
Everyone dreams of whiling away a day or two in the sunshine on the shores of a Thailand beach! The country is world-respected for its glorious beaches, tropical landscapes, smiley service, freshly made cocktails, coconuts (essential for a cooling pina colada or a creamy coconut margarita), and deliciously chili-infused cuisine. Little Steps Asia has pulled out all the stops and explored some of the finest beaches in Thailand to discover the 15 best beach clubs for you and your family.
BY LOCATION: THE BEST BEACH CLUBS IN THAILAND
Exuding glamour, the all-white colonial-inspired beach club on Bangrak Beach sets the tone for beach clubs across the island. Their motto, 'Live to have fun,' is perfectly fitting for families wanting to take advantage of a temperature-controlled pool, blissed-out Balearic beats, and the sound of the waves gently lapping on the shallow shores. Bangrak Beach is a popular mooring point for yachts so you can add some people-watching and boat-envy into the mix. It is one of the best beach clubs on the island and an excellent place for beach and homeware shopping in its little boutique stocked with locally made artisanal pieces and fashion imported from Europe. You'll be spoilt with their busy entertainment program, including brunches, evening parties, and fire shows on the beach. If that wasn't enough, they have a couple of gorgeously designed rooms for true beach club aficionados and a spa for a spot of pampering.
Tembo, Bangrak Beach, Koh Samui, +66 81 161 8828, info@tembo-samui.com, https://www.tembo-samui.com/
In 1998, Jack Penrod introduced Nikki Beach to the world with the original luxury beach club concept combining music, dancing, entertainment, art, fashion, and film. They have several carefully selected locations across the globe, including Koh Samui, each providing something uniquely special for their guests. You can relax under the Samui sun by the pool or on the beach with full drinks and menu service straight to your lounger. Sip chilled signature cocktails while the kids play in the pool and enjoy the menu with ingredient highlights from their clubs worldwide, including Tom yum spiced yellowfin tuna with avocado cream, puffed rice, garden herbs, fresh salads, creative sushi, and slow-roasted rotisserie chicken. Try the white chocolate coconut creme brulee with roasted coconut, shaved white chocolate, and coconut jam; it’s heavenly. Press pause, celebrate life, and enjoy a blissful massage in the spa or pop into its lifestyle boutique for branded swimwear, beach coverups, and polo shirts.
Nikki Beach, 96/3 Moo2, Tambon Lipa Noi, Koh Samui, +66 77 914 500, info.kohsamui@nikkibeach.com, https://koh-samui.nikkibeach.com/
Right on the white sandy beach in Bangrak with a swim-up bar, Chi serves modern cuisine paired with handcrafted cocktails and mocktails and an extensive international wine and champagne list. The 25-meter saltwater swimming pool gives you some cooling respite from the bright summer sun, and of course, you can swim up to the pool bar. There’s all kinds of seating for you and your family, swings (perfect for Instagram), sun loungers, love seats, sunbeds, and the comfiest beanbags. Each Tuesday evening, Chi has a movie night showing your favorite silver-screen films, Oyster and wine on Wednesday, and live music on Thursday. Every second Friday is a special day for kids with a bouncy castle and many fun games to keep them occupied. Jon Sa Trinxa plays his legendary Ibiza tunes every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1 pm until late; there's also a wild fire show each Saturday evening. Chill out on Sundays with a traditional roast lunch and drinks specials.
Chi Samui, 16/4 Moo 4, Bophut, Koh Samui, Ko Samui, +66 92 271 7439, info@chisamui.com, https://www.chisamui.com/
Family-owned, the owners, Pedro and Suzi, completely revamped Tropicoco Beach Resort to welcome their friends, families, and visitors to experience their attentive service, great food, and the inspiring tropical setting. Perfect for families with a shady family and open-air beach lounges and beachfront dining areas, Coco Locco Beach Club services tapas and Western and Thai food. The full bar offers refreshing drinks, tropical fruit shakes, delicious cocktails, and a wine and bottle service from their local and international menu. Pedro shops for fresh ingredients from local vendors daily so that the chefs can create high-quality fare throughout the day. The kids will have fun splashing around in the pool, exploring the coves in a kayak, or playing traditional bar games such as darts or pool; feast on fresh fish, veggie and vegan dishes, and your favorite Thai cuisine. The sharing grilled seafood plate will send your tastebuds to heaven.
