Two beaches in Prachuap Khiri Khan have been ranked among Thailand’s best beaches in a national environmental quality assessment, placing popular coastal destinations within a short drive of Hua Hin firmly in the spotlight.
The rankings were released by Thailand’s Pollution Control Department (PCD) as part of its long-running “Beach Star” scheme, which evaluates the environmental standards of tourist beaches across the country.
For 2025, the department assessed the environmental quality of 20 tourist beaches using a range of criteria including physical characteristics, pollution levels, natural resource conditions, environmental management and tourism management. The results showed that 10 beaches achieved ratings ranging from very good to excellent.
While the highest five-star rating was awarded to Bileh Beach on Koh Hong in Krabi and Koh Kradan Beach in Trang, Prachuap Khiri Khan also featured prominently in the list. Both Khao Kalok Beach and Sam Phraya Beach received strong 4.5-star ratings, placing them among Thailand’s best beaches in terms of environmental quality.
Sam phraya beach
For residents and visitors in Hua Hin, the recognition highlights the accessibility of high-quality coastal destinations nearby. Khao Kalok Beach, located in Pran Buri district, is known for its distinctive limestone hill and wide stretch of sand, while Sam Phraya Beach, situated within Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, is popular for its natural surroundings and relatively low levels of development.
PCD Director-General Surin Worakitthamrong said the Beach Star project plays an important role in assessing and improving environmental standards at tourist beaches. The initiative has been implemented continuously since 2002, with cooperation from central and regional government agencies as well as local administrative organisations.
Authorities have developed a Beach Environmental Quality Index, or Beach Index, to provide a consistent benchmark for measuring standards, particularly in coastal areas with significant tourism potential.
khao kalok
Officials say maintaining high environmental standards helps ensure beaches remain clean, attractive and properly managed, supporting sustainable tourism while also contributing to national income and local economic development.
Looking ahead, the department plans to further develop the assessment system and continue encouraging public participation in protecting coastal resources. In 2026, local authorities will be invited to nominate additional tourist beaches for inclusion in the Beach Star assessment, while visitors will also be able to take part in evaluations by scanning QR codes at participating locations.
Two beaches received the highest five-star (excellent) rating:
- Bileh Beach (Koh Hong), Krabi province
- Koh Kradan Beach, Trang
Eight beaches received a 4.5-star (very good) rating:
- Maya Bay, Krabi
- Khao Kalok Beach, Prachuap Khiri Khan
- Chao Mai Beach, Trang
- Laem Son Beach, Koh Adang, Satun
- Koh Mai Phai Beach, Krabi
- Laem Tanot Beach, Krabi
- Sam Phraya Beach, Prachuap Khiri Khan
- Yong Ling Beach, Trang