Thailand: Tropical Beaches for a Winter Escape

“Winter is coming” is what they say in a popular television program, but here in Thailand, the months of November to March are one of the best times of year to enjoy a perfect beach weather and the abundance of sun. So, if you prefer working on your tan lines this winter than being bundled up in cold weather and read about the amazing beaches of Southeast Asia in some travel magazine; Thailand is the place to be.

Thailand is a place where eastern traditions perfectly blend with the western modernity. It’s adventurous yet accessible, chaotic yet tranquillizing, and lively yet comfortable. This beautiful country is known for its serene beaches, but when there are more than 3,200 kilometres of coastline to choose from, it can get a bit difficult to place your finger on a particular stretch of sandy shore.

So where are the best beaches in Thailand? The answer to that question is simple, it depends. Whether you are in Thailand for a lazy getaway, once-in-a-lifetime activities or a cosy honeymoon retreat with your loved one; there are plenty of mesmerising beaches in this country that can take care of your holiday demands.

But before that, allow us to answer one thing. Why go to tropical beaches for winter holidays?

First, you can relax, unwind and let go of the year’s worries. Second, a quiet, tropical place can give you the much-needed quality time to bond with your loved ones. Third, an obvious escape from the usual grind, everyday hustle-bustle, and the winter blues. Fourth, discover great places that will give you a fresh perspective towards life. Fifth, make new friends, and once-in-a-lifetime memories so that you can come back home with loads of stories to share. And finally, get yourself that perfect tan.

You have come to the right place if are looking for the best Thailand beaches in winter. Trade your winter jackets, gloves and boots for a swimsuit, shades and a summer hat as we are going to share some of the best beaches that will set the tone for a perfect Thailand holiday.

From foolproof go-to’s to some of Thailand’s best-kept secrets, here is the iTraveller’s list of top 7 beaches in Thailand to help you decide where to seek the sun this winter.

Phuket

No matter where you live in this world, you must have heard of Phuket. More than anything else, Phuket is known for its beaches. Though not as isolated as other seashores scattered across Thailand, the beaches in Phuket is a spot where you can meet other tourists and locals while you enjoy your holiday.

There are plenty of beaches you can explore in Phuket. Some of the best beaches include Kata Beach, Freedom Beach and Kata Noi Beach. These beaches have it all – beautiful soft sands, nodding palm trees, emerald green waters and a fantastic laid-back atmosphere.

Kho Chang

Kho Chang is a secluded, less-populated tourist destination in Thailand. Unlike the bustling Phuket, it only started welcoming tourists just a little over two decades ago. And it's a good thing because this is clearly an untouched island with a natural beauty that every island destination comes with – stunning landscapes, coral reefs and beautiful beaches.

Klong Prao Beach on this island is the longest stretch of sand that generally attracts a crowd looking for a quiet atmosphere.

Koh Tao

If scuba diving is your thing, then you should make a beeline for Koh Tao. Koh Tao is the diving capital of Thailand. Here you can earn a PADI scuba certification. Fun fact, when it comes to the number of certificates issued worldwide, Koh Tao comes second only to Cairns, Australia.

This island is surrounded by great diving sites where you can swim alongside the sea turtles, yellow boxfish, barracudas, or ever (if lucky) the magnificent whale shark. You can also enjoy snorkelling in the clear blue waters of Kho Tao aside from basking in the sun.

Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is a place that hosts great parties. Widely known for its Haad Rin Nok Beach, where every month thousands of partygoers descend to take part in one of the world’s biggest dance party – The Full Moon Party.

The beaches on this island are breathtakingly beautiful. Make sure to visit the Buddhist temples nearby if you wish to experience serenity along with spirituality during your holiday.

Koh Lipe

It can be quite difficult to narrow down the hunt for Thailand’s most serene and idyllic beach down to just one. But the beaches of Koh Lipe island come pretty close to being one.

Featured in Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie, The Beach, the film depicts the unspoiled and untouched beauty of Koh Lipe in all its glory. With its white sandy beaches and small-town vibes, Koh Lipe is one experience that you should never miss.

Hua Hin

The original destination for Thailand’s beaches, Hua Hin is ideal for spending time with your family. This town used to be the summer retreat for kings, but even after a century, it remains popular with the local populations and tourists.

The sandy beaches of Hua Hin are crescent white with crystal clear waters. The entire beach is a big playground for families having young children and it is well connected by roads and rail.

Krabi

Imagine idyllic beaches with endless silvery sands, clear shades of green oceans, and scenic islands scattered just kilometres from the coast. Now imagine all this on a much bigger scale, in a much pristine state and without the crowd. That’s what Krabi is. A less-travelled gem in southern Thailand.

Those who arrive in Krabi in search of picture-perfect vistas, usually don’t end up leaving disappointed. In shorts, Krabi has all the markings to be Thailand’s best island.

If you’ve visited before, you might still be surprised by some of the places we’ve included. Make sure to check out our cheapest Thailand holiday packages that bring you customisable itineraries that suits your expectations and budget.