Coco Locco Beach Club, Tropicoco Beach Resort, 53/3 Moo 8 Haad Yao, Koh Phangan, +66 61 693 0641, info@tropicocobeachresort.com, http://www.cocoloccophangan.com/
A hidden paradise on Koh Phangan, The Beach Club at Burirasa is surrounded by swaying palm trees, white sandy beaches, and crystal clear azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Enjoy the personalized service and the laid-back vibes of being on a seemingly deserted island. Tuck into freshly prepared Thai, barbeque, and Western cuisines with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and modern techniques. The barefoot boutique resort is a toes-in-the-sand experience not to be missed. While the kids play on the beach, why not treat yourself to a Nam Thai massage to relax and refresh you with natural herbal remedies used in Thailand for decades? As one of the longest-established beach clubs on Koh Phangan, you’ll find a sense of peace and familiarity and enjoy warm sunny days, breathtaking sunsets, and a canopy of stars as the night sky ends your day.
The Beach Club, 55 Moo 5, Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach, Ban Tai, Koh Phangan, +66 77 956 075, info@burirasa.com, https://www.burirasa.com/
Right on Sairee Beach, Maya Beach Club is one of Koh Tao’s premier beach lounges with a firm following of local and international travelers. The open-air bar is furnished with comfy wicker sun loungers in the sun or under shaded salas. Enjoy fresh seafood and delicious cuts straight from the grill with ice-cold beers, cocktails, and imported wines and spirits. There’s chilled-out music throughout the day, and in the evening, you’ll toe-tap to live funky soul mixes from their resident DJ. Facing west, it’s one of the most popular destinations for sunset drinks, so take advantage of their happy hours between 4 pm and 7 pm. There’s usually a game or frisbee or two, which you and the kids can join, and a pool table inside. Sea-loving families can rent stand-up paddleboards and have instruction from one of the team.
Maya Beach Club, Sairee beach, Tambon Ko Tao, Koh Tao, +66 86 274 7932, https://www.facebook.com/MayaBeachClub
For over 15 years, Catch has been the go-to beach club in Phuket. Set on the white sandy beaches of popular Bangtao, the almost hidden beach club has an Andaman Sea view from the infinity edge pool, an alfresco beachside restaurant, and an expansive design-forward beach bar serving the most delicious cocktails and imported wines and spirits. You’ll be on the right side of the coast to bear witness to spectacular sunsets each night. Head to Catch for some serious R&R and soak up the impressive views, exceptional service, and great tunes. Bangtao Beach is one of the longest beaches on the island, so you can take a leisurely wander with the kids and dip your toes into the temperate waters. The popular cabanas are very popular and shade you from the sun, so book well in advance. Dine on yummy tapas or sharing dishes before nodding off on the over-plumped pillows. There’s always something going on at Catch, so sign up for their newsletter so that you are up-to-date with all the going’s on! They also arrange cruises if you fancy a special treat.
Catch Beach Club, Bang Tao Beach, Thalang, Phuket, +66 65 348 2017, book@catchbeachclub.com, https://www.catchbeachclub.com/
The refreshing pool is at the heart of Café Del Mar, surrounded by a terrace with an array of comfy seating so you can relax, dine and unwind. Based on popular Kamala Beach, palm trees line the terraces to keep you and the kids cool from the midday sun with views across the twinkling turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. With Ibiza-inspired tunes, you can move from daytime chilling, spectacular sunsets to an evening under the stars. If you are feeling active, there's a range of fun water sports on offer, or you can wander down the soft sandy beach with the little ones or build a sandcastle or two. Graze on a fusion of Italian, Japanese, Thai, and other international flavors and sip on handcrafted cocktails. Try the sharing platters or items from the grill paired with crisp wines, top-shelf spirits, and craft beers from their extensive collection while the kids get messy with one of the fresh fruit smoothies or a virgin mocktail. There's always something going on at Café Del Mar; make sure to check out their website for their very special events and guest DJs.
