Thailand’s Top 10 Most Beautiful Beaches in the Andaman Sea
From jade-colored bays fringed with jungle to powdery crescents hidden behind limestone cliffs, Thailand’s Andaman coast is home to some of the most dazzling beaches in Southeast Asia. Whether you’re in search of barefoot luxury, undiscovered gems, or the perfect spot to watch a fiery sunset, this guide to the top 10 Andaman beaches delivers the goods. Each beach has true beachfront accommodation, ranging from backpacker bungalows to luxury resorts, and is easily accessible.
1. Ao Yai Beach, Koh Phayam
Remote, rugged, and wonderfully untouched.
Tucked away off the coast of Ranong in Thailand’s far north, Koh Phayam remains one of the country’s best-kept secrets. Few locals, let alone tourists, know it by name. Ao Yai, the island’s southern beach, is a wide, west-facing expanse of soft sand and shallow surf. The deep water, unspoiled jungle backdrop, and occasional surfable waves lend it an adventurous yet laid-back vibe.
Electricity is still limited. Many places rely on generators, and Wi-Fi can be spotty. But that’s part of the charm. Accommodation ranges from rustic bungalows to a few newer boutique resorts. The island is reachable via ferry from Ranong, followed by a short motorbike ride.
Getting There: Ferry from Ranong (1 hr) + motorbike taxi (10 min)
Best Time to Visit: Nov – Apr
Accommodation Range: Budget to mid-range
Vibe: Rustic, off-grid, backpacker-friendly
2. Koh Ngai (Koh Hai), Trang Province
A jungle-clad gem with gin-clear water and easy snorkelling.
Koh Ngai is the definition of a tropical escape. No roads, no towns, just a two-kilometre ribbon of sand backed by steep, forested slopes. Because the terrain is too steep to farm, much of the original jungle remains intact. The result? A picture-perfect beach fringed with coconut palms and a coral reef just offshore.
Accommodation here runs the gamut from bamboo bungalows to boutique beachfront resorts like Mayalay Beach Resort and Koh Ngai Thanya Resort. It’s peaceful, walkable, and perfect for lazy days spent snorkeling or staring at the sea.
Getting There: Longtail from Pak Meng Pier, or island hop from Koh Mook/Lanta
Best Time to Visit: Dec – April
Accommodation Range: Budget to boutique
Vibe: Relaxed, nature-focused, castaway feel
3. Nai Thon Noi, Phuket
A private-feeling slice of paradise in busy Phuket.
Blink and you’ll miss it. This 280-metre arc of sand is hidden behind thick jungle in northwest Phuket. It’s technically public, but practically exclusive, as it’s fronted by just a handful of luxury resorts. Dramatic headlands and a steep jungle backdrop make it feel like a secret cove.
Unlike other parts of Phuket, Nai Thon Noi remains blissfully quiet. Guests here get stunning views, total tranquility, and a true sense of escape, without needing to leave the island.
Getting There: 15 min drive from Phuket Airport
Best Time to Visit: Nov – April
Accommodation Range: High-end resorts
Vibe: Exclusive, quiet, romantic
4. Thum Phra Nang Beach, Krabi
A beach framed by epic limestone cliffs and legend.
One of the most photographed spots in Thailand, Thum Phra Nang (also spelled Tham Phra Nang) lies just south of Railay Beach. Towering karst formations, sugary sand, and turquoise waters make it look like a movie set. The beach is also home to Princess Cave, a shrine to local folklore and a curiosity for travelers.
It’s a 10-minute walk from Railay, and access is by boat only. The sole resort is the luxurious Rayavadee, hidden in a former coconut plantation. The area is also famous for rock climbing and kayaking.
Getting There: Longtail boat from Ao Nang or Krabi Town
Best Time to Visit: Nov – Apr
Accommodation Range: Luxury only (at Thum Phra Nang)
Vibe: Iconic, scenic, adventurous
5. Nai Harn Beach, Phuket
A locals’ favourite with natural beauty and minimal development.
On an island known for flashy beach scenes, Nai Harn is the understated sibling. Set in a curved bay with a mountain on one end and a monastery behind, the beach is free from excessive development thanks to monastic land ownership.
