⛱️ Where to go for Thailand beaches: access, season and bay rules

Choosing one beach in Thailand is harder than it seems.

The coastline stretches from the Andaman Sea to the Gulf of Thailand, and every bay has its own character. One hides behind cliffs where no road leads. Another is known worldwide and lives by the rules of a national park.

We picked five beaches worth the trip: Railay Beach in Krabi, Maya Bay on Phi Phi, Haad Leela on Koh Phangan, Kamala Beach on Phuket, and Ao Yai Beach on Koh Phayam. Below you'll find how to get there, the season, and the honest catches of each spot.

Thailand beaches: what to consider before you go

💡 In short:

The Andaman coast runs on a dry season from November to April; during the rains some bays are closed.
There is no road to Railay Beach: boat only from Ao Nang.
Swimming is not allowed in Maya Bay; you can only wade in knee-deep.
Access and seasonality: 09/2026, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand

Beach	Province	How to get there	Who it suits
Railay Beach	Krabi	boat from Ao Nang	couples and rock climbers
Maya Bay	Phi Phi, Krabi	speedboat from Phuket or Krabi	divers and photographers
Haad Leela	Koh Phangan	ferry to Koh Phangan, then across the island	couples and honeymooners
Kamala Beach	Phuket	car or motorbike along the west coast	families
Ao Yai Beach	Koh Phayam, Ranong	bus or plane to Ranong, then ferry	those looking for quiet

The five beaches differ in more than just sand. Two of them have rules worth knowing in advance, and two more can only be reached by water or with a transfer.

1. Railay Beach: white sand beneath the cliffs

Railay Beach lies on a small peninsula cut off from the mainland by limestone walls. No road was ever built here. You board a longtail boat in Ao Nang and step ashore about fifteen minutes later.

The sand here is fine and snow-white, and the water is clear with an emerald tint. Behind the cliffs live langurs, local monkeys that come right down to the shore. Another reason to come here: rock climbing. The eastern side of Railay is known for its limestone walls, and climbing schools are located right by the beach (according to the official beach page from the tourism office).

How to get there: longtail boats depart from Ao Nang and run without a schedule. Buy your ticket at the pier before boarding.
Cost: beach access is free; you only pay for the boat.
Who it's for / Not for: for those who value seclusion and want to combine the sea with rock climbing. Not for those counting on paved roads and taxis.

2. Maya Bay on Phi Phi: look, but don't swim

Maya Bay with turquoise water and cliffs

Maya Bay lies on the island of Phi Phi Leh, where there are no hotels and no roads. After the movie "The Beach" with Leonardo DiCaprio, the bay stopped being quiet: people now come here from all over the world.

Underwater around the island is a rich world: barracudas, corals, anemones, and sea turtles. Divers arrive early in the morning and descend to depths of up to several dozen meters.

Swimming in the bay itself is not allowed. You can wade in knee-deep, and that is the limit set by the national park. On top of that, the bay is closed annually for recovery during the rainy season, so check the dates before you go.

How to get there: a day tour from Phuket or Krabi. Docking inside the bay is prohibited; disembarkation happens outside.
Cost: entry to the park area is paid; tickets are bought in cash at the pier. It covers Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Bamboo Island.
Who it's for / Not for: for divers and photographers. Not for those who want a proper swim near the shore.

3. Haad Leela on Koh Phangan: a beach for two

Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok at sunset

Haad Leela stays away from the noisy parties of Koh Phangan. The beach itself has nothing extra: hammocks, loungers, palm trees, and small bungalows. The atmosphere is relaxing, which is why couples of all ages come here.

Cafes, bars, and shops are on the neighboring beach. You'll have to walk a bit for dinner, but Haad Leela itself stays quiet both day and night.

How to get there: ferry to Koh Phangan, then across the island by motorbike or local taxi.
Cost: entry is free.
Who it's for: for couples, honeymooners, and anyone who wants a calm evening without music until morning.
The catch: there is almost no infrastructure on the beach itself.

4. Kamala Beach on Phuket: the calm west coast

Kamala Beach with palm trees and a green headland

Kamala Beach stretches along Phuket's west coast. The sand is golden, and right behind it rise dense, dark green thickets. Nearby is a fishing village where local families live.

Sea turtles lay their eggs on this shore. They hide the process masterfully, so seeing a nest is almost impossible. Patong and Surin Beach are also not far away if you want some variety.

Location: Phuket's west coast, along the island's main road (per the map).
Cost: entry is free; you only pay for a lounger if you rent one.
Who it's for / Not for: for families and a relaxed vacation. Not for those coming for nightlife.
The catch: you almost certainly won't see the turtles.

5. Ao Yai Beach on Koh Phayam: sunsets and waves

Ao Yai Beach sits on the small island of Koh Phayam near the border with Myanmar. The journey is long: from Bangkok to Ranong you take a night bus or fly. Then you transfer to a ferry. After that, an empty shore awaits you.

On the slopes above the beach, cashew groves grow green, the sand has golden tones, and on clear days the water can be mint-lime. Swimming here is risky because the waves are high. It's easier to swim at the neighboring beach, which is calmer. But in the evening the shore shows its main bonus: a sunset over the Andaman Sea.

How to get there: bus or plane to Ranong, then ferry or speedboat to Koh Phayam.
Who it's for / Not for: for those willing to make a long trip for the sake of quiet. Not for those who want to swim near the shore and dine in restaurants.
The catch: high waves and a long journey.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Thailand beaches?

The Andaman coast, meaning Phuket, Krabi, and Phi Phi, runs on a dry season from November to April. During the rainy season some bays are closed, and boats to Railay don't run every day. Koh Phangan lies in the Gulf of Thailand and has its own rain schedule. It's best to check the forecast when planning your dates.

Can you swim in Maya Bay?

No. In the bay itself you're only allowed to wade in knee-deep; there is no proper swimming. If you want real snorkeling, choose a tour with a stop at Pileh Lagoon or Bamboo Island: the water is clearer there and there are fewer people.

How do you get to Railay Beach?

Only by water. Longtail boats depart from Ao Nang and take about fifteen minutes to reach the shore. Tickets are bought right at the pier; there is no schedule: the boat leaves when enough people have gathered. No paved road exists to the peninsula, so a taxi won't take you there.

Are there hotels on Phi Phi Leh?

There is no accommodation on Phi Phi Leh: it's an uninhabited island; lodging is offered on neighboring Phi Phi Don. That's why Maya Bay is usually visited as part of a day tour. You stay overnight on Phi Phi Don, Phuket, or Krabi, and arrive at the bay by boat in the morning.

How much money should you budget for a beach vacation?

The beaches themselves in Thailand are free; you pay for boats, national park entry, and loungers. In high season prices are higher than during the rains, so it's better to book accommodation in advance. Budget based on the number of transfers: islands are connected by ferries, not bridges.

In short: what's worth booking

If you want cliffs, seclusion, and morning quiet, choose Railay Beach. For diving and beautiful photos, pick Maya Bay on Phi Phi. Snorkeling is best planned at Pileh Lagoon or Bamboo Island. If you're traveling as a couple and want a calm evening, Haad Leela on Koh Phangan fits. Families with kids are better off at Kamala Beach, and for an empty shore and sunset, head to Ao Yai Beach.

Book bungalows on Railay and Koh Phayam in advance: there are few places, and in high season they go first. Choose a beach by season and route, not by someone else's photo.

Beaches of Thailand: five shores worth reaching