Thailand has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, thanks to its sprawling capital, vibrant cities and over one thousand islands awaiting those who visit.
With the country on course to welcome over 30 million tourists this year, it’s clear that it has maintained its appeal as southeast Asia’s top holiday destination for everyone from gap-year backpackers to honeymooning couples – plus travellers of all stripes who are keen to catch some guaranteed sunshine and average temperatures of 27C, even in winter.
While many will visit to see the sights of Bangkok, Phuket or Chiang Mai, Thailand also has 1,500 miles of coastline to explore across the mainland and its islands, offering hundreds of beaches to discover.
White sands, blue waters, dramatic rock formations and tall palm trees await, from Koh Samui to Krabi. We’ve rounded up some of the best in the country to help inspire your next trip.
Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh
Maya Bay was used as a filming location for the film The Beach
(Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Perhaps Thailand’s most famous beach, Maya Bay was the setting for the 2000 film The Beach. The resulting publicity made it one of the country’s most popular beaches, but the resulting over-tourism caused a destruction of much of the local ecosystem, leading authorities to close it in 2018. It re-opened early last year with new rules banning swimming and boats near the shore; with the authorities accepting that much of the ecosystem had recovered, tourists can now visit between 10am and 4pm every day.
Despite its closure, it remains one of the most breathtaking beaches in the country. You may not be able to enjoy its clear waters so easily, but the surrounding nature is arguably the most attractive feature anyway. Koh Phi Phi Leh is an uninhabited island where steep limestone hills have helped form the bay areas; Maya Bay is surrounded on three sides by 100-metre high cliffs, with soft white sands and turquoise waters that complement its idyllic setting. In short, if its good enough for Hollywood, it’s probably worth a visit on your trip.
Tanote Bay, Koh Tao
Ao Tanote is one of several stunning beaches on Koh Tao
(Getty Images/iStockphoto)
As with many Thai beaches, you’ll likely see this one referred to with several names (both local and English translations). Ao Tanote is on Koh Tao, the…
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