Thailand’s best beaches

If you’re after a barefoot escape, Ko Yao Yai is an ideal spot. Still under the mass tourism radar, the island has retained a charming castaway feel. It’s a tiny tropical drop in the ocean off Phuket; a haven away from prying eyes and day-tripping boat-loads. With sweeps of golden sand and brilliant snorkeling just steps from the shore, it’s a brilliant beach retreat within easy access from the mainland.

Ko Lanta is one of Thailand’s larger and most popular islands, but it’s got a unique character that’s impossible to resist. A protected island edged with golden beaches, it’s sensational for snorkelling and its nearby diving spots rank amongst some of the best in Thailand. Inland, you’ll find an untamed wilderness criss-crossed with caves and forest lagoons. Discover the Flavours of Ko Lanta on a local cookery class, or opt for a relaxing massage or jungle trek. If you’re a restless traveller, there’s plenty to do!

Stepping ashore on tiny Ko Hai is like wandering into a desert island dream. Known as Robinson Crusoe island for its fairytale castaway feel, it’s a nook of absolute paradise. Measuring only 4 kilometres by 2 kilometres, Ko Hai is proof that good things come in small packages, with tropical forests, rocky headlands and beautiful bays lined with sparkling white sands, it’s an idyllic getaway like no other.

Near Ko Samui, you’ll find Ko Phangan, home to the world-famous Full Moon Parties. But, there’s more to the island than glow sticks and cocktail buckets. Unwind at the Shimmering Bays and Secluded Beaches of Ko Phangan and discover Thong Nai Pan; one of the most beautiful spots in the northeast, where a string of golden bays await. Think fiery sunsets, cushions scattered across the beach, fire dancers twirling in the twilight and a carpet of rainforest just waiting to be explored.

If you fancy a taste of the tropical high life, why not treat yourself to some Daydreaming on Ko Samui? With glorious beaches and cocktail bars, Samui has a carefree vibe and a touch of class. It’s no secret from tourists, but you’ll never be far from some heady fun. Beyond the resorts, it still retains a laid-back charm and the fishing village of Bo Phut offers an authentic glimpse into Samui life. The interior is mountainous and dripping with natural beauty, so if you can tear yourselves away from the beach, it’s well worth the effort.

The White Sands of Turtle Island (otherwise known as Ko Tao), lie in the tropical Gulf of Thailand, around 2 hours north of Ko Samui. It’s a diving mecca with a laid-back vibe and a handful of killer beaches. If you grab a snorkel mask and wade into the clear, turquoise waters, you’ll find yourself in a world of colourful darting fish and swaying coral. You can even kayak around the shoreline or visit the beautiful Nangyuan National Park, for a stroll across the sand bank at low tide.

Thailand’s second largest island, Ko Chang sits close to the border with Cambodia, just five hours from Bangkok. Its interior is wild, mountainous and sprinkled with forest waterfalls – brilliant for jungle treks. The coastline is fringed with long, golden sands giving way to calm, clear seas that are perfect for swimming. During our Ko Chang Waterfall Island trip you can explore the waterfalls and mangroves before whiling your days away as you please; read a book, cocktail in hand, or take a snorkelling boat trip to tiny islands- suffice to say, you won’t get bored.