Unlike some beach vacation destinations, Thailand has something to accommodate every budget and state of mind. Adventurous travelers can enjoy watersports, cycling, and hiking, while laid-back vacationers can indulge in local cuisine, massages and beauty treatments. Thailand’s beautiful beaches are also an amazing place to learn about history and culture during the day and party all night long.
Since Thailand stretches from the foothills of the Himalayas to a rainforest peninsula near the equator, most visitors find the climate safest and most pleasant between November and February. Once you settle on a date for your trip, these are some of the best beach resorts in Thailand to consider, depending on what you’d like to see and your budget.
Banyan Tree Resort – Koh Samui
The 5-star Banyan Tree Resort is designed with Thai culture in mind, using local materials and art. Visitors enjoy lovely views of the rocky cliffs and sandy beaches nearby while staying at this luxury resort in Koh Samui along the Gulf of Thailand and Lamai Bay. The views are made even better with private infinity pools and open-air decks. The onsite Saffron Restaurant offers delicious combinations of authentic Thai flavors, and the spa offers yoga classes. You can even enjoy a private beach dinner for a romantic night of celebration. This resort is conveniently located just about a half-hour drive from Samui International Airport as well.
Key Amenities:
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5-star tropical beachfront resort with cliff views
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Private infinity pools and open-air decks
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Intimate beach dinner
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30 minutes from Samui International Airport
Lamai Beach Road Tambon Maret, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84310, Thailand
Amanpuri - Phuket
If you’re planning a honeymoon excursion in Thailand, one of the best luxury resorts is Amanpuri. Presiding over its own peninsula, this highly-rated resort has ocean or garden-view villas and pavilions with private lounge areas and dining terraces. It’s been in operation since 1988 and maintained a reputation for great personal service, delicious cuisine and natural beauty in a tropical setting. It’s located on the western coast of Phuket and overlooks the Andaman Sea. Scuba diving and golf are popular here, as well as speedboat excursions to the Phang Nga Bay, Krabi, and the Similan Islands.
Key Amenities:
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One of Thailand’s best resorts for honeymoon excursions
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Presides over own secluded peninsula
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Private villas and pavilions with ocean or garden views
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Embark on popular luxurious speedboat excursions
*Amanpuri will close June 1, 2023, for seasonal maintenance and will reopen Sept. 1, 2023.
Rayavadee - Krabi
One of the best luxury resorts is Rayavadee, which is located in Krabi and on the edge of Krabi Marine National Park. Two of the country’s best beaches are here, and the resort offers two-story cottages that overlook a coconut grove. Guests can book villas with hammocks, Jacuzzis, and lovely views of the cliffs. Some of the most popular excursions from this resort go to the lagoons and mangrove forests. Phi Phi Island can be reached within 35 minutes by speedboat from the resort, and the Krabi Town’s morning market gives visitors a peek inside local Thai life.
Key Amenities:
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One of Thailand’s best luxury resorts
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On edge of Krabi Marine National Park
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Two-story cottages overlook coconut grove
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Memorable excursions to lagoons and mangrove forests
214 Tambon Ao Nang, อำเภอ เมือง Chang Wat Krabi 81000, Thailand— +66 2 301 1861
Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort - Krabi
Another top beach resort in Thailand is the Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort just steps from the pristine, white sands. This resort in unforgettable Krabi is surrounded by exotic landscapes while just a short flight from Bangkok. There are two beachfront pools at the resort, plus a tranquil spa and a variety of restaurants on-site. It is a top choice among families traveling in Thailand. The dining options at the Dusit Thani include an Italian restaurant, an Indian restaurant for breakfast and dinner, a poolside bar, and a swim-up pool bar. A BeWell program at the resort includes exercise classes, holistic courses, yoga, private trainers, water sports, and activities for children.
