The 9 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
The places, most named first
From the 3 guides that rank for "best beach towns in thailand"
Named by 2 of 31. Koh SamuiGulf of Thailand, ThailandOne of the most developed Thai islands, with a different feel on each beach.Chaweng is the pick for nightlife.Best time to visit Koh SamuiBest beaches in Koh Samui
Named by 2 of 32. Koh PhanganGulf of Thailand, ThailandKnown for Full Moon parties, but also quiet and secluded corners.Reached from Koh Samui and Koh Tao.
Named by 2 of 33. Koh SametEastern Gulf, ThailandClose to Bangkok, so a first choice for locals who do not want to travel far.The north is livelier; the south beaches Ao Nuam and Ao Wai are quieter.
Named by 2 of 3
4. Koh Tao
Gulf of Thailand, Thailand
A small island close to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, known for diving and snorkelling.
Nangyuan beach is a sandbar joining three small islands, best reached early or late in the day.
5. Hua HinGulf of Thailand, ThailandA long-time weekend beach for people from Bangkok.Known for kiteboarding and horse riding on the sand.
6. PattayaEastern Gulf, ThailandAbout an hour and a half by road from Bangkok.The 4 km crescent beach was cleaned up and widened; most people sunbathe or stroll rather than swim because of jet skis and speedboats.
7. PhuketAndaman Sea, ThailandSurin Beach is described as one of the island's better stretches of sand.Phuket Old Town was a 19th-century Chinese and Portuguese trading enclave and is the place for local street food.Best time to visit PhuketBest beaches in Phuket
8. Similan IslandsAndaman Sea, ThailandA national park west of Khao Lak, rated for diving and snorkelling.Soft-sand beaches suit a picnic.
9. Koh PhayamAndaman Sea, ThailandA mellow island on the border with Burma, once a long night bus from Bangkok.A direct flight from Bangkok now takes about 90 minutes.
Fares from your city
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When to go
Travel guides most often name November to February as the best time to visit Thailand.
The pack names Koh Larn, an island near Pattaya, as having good beaches. Pattaya's own beach is mainly for sunbathing and strolling because of jet skis and speedboats.
Named by 2 of 31. Koh SamuiOne of the most developed Thai islands, with a different feel on each beach.Chaweng is the pick for nightlife.Best time to visit Koh SamuiBest beaches in Koh Samui
Named by 2 of 32. Koh PhanganKnown for Full Moon parties, but also quiet and secluded corners.Reached from Koh Samui and Koh Tao.
Named by 2 of 33. Koh SametClose to Bangkok, so a first choice for locals who do not want to travel far.The north is livelier; the south beaches Ao Nuam and Ao Wai are quieter.
