Calling all sun worshippers: these are the best beach hotels and resorts in Thailand.
Thailand has long been a favourite destination of Aussie travellers due to its close proximity, favourable climate and generous exchange rate, but there’s so much more to this fascinating country. Its friendly people, welcoming traditions, opulent ancient structures and captivating history enchant, while its exciting new-meets-old cities and villages offer a positive experience for every taste.
The true drawcard of Thailand though is its natural beauty. Jagged mountain ridges shrouded with lush foliage hide secret beaches lapped by azure ocean waters. The country’s forests are teeming with wildlife and its oceans are full of decorative corals and sea life, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. Visitors to the country’s popular beaches enjoy swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling, scuba diving and other watersports, and Thailand’s best beach hotels and resorts all offer access to these activities. We’ve curated a list of the top luxury beach resorts that are guaranteed to give you a true tropical Thai holiday experience.
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Bring the family to The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani
Staying at The Sands in beautiful Khao Lak will give you access to the soft, golden sand and pristine blue water of peaceful Nang Thong Beach. You’ll enjoy views of the nearby lush, forested hills, and easy access to Khao Lak village and surroundings. Khao Lak is also famous for its spectacular natural wonders, such as national parks, waterfalls, lakes and dams, which you can explore while getting to know the friendly locals.
While this sheltered oasis is a true paradise, The Sands resort is certainly the star of the show. Besides stunning natural surroundings, the resort features three unique wings designed for different tastes and activities. Refresh your senses in the Seaside Wing, with ocean views, cool summer breezes and sweeping lawns plus access to the sunshine terrace and seaside. Relax your body and mind in the Lagoon Wing, with lagoon or garden views from your balcony, family-friendly rooms or plunge pool access. Kids can play all day in the Aqua Wing, offering easy access to one of the most exciting water parks in the area from its creatively decorated rooms.
There’s a plethora of activities at the resort, including water and beach sports, a fitness centre, games room, tennis courts, petanque, a giant chess board, yoga or martial arts classes, plus cooking and cocktail classes. Drop your kids off at the amazing ‘Sands Castle’ club and relax by the adults-only pool with a cocktail or visit one of the many bars and restaurants to tantalise your tastebuds. For true indulgence, head to the spa for a massage or beauty treatment.
Cocoon yourself in splendour at Cape Panwa Hotel
Located on Phuket’s Cape Panwa, with sweeping views along the sparkling Andaman Sea and its own private, white-sand beach, Cape Panwa Hotel is the perfect hideaway retreat, making it one of Thailand’s best beach hotels and resorts. Nestled within a peaceful coconut plantation, the resort allows for easy access to local attractions such as cruises, hikes, island explorations, museums, aquariums and fascinating historical sites.
Walking into the stunning lobby, you’ll realise just how well the resort’s designers have combined traditional Thai architecture with modern amenities to create a comfortable-yet-luxurious atmosphere. This design expertise is found throughout the resort’s many accommodation options, with modern, well-appointed rooms offering spectacular views of the ocean or palm trees. The multiple restaurants and bars provide a large selection of dining options to suit every taste, and the pools and day spa allow you to relax or play in paradise.
If you’re feeling adventurous, participate in cooking classes, batik painting or yoga and Thai boxing. Children can entertain themselves in the games room, or you can enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking and other activities as a family. Board the resort’s luxury yacht for a cocktail cruise, visiting surrounding islands, snorkelling and spotting sea life. Alternatively, just sit back and relax on the beach, by the pool or in your room, while the friendly staff treat you like royalty.
Switch off in paradise at Pullman Khao Lak Resort
With verdant forests, quiet beaches, deserted islands, temple caves, dramatic limestone cliffs and stunning waterfalls, Khao Lak is the perfect embodiment of Thailand’s natural beauty. Pullman Khao Lak Resort is ideally situated to explore these wonders, the local village and Wat Tham temple cave, among other attractions. The resort is situated within Khao Sok National Park and is fronted by the glorious Bangsak (Bang Muang) Beach, offering unparalleled views of its surroundings.
The rooms and villas at Pullman Khao Lak Resort are high-class retreats with beautiful furnishings, oversized showers, balconies and a choice of pool or garden access, private pools or beach access. The popular pool access rooms allow you to step from your room straight into the outdoor pool. There are two delectable restaurants, two bars and a beach club to choose from, as well as a first-class fitness centre and day spa.
Explore the grounds with a bicycle tour or find your zen with outdoor yoga. Your kids will adore the exciting wet zone, outdoor play area and indoor kids club. Drop them off at the cosy cave cinema room to enjoy a movie while you take a dip and enjoy a drink at the swim-up bar or enjoy shimmering sunsets over the ocean while relaxing on a sun lounger.
Take in breathtaking views at The Nai Harn
Nestled into the Nai Harn Bay mountainside, carpeted with lush foliage, the gorgeous Nai Harn resort offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forest and sparkling ocean dotted with private tropical islands. Close by, you’ll discover several friendly towns boasting historical, cultural and environmental sites, shopping malls, markets, distilleries and even a gibbon rehabilitation centre.
The resort’s contemporary sea view or mountain view suites are sumptuously decorated and feature private terraces where you can take in the phenomenal views, enjoy a BBQ prepared by your personal butler or relax on your daybed. Opt to sample the local fare at one of three open-architecture restaurants or enjoy a cocktail at the ocean-view rooftop lounge. Afterwards, visit the gym or day spa for relaxation in an open-plan setting that brings the outdoors in.
Take some culinary skills home with you with a chef-led cooking demonstration or just enjoy someone else’s food preparation skills on an intimate luxury picnic. Participate in paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkelling or scuba diving, or take a dip in the scenic pool. For a true taste of paradise, visit some of the surrounding secluded bays and islands, and soak up the natural beauty in one of Thailand’s most beautiful areas.
Discover our collection of Thailand offers here.
Looking for more Thailand inspiration? Check out The Best Beach Clubs in Thailand.
