You might think you know what a perfect holiday to Thailand looks like but it’s not until you’ve visited these four magnificent beaches you’ll truly appreciate ‘the land of smiles’.
Thailand boasts some of the world’s most prestine and untouched beaches.
It’s the combination of welcoming hospitality, delicious cuisine, breathtaking views and fascinating culture that makes Thailand such a popular destination among Australian travellers.
And there’s of course the incredible array of accommodation options and the award-winning Thai Airways International airline to get you there in comfort.
With inspiring destinations including Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi and Koh Samui offering an abundance of white sand beaches, impressive towering limestone cliffs you are spoilt for choice, however if you feel slightly more adventurous we’ve listed the top four most stunning beaches for your next holiday.
Why not enjoy world class diving, snorkeling and escape to a beach that you haven’t visited before?
1. Koh Khai – The Family Island
This beautiful beach situated on Koh Khai Nok, a small island between Khai Nui and Khai Nai in Phang Nga Bay is still a hidden gem.
Surprisingly only 30 minutes away from the east coast of Phuket this beautiful beach offers crystal clear waters and is famous for not just a few but thousands of tropical fish.
Head out to this little slice of heaven on a full-day speed boat and enjoy snorkeling, swimming and just relaxing taking in the stunning view from the beach.
Parents travelling with young kids will appreciate the shallow water around the island, which makes it a safe and fun day excursion for the entire family.
How to get there:
There are several Phang Nga Bay full-day and half-day tours operating which will take you to Kho Khai on a speedboat.
Best time to go:
November- January since there’s a great chance you will see groups of dolphins swimming around the islands.
2. Koh Kradan – The Honeymoon Island
Leave the high-rise buildings, shopping malls, fast-food restaurants and motorways behind.
When you take a trip to Koh Kradan you’re leaving city life behind and entering what is often dubbed as a ‘genuine resort island’.
Located in the middle of the Trang sea in the Andaman ocean, the island is popular amongst locals and slowly gaining traction amongst tourists because of its majestic beauty and its ‘special little secret’.
Unlike its Phuket or Samui neighbours, Koh Kradan is small and pristine with everything in close proximity.
It has one main beach with a couple of resorts. A small section of the island is also used for docking snorkel boats.
Some visitors credit the island for having some of the best shorelines in Thailand that sit on the edge of white powdery beaches.
For others it’s the island’s ‘special little secret’ that makes it the ultimate holiday spot which is according to those that live on the island, it’s friendly spirits, filled with romance.
In addition to its gorgeous beaches and romantic setting, the island also has local restaurants and is easy to get to.
How to get there:
The ideal way to travel to Koh Kradan is catch a taxi to the pier from Krabi International Airport or Trang Airport. From there travellers can catch a speedboat service to the island.
3. The Similan Islands – The Diving Island
The Similan Islands are located about 50 kilometers west of the coast of Khao Lak and are famous for nine granite islands washed by a clear blue tropical ocean making the surrounding beaches some of the world’s finest.
Thanks to the crystal clear, bath temperature water the destination isn’t just attracting swimmers and sunbathers. The spot is also perfect for both diving and snorkelling.
How to get there:
There are daytrips from both Phuket and Khao Lak during the high season, which take anywhere from 45 minutes up to three hours depending on the boat being used.
However remember that there’s no regular boat service for tourists to the islands during the low season months of May-October.
For travellers who are feeling a bit more adventurous there are several local boats to hitch a ride with, these are however running infrequently so travellers need to allow extra time when planning their trip.
For scuba divers who are serious about their diving there are several liveaboard boat trips from Phuket, which usually run for four days and offering varying levels of luxury and facilities.
Best time to go:
High season is from December – April however the best period to visit is March when the winds are calm and the water clear.
For those who wish to explore the National Park it’s worth noting that it’s closed from 16th May to 15th November.
4. Nai Harn Beach – The Surfers Island
With its powdery white sand and clear blue water, Nai Harn beach is a beautiful and still untouched beach making it one of the island’s most popular places amongst locals.
Located in the south of Phuket the beach is surrounded by a few smaller hotels and plenty of tasty local restaurants making it a great place to relax after a long day of water activities.
South of Nai Harn there’s another secluded spot, the tiny beach of Ao Sane, which is a great place for snorkelling.
At the south end of the Nai Harn beach there’s a permanent sandbank offering surfers a great ride, even in the smallest swells.
And for the more experienced surfers the northern end has a beach-and-reef break in the corner, which can at times get really large.
How to get there:
Nai Harn Beach is located in the south of the island and is a 20 minute drive from Patong Beach.
Best time to go:
Similar to the surrounding areas the beach is great for swimming from November – April.
During the low season May – October visitors are urged to be cautious in the water since there can be strong undertows.
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