Did you know that sitting on a beach and gazing at the serene blue sea rewires your brain waves? Studies show that a few minutes of sea gazing can put you in a slight meditative state. The beaches have long been associated as a natural de-stressor and mood and mental well-being improver, and the scientific term ’The Blue Mind’theory is a proven fact of this. No wonder people, from time to time, feel the need to go to water spaces to soothe their souls.
Thailand is one of such places where weary souls from all over the world head to rejuvenate their minds. Though not typically blue waters, the emerald sea has the same effect as well! And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The beaches in Thailand offer solace, no doubt, but also enliven your life with beach parties, tropical vibes, and, not to forget, making your taste buds dance as well with lip-smacking Thai food. Not sure which beaches to explore? Here are our 9 best picks for a memorable beach holiday in Thailand.
Long Beach, Koh Lanta
For beach lovers seeking quietude, away from bustling crowds of tourist throngs, Long Beach in Koh Lanta is an ideal choice. Those who have visited this Thai coastal gem believe that it is one of the best beaches to simply unwind and spend lazy days on sun-kissed shores. With swaying palm trees, flanked by powdery-white beaches sloping into aquamarine waters, it is an idyllic spot to chill out with a pina colada or a book, gazing into the breathtaking, blue horizon. Located on the western coast of Koh Lanta, an incredibly gorgeous island, it is one of the beaches you can fit into your Thailand itinerary for island-hopping experiences due to its proximity to the Phi Phi Islands.
Rawai Beach, Phuket
Speaking of island-hopping experiences, Rawai Beach in Phuket is where you should start your incredible voyage. Rawai Beach edges the southernmost part of Phuket island, from where you can take a boat ride to hidden beaches of Thailand like Coral Island and Bon Island. The beach here is rocky, pebbled, and the water is shallow, not quite suited for swimming. But its shores are teeming with Thai cultural elements, and people usually flock here to enjoy the vibe, the friendly warmth of the locals, and, of course, the sumptuous Thai seafood. A long-tailed boat ride deep into the clear blue waters and viewing the sunset from Promthep Cape is a must-do for all visitors here. So, while you explore the lively vibes of other beaches in Phuket, keep some time aside to explore Rawai Beach, as it is a getaway that allows you to experience many other wonderful shores usually ignored in Phuket tour packages.
Pattaya Beach, Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe, tagged as ‘The Maldives of Thailand,’ is yet another incredible beach destination in Thailand that sunset seekers and beach enthusiasts will instantly fall in love with. Its longest, most gorgeous beach, Pattaya Beach, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand to soak up the sun and enjoy strolls and snorkelling. It is the prime beach spot, where you find the shoreline dotted with wooden boats bobbing on gentle waves and beaches peppered with shacks and cafes. This blissful slice of paradise is where you spend your time enjoying long strolls along the sandy beaches, visiting Walking Street, indulging in some delicious food, and enjoying snorkelling or kayaking. You can keep the troubles of real life away and just spend time relaxing here. It is the perfect spot to bury your feet in the sand and feel connected with nature’s beauty.
Ao Nang Beach, Krabi
Ao Nang Beach in Krabi is one of the many beaches you can explore on beach-hopping sessions from Phuket. This serene, straight stretch of shoreline along the eastern edge of Phang Nga Bay is quite a hype among beach-goers who love a vibrant, lively ambience along with the beauty of sun, sea, and sand, making it a must-do in Krabi trip packages. The scenery of limestone karsts jutting out of the emerald sea is sure to offer you a jaw-dropping moment and instantly relax you with the salt-scented breeze. The beach is an extension of a lively coastal town where tourists can go for nature hikes to view dusky leaf monkeys, wander around night markets, visit the iconic Tiger Cave Temple, explore the Emerald Pool and Blue Lagoon, venture out on boat trips, and so much more. Love the food here? Sign up for a Thai cooking class at Ya’s Thai Cookery School to make it yourself right from scratch.
