🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
The picks, ranked
Railay & Phra Nang, Krabi
Limestone cliffs drop straight into the sea and you can only get here by longtail boat, so it stays quiet and as pretty as the photos promise, with easy swimming over at Phra Nang. Come November–April for the calmest water, and stick around for sunset on Railay West.
Koh Kradan, Trang
Powder-white sand facing the sunrise, and water so clear you can snorkel the coral straight off the beach — in 2023 the UK's World Beach Guide ranked it the No.1 best beach in the world for staying quiet and unspoiled. There aren't many places to stay and few boats come, so overnight here and you'll get the island almost to yourself in the early morning.
Phi Phi & Maya Bay
Maya Bay — the cove from the movie The Beach — is the postcard image of the Andaman, emerald water ringed by tall limestone cliffs; it's open again but you can only wade knee-deep and it shuts each year in Aug–Sep to recover. Take an early-morning boat to beat the crowds, then snorkel Pileh Lagoon where the water is clear enough to see whole shoals of fish.
Koh Lipe, Satun
This tiny island at the far south of the Andaman gets called the Maldives of Thailand for a reason — three main beaches with clear blue-green water and shallow coral right off the sand. Go November–April when the sea is at its best and boats run easily, and wander the little walking street for dinner after dark.
Koh Kood, Trat
Out at the eastern edge of the Gulf, Koh Kood stays quiet with genuinely clear water and shallow white-sand beaches you can just wade into. There are waterfalls and old fishing villages to reach by bike, and it's far less crowded than the famous islands — go November–April for the clearest sea and allow time for the boat from Laem Ngop.
Koh Samet, Rayong
The closest fine-white-sand island escape to Bangkok — drive to Ban Phe, hop a short boat, and you're there, perfect for a weekend without burning leave days. Sai Kaew Beach is lively and full of restaurants, while Ao Phrao and Ao Thian stay quieter, and the calm gulf water makes it doable almost year-round.
Chaweng, Koh Samui
Samui's longest and liveliest beach, with white sand and swimmable water the whole way along, plus restaurants, beach bars and every level of hotel within walking distance. It suits anyone who wants a pretty beach with plenty to do day and night — and Feb–Aug tends to be clearer on Samui's gulf side than over on the Andaman.
Hua Hin, Prachuap
A classic beach town just a three-hour drive from Bangkok, with a long walkable sand beach, horse riding by the water, and rows of seafood restaurants. It's easy for families and kids thanks to the shallow water and full facilities — you can visit year-round, but the cool season is the nicest for strolling.
Koh Larn, Pattaya
A clear-water island right off Pattaya, under an hour by boat from Bali Hai Pier; Tawaen is the main beach with white sand, water sports and plenty of food. For clearer, quieter water cross to Samae or Nual Beach — it all works nicely as a day trip without staying over.
Samila Beach, Songkhla
Songkhla's in-town beach, home to the Golden Mermaid statue that's become the city's landmark, with a long line of pines catching the breeze and the Cat-and-Mouse islands out at sea. It's made for an evening stroll, seafood and photos — and you can pair it with the old town in the same day.
Thung Wua Laen, Chumphon
Chumphon's long white-sand beach with clear, gentle water — a favourite stop for anyone driving south, easy for swimming and with snorkeling spots not far offshore. Go in the dry months around Feb–May for clear sea and open skies, and take an early-morning walk before the beachfront restaurants open.
Bueng Kluea, Roi Et
Isan has no real sea, but Bueng Kluea in Selaphum is a big freshwater lake with an actual sand beach you can swim off — locals simply call it 'the Isan sea.' There are restaurants, swimming and paddle boats for a family day out; come in the dry season (Nov–May) when the water is clearer and the beach is fully exposed.
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