5 Thai beaches that quietly outshine Phuket

Phuket’s great and all if you like your sunsets with a side of selfie sticks and your sand crowded with tourists. But if you're after beach bliss without the tourist crush, Thailand has plenty of coastal gems that quietly outshine Phuket’s noisy charms. So, if your dream beach involves actual peace, and more coconut than chaos — here are five Thai beaches that are better alternatives than Phuket. Find out here.

Koh LipeIt can be considered better than Phuket because of its Caribbean-clear water, and the vibe is chilled. Located in the far south near the Malaysian border, it’s small, spectacular, and still (somehow) underhyped. And you can walk the whole island barefoot in 30 minutes, no tuk-tuk required.

Read more: Navi Mumbai Airport clears tariff: Here’s what domestic and international flyers will pay

Railay BeachAccessible only by boat, Railay isn’t technically an island, but it feels like one. Towering limestone cliffs frame emerald bays, climbers dangle off rocks like stylish lizards, and the beaches? Unreal. It’s considered a better alternative to Phuket because of zero traffic, and jaw-dropping views. And then there is Phra Nang Cave Beach, where the sand glows. Go for a kayak during the golden hour for next-level fun.

Koh Yao Noi
Stuck between Phuket and Krabi, Koh Yao Noi is another beautiful place to be. It’s a quiet island with white sand beaches and wildlife. Why it beats Phuket: No crowds, no chaos. Just yoga on the beach, fresh seafood, and a local community that hasn’t been Instagrammed that much. This place is ideal for couples, writers, introverts, and anyone who hates crowds.

Read more: 7 must-visit places in the Philippines — now visa-free for Indians, with direct flights coming soon

Ao NangAo Nang often gets dismissed as just a transit town, but hear us out, the beach is long, the sunsets are cinematic, and it’s the perfect springboard to hop onto better-known spots like Railay or the Phi Phi Islands. Also, it’s cheaper, less chaotic, and you can actually find pad thai that doesn’t cost as much as a hostel bed.

Koh Mak
Tiny, eco-friendly, and famously laid-back, Koh Mak is a small island with beautiful beaches that doesn’t care about your itinerary. It’s all hammocks, bicycles, and conversations with strangers over banana pancakes. Why it beats Phuket: No mega-resorts. No full-moon madness. Just old-school island life and beaches that look like your screen saver.