Key Amenities:
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Steps from white-sand beaches
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Two beachfront pools and tranquil spa
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Top choice for families
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BeWell program offers exercise classes, holistic courses
155 Tambon Nong Thale, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81180, Thailand— +66 75 628 000
Bulow Casa Grand View Resort & Spa - Satun
The Bulow Casa Grand View Resort & Spa is located on Bulow Beach, which has fantastic white sands for relaxing in Thailand. The suites have jacuzzi bathtubs, large living spaces, outdoor pool terraces and stunning ocean views. This is an ideal resort for a honeymoon or a longer couple’s getaway. The rooms are designed as Balinese-style villas, with interiors featuring bamboo and other natural materials. On-site dining and package deals are available, including breakfast and special rooms, to make your trip to Thailand especially memorable.
Key Amenities:
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Ideal for honeymooners or longer getaways
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Ocean-view suites with jacuzzis, outdoor pool terraces
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Balinese-style villas on a white-sand beach
2 Moo 8 T. Kohsarai A, Koh Lipe, อำเภอเมืองสตูล สตูล 91110, Thailand— +66 80 225 2642
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui - Surat Thani
Enjoy Thailand’s laid-back island life at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. One of the most romantic resorts in the world, it offers easy access to sandy beaches and is bordered by calm seas and tropical greenery. There’s an infinity pool to grab a cold drink and a private deck that looks out over the Gulf of Siam. Make an appointment at the Secret Garden Spa for a day of pampering during your stay. Resident healers will help you decompress through astrology, palmistry, meditation classes and wellness therapies. Accommodations on-site include villas and private residences. The private retreats give guests an elevated vacation experience and exclusive amenities. At the resort, you’ll enjoy the pool, fitness center, non-motorized water sports, tennis courts, beach house with game room, beach sports and a well-stocked library. Two cruising boats offer excursions to neighboring islands and to Ang Thong Marine National Park, one of the most incredible national parks in Thailand. This is a great beach resort for both couples and families.
Key Amenities:
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One of most romantic resorts in world
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Infinity pool and private deck overlook Gulf of Siam
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Resident healers and wellness therapies
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Boat excursions to other islands and Ang Thong Marine National Park
219, ตำบล อ่างทอง อำเภอเกาะสมุย สุราษฎร์ธานี 84140, Thailand— +66 77 243 000
Silavadee Pool Spa Resort - Surat Thani
For a bit of romance on your trip to Thailand, book accommodations at the 5-star Silvadee, which has infinity-edge pool villas and pool villa suites. The resort is built along the cliff of Laem Nan Beach and is tucked away from the busy world. You’ll be in the Gulf of Thailand in the southern part of the country and enjoy special moments with the one you love. The resort has a spa with five private spa villas and blissful treatments, including Thai oil therapy and hot stone massages. Sila Wellbeing, the resort’s wellness program, includes daily fitness classes, nutrition-focused menus and comprehensive spa therapies.
Key Amenities:
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5-star clifftop hideaway
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Five private spa villas for treatments like Thai oil therapy
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Wellness program with daily workouts, nutrition-focused menu
208/66 Tambon Maret, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84310, Thailand— +66 77 960 555
Six Senses Samui - Ko Samui
Another high-end option and one of the best couples resorts in Thailand is the Six Senses in Ko Samui. Guests here enjoy poolside pavilions, modern décor, and easy walking distance to the beach. You can unwind by a large infinity pool and gaze out to the sweeping panoramas of the Gulf of Thailand. Six Senses is committed to sustainability with efforts like its Farm on the Hill, where you can feed goats and chickens or gather fresh eggs for breakfast. The on-site Dining on the Rocks was awarded best dining in Samui and is an excellent pick for foodies with fresh produce from the resort’s gardens. Travelers looking to release tension will want to visit the spa, which has six treatment villas, two dry saunas, two steam rooms and a fitness center. There are luxurious private villas in this resort, which is located just three miles from Samui Airport and a 45-minute flight south of Bangkok.
