• Home
  • Learn Thai
    • Lessons
    • Books
  • Live in Thailand
    • Most Useful Posts
    • Visas
    • Women/Dating
    • Culture
    • Bangkok Living
    • Money/Jobs
    • Law/Politics
  • Travel in Thailand
    • Most Useful Posts
    • Book a Hotel
    • Bus/Train Tickets
    • Travel Insurance
    • Vaccinations Guide
    • Weather Guide
    • Diving Guide
  • Jobs
  • About
  • Support My Work
You are here: Home / Travel / 14 Unspoiled Thai Beaches Other Travelers Don’t Want You to Find

14 Unspoiled Thai Beaches Other Travelers Don’t Want You to Find

Over the past few decades there has been a great deal of development in Thailand.

Some of it has been welcome, helping to improve living standards and the economy at large, but much of it unwelcome, at least from the point of view of Mother Nature, anyway.

Mass tourism and over development on the popular islands has peeled away at the seductive lure of beaches like Chaweng in Koh Samui and Karon in Phuket. As such, seasoned travellers now prefer to seek out unspoiled, off the (Lonely-Planet) beaten track beach getaways instead.

There are a number of government initiatives to preserve Thailand's natural beauty, and part of that protection has been to keep  hundreds of islands off limits to visitors.

Fortunately, there are still a few precious beaches to be found that aren't overrun by sun soakers and hawkers, and subject to water pollution and littering.

In this post, I explore fourteen of the very finest, unspoiled Thai beaches that most people simply don't know about.

Shhh, don't tell anyone!

1. Koh Similan (Phang Nga Province)

Koh Similan

The Similan Islands is a chain of nine islands a shade over sixty clicks from Phang Nga. It takes about 90 minutes to get there from the mainland.

The largest of these islands is called Koh Similan, which offers a place to eat and a campsite.

Apart from these amenities, this is largely a place of untouched natural beauty, although it is becoming more popular – so get there asap.

The surrounding water is viewable 30 metres down from the surface, and here you'll find 5000-year old reefs, which makes for an ideal location for diving.

There are restrictions on visiting, such as during the monsoon season and turtle breeding season, so do check before you travel.

You can travel by boat from Thap Lamu Pier, in the Thai Muang district of Phang Nga province.

2. Koh Nang Yuan (Near Koh Tao)

Koh Nang Yuan

Fifteen minutes by longtail boat from the west side of Koh Tao sits the privately owned island of Koh Nang Yuan.

I'm no fan of privately owned islands either, but at least the 100 Baht visitor charge is put towards the upkeep of the island.

Strict rules prohibiting plastic and glass are in effect, which ensures the island remains in perfect condition.

Why not treat yourself and stay at the Nang Yuan Resort for a couple of nights? It's the only accommodation on the island.

+ See the hotel here.

3. Koh Tarutao (Satun Province)

Koh Tarutao

150 square kilometers of land, with a seven hundred meter high mountain at the centre, and surrounded by the Koh Tarutao Marine National Park, Tarutao boasts national park status, which means developers can't get their grubby hands on the land.

Weirdly enough, up until 1948 the island was a maximum security prison. It was thought that the shark infested waters dissuaded prisoners from escaping, despite shark attacks being rare in Thailand.

Apart from a few government buildings and the ranger station, there are no human habitations on the island.

Get there from nearby Koh Lipe. Speaking of which…

4. Koh Lipe

koh lipe thailand

Located near the Malaysian border, and with the nearly deserted Koh Tarutao on its doorstep, Koh Lipe has seen some development over the past few years.

It has thirty-five hotels, two hospitals and even WiFi.

But that doesn’t mean it is overrun by backpackers, far from it, but can get busier than most of the other Thai beaches on this list.

Bookings are hard to come by between December and March, but if you can grab a place it’s a great island base from which the archipelago is easily explored.

+ See Koh Lipe hotels here

5. Koh Phra Thong (Phang Nga Province)

Koh Phra Thong

Koh Phra Thong is known as “Golden Buddha Island” after a legend involving, yes, a golden Buddha, which is buried somewhere on the island.

So the idea is to eschew your material wealth for a day and enjoy the nature; you know, like Buddha would have done.

Koh Phra Thong boasts 15km of deserted white sand beaches and is so undeveloped the bungalow accommodation is built right on the sand!

