Many of Thailand’s beaches are exactly what we imagine when daydreaming of the perfect coastal escape: crystal turquoise waters and unblemished golden sands, backed by swaying trees and punctuated by castaway-style properties. Standards vary greatly, of course, but if you know where to look you’ll find a huge selection of high-quality, characterful hotels with something to suit everyone, from honeymooners in search of cosy hideaways to families looking for flexible downtime.
The properties you choose will depend on your personal preferences, the season, and the route of your itinerary, but the ones we love all have a spark that makes them stand out from the crowd. Common threads include private pools, a sense of seclusion, pampering spas and stretches of uncrowded beach just a few steps away. Whether opting for a welcoming oasis in a sheltered bay, a premium beach house overlooking one of the world’s top 10 tropical beaches, or an island escape that’s still way off the beaten path, once you find your ideal Thailand beach property, you might find it very hard to leave…
In picture-perfect locations along Thailand’s mainland and island coastlines, each beach resort makes the most of its location by the waves.
Pristine beaches & secluded villas
Private pools
Spas & saunas
Snorkelling & diving
A peaceful slice of tropical heaven on a picture-postcard beach.
Discover what to expect from staying at Thailand’s beach resorts
If you’re pushing the boat out, then a stay at the Rayavadee is Krabi’s ultimate hideaway. On a peninsula overlooking the Andaman Sea, the lush jungle, dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches bordering the resort make a spectacular backdrop. The exclusive accommodation consists of circular, two-storey pavilions and bungalow-style villas scattered through tropical gardens (many boasting private pools), and there are dedicated pavilions designed with families in mind. The facilities include a sumptuous spa and a range of restaurants serving fine international cuisine. Explore hidden coves by boat, visit nearby hot springs, climb to the Tiger Cave Temple and get your pulse racing with water sports out in the bay.
The Pimalai is unquestionably Koh Lanta's most luxurious property. Ba Kan Tiang has been voted amongst the world’s top tropical beaches, and the Pimalai is the only resort on the bay, yet you'd be forgiven for not knowing it was there. Despite covering 100 acres, it’s completely surrounded by tropical rainforest, only revealing its location when viewed from the wide sands. The generously sized suites and villas are finished in a modern style, with sea views and direct access to the sand. Some have private pools, and all are superbly finished. A stay at the Pimalai is all about r&r and enjoying the property’s natural assets, namely a wonderful beach and acres of rainforest to lose yourself in…
Every Six Senses Resort is stunning, and this one is the cream of the crop. Hidden amongst lush rainforest on the virtually uninhabited island of Yao Noi, the rustic villas of the Six Senses resort offer the ultimate in barefoot luxury. Each of the resort's spacious villas and suites are sustainably designed in line with the Six Senses commitment to the environment. Villas range from those on the beachfront, with steps leading directly onto the resort's small private stretch of sand, to others hidden away in the undergrowth. Each has its own infinity-edged pool and private sundeck, ideal for watching the sunset at the end of the day.
This multi-award winning hotel is amongst the finest in Asia. Overlooking its own private beach and surrounded by Khao Lak’s spectacular forests, the Sarojin is bursting with opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, yet it also ensures that r&r is the focus of the day. The Sarojin and its skilled staff have turned secluded pampering into an exquisite art, and offers dining options to cater to everyone, from private barbecues to candlelit dinner on a deserted island. Snorkel and SCUBA dive out in the bay, charter the resort’s boat, the Lady Sarojin, for longer cruises, unwind at the spa, and take time out in your stylish quarters.
The highly-praised Shore at Katathani ticks all the boxes for a serene, romantic break, and giving couples high-quality time together is a top priority. With a supreme standard of facilities throughout, and staff who pull out all the stops, it’s the attention to detail that gives this adult-only resort an additional edge. The villas have been designed as quiet nests, with stillness and seclusion in mind. While some are sheltered within the garden, others use floor-to-ceiling glass to frame breath-taking views of the beach below. Treat yourself to a massage and time in the spa, relax in the steam room, or reinvigorate in the outdoor plunge pool.
With so many options in so many locations, there’s plenty of choice for families who want to enjoy some serious R&R on one of Thailand’s idyllic beaches. Villa-style accommodation offers privacy and flexibility, and somewhere to enjoy dedicated downtime, whilst still being within reach of top-class service and facilities. Being right on the beach means there are no transport logistics to consider, and you can simply step right out of your secluded suite and find yourself surrounded by soft sand. Private pools add in another dimension of ease for spending time together, whilst the wide variety of activities and onsite options, ranging from diving and watersports to cookery classes and sublime spas, means that every family can take their holiday at their own pace.