Most visitors to Bangkok include time to explore beaches near Bangkok and soak up the sun inside a tropical paradise. The beaches near the center of attraction of the country, with ornate shrines and vibrant streets, are enriched with alluring nature full of palm trees, green hills, and azure blue waters. Although Thailand has incredibly beautiful places with diverse landscapes, nothing is more incredible than the sparkling sands over the bank of the silent seas. After getting some busy metropolitan vibes, there are some great escapes of calm beach fun near Bangkok.
Discover inspiration from the following list to visit the most beautiful nearby islands during your stay in Bangkok:
1. Koh Larn, Chon Buri
Koh Larn aka Koh Laan lies around seven kilometers off the coast of Pattaya. It is a tiny isle on the right end of the Bay of Bangkok. You can reach there either by the short ferry or a boat ride. It is most famous for day trip activities, even though you can enjoy a night stay with some personal space. Banana boat rides, jet skis, and parasailing are engaging water activities for the crowd.
Amazing mountainous terrain covered with lush green vegetation on the ground and colonies of corals in the waters makes it a paradise. Another best thing to experience there are delicious seafood dishes and other eateries.
Location: Chonburi, Coast of Pattaya, Thailand
Distance from Bangkok: Koh Laan is 98km away from Bangkok.
2. Hua Hin, Khiri Khan
Within a distance of around two and half hours South of Bangkok, Hua Hin is popular amongst European tourists. They mostly visit there during December and January to escape winter and many of them own properties there. Hence the destination becomes well-developed with more things to do, excellent cuisine, and cleaner beaches than ever before. Buses and trains are easily accessible to reach the beach, or you can also take private taxis.
Even though the beach is only 5kms long, it is more crowded throughout the day. You can also experience some local villages and enjoy local cuisines at small eateries. There are some outstanding resorts and restaurants, but you must try high-quality fish recipes once you reach there. It is also the place for golf and fantastic festivals like International Jazz Festival throughout the year.
Location: Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand
Distance from Bangkok: Hua Hin is approximately 144 Kilometres from Bangkok City Centre
3. Pattaya Beach, Pattaya
The nearest large beach from the Thai Capital is two hours away from Bangkok. Its popularity among both locals and tourists is remarkable. If you head toward the beach’s southern end, you will see rental options for speedboats, Jet Skis, and parasailing boats. Whether you want a quiet time on the sand, go to the northern end and enjoy tiny waves sitting under sun umbrellas.
On the way to Pattaya Beach, palm trees are on either side of the road that exponents the beauty of the place. In addition, there are fantastic cafes, shopping, and partying venues between Pattaya North Road and Pattaya South Road, also known as Pattaya Nua and Pattaya Tai respectively.
The busier beach also means lots of vendors providing food and drinks to Thai massages right on the chair.
Location: Pattaya Beach Road
Distance from Bangkok: Pattaya Beach is approximately 145 Kilometres from Bangkok City Centre.
4. Cha-am Beach, Phetchaburi
Cha-am is located 2 hours away from Bangkok and 26km distant from the heart of Hua Hin. Though it is also a crowded place like other spots on the coasts, there is no mess of food stall lines. It gives you an urban feeling as it is underdeveloped, with enticing surroundings and delicious foods at cheaper hotels and eateries.
You can stretch out on white sands and go for some water sports activities like deep-sea diving, cycling, or kite flying by sea to make good memories. There are many extravagant luxuries and modern amenities, hotels, and resorts with must-try sea foods and local cuisine.
Location: Phetchaburi, Thailand
Distance from Bangkok: 173.1 Km away from Bangkok.
5. Mae Phim Beach, Rayong
Exploring Laem Mae Phim Beach means relishing the beauty of nature, rest, and relaxation on western amenities and modern lifestyle. Popular as one of the finest beaches in Thailand, it is about 4.3 km long. Two-thirds of its land is covered with natural and untapped beaches, while the rest of part has restaurants and lounges.
You can visit some cool beachside restaurants there to get fresh seafood, cold drinks, and both local and western dishes. Other engaging activities over there are various water activities like snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, etc.
Location: Rayong, Thailand
Distance From Bangkok: 207 Km
6. Koh Samet, Rayong
Koh Samet (Ko Samet) is the closest tropical island to the capital, about 220 Km south of Bangkok. A small and pretty island covered with hills, and some parts designated as a national park, charismatic islands are the key features of this highly accessible beach.