There are few finer places to spend a day and night, especially if you’re into diving. The Surin Islands are close by too, which host a multitude of tropical fish species, and the broadest diversity of hard corals in Thailand.

Top ten dive site Richelieu Rock is also nearby.

6. Koh Adang

Koh Adang Thailand

Neighboring Koh Lipe is Koh Adang. But unlike its neighbor, Adang remains almost entirely undeveloped and covered with forest.

As with the rest of the Tarutao islands, everyone arrives via long tail from Lipe.

The island is uninhabited, although a small community of Urak Lawoi sea gipsies maintain a settlement.

A 15oft cliff and spectacular waterfalls are the stand out features of this hidden gem.

7. Koh Lao Liang

Koh Lao Liang

2o km offshore in Trang Province lies Koh Lao Liang. This is one of, if not the most tranquil places on Earth.

Part of Mu Ko Phetra National Park, no trees have been cut down on the island, concrete is strictly verboten, and the waters teem with dolphins and fish of all kinds.

Limestone cliffs provide climbing experiences, and there's kayaking and snorkeling too.

With just one place to stay on this tiny island (and that being in large nylon tents) this place is truly for the isolated feel.

As par for the Andaman Sea, the beaches are white, the waters are teal and full of life. It is only open in the high season though, so book in advance.

Koh Lao Liang can only be described as paradise.

8. Koh Kood (Trat Province)

Koh Kood

Image credit: thairoyaltravel .com

An hour offshore from the Cambodian border is Koh Kood. It is the fourth largest island in Thailand at 105 kn sq.

It contains villages and permanent residents, unlike some of the smaller islands on this list, but is still an absolute joy.

This serene island has quite a few places to stay – mostly homestays and budget hotels – yet retains the traditional island feel.

You could spend a week here, for sure. Check out Nam Tok Khlong Chao waterfall while you're here.

+ See Koh Kood hotels here

9. Koh Bulon Lae (Satun Province)

Koh Bulon Lae

Another Taratao island, Koh Bulon is virtually untouched by modern adoptions such as WiFi and electricity.

A 15-minute walk from end to end, and populated by the friendly Chao Lay (fishing people) this island has a Robinson Crusoe feel.

The jungle here teems with life and the place is kept spotless by its inhabitants, which includes some huge monitor lizards!

Luckily they are not particularly aggressive unless provoked.

10. Koh Som (Surat Thani Province)

Koh Som Thailand

Image credit: samuimarvelproperties. com

This tiny (1 sq km) island is a close neighbor of  Koh Samui, and easily accessible by speed boat from Samui in as little as 5 minutes.

The island provides breathtaking sunrise and sunset views. Marine life is rich and vibrant in the shallow waters, making snorkeling a great choice for those keen to explore.

The island is currently up for sale, yours for a cool $3.8 million USD.

11. Koh Mak (Trat Province)

koh mak thailand

40km off the coastline of Trat, and accessible from Laem Ngop Pier, sits beautiful Koh Mak.

The island is named after the areca nut, also known as the betel nut.

People are vastly outnumbered by palm trees and aquatic life here, making the island a perfect escape into nature.

There’s minimal nightlife on the island, so don't expect a good old knees-up every night. Koh Make is more a place of detox, a place to re-center and collect your thoughts.

+ See accomodation on Koh Mak

12. Koh Libong (Trang Province)

Koh Libong

Image credit: satunen.inlovesatuntrang. com

Tourists are a minority species on Koh Libong, despite four large resorts on the island.

It's a beautiful, undeveloped island with stereotypical bluey-green waters and wonderful spots to chill.

Libong is famous for its dugongs , which are a relative of the manatee, and, according to Wikipedia, “is the only living representative of the once-diverse Dugongidae family; its closest modern relative, Steller's sea cow, was hunted to extinction in the 18th century.

There’s lots of trekking here too, but the main game on Libong is relaxation.

13. Koh Khai (Phang-nga)

Koh Khai Thailand

Koh Khai is nicknamed “Egg Island” because it's a huge breeding ground for sea turtles. As such, overnight stays are prohibited, and with no freshwater on the island, this is strictly a day trip affair.

This island is lined with silky sand and surrounded by crystal clear waters, making it popular with snorkelers.

Koh Khai is 15 kilometres from Koh Tarutao. You can travel here from Koh Lipe. Food is available.

14. Nai Harn Beach (Phuket)

Koh-Nai-Harn

Considering this beach is on the otherwise well-developed Phuket, Nai Harn boasts a lonely atmosphere in comparison to Karon, Kata, and Patong.

