Luxury Beach Holidays to Thailand

Several of Thailand's most celebrated beaches carry Blue Flag recognition for water quality and facilities, and these are the bays we place at the top of our luxury shortlist.

• Kata Noi Beach: Kata Noi sits on the quieter southern side of Phuket and is known for clean sand, calm water and a laid-back feel compared with the busier bays nearby. The beachfront resorts here tend to be low-rise with generous gardens and private plunge pools, which suits couples wanting space. Expect a short drive to restaurants and shops rather than a walk, and a more restful pace overall. We recommend it for travellers who want quality sand and seclusion close to Phuket's amenities. It is exactly the brief our Thailand Beach Holidays deals are built around.
• Lamai Beach: Lamai is one of the longest and most sheltered beaches on the east coast of the island, with a wide bay that tends to stay calm for swimming. Resorts line the sand with a mix of boutique properties and larger hotels offering spa menus and beachside dining. The area is busier in the evenings than the north of the island, which many guests enjoy. We suggest Lamai for those who want a lively yet still upmarket base on an easy island.
• Ao Nang Beach: Ao Nang Beach is the main beach town on the Krabi mainland, with a broad crescent of sand facing the Andaman Sea and a short boat ride to quieter bays beyond. Luxury hotels here often sit on the hillside above the bay, giving sea views and easy access to the promenade below. Longtail boats run from the beach to the nearby islands, and the town offers a good range of restaurants. We recommend Ao Nang Beach for travellers wanting beachfront comfort and day trips on the water, the same brief our Thailand Last Minute Holidays deals are built around.
• Bang Tao Beach: Bang Tao is a long, gently curving beach on Phuket's west coast, lined with some of the island's most established luxury resorts. The sand is wide and the sea is typically gentle on the western side during the drier months. Hotels here are set back from the water with large grounds, quiet swimming and spa facilities. We suggest Bang Tao for guests seeking a refined resort setting with calmer water than the busiest bays.
• Mae Nam Beach: Mae Nam sits on the north-western shore of the island and is known for its quiet, unhurried atmosphere and long stretch of sand. Smaller villas and boutique resorts dominate the frontage, and many guests value the lack of heavy traffic along the beach road. The bay is a good spot for sunset watching and a more private stay than the south-east of the island. We recommend Mae Nam for those who want seclusion with the comfort of a well-equipped resort.