If you are a Hot Sauce lover, don’t forget to visit Si Racha on the way to Koh Samet. It is the first outlet for sriracha-style hot sauce. There are 16 beaches in Koh Samet, 15 open to the public. They are clean, full of activities and so much to explore. Small beaches and warm sands will give you an amazing sunbathing experience. You can swim in the gentle waters if it is not your thing.
Location: Amphur Muang Rayong, Thailand
Distance from Bangkok: Koh Samet is approximately 220 Kilometres from Bangkok City Centre.
7. Pranburi Beach, Prachuap Khiri Khan
About 7km long charming and peaceful Pranburi beach is located about 30km south of Hua Hin. Nearby the beach, there is also a forest park called Mangrove forest. So there is no better option than to relax in a private atmosphere. It is also known as the starting point of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. Though the scenery around the beach is dramatic with wetlands, mangroves, and limestone peaks, the more eye-catching beauty is the clear blue waters.
If you want something more than soaking in the sun, you can do kiteboarding over the soft sands and swim in the great waters. There are also other water sports activities to have fun with, as well as many small resorts and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious cuisines.
Location: Pak Nam Pran, Pran Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan
Distance from Bangkok: Pranburi Beach is approximately 277 Kilometres from Bangkok City Centre.
8. Koh Chang, Trat
Koh Chang is approximately 300 km from Bangkok via bus and ferry, also popular with the name Elephant Island. As it is the close neighbor of Koh Kood island, you can amuse island hopping in High-speed ferries. Of the many beaches on the island, it is the busiest and most touristy one, with the capacity to accommodate all types of travelers and budgets.
It is the home of mind-blowing waterfalls, rainforests, and a small component of Mu Ko Chang National Park. It is the most developed area with banks, hotels, and the best places to eat nearby. As it is near the Suvarnabhumi Airport, store your luggage securely at the airport and jump off to the beach, catching a motorcycle taxi.
Location: Ko Chang District, Trat Province, Thailand
Distance from Bangkok: Koh Chang is nearly 350 Kilometers from Bangkok.
9. Railay Beach, Krabi
Railay, often called Rai Leh, lies between the city of Krabi and Ao Nang in Thailand, a small peninsula. It is primarily popular for rock climbing and diving. It is only accessible by boat due to high limestone cliffs cutting off the mainland. It is one of the most spectacular places in Thailand, together with the turquoise sea, tall palm trees, and powder-sugar fine white sandy beaches.
The major highlights of Railay Beach are pleasing sandy beaches and spectacular landscapes. Thanks to the soaring cliffs, it is widely popular not only with vacationers but also with climbers. Not only the fascinating beaches but there are also great accommodations, restaurants, the nicest pubs, etc.
Location: Mueang Krabi, Krabi
Distance From Bangkok: Railay Beach is approximately 664 Kilometres from Bangkok City Centre.
10. Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Lee
Maya Bay is a world-famous place as it was the location of Leonardo Dicaprio starring movie named “The Beach”. Another important reason behind its popularity is white sand beaches, which are attractive and photogenic. It has attracted tourists hordes with the surroundings of tall limestone cliffs, clear water in the middle, with baby sharks swimming around up above the turquoise.
There is no airport in Koh Phi Phi Lee, so you can only catch flights to Phuket or Krabi. The only way to get there is a ferry or a speedboat from Phuket or Krabi. You can visit the National Park, Bamboo island, and enjoy other sights around the beach, dip your feet in the water but can’t do swimming anymore. As the Thai government is more concerned about conservation, Maya beach may be closed for certain times of the year. So keep an eye out before your visit, especially in the rainy seasons.
Location: Koh Phi Phi Le, Ao Nang, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Distance from Bangkok: Maya Bay is approximately 702 Kilometres from Bangkok City Centre.
11. Nai Harn Beach, Phuket
To the very south of Phuket, there is a vast water area covered with tiny islands and greenery of very tall casuarina trees. It doesn’t remain too busy from December to May, but it can be a bit crowded during the peak months (December and January). As the land in front of the beach is law-protected, human creation can’t interrupt the natural beauty of that area.
There is a line of small restaurants nearer than a hundred meters to the beach to eat some classic Thai dishes at a reasonable price. On the way to Nai Harn Beach, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes. But you can also drive south for the seafood with the sunset view.
Location: Mueang Phuket District, Thailand
Distance from Bangkok: Nai Harn Beach is approximately 861 Kilometres from Bangkok City Centre.