Thailand beach holidays
Thailand combines tropical shores with food markets, temples and a way of travelling that can be as relaxed or adventurous as you choose. A beach stay might begin with coconut palms and end with dinner at a night market. Limestone cliffs, island boat trips and the bustle of Bangkok give a longer journey plenty of variety beyond the sand.
Andaman coast or Gulf islands?
Phuket and Krabi are natural starting points on the Andaman coast. Phuket offers a wide range of beach areas and services, while Krabi is known for dramatic limestone scenery. Railay is one memorable setting for that landscape, and the Phi Phi islands add another option for time on the water.
Koh Samui holidays bring you to the Gulf of Thailand, with palm-lined beaches and a broad choice of accommodation. For a smaller beach setting, Coral Cove sits between rocky headlands. Nearby Koh Phangan offers more than its party reputation, with quieter bays elsewhere on the island. For a family holiday, the choice of beach and how much travelling you want to do matter more than the island's fame.
Choosing the season
Thailand's two main holiday coasts have different rainfall patterns. The Andaman coast generally has its drier beach season during the northern winter; Koh Samui and the neighbouring Gulf islands can receive heavy rain towards the end of the year, especially around November. Pick the coast to match the month rather than treating all Thai islands alike. Local food is another reason to stay curious: regional curries, grilled seafood and fresh fruit make exploring beyond the hotel worthwhile.
Before you travel
- Currency
- Thai baht · THB
- Language
- Thai
- Sockets
- Mixed types
English is also used in the main tourist areas; do not assume the same outside them.
American, European and Thai · type A/B/C/O. Check with your accommodation.
Good to know
Remove your shoes before entering temple buildings and keep shoulders and knees covered. When seated, do not point your feet towards Buddha statues or monks.
Sea temperature by month (°C)
In October, the warmest sea is at Railay Beach (29.6 °C) and the coolest at James Bond Island (29.2 °C).
| Beach | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coral Cove Beach | 27.9 | 28.5 | 29.2 | 30.4 | 30.8 | 30.2 | 29.8 | 29.8 | 29.6 | 29.5 | 28.9 | 28.0 |
| Haad Than Sadet | 27.8 | 28.4 | 29.2 | 30.4 | 30.8 | 30.2 | 29.8 | 29.8 | 29.5 | 29.4 | 28.9 | 28.0 |
| James Bond Island | 28.7 | 29.1 | 29.7 | 30.2 | 30.4 | 29.8 | 29.4 | 29.4 | 29.1 | 29.2 | 29.2 | 28.8 |
| Ko Phi Phi Don | 28.6 | 29.1 | 29.6 | 30.5 | 30.8 | 30.2 | 29.9 | 30.0 | 29.5 | 29.6 | 29.4 | 28.9 |
| Railay Beach | 28.5 | 29.1 | 29.8 | 30.7 | 30.8 | 30.2 | 29.9 | 29.9 | 29.5 | 29.6 | 29.5 | 28.8 |
Average sea temperature in each month, 2021–2025 (Copernicus ERA5), at each beach. Not a forecast.
Thailand – Sea temperature today
Current estimates for the selected beaches, not a countrywide average. Sea: NASA MUR with an hourly adjustment; air: Apple Weather. The update time refers to this page, not a measurement taken in the water.
Last updated:
| All beaches | Sea (°C) | Air (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Coral Cove Beach, Koh Samui | 30.6 °C | 28 °C |
| Haad Than Sadet, Koh Phangan | 30.5 °C | 28 °C |
| James Bond Island, Phang Nga | 30.4 °C | 28 °C |
| Ko Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi | 30.6 °C | 29 °C |
| Railay Beach, Krabi | 30.6 °C | 28 °C |