This is because the Samnak Song Monastery is located right on the beach, where the monks are generally left in peace.

The beach is popular with surfers chasing breakers off the reef, and it's bay-like appearance makes it great for paddling in the shallows.

Careful though (sunbathers), there’s almost no cover from the sun on the sands at all.

——

Where's your favorite beach to get away from the crowds? Care to share?

loader

GET MY NEWSLETTER

Join thousands of others who receive my monthly roundup of content & insider tips on how to survive & thrive in Thailand.

  • Share it
  • Tweet it
  • Pin it
  • Email it

Last Updated on April 23, 2021

  • A Walk Through Karon Beach, Phuket [Video Review]
    A Walk Through Karon Beach, Phuket [Video Review]
  • A Walk Through Kata Beach, Phuket [Video Review]
    A Walk Through Kata Beach, Phuket [Video Review]
  • Thailand Weather: A Guide to Seasons, Rainfall & Temperature
    Thailand Weather: A Guide to Seasons, Rainfall & Temperature

Comments Sort by : newest | oldest

  1. Robb says

    January 4, 2020 at 3:55 pm

    Hi Peter, thanks for posting- we've been visiting Thailand for the past few years. We normally stay around Phuket / Phi Phi & Lanta.In the past, we've used fivestarthailandtours to book boat trips around these islands. But this year we want to follow your advice and check out some of the beaches even further south. In Trang, Satun and Maybe Koh Lipe. Do you have any recommendations on tour companies in these areas?
    Reply

    Jan 04, 2020 at 3:55 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      January 4, 2020 at 5:57 pm

      Hi Robb, for Lipe, Paradise Tours does an eco-sunset tour that includes snorkeling and beach visits. That was quite fun. Usually I just check out the providers at a local travel shop or get a recommendation from the hotel or other guests who've already been on a tour.
      Reply

      Jan 04, 2020 at 5:57 pm

  2. Pat says

    October 24, 2017 at 1:37 pm

    Went to Koh Bulone Leh last year and the beaches aren't that beautiful. The water is clear and a couple of bars provide cocktails and beer, not musch to do after a night or two, so don't book 5 nights like I did. I escaped, bored shitless, after 3.

    There's wifi and the power doesn't work between 6am and 6pm.

    I went alone assuming there would be a few single people to 'hang' with but it's mostly honeymooners, families and couples.

    There are far better islands than this, so be warned. Beaches aren't pristine and you'll soon exhaust the couple of decent eating options.

    Highlight is the Coconut bar, carved out of the jungle, whose owner Chit is a friendly, chilled out guy.
    Reply

    Oct 24, 2017 at 1:37 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      October 24, 2017 at 5:36 pm

      Thanks for the insight Pat. I've not made it there so perhaps I won't bother. I did assume it would be more a honey-mooner's destination. At least the power out at 6pm would encourage me to sleep early. It reminds me of days past in Samui during power cuts when the only option was to sleep. It brought welcome rest for my body!
      Reply

      Oct 24, 2017 at 5:36 pm

    • Martin says

      November 2, 2017 at 4:26 am

      Lmao bored shitless, I can appreciate the passion.
      Reply

      Nov 02, 2017 at 4:26 am

  3. Patricia says

    September 12, 2017 at 9:56 pm

    Cheers,

    I've been living on koh Lipe for 3 months and i have to say that the island changed a lot.
    2 huge 7/11, way more than 35 hotels...
    i really don't recommend to get there any longer.
    it's the new koh phi phi.


    patricia
    Reply

    Sep 12, 2017 at 9:56 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      September 12, 2017 at 10:11 pm

      Nothing ever stays sacred for long!
      Reply

      Sep 12, 2017 at 10:11 pm

      • Pamela says

        July 21, 2018 at 8:34 pm

        Sadly enough. I hate the world i live in. I wish to wake up one day to a better scenery...
        Reply

        Jul 21, 2018 at 8:34 pm

  4. Hiten says

    September 6, 2017 at 8:55 am

    Which places in the list would be pleasant to visit during January month.
    Reply

    Sep 06, 2017 at 8:55 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      September 6, 2017 at 3:58 pm

      The last one, Nai Harn Beach in Phuket. It will still be high season, so no rain yet. Try Bang Tao beach too, if you want somewhere family orientated with lovely sand.
      Reply