Café Del Mar, 18/19 Moo 3, Kamala, Kathu District, Phuket, +66 93 580 4486, reservations@cafedelmar-phuket.com, https://phuket.cafedelmar.com/
A blend of chilled-out Ibiza vibes and utter relaxation, Alexa Beach Club has a variety of dining experiences, delicious drinks, and a VIP bed service or even your own 'island' with four sunloungers and sofas with plenty of shade, so you don't have to move a muscle! Enjoy Asian-inspired cuisine in a poolside setting to an ever-increasing beat that takes you into a nighttime of dancing. If you visit with your little ones, it's best to go during the day so they can happily splash around in the pool before it gets too full. There is even a little kids club so they can make new friends in the playground surrounded by tropical gardens. The weekends get busy with local ex-pats wanting to unwind to live performances and international DJs. Alexa Beach Club offers a range of water sports, including sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and even jet skiing for adventurous families.
Alexa Beach Club, 37/15, Moo 2, Na-Jomtien Soi 8, Sukhumvit Road, Sattahip, Chonburi, +66 98 275 6112, reservations.alexabeachclub@gmail.com, https://www.alexabeachclub.com/
Unwind at COAST and relax on the covered terrace with comfy casual seating just steps away from the beach. The comprehensive all-day menu has delicious fresh salads, including their signature Ceasar salad; add grilled chicken breast, flash-cooked sea prawns, smoked Tasmanian salmon, or Asian-influenced grilled chicken. The Coast board is ideal for sharing, and plenty of dishes are ideal for the kids, including pizza and burgers. The kids will love dipping in and out of the sea, building sandcastles, and chasing unsuspecting crabs along the pretty shoreline. As day turns to dusk, the mixologists get to work and create delicious cocktails with the finest top-shelf spirits. Enjoy the unobstructed views and experience an island-like beach club away from the hustle and bustle of Pattaya.
COAST Pattaya Beach Club & Bistro, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, Banglamung, Chonburi, +66 3 830 1234, irdcmbr@chr.co.th, https://www.coast-beach-club.com/
Inspired by a fusion of Thai and Western cuisine, Oceanside Beach Club & Restaurant is based at the Putahracsa resort, a sophisticated beach hideaway designed to be in harmony with nature. The calm waters mean lots of water sports, including banana boats, body boarding, and kite surfing, available straight from the resort and club. Uninterrupted views of the sea and the sounds of gently lapping waves make Oceanside a barefoot experience for the whole family. Choose to dine in the restaurant or on beds beside the beach and be served beachside food and handcrafted cocktails with a smile. Select from dishes made with the day's freshest catch from the sea with large platters of Thai favorites, pasta, and salads. A must-try is the sticky rice cooked in coconut milk with freshly sliced mango. The all-white restaurant has a beachy vibe and is perfect for an afternoon of tranquility after a morning exploring the city, or pop in as the sun sets and curl up on the oversized sofas with comfy cushions and listen to the chilled-out tunes spun by the resident DJ. Oceanside regularly has themed events, tapas nights, opera dinners, and white parties.
Oceanside Beach Club & Restaurant, 22/65 Naeb Kaehat Road, Hua Hin, +66 32 531 470, fbm@putahracsa.com, https://www.oceansidebeachclub.com/
As part of Amari Hua Hin, the well-known beach sanctuary is home to Shoreline Beach Club. With a range of Thai and international dishes to choose from, you dine inside or alfresco overlooking the sea and Khao Takiab beach. The dishes are made with the freshest ingredients from the local markets and suppliers, and the portions are huge! So order a few dishes and share them between you. Savor prime cuts and fresh seafood. Kids under eight eat for free! Shoreline has an extensive selection of cocktails, mocktails, local and imported wines, and craft beers. The little ones will love splashing around in the pool during the day and curling up on the sunloungers when they are just too tired to play anymore! As the sun begins to hide behind the horizon as if by magic, the bistro turns into a beach club with some great tunes to keep you toe-tapping for the rest of the night.
