Thailand beaches of Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui are legendary… and also crowded, sweaty, and completely overrun by tourists. Fortunately, Thailand has hundreds of islands and more than 2,000 miles of coastline, so there are undoubtedly at least a few beaches that are undiscovered. Here, we round up five of the best beaches to relax in privacy and authenticity.
5. Koh Lao Liang
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Limiting the number of visitors your island receives is one way to ensure it remains uncrowded. Koh Lao Liang is found in the Koh Petra Marine Park and is only accessible by boat. Pure white sand beaches, rainbow-painted reefs swarming with sea life, and towering limestone cliffs that have been left relatively untouched by tourists make the island an unspoiled natural paradise. Sea caves and the underwater reef are best explored by snorkel or dive, while climbers attempt to scale the dizzying cliffs. The island’s eco-resort status means accommodation is bare-bones, but it’s worth it to contribute to the preservation of the islands.
4. Ao Sane
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If you’re stuck on Phuket, but need a break from the crowds, head towards the tiny beach of Ao Sane. An excellent snorkeling and diving spot, visitors come to sunbathe with the locals, enjoy authentic Thai barbeque, and enjoy the fantastic view. Although the beach is never crowded, get there early to nab prime spots within the shade of the trees.
3. Koh Kood
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For luxurious isolation head to Koh Kood (sometimes called Koh Kut) on Thailand’s east coast close to Cambodia. Not one to shy away from development, the island offers lavish accommodations at a price only a few can afford. Mountains dot the island, and a trek through the forest will lead to stunning waterfalls and secluded bays. Former visitors compare the beaches to the Maldives making this isle perhaps the most beautiful in all of Thailand’s eastern seaboard. Kayaking, trekking, squid-fishing are all on the docket and be sure to catch the island’s most gratifying sunrise at the tiny Kluai Beach.
2. Koh Phetra
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One of 30 protected islands in Mu Ko Phetra National Park, Koh Phetra is the island of your dreams with the Thailand beaches to prove it. With no accommodation on the island, you will need to hire a boat for a day-trip or anchor off the island as one of your stops during yacht week. Crystalline water and soft, white sand are the only perks of the island – but when you’re beach hopping, what else do you need?
1. Koh Tarutao one of the beautiful Thailand beaches
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Thanks to its status as a protected national park, Koh Tarutao remains one of the most unspoiled islands in Thailand. Close to the Malaysian border, wildlife enthusiasts will love the beaches for the chance to run into langurs, wild pigs, macaques, and sea turtles who come to lay their eggs, while nature lovers come to explore caves and mangrove swamps. While there is no chance of the famous Thailand beaches party on Koh Tarutao, visitors can enjoy bicycling, hiking, and indulging in a Robinson Crusoe fantasy.
For more undiscovered beaches of Thailand, click here.
Featured image courtesy of Fidelia Zhang on Unsplash.