Top 5 Thailand Beaches

5: Phuket - James Bond Island

You will feel like "The Man With The Golden Gun" at this famous beach retreat on the island of Phuket. The main striking feature is the single limestone karst outcrop that sticks out of the water here. Although the beach itself is beautiful, the fact that it gets so many tourists and there are so many stalls selling trinkets puts this beach at number 5. Day trips to James Bond Island (real name, Phang Nga Bay) are easy to organise, try here: www.phuketthailandtrip.com

4: Ko Pha Ngan -Haad Rin

In my personal opinion, this beach isn't actually that great but the party is awesome beyond belief. The beach is on the Southern Tip of Koh Pha Ngan and dangerous rip-tides cut through choppy waters that bounce off the rocks.Haad-Rin and the original Full Moon Party should be on everyone's bucket-list. The fire shows are world famous and spectacular. Make the pilgrimage to "mushroom mountain" or buy a bucket and dance at one of the many open bars. Unfortunately Full Moon drownings are common.
 
3: Koh Tao - Nang Yuna Island

One of the less explored areas on the famous island of Koh Tao. Nang Yuna is situated at the North West of the island and features a unique sandbar formation which allows you to walk freely between three islands (one of which hosts a 5 star hotel). Also an excellent diving spot! Koh Tao has more qualified Scuba Divers than anywhere else in the world and the diving is some of the cheapest.
 
2: Phi Phi Leh - "The Beach"

Now we are talking tropical paradise, an uninhabited island situated a sort boat ride from the more famous Phi Phi Don (very badly hit in the boxing day tsunami). This island was the filming location for the film "The Beach" starring Leonardo Di Caprio. The beach itself is called Maya Bay and the setting is stunningly beautiful, but as you can see from my photo it succumbs to the tourist $. You can spend a night on "The Beach" by arranging it from Phi Phi Don or Tonsai and traveling there by boat. http://www.mayabaycamping.com/Programme.aspx

1: Rai-Leh/Tonsai 

 When I visited Tonsai I almost considered living here, that's how good it is. Relatively undiscovered, you can stay in a hut in the jungle and hang out with a unique backpacking community. The topography of Raileh and Tonsai means that despite the fact they are attached to the Thai mainland, you can only access them by boat. The approach by boat to Tonsai is one of the most beautiful sites I have seen in my life. World famous for Rock Climbing, serene, calm. If you visit with a family it might be best to stay at the slightly more resort focussed area of Raileh, watch out for the crabs on the beach at night! http://thingstodo.viator.com/thailand/rai-leh/