Shoreline Beach Club, Amari Hua Hin, 117/74 Takiab Road, Nongkae, Hua Hin, +66 3261 6600, reservations.huahin@amari.com, https://www.amari.com/huahin/dine/shoreline-beach-club
If you are looking for a beach brunch, look no further than Reeve Beach Club, which boasts one of the best locations on Ao Nang Beach. The food is exceptional and includes dishes such as seafood platters, fresh oysters, pizza, pasta, an impressive barbeque station, and a range of your favorite Thai dishes. If you are early risers, head down to Reeve for breakfast and feast on French toast, crispy bacon, fried eggs, and waffles. If you decide to soak up the sun and enjoy the unobstructed views, try the Italian-style cheesy baked lobster that leaves your taste buds dancing in delight. Their talented mixologists can shake or stir your preferred cocktails and mocktails for the kids. Reeve also has a collection of stand-up paddle boards to rent; if you spend over THB1,000, you'll get them for free! Well after the sun has set, at 8 pm each night, you can watch (or be a participant in) the impressive fire show and great tunes.
Reeve Beach Club, 31/1 Moo 2, Ao Nang, Krabi, +66 93 631 7599, reevebeachclub@gmail.com, https://www.facebook.com/reevebeachclubkrabi
Based at the Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi, Sands Beach Club is a great place to enjoy the beach and savor international, freshly caught and grilled seafood, tapas, pizza, and Thai cuisine, all paired with scrummy cocktails, imported wines, and perfectly chilled beers; don't forget there's a happy hour each day! Little Steps loved the green mango salad with softshell crab and the insalata di frutti di mare. Framed by dramatic cliffs and long stretches of perfect white sandy beaches, Sand Beach Club is a picture-perfect spot to spend a day. The Centara is a fresh and fun take on a typical beach resort blending contemporary styles with tropical living. If you stay at the hotel, the kids will have many adventures in the kids' club and various complimentary activities.
Sands Beach Club, 981 Moo 2, Tambon Ao Nang, Krabi, +66 7 581 5999, fbmcnk@chr.co.th, https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centara/cnk/sands-beach-club
Part of the La Vela Resort, Kokulo Beach Club is inspired by tropical nature, a rich cultural heritage, and the shimmering waters of the Andaman Sea. Namg Niang Beach has long been one of the loveliest barefoot beaches in Thailand. The modern resort has a rustic charm and is an exquisite haven for travelers visiting Thailand for the first, second, or third time. With a great pool, the kids will have bags of fun splashing around, running up and down the beach, making sandcastles, or devouring delicious oversized portions of ice cream. There is plenty of fresh seafood, mouthwatering pasta, pizza, and live cooking stations, so you can happily graze on your best-loved dishes all day. The well-stocked bar has cooling cocktails, chilled beers, and imported spirits and wines. If you have an hour or two to spare, leave Dad with the kids and have pampering treatments at Spa Qaqula, an oasis of calm.
Kokulo Beach Club, La Vela Khao Lak, Ban Khao Lak, +66 76 428 599, info@lavelakhaolak.com, https://www.lavelakhaolak.com/
With views of the brilliant blue hues of the Andaman Sea, the sophisticated Kram Beach Club rests on Bang Muang Beach within the Khao Sok National Park. Chill out on the powdery white sandy beaches, loungers by the pool, or under shaded cabanas. The beach club serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine paired with freshly prepared cocktails, mocktails, and a great selection of imported wines. As the sun gracefully slips over the horizon, relax to the sounds of some tunes spun by the resident DJ. Next to a sleepy local village, you can wander along the beach and experience a slice of Thai life and the opportunity to buy local handicrafts and art. If you stay at the resort, your little ones can hang out with their newfound friends at the Kids' Club, play in the wading pool, and spin around the twin-looped water slide.
Kram Beach Club, 46/109, Moo 2, Soi 46 Laem Son, Bang Muang Sub-District, Khao Lak, +66 76 59 2233, HB436@accor.com, https://www.pullmankhaolakresort.com/dining/kram-beach-club/
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