Five Thai beaches among 25 top beaches in Asia

When it comes to sea, sun, and sand, few countries can compete with Thailand. The Kingdom and India tied for the top spots in the Top 25 Beaches in Asia with five beaches each on the list published last week by TripAdvisor.

“There are so many beautiful beaches in Asia that can cater to every type of travel,” said Janice Lee Fang, communications director for TripAdvisor, Asia Pacific.

Travelers that responded to TripAdvisor’s survey for its 2019 Traveller’s Choice Awards, however, rated beaches in Thailand and India as the most beautiful to visit. Specifically, they named Nai Harn, Phra Nang, Karon, Kata, and Thong Nai Pan Noi beaches in Thailand as their favorites.

TripAdvisor is a Massachusetts-based travel and restaurant website company that claims to be the world’s largest travel website with 280 million unique monthly visitors from all corners of the globe.

Nai Harn beach on the island of Phuket was the top Thai beach on the list, finishing in third place overall. “Tucked between green hills and tiny islands on south Phuket, Nai Harn Beach is a great spot for those looking for some quiet time, away from the noise and commercial establishments,” TripAdvisor wrote.

Three of the five Thai beaches on the list are on Phuket: Nai Harn, Karon, and Kata beaches. Phuket’s popularity has soared in recent years, to the point where large numbers of tourists are visiting the island year-round rather than just in the high-season months.

Phra Nang Cave beach in the province of Krabi was the second-most popular Thai beach and was rated sixth overall in Asia by TripAdvisor readers.

“This beach is spectacular! Honestly, the best beaches are in Krabi and may even surpass the Phuket area. The white, soft sand, emerald green clear water to the beautiful seascapes,” were amazing, wrote one TripAdvisor reviewer.

Thong Nai Pan Noi beach on Koh Pha Ngan island was the only beach in the Gulf of Thailand that made the top 25. The other four are on the Andaman Sea coast. TripAdvisor readers ranked Thong Nai Pan Noi the 16th best beach in Asia.

“I think this is the best beach I have ever visited. It is not overcrowded (yet) and has a good selection of bars and restaurants. The sand is super soft and the water crystal clear,’’ write a TripAdvisor reviewer from the United Kingdom.

So if you need a break from the cold of winter or the grind of work, Thailand has a beautiful beach waiting just for you.