Thailand beaches are famous: anticipate sun-drenched sweet white sands and waters in a thousand shades of blue.

Stating that water fans are spoiled for option when it comes to Thailand beaches is an understatement. Beaches of every meaning are discovered in this tropical country (visiting them all is a can't- miss out on thing to do here), from secluded stretches with only one of the most basic features to bar-lined celebration destinations crowded with perky revellers. However wherever you lay your towel, expect sun-drenched sugary white sands and waters in a thousand shades of blue-- and a bottle of cold low-cost beer.

After a day invested under the sun, you'll wish to welcome the local nightlife scene ... or lose consciousness in a comfortable bed at one of the best hotels in town.

1. Railay Beach

Where is it? Krabi

What is it? Among the most spectacular beaches in Thailand, situated in between the city of Krabi and Ao Nang.

Railay Beach tops every list and there's an obvious reason for it: it's gorgeous, plain and basic. The beach provides a handful of accommodation ranging from fundamental bungalows to stretching luxury resorts.

2. Tha Pho Beach

Where is it? Koh Kood

What is it? A heavenly oasis on among Thailand's most remote resort islands.

As one of the smaller sized islands in Thailand, Koh Kood clings to its slow-paced, dreamy vibe, a world away from the noisy resorts of the nation's more renowned beach locations. While the shores of Tha Pho Beach are quiet, its tranquil blue-green waters are house to a successful undersea ecosystem where sea turtles, stingrays, barracudas and reef occupants co-exist.

3. Chaweng Beach

Where is it? Koh Samui

What is it? The ideal spot to pitch up and celebration.

Many travelers have cottoned on to this spectacular stretch in Koh Samui, but we couldn't discuss Thailand beaches without mentioning it. The high-end resorts in the northern part of Chaweng Beach offer idyllic spots to take a breather and delight in a medspa holiday, but if you 'd rather invest your time at the beach soaking up the sun with a mixed drink and then partying 'til dawn, there's also plenty of chances to do simply that.

4. Kata Noi

Where is it? Phuket

What is it? A sanctuary of calm compared to the lively neighbouring Kata Beach

Kata Noi offers smooth soft sand backed by a hillside road lined with sundown bars and little shacks offering cold Singha and great food. Riders will discover a decent spot for surfing in the northern end of the beach, while snorkelers will do well to make for the rocky headlands at either end of the bay.

5. White Sand Beach.

Where is it? Koh Chang

What is it? A deliciously beautiful beach with a lively nightlife scene.

Sundown sees beach bottoms and backpackers settling into happy hour with dreadlocked rasta musicians and celebration people. As the night deepens, the beach comes alive with candle-lit tables, fire dancers and thumping noises from clubs that stay open till the last laggers stumble out.

6. Laem Thong Beach

Where is it? Koh Phi Phi

What is it? The island's most secluded and special beach.

Why go? Whether bathed in the pastel shades of the sunrise, the dazzling light of daytime or the silver of moonlight, this flour-white-sand-blessed stretch in Koh Phi Phi is breathtaking 24 hours a day. Laem Tong is available only by longtail boat or a personal speedboat that drops visitors off at one of the few high-end resorts that line the strip. The growing reefs simply off the beach and in backpacker destinations the neighbouring islands are house to rich marine life, and makes an ideal snorkelling or diving getaway for newbies and the more experienced.

7. Sai Kaew Beach

Where is it? Koh Samet

What is it? A jaw-dropping combo of soft white sands of and up-tempo nightlife, just a few hours from Bangkok.

Why go? Sai Kaew Beach is the ideal location for a quick weekend getaway. Effortlessly fusing the lazy (early morning strolls, afternoon naps, massages on the sand) with the dynamic (every sort of water activity imaginable, all-night parties on the beach), Sai Kaew entices beachgoers whose sole holiday objective is to indulge, whether on nearly year-round sun, fairly excellent food or cheap alcohol. And relax.

8. Sundown Beach

Where is it? Koh Lipe

What is it? A peaceful beach understood for its bohemian atmosphere and, as its name suggests, spectacular sunsets.

Why go? Surrounded by large boulders that jut out of the sand and water, Sunset Beach in Koh Lipe (a small island near the Thailand/Malaysia border) is still reasonably remote. This 'secret' area, with its soft-as-sifted-flour sand, cyan skies and Tiffany-blue waters will interest those who want to let the silence in and experience a sense of timelessness. Other than for a couple of bungalows and driftwood-built restaurants, advancement is limited to sun loungers spread on the beach and vendors offering cold drinks.

9. Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach

Where is it? Koh Phangan

What is it? A sandy cove in the northern most part of the island.

Why go? Koh Phangan is known for its wild full moon parties. If that's what you're searching for, then Thong Nai Pan Noi is not the location to go. This beach invites New Age hippie types, laidback bodyboarders, honeymooners and travelers searching for a slower speed of life (although those who choose activity will find a diving school and jet-skis for hire). There are no off-shore reefs in its gin-clear waters, however velvet-like sand runs continually into deep water at all tides, making the location fantastic for swimming or just wallowing.