      Sep 06, 2017 at 3:58 pm

  5. Monique says

    January 6, 2016 at 3:28 pm

    I miss Khanom Beach in this list ?
    Reply

    Jan 06, 2016 at 3:28 pm

    • TheThailandLife says

      January 6, 2016 at 5:11 pm

      Yes, that is a beauty, but becoming more well known now!. I have a Thai friend from there. A lucky place to be born.
      Reply

      Jan 06, 2016 at 5:11 pm

  6. neale says

    March 30, 2015 at 7:29 am

    Thanks this is a great list to have, we are always trying to figure out which ones to visit :-)
    Reply

    Mar 30, 2015 at 7:29 am

    • TheThailandLife says

      March 30, 2015 at 4:27 pm

      Cheers Neale. When you dig around there are so many lovely beaches and beauty spots off the beaten track in Thailand, but it would take a couple of lifetimes to visit them all :)
      Reply

      Mar 30, 2015 at 4:27 pm

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 

thethailandlife

Hi! I’m Peter. I’ve been living & traveling in Thailand for 14 years. I’m here to give you all the information you need to make your Thai adventure safe, happy, & successful.

Recommended Thailand Services

I get a lot of requests for recommendations on services related to living in Thailand. To make things easier for you, I’ve compiled a list of those I use below.

Learning Thai

Thaipod101 is the best way to learn Thai online. It's how I started learning. They have hundreds of video and audio lessons to help you start speaking Thai today. Start free here.

Sending Money

Wise is the cheapest and fastest way to send money to Thailand. I use it and so do many of my readers. Go here to get your first transfer free.

Financial Planning

Whether you need life insurance, pension planning or other investment advice, I can connect you with my personal IFA. Simply fill out this form.

Health Insurance

I recommend getting a quote from Cigna for international Insurance, and then comparing that with local insurance premiums on Mr Prakan.

Travel Services

Hotels: Agoda offers good deals on hotels in Thailand. This is because they are located in the region and secure lots of special promotions. It's also worth trying Booking.com and Hotels.com for comparison.

Travel Insurance: SafetyWing is great for trips to Thailand and elsewhere. I've used them many times. If you're from the UK/Europe you can also try True Traveller.

Over 70? Insure My Trip. has policies for those struggling to find travel insurance cover due to age restrictions.

Bank Account

Need an international bank account that holds multiple currencies and lets you transfer, receive & spend wherever you are, with a MasterCard. I've used one for 4 years. Check out Wise.

Rent / Buy Property

Looking for an apartment to rent or a home to buy? For the largest selection of properties in Thailand, and a completely free service, visit PropertyScout here.

Data Security

To keep your data secure you should use a VPN when using public WIFI and when accessing internet banking and other sensitive information online. I use both Vypr VPN and Nord VPN.

Reader Favourites

1. Cheapest Way to Send Money to Thailand

2. Top 15 Thai Love Phrases [Video]

3. 100 Interesting Facts About Thailand

4. Best VPN to Protect Your Online Privacy

5. Buying a Condo: 9 Questions Before You Decide

6. Get Fluent in Thai in 3 Months!

7. Top 12 Jobs for Thailand Expats

8. Expat Life Insurance: 10 Must-Know Facts

9. The 4 Best Thai Dating Sites

loader

GET MY NEWSLETTER

Join thousands of others who receive my monthly roundup of content & insider tips on how to survive & thrive in Thailand.

*Please check your inbox to confirm your email address

Helpful Posts

+ Get the Right Visa
+ Get COVID Insurance
+ Get Health Insurance
+ Learn Basic Thai
+ Check Cost of Retirement
+ Check Cost of Living
+ Find a TEFL Course
+ Find a Job
+ Open a Thai Bank Account
+ Get Married
+ Best Visa Run Option

Join The Conversation

  • TheThailandLife on 10 Things to Do in Pattaya Other Than Sit in a Bar
  • Munnster on 10 Things to Do in Pattaya Other Than Sit in a Bar
  • TheThailandLife on 10 Things to Do in Pattaya Other Than Sit in a Bar
  • TheThailandLife on A Guide to Thai Spirit Houses

Get A Hotel Quote Now

Contact | Privacy Policy | Site Terms & Disclaimer| Media Pack 

Copyright © TheThailandLife.com 2023. All Rights Reserved.
No content on this site may be copied without written consent from TheThailandLife.com