Beach Holidays to Thailand

Clean, well-managed beaches that meet strict water and facility standards are found along several of Thailand's most popular coasts.

• Phuket: Phuket is Thailand's largest island and the most established beach resort destination in the country, with a wide choice of hotels along its western shores. The bay's busiest resort strip, Karon and the neighbouring bay offer a range of sand and restaurants within a short drive of one another, and the island has an international airport with direct flights from Bangkok. The trade-off is that the busiest stretches can feel crowded in peak season, so we often suggest choosing a hotel on a quieter bay. For first-time visitors who want reliable sand, convenience and plenty of choice, it remains a strong option. It is exactly the brief our Thailand holidays deals are built around.
• Koh Samui: Koh Samui sits in the Gulf of Thailand and is the largest island in that body of water, with a long-established resort scene and a good range of beaches. The busiest stretch of sand is the island's liveliest, while Lamai and Bophut offer calmer water and more relaxed evenings. The island has its own airport with flights from Bangkok, which keeps travel time short compared with island hopping by ferry. We recommend it for travellers who want resort comfort with straightforward access and gentle, sheltered sea. It is exactly the brief our Thailand Family Holidays deals are built around.
• Krabi: Krabi province is known for limestone karst cliffs rising from the sea and for its beautiful mainland beaches, which sit within easy reach of boat trips. The bay water is shallow and clear for much of the year, and the coast is a practical base for day trips to nearby islands. The main beach area can get busy with day-trip traffic, so we often steer couples towards quieter bays. It works well for active travellers who enjoy scenery as much as sunbathing. It is exactly the brief our Thailand All Inclusive Holidays deals are built around.
• Khao Lak: Khao Lak is a stretch of mainland coast in Phang Nga province, where calm beaches shelve gently into the sea and resorts are set back from the road. It is close to Khao Sok National Park, which gives families an easy day trip into rainforest and waterfalls. The beach is noticeably quieter than the busier island resorts further south, and the drive from the airport takes longer, so it suits those who prefer a slower pace. We regard it as one of the most relaxed Blue Flag-standard options on the Andaman side.
• Koh Lanta: Koh Lanta is a long, laid-back island reached by ferry from the mainland port in the province to the east or from the neighbouring resort island to the south, and its western beaches stretch for many kilometres with few high-rise hotels. It is less developed than the busier islands nearby, so restaurants and facilities are simpler, but the sand and sea are a major draw for those seeking space. Ferry timetables need checking, as sailings can be affected by weather in the wet season. For travellers who value calm beaches over nightlife, it is among the most rewarding choices. It is exactly the brief our Thailand Luxury Holidays deals are built around.