railay East

This first beach serves as a docking station for longtail boats arriving from Krabi. Unfortunately, it isn’t an ideal place for swimming because of the surrounding mangroves. Mudflats surface during low tides, while high tides reveal a rough cement path around the beach.

However, Railey East makes up for that with its scenery. Many accommodations on this side of the archipelago come at great value, and it’s a five-minute walk from Railay West. It’s also not too far from Phra Nang Beach, which is 15 minutes away on foot.

Railay West

When lists include Railay on their best Thailand beaches compilations, they mostly refer to this side of the archipelago. This beach is the most popular among the four because of its long shoreline, palm trees, and breathtaking cliffs.

Aside from enjoying the sun and sand, visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, and long-tail boats. There are tons of hotels, resorts, restaurants, and bars on this side, so it’s no surprise it draws the most people. If you don’t mind the crowds, this beach is for you.

Tonsai Beach

Compared to Railay West, this third beach has a more laid-back atmosphere. Its emphasis on letting its natural wonders shine is a backpacker’s dream.

Tonsai seems like a separate beach from the four because of its secluded area. Regardless, it’s still a spot worth visiting. Visitors can access it by either a long-tail boat ride or a 45-minute hike.

Tonsai Beach is a perfect place for rock climbing. Extreme sports fans will have fun as they attempt to conquer the rocky formations.

Phra Nang Beach

Many tourist destinations are best left in their natural state. Some believe that the best beaches in Thailand are the ones left untouched by commercialization.

Phra Nang Beach showcases that simplicity with its fine white sand, clear waters, and panoramic views — the staples of Thailand beaches.

Perhaps the most head-turning attraction on this side of Railay is the limestone rock formation in the middle of the beach. When the tides get low past 3:00 p.m., you can take a short walk from there to the shore.

Phra Nang Cave is also worth mentioning. This natural wonder, also known as the Princess Cave, is a sacred spot, with locals making offerings to Phra Nang, a princess goddess.

When you get to the cave, you’ll notice the many phallic figures or lingams at the entrance. What do the lingams mean? They symbolize Shiva, a Hindu god. Legends say that fishermen made these offerings for protection during their journeys; they also say that they aid in fertility.

Other notable Phra Nang attractions are the Railay Viewpoint and Hidden Lagoon. Climbers will be particularly interested in reaching the former’s summit, which offers people an uninterrupted view of the archipelago. The latter lies in the same area as the viewpoint, obscured by the huge limestone cliffs. Hiking to these two spots isn’t for everyone, though, since trails can get slippery and steep.

Hua Hin Beach

When you’re in Bangkok, Thailand, beaches are, unfortunately, nowhere in sight. Most of them are quite far from the city. Some don’t have the time to visit them, especially those people on short trips.

However, don’t fret: there are options that aren’t too far from the capital. One of those is Hua Hin Beach. This area is a three-hour drive from Bangkok, so you don’t have to stress over long travel times.

Did you know that Hua Hin was Thailand’s first famous vacation spot? The fact that it has royal ties might have something to do with that.

Since the 1920s, the country’s royal family has made the area their summer retreat. King Rama VI famously commissioned the construction of Mrigadayavan Palace in 1923, which remains a family favorite.

Hua Hin Beach boasts a shoreline spanning more than four kilometers. Although it doesn’t have the secluded charm of Railway Beach, it has more than enough draws for a quick escape from Bangkok. Visitors can enjoy mouth-watering food, golf courses, and numerous shops.

Haad Rin Beach

Our third recommendation is Haad Rin, which is one of the many beaches in Koh Phangan. Coconut trees, long white sand, and crystal clear waters come together to make this beach look like a scene straight from a postcard.

Haad rin is split into two sections: Haad Rin Nok and Haad Rin Nai. The former is a party lover’s paradise because of its many clubs and bars. On the other hand, the latter has a more peaceful atmosphere.

The beach’s best claim to fame is its monthly Full Moon Parties. It sees thousands of people (mostly young visitors) party the night away. Live DJs and fire shows make the celebration livelier, so feel free to join in on the fun if it’s something up your alley.

Donald Duck Bay

Our last entry for this list lies on the northern portion of Koh Similan. While it doesn’t have dramatic limestone formations, its giant boulders make it stand out.

Donald Duck Bay got its name from the giant rocks on its shore, which resemble a duck head. It’s a great viewing dock that’s fairly easy to climb, so don’t worry if you’re not too fond of heights.

Night diving is a popular hobby because of its shallow depth and mild currents. If you want to try something new on your Thailand beach vacation, this stop is the perfect place to do it.

These are just a few of the many Thailand beaches worth visiting. If you want a tropical summer vacation, head down to Thailand and enjoy the sunny season on a different side of the globe.