Koh Kradan Beach, Trang
One of the best beaches in Thailand to rejuvenate your soul amid the beauty of nature’s finest, Koh Kradan Beach will urge you to stay here forever. The serene ambience is an antidote to stress, and its hidden status still hasn’t caught the eye of many tourists, making it a beautiful beach paradise to revel in solace and serenity. Tucked into the southern Province of Trang in Thailand, this petite island, though featured as a day trip excursion from Koh Lanta, nudges you to stay back for a couple of days and chill out without the chaos of party crowds and beach-goers. Spanning a mere three kilometres in length and with just five resorts, this is the ideal sanctuary to enjoy island life in Thailand. The scene is incredibly tranquil, as if the turquoise waves and white sands of the beach were yours alone. Lounge about, take it easy, and enjoy the sun’s shifting hues from sublime tropical rays at dawn to the fiery auburn and violets streaking across the skies at dusk.
Bottle Beach, Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is just a hop from bustling Koh Samui, which has captivated tourists with its postcard-perfect beaches flanked by lush wilderness and quaint coastal townships. Among its pristine beaches, Bottle Beach is a sunny paradise you wouldn’t want to miss visiting. Edging the island’s northern tip, the warm, clear waters are best for swimming, and its shores are teeming with coarse sand without chunks of coral, sharp shells, or rocks, making it perfect for barefoot strolls. The island’s low-key vibes, without the hullabaloo of high-speed water sports and shore vendors, make it perfect for those preferring real tranquillity over reel-making and selfie sticks. If you do crave a party nightlife, then this isn’t your spot. For that, head to Haad Rin Beach, located at the south of the Koh Phangan island, which is the location of the world-famous Full Moon Party.
Tonsai Beach, Phi Phi Island
It isn’t a guide about Thailand beaches if it doesn’t mention Phi Phi Island. We bet the mention of this stellar island immediately conjured up the image of massive green-foliage-shaded, rugged limestone karsts towering from the emerald water along a white, sandy beach. Tonsai Beach is just one of the many gems of Phi Phi Island, but it is chosen in this list because it is located right at the centre of the island, forming a crescent-shaped shore with a spectacular view of the Andaman Sea. It is mildly bustling, and the more you venture into the village, the more you get a first-hand experience of seaside village life. Wandering through the markets, watching the locals and their simple, content lives, makes you realise how peaceful a humble life is. Tuck into delicious Thai food at small restaurants and beachfront food outlets. Go for water sports and sunset viewing in the afternoon, and come back at night to watch this tiny seaside village burst alive with live bands, fire shows, and DJ parties.
Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui
For that perfect mix of chill and thrill, Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui should definitely be on your travel bucket list. Once a backpacker’s favourite hub, today it has expanded to include luxury spots, sea-to-table seafood restaurants, and a spectacular collection of water-sport adventures. It is one of those beaches that delivers the hype of being a spot for solace in the day and fervour at night. The beaches are picture-perfect, with coconut trees drooping lazily over emerald waters, and the salty breeze turns on your vacation mode. When it comes to high-end pampering, Chaweng Beach spoils you with upscale, beachside resorts with sweeping sea views, infinity pools, and spa wellness. These range from authentic Thai massages to opulent treatments like wellness consultations, signature massages, and aromatherapy, to name a few, that are apt if you are seeking an escape for two on a romantic holiday.
Hua Hin Beach, Hua Hin
Lastly, if you are someone solely seeking a trip for luxury indulgence, don’t hold back on visiting Hua Hin. Here’s where you get rejuvenation amid bespoke luxury. Who is this beach calling? Only those discerning beach lovers who want to just celebrate life without the island flaring up like a New Year’s Eve party every day. Hua Hin is low-key and captivates attention as one of those spots that isn’t just a check box to tick on a travel bucket list, but an experience that sticks with you forever. Stretching along Thailand’s Gulf Coast, this beach has that idyllic ambience with a touch of upscale luxury, with resorts like Anantara Hua Hin, V Villas Hua Hin and Devasom Hua Hin. Apart from enjoying the blue sea and white sands, you can also take a hike to a vineyard here! Set forth towards the high mountains away from the beach shores within the township and enjoy a tour of the Monsoon Valley Vineyard, and even sip on some authentic, home-grown and crafted Thai wines.
Conclusion
Thailand has numerous gorgeous beaches, but due to over-commercialisation and tourism, the most popular beaches are crowded throughout the year. This list of Thai beaches is still making a mark on the world map and hence offers you a holiday without the bustle of crowds, offering you what you intended to experience on your dream Thailand beach holiday. So, which one has caught your attention? Let us know, and we would be more than happy to work out the idyllic Thailand beach vacation for you.
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