Key Amenities:
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One of Thailand’s best couples resorts
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Sweeping views of Gulf of Thailand
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On-site farm part of sustainability efforts
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Restaurant awarded best dining in Samui
Kimpton Kitalay Samui - Surat Thani
Here’s a Kimpton-brand hotel with views over Choeng Mon Beach and tropical rooms, suites, and villas. The hotel is in a village-like island enclave and has a balance of low-key vibes and attention to detail. You’ll enjoy spending time in this city of contrasts and taking sunset strolls on the sand. There are five diverse dining options on-site, as well as a luxury spa with aroma massages and refreshing masks, wraps and facial treatments. A children’s club, with a playspace designed after a bustling seaside port, will immerse 4- to 12-year-olds in educating, non-tech activities.
Key Amenities:
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Upscale village-like island enclave
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Five diverse dining options
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Aroma massages and refreshing spa treatments
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Kids’ club with non-tech activities
10 Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand— +66 77 951 999
Conrad Koh Samui - Surat Thani
This resort is a Hilton-brand hotel with luxury villas overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. You can use kayaks at the resort’s beach and swim among the fish at the diving and sailing center. Amenities offered at the Conrad Koh Samui include an outdoor pool, fitness and business centers, room service and spa. The spa has 10 treatment suites, a private plunge pool, and saunas with ocean views. There’s a private wine cellar on-site and multiple bars and restaurants, including the award-winning Jahn, which serves contemporary fine-dining Thai cuisine. Book a half- or full-day excursion with activities like sunset yacht rides and Thai cooking classes.
Key Amenities:
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Luxury villas overlook Gulf of Thailand
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Kayak at resort’s secluded beach
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Wine cellar and award-winning fine dining
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Private plunge pool, ocean-view saunas in spa
Baba Beach Club Natai Luxury Pool Villa Hotel by Sri Panwa - Phang-Nga
It’s fun to stay at the Baba Beach Club during your trip to Thailand because of all the exciting events going on here. There are restaurants at the hotel, as well as a café and beach bar. The Cool Spa is located at the resort and offers spa treatments in your villa or by the beach. There’s an entertainment pool by the beach where you can lounge, swim, and play. The Baba Beach Club is the ultimate daytime pool club with private sunbeds, welcome drinks, complimentary snacks, and other perks.
Trisara - Phuket
For a truly intimate luxury beach experience, Trisara in the must-visit city of Phuket is a great resort pick. In Sanskrit, Trisara means “the third garden in heaven.” The rooms and private villas here have small private swimming pools and the resort grounds are relaxing and beautiful. There are ocean-facing pool villas and several bedroom private residences to stay in overlooking the Andaman Sea. It is a perfect option for special occasions, such as honeymoons and anniversaries. Located on the northwest coastline of Phuket, Trisara is just 15 minutes from Phuket Airport.
The Sarojin - Phang-Nga
At the Sarojin, you’ll find a secluded, luxury boutique beach hideaway along an 11-kilometer white sand beach. This is a romantic resort that offers a private beach, massages at the spa, luxury boat opportunities, and private dining. The resort is an hour from the Phuket International Airport. It welcomes honeymooners, weddings, and families with children at least 10 years old. For onsite dining, there is a rustic-chic restaurant with beach views, a beach bar, contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, and a wine bar. You can take a culinary class at the resort during your stay as well.
60 Tambon Kukkak Amphoe Takua Pa, Chang Wat Phang-nga 82190, Thailand— +66 76 427 900
Paresa Resort - Phuket
The Paresa Resort in Phuket is situated in a picturesque setting on a cliff that overlooks tropical rainforests and sparkling blue waters. This is a great resort pick if peace and tranquility are what you seek during your trip to Thailand. The best beaches to spend time in the area include Patong Beach and Karon Beach. You can choose pool suites, small villas, and even 3-4 bedroom villas for your stay at Paresa. Diavolo is the on-site Italian restaurant that serves an a la carte breakfast and Italian delicacies throughout the day with 270-degree ocean views.
Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort & Villas - Phang-Nga
For your beach trip to Thailand, also consider staying at the Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort, which has stylish guest rooms, pool villas, and pool suites. The resort has two award-winning restaurants and a wellness spa. It’s a beachfront escape destination with lots of activities to participate in. For example, you can join a yoga session, oceanfront cocktail party, Thai snack demo class, Thai handicraft and garland-making class, or Southeast Asian cuisine cooking class. Beach picnics, bike rentals, water excursions, and kids’ club participation can also be arranged through the resort.
79 หมู่ 3 เขาหลัก, ตำบลคึกคัก อำเภอตะกั่วป่า พังงา 82220, Thailand— +66 76 592 277
Casa de la Flora, Phang-Nga
At this Thailand resort, you’ll find spacious villas that allow you to experience the natural environment from the inside out. The villas offer modern comforts and are located along the beach of Bang Niang, Khao Lak. This is a one-hour drive from the Phuket Airport. At the resort, you can enjoy a lovely restaurant by the beach, book a spa treatment to refresh your mind and body, sip cocktails at the pool bar, and work out at the fitness center. Services offered at the Casa de la Flora include an in-villa floating breakfast, a complimentary mini-bar that is replenished daily, a selection of pillows, luxury bath amenities, and evening turn-down service.
67/213 Khuk Khak Khao Lak, ตำบลคึกคัก อำเภอตะกั่วป่า พังงา 82220, Thailand— +66 76 428 999
Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort - Surat Thani
The Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort has recently renovated rooms and pool villas in a wonderful Chaweng Beach location. The resort also is home to the Tree Tops treehouse restaurant and an infinity pool. There are multiple gourmet restaurants at the resort and room service is available. Some of the many things you can experience during your stay include yoga, Thai boxing, culinary classes, snorkeling, diving, private boat charters, and deep-sea fishing. There are activities for kids here if you are traveling to Thailand as a family.
92 Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand— +66 77 960 333
Tango Luxe Beach Villa - Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Located in Koh Samui, this resort is a sophisticated and eclectic place to stay with a spa above the lobby. There is a lobby restaurant and bar here, as well as a poolside beach bar and bistro. The resort is on the north coast of Koh Samui and overlooks the bay to the Big Buddha temple. There are luxury pool villas here to give you a private hideaway experience. Each of the villas has a dining area, and breakfast is served in-room daily.
Nimmanoradee Resort – Koh Samet
Another affordable resort option is Nimmanoradee Resort, which is located on Koh Samet. Samet is a four-hour drive from Bangkok along Thailand’s east coast and has become known as an amazing weekend party island. Guests can enjoy white powder sand and relaxation during the day, and then fun music and a party scene in the evening. To get active, take out a kayak or go for a run along the private sandy beach. The best parties take place on weekends; however, weekdays are calmer and typically have cheaper rates. There are cozy bungalows, family rooms, a restaurant, shop, and Thai massages offered on-site.
Phe, Mueang Rayong District, Rayong 21160, Thailand— +66 38 644 271
Bamboo Bungalows - Koh Phayam
For a more budget-friendly option, consider staying at the Bamboo Bungalows on the northern end of Thailand’s the Andaman Sea in Koh Phayam. Phayam is famous for both its cashew nut farming and its beaches, and there’s actually a Miss Cashew Nut competition held each year! The nearby beach is Ao Yai, or Big Beach, and there are a variety of bungalow styles to choose from when you arrive. To stay under budget, pick a basic A-frame hut or go all out by booking a comfortable villa with authentic Thai décor. You can go kayaking or snorkeling from the resort and eat at the quaint on-site restaurant here. There are no cars on this natural island; however, the narrow roads are serviced by motorcycle taxis.
56 หมู่.1 Tambon Ko Phayam, Amphoe Mueang Ranong, Chang Wat Ranong 85000, Thailand
