Thailand is a paradise for beach-goers and island enthusiasts, with its excellent weather, warm ocean water, and palm-fringed beaches. From bustling markets and extraordinary temples to enchanting swimming spots, beach bars, and coral reefs, there is an abundance of islands each offering their own unique personality.
Whether you’re looking to keep busy kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling, or simply want to relax with a cocktail in hand, you’ll find a Thai island to suit you. From the quiet and secluded Koh Muk to the bustling and party-filled Koh Phangan, there is an island for every type of traveler in Thailand. And with top-notch accommodation and a pleasing exchange rate, it’s the ultimate holiday destination.
Koh Muk
Koh Muk, also known as Koh Mook, is a quiet island in the Andaman sea. Nearly half of it is made up of a national park and the rest of it by fishing villages home to unusual stilted houses perched above the sea. Koh Muk, which means Pearl Island, is as far from touristy as it gets, reached with a 45-minute ferry ride from the town of Trang. The island boasts two sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful mountains along with the famous Emerald Cave.
Koh Lanta
Nestled within mangroves, coral-fringed beaches, and rainforests, the Koh Lanta archipelago is the perfect mix of developed and uncrowded. The largest island of the group, called Koh Lanta Yai, is where all the tourist action is. It’s popular with a significantly older crowd than nearby Koh Phi Phi and it attracts mostly tourists seeking a holiday away from the parties although there are plenty of bars on the island. The southern part of the island is less developed, but there are pretty coves and beaches to discover in the south as well.
Visit our guide to the most luxury hotels on koh lanta.
Similan Islands
Made up of nine primary islands and two far-flung ones, the Similan Islands archipelago is one of the most popular diving destinations in the country. Situated in the Andaman Sea, the waters surrounding the islands boast gorgeous coral reefs and underwater rock formations that take on many unique shapes. If diving isn’t your hobby, you can still have an amazing time on the Similan Islands. Camp in paradise, relax on the white-sand beach of Horseshoe Bay, and swim in the warm waters of this tropical destination.
Koh Samui
The second largest island in Thailand, home to its own international airport, Koh Samui is a tourist favorite. Heralded for its palm-dotted beaches, wild rainforest, and coconut groves, it’s also one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands. But this natural beauty hasn’t escaped the eyes of tourists – you’ll find endless luxury resorts and spas on the island too. Many travelers come here to take advantage of the many spa treatments available, from traditional Thai massage to yoga retreats, tai chi camps, and chakra-balancing treatments.
View the Best Family Friendly Hotels on Koh Samui and also the Best Luxury Hotels on Koh Samui.
Phuket
Located in the Andaman Sea, Phuket is one of the most popular islands in all of Thailand. Once an undeveloped jewel, Phuket is now a hub for tourism. While the increase in infrastructure and nightlife makes it an appealing spot for millions of travelers, this isn’t the island for those looking for solitude. The island boasts luxury resort after luxury resort as well as some gorgeous casuarina-dotted tropical beaches. If you’re excited for the nightlife, then Patong is the must-see spot with the largest resort atmosphere.
Koh Phangan
The island of Koh Phangan is found in the Gulf of Thailand, nearby to Koh Samui and Koh Tao and it is best known for it’s huge full moon parties.. These infamous beach festivals are popular with young backpackers from around the world, and the revelry is unparalleled in Asia. However, that’s not all the island has to offer. Besides ideal beaches, you can also hike through the jungle and along the coast, go scuba diving, or try out some sea kayaking.
Check out our guide to the famous full moon party. You can also view the Best Beachfront Resorts on Koh Phangan.
Koh Chang
Located near the border with Cambodia, Koh Chang is the third largest island in Thailand and the biggest in the Koh Chang Marine Park archipelago. It is a mountainous island known for several waterfalls, thriving coral reefs, rainforests, and long white sandy beaches. In less than ten years, Koh Chang has become a major tourist destination in Thailand, although it is still far quieter than islands like Phuket or Koh Samui. White Sand Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island, located on the island’s northwestern corner, and is the longest beach on Koh Chang.
View the best luxury hotels in Koh Chang.
Koh Lipe
The island of Koh Lipe is located just outside the jurisdiction of Tarutao National Park and as such is exempt from certain laws prohibiting development. As a result, it has some of the best reefs in Thailand, making it a great spot for snorkeling and diving. While it may not be the most deserted island in Thailand, if you visit during the low season (May to October) you may have the chance to enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches without as many crowds, although some hotels may be closed. No matter when you visit, you’ll be able to take advantage of the great snorkeling and enjoy the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the stunning reefs and beaches of Koh Lipe.
Koh Tao
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao is an island that is easily accessible by high-speed ferry from the mainland city of Chumphon. This island is the perfect vacation destination for travelers who enjoy diving. Around 7000 new divers get certified in Koh Tao each year, making it one of the most popular destinations in the world to learn to dive. While diving, you can see bull sharks, underwater evolutionary sculptures at Ocean Utopia, and plenty of turtles, among many other marine species. In addition to diving, other popular activities on Koh Tao include cycling and sailing around the beautiful island. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore the underwater world and enjoy all that Koh Tao has to offer.
See our guide to the best luxury hotels on Koh Tao.
Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is possibly one of Thailand’s most famous archipelagos, most notably for a stunning natural bay that was featured in the movie The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. While many travelers come to Koh Phi Phi specifically to visit this renowned bay, there are many more reasons to tempt you to this beautiful island. The six islands of Koh Phi Phi boast pearl-white sand beaches and emerald waters, making it the perfect place for swimming and snorkeling among extraordinary marine life. You can also hire a longtail boat to explore the surrounding islets, such as Monkey Beach, home to a plethora of cheeky tree-swinging monkeys. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit this beautiful and iconic island in Thailand.
