Thailand Beach Holidays & Vacation Packages 2025/2026

Best Time to Visit Thailand Beaches and Islands

It is important to choose the right time for your beach vacation in Thailand. Weather aside, there are actually two main regions to consider with the Andaman Sea to the southwest and the Gulf of Thailand to the southeast. These two great destinations bring together several islands, each with its own attractions and specificities.

Thailand beach holidays

In the Kingdom of Siam, the European summer period corresponds to the rainy season in the southwest which particularly affects the Andaman coast from May to October, with more intense rains at the beginning and end of the monsoon.

The western part of the Gulf of Thailand suffers less from these rains until the winds reverse, usually in November. For the many Europeans traveling in July-August, we suggest the islands of the Gulf of Thailand to the South, such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samet.

Beware though, some travelers book Thailand beach holidays on their own in the well-known islands that are near the Cambodian border, such as Koh Chang, Koh Kood, etc. However, this eastern part of the Gulf is statistically wetter than Phuket in July-August!

During the period of heavy rain, these beach destinations are windswept. Boat trips are impossible or very risky and most restaurants and shops are closed.

Hence the importance, in order not to turn your dream into a nightmare, to entrust the organization of your stay to specialists living on-site who know the seasons and the weather well.

There is a possibility of going on both sides between the beginning of January and the end of April, during the dry season on a scale of the whole kingdom. Then, between the beginning of May and the end of October, it is best to go to the western Gulf of Thailand. While between early November and early January, it is better to choose the Andaman Sea.

Top Destinations for Your Thailand Beach Holidays

In the Gulf of Thailand

Choose Koh Samui for its nightlife, easy access by plane, and a wide choice of activities. For lovers of the seabed, Koh Tao is a paradise for diving and snorkeling. If you’re looking for somewhere less developed than Koh Samui, head to Koh Phangan. For its nature and its beautiful coves. But avoid Haad Rin, the festive part of the island where the full moon parties take place.

Koh Samui

We also recommend Koh Samet, not far from Bangkok (2h30 by car, then 30 minutes by boat). It is therefore not necessary to travel by plane, which is more ecological and cheaper. The white sand beach is beautiful.

In the Andaman Sea

If you’re looking for bustling beach resorts and vibrant nightlife with restaurants, shops, and bars in Krabi Province, head to Ao Nang instead. Arrive directly by plane and enjoy a range of activities with our local partners. Further north along the coast, several addresses offer attractive accommodations away from the crowds to choose from for your beach holidays in Thailand.

Consider diving or snorkeling on the Phi Phi Islands and avoid spending the night in Tonsai, the most developed part of the island.

Phi Phi Islands

On Koh Yao Noi, discover nature and local life in several villages, including fishing activities, rubber, pineapple, and oil palm crops. The north of Phang Nga Bay also has beautiful scenery.