Thailand is home to some of the best islands in the world. A visit to these islands can be the highlight of any trip to the country. These islands are perfect for unwinding and relaxation, with stunning beaches, palm trees, and accommodation options near the gently lapping waves. Thailand has hundreds of islands, offering something for everyone along the coastlines of the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. While any list of the best islands in Thailand is subjective, there are some places that offer a full range of excellent beaches, tourist facilities, and tropical island vibes. We encourage you to explore and find the Thai island that suits you best.
Koh Phi Phi
The Phi Phi Islands are the epitome of exotic beauty, showcasing limestone karsts adorned by thick jungle, and stunning coves of golden sand. It should be noted, however, that Phi Phi Don, the only inhabited island, has experienced extensive development in recent years, which slightly detracts from the island’s escapist allure. Nonetheless, this development means there are more tourist facilities, such as restaurants, beach bars, and shops. The nightlife on Koh Phi Phi is especially vibrant during full moon parties, which are particularly popular with the backpacker crowd. Scuba diving around Koh Phi Phi is also a popular activity, as is a trip to Koh Phi Phi Leh, the famous setting for The Beach, which propelled the island to fame in 2000.
Koh Chang
Koh Chang is a beautiful island in Thailand, which is a bit difficult to reach. However, this has actually helped to preserve its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Despite being the second largest island in Thailand, it receives far fewer visitors than the more famous Phuket. The island is mountainous, which makes it more rugged and exciting to explore than many other Thai islands. There are many picturesque beaches in Koh Chang, so it’s easy to find a quiet spot to relax and enjoy the scenery. In addition, there are several lovely waterfalls and temples that are definitely worth a visit.
Phuket
Phuket is an excellent choice if you are seeking a complete holiday experience that includes beautiful beaches, convenient transportation options, and a plethora of activities. It is the largest island in Thailand, offering luxury accommodation options and family-friendly getaways as well as many undiscovered spots off the beaten path. With its own international airport, even short visits from other parts of Southeast Asia are worth considering. When night falls, you can enjoy clubs, shows, and high-end restaurants that rival those found in many capital cities.
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is a serene island located near Krabi in southern Thailand. Unlike other popular tourist destinations in the region, Koh Lanta has managed to preserve its natural beauty and has not undergone much development. It is an ideal destination for a peaceful family vacation. The island boasts nine different beaches, each with its own unique charm. Additionally, there are also some secluded spots where you can relax and unwind. To get to Koh Lanta, you can take the Express Transfer from Krabi Airport. This hassle-free transfer involves a minivan and speedboat and takes less than two hours to reach the island. The combination of convenience and seclusion makes Koh Lanta an attractive destination for those seeking a quiet and peaceful getaway.
Koh Lipe
During the 1990s, Koh Lipe became a popular tropical island destination known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and fresh seafood straight from the boats. It is located in the southern Thai province of Satun, near the Thailand-Malaysia border, and is part of the Adang-Rawi Archipelago on the outskirts of the Tarutao National Marine Park. Originally inhabited by sea gypsies, the island has rapidly developed to meet the growing demand for tourism, but the beaches remain some of the best in Thailand. Koh Lipe is well-known for its snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities, with coral reefs easily accessible just a few meters from each of the four main beaches.
Similan Islands
The Similan Islands, located in the south of Thailand, may lack facilities, but they boast clean and stunning beaches that are definitely worth a visit. The islands are protected as a national marine park and can only be accessed from October to May. A speedboat ride from Phuket to the Similan Islands takes about 1.5 hours. The Similan Islands are popular for their scuba diving and snorkeling spots, which are considered some of the best in the world. The ban on hotels and commercial fishing in the waters surrounding the Similans has helped to keep the aquatic life in the area virtually unspoiled.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is a popular destination for tourists due to its excellent facilities, stunning beaches, and large shopping malls. For first-time visitors to Thailand, Koh Samui is a great place to start as everything is easy and accessible. Chaweng Beach is a bustling area with beach bars and entertainment for those looking to have fun. Most accommodations in Koh Samui are in the mid-range category, but there are also some incredible 5-star resorts located in secluded bays away from the popular East Coast.
Koh Samet
Koh Samet is a popular weekend getaway for people living in Bangkok. It’s a beautiful island in Thailand with many lovely beaches and affordable accommodation options. While the quality of sand and sea on Koh Samet may not be as good as other Thai islands further south, its location just a few hours away from Bangkok more than makes up for it. As soon as the sun sets, the beaches of Koh Samet come to life with numerous pubs and parties attended by a mix of locals and foreigners.
Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is an island of contradictions and one of the best in Thailand. It’s home to the country’s largest beach party, but it also has some of the most secluded and pristine spots. Although it has a cosmopolitan group of expats, it still manages to retain a strong local vibe. The island is mainly made up of granite, and it has an almost unspoiled hilly, lush tropical jungle interior, as well as over 20 nearby dive sites and many idyllic long, white-sand beaches. The main embarkation points are Thongsala and Haad Rin, two bustling townships that are quite different from all other parts of the island. It’s important to note that visitor numbers tend to increase around the monthly full moon parties, and as a result, accommodation can become scarce, and prices tend to rise.
Koh Tao
If you enjoy relaxing days on the beach and a welcoming atmosphere, Koh Tao (Thai for ‘Turtle Island’) might be the perfect destination for your next trip. One of the main reasons to choose this island is its reputation as one of the best places in the world for learning to scuba dive. There are numerous operators on the island, and instructors from almost every country in the world. The vibrant coral reefs surrounding the island are home to a variety of colorful sea creatures, including turtles. After spending a few days on Koh Tao, you’ll begin to feel like a local due to the small size of the island and the friendliness of the locals.
