While we wait for borders to re-open and for the world to start travelling again we thought it was time to look at what we think are the best beaches in a land packed full of some of the best beaches in the world.
Maenam Beach, Koh Samui
More than four miles of stunning white and golden sand, along a stretch of beach that has not been dominated by resorts and developments make Maenam a stunning and secluded location.
Stay 12 nights in March 2021 at the Escape Beach Resort from £1,138 per person (includes flights)
Close enough to the busier locations on the island to ensure that you do not miss out on a bit of nightlife, but far enough away to completely chill out and relax. On a clear day, and there are many of those, Koh Pha Ngan can be seen in the distance.
Lamai Beach, Koh Samui
Just down the road from Chaweng and the bustling crowds and party atmosphere is Lamai.
Fine sand and calm seas with a number of excellent restaurants and beach bars scattered along the beach, this really is a stunning location.
Stay 12 nights in March 2021 at the Am Samui Palace from £830 per person (includes flights)
Phra Nang Cave Beach, Krabi
Most beaches would shout about the sunsets you see almost daily from this beach at the southern end of Railay Bay. Here though you have shallow seas which lead out to excellent snorkelling.
There are also stunning cliffs offering rock climbing to beginners as well as experienced climbers and of course there is always the Princess cave which gives the beach its name at the end of the golden sand. All of which is only accessible via the sea adding further to the charm and attractiveness. Can get very busy at times but visit out of high season and you get less people and more photo opportunities.
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Nang Thong Beach, Khao Lak
Fringed by jungles and hillsides, with calm, blue seas and luxurious sand, Nang Thong offers its share of seclusion with easy access to La On and its good range of restaurants, bars and shops. More laid back than more well known areas, Khao Lak delivers paradise.
Mai Khao, Phuket
Not the easiest beach to get to which of course means less people but add that to the seven miles that the beach stretches and you may not see anyone else if you find the right spot. Golden sand, warm seas and not much else. Wonderful.
Bamboo Island, Koh Phi Phi
There are no hotels or bars, just a wonderful ring of sand leading to deep blue sea. The island itself is protected so you can stay overnight unless with an authorised guide and is only reachable by sea. Stunning from the sea and even better from land.
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Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui
Not everyone wants seclusion so it would be churlish to exclude Chaweng Beach. The busiest resort on Samui, with a mass of nightlife, shops and restaurants and watersports along the beach doesn’t spoil the fact that the beach itself is wonderful, the sand is luxurious and the sea is inviting.
Stay 12 nights in March 2021 at the Poppies Samui Resort from £1,795 per person (includes flights)
Sunrise Beach, Koh Lipe
Wake up early and take in the stunning sunrise and then stay for the white sand beach, turquoise sea and chilled out vibe. Busier than it was but certainly not busy.
Stay 12 nights in March 2021 at the Akira Lipe Resort from £1,361 per person (includes flights)
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Long Beach, Koh Lanta
Golden sandy beach and warm, clear sea makes this 2.5 miles stretch of beach a must visit if you are on Koh Lanta. Although there are a host of bars, restaurants and hotels nearby, they are all set back from the beach meaning largely unspoilt views
Stay 12 nights in March 2021 at the Sand Sea Resort from £1,314 per person (includes flights)
Railay Beach, Krabi
Jump on a boat and head to Railay, it’s the only way of getting there, and experience one of the most photographed beaches in Thailand. Stunning beach with a good range of bars and restaurants scattered along the beach as well as through the car-free village. Wander down the beach and you arrive at Phra Nang Beach that also appears on this list.
Ao Sai Daeng, Koh Tao
Snorkelling is a highlight here and you can reach some of the best spots direct from the pale sand beach. Although you won’t have the beach to yourself, its is by no means busy and the secluded atmosphere make sit feel as if you have found your own little slice of paradise.
Have we missed an exceptional Thai Beach? Leave a comment and let us know.
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Hua Hin is in my top five
Somewhere I have never been – would like to at some point though