There’s just one beachfront hotel, the Nai Harn, and a scattering of eateries. The vibe is low-key, with locals coming for morning swims and yoga sessions. Nearby Ya Nui Beach offers a smaller, quieter alternative.
Getting There: 30–40 mins drive from Patong
Best Time to Visit: Nov – Apr
Accommodation Range: Mid to high-end
Vibe: Serene, local-friendly, great for swimming
6. Koh Racha Yai
Two stunning beaches and incredible snorkelling near Phuket.
Just 30 minutes by speedboat from Phuket, Koh Racha Yai boasts crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and white sand beaches that rival anywhere in the region. The twin bays at the north end, Ao Patok and Siam Bay, are ideal for day trips, snorkeling, and diving.
The Racha is the standout resort here, set along the main beach. Expect crowds during high season, but arrive early and you’ll enjoy peaceful swimming and reef exploration.
Getting There: Speedboat from Chalong Pier, Phuket
Best Time to Visit: Dec – May
Accommodation Range: Mid-range to luxury
Vibe: Tropical day-trip haven
7. Tub Kaek Beach, Krabi
Secluded, shady, and front-row sunset views.
Tub Kaek may not have towering cliffs, but its magic lies in subtle beauty with shady trees spilling onto golden sand, a green mountain slope rising behind, and views of the surreal karst islets in Phang Nga Bay. It’s quiet, uncrowded, and deeply romantic.
Home to a handful of high-end resorts like Phulay Bay (a Ritz-Carlton Reserve) and Amari Vogue, this is the beach for lazy afternoons and glowing sunsets. It’s also the starting point for the hike up Dragon Crest Mountain.
Getting There: 30 mins from Ao Nang by car
Best Time to Visit: Nov – April
Accommodation Range: Boutique to ultra-luxury
Vibe: Secluded, romantic, upmarket
8. Kan Tiang Bay, Koh Lanta
Jungle, hills, and sea combine for a postcard-perfect cove.
Koh Lanta’s southern beaches are dramatically different from its busier north, and Kan Tiang is the pick of the bunch. A crescent-shaped bay with clear water and a forested hillside, it feels remote yet refined.
Pimalai Resort & Spa is the star here. Built with environmental sensitivity, it blends into the landscape. Budget options also exist, especially at the north end. Sunsets here are special, and the bay retains a calm, peaceful vibe.
Getting There: 1 hr drive from Saladan Pier
Best Time to Visit: Nov – May
Accommodation Range: Budget to 5-star
Vibe: Peaceful, scenic, balanced
9. Mai Khao Beach, Phuket
Miles of golden sand and a national park buffer.
Stretching 9km along Phuket’s northwest coast, Mai Khao is one of the island’s longest and least crowded beaches. Thanks to a narrow strip of national parkland running behind it, development is limited and discreet.
It’s also a hotspot for luxury resorts. Anantara, JW Marriott, SALA Phuket all offer direct beach access. During high season, the calm sea is ideal for swimming. Come here for space, solitude, and even some plane spotting near the airport.
Getting There: 20 mins from Phuket Airport
Best Time to Visit: Dec – April
Accommodation Range: Mid-range to luxury
Vibe: Tranquil, elegant, upscale
10. Sunrise Beach (Chao Le Beach), Koh Lipe
Dawn views, soft sand, and sea gypsy heritage.
Sunrise Beach, as Chao Le is now known, is on Koh Lipe’s eastern shore is quieter and cleaner than the much busier Pattaya Beach. The water is turquoise-clear, and a sandy spit at the northern tip creates a perfect wading and snorkelling zone.
The simple Mountain Resort offers commanding views, while Castaway and Idyllic Concept cater to those wanting more comfort and style. Despite its beauty, Chao Le Beach has a complicated history involving the island’s indigenous sea gypsies, the Chao Le people. A story worth exploring while you’re here.
Getting There: Speedboat from Pak Bara Pier or via island hop
Best Time to Visit: Nov – May
Accommodation Range: Simple to boutique
Vibe: Natural, cultural, chilled
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned island-hopper, Thailand’s Andaman coast offers something for everyone. From jungle-backed hideaways and limestone escarpments to high-end retreats, the beaches here aren’t just beautiful they’re soul-soothing. Pack your sunscreen, hop on a longtail, and discover your own perfect patch of paradise.
