Thailand has hundreds of islands : white sand, beach shacks, a swing between two palm trees and a turquoise sea… But each is quite distinct from the next and it’s true to say there’s something for everyone along the miles of coastline. Here are the best islands to visit in Thailand and add to your bucket list.
Koh Lanta
Whether you want sunbathing on beautiful beaches, scubadiving among exotic fishes, a great massage, fun beach bars, kayaking through a mangrove forest, eating seafood with the locals – then Koh Lanta is the place to be!
With less than an hour’s boat ride from Krabi, Koh Lanta is a popular spot for a relaxed family holiday. Travelling with children? The waters are calm and the island safe.
Best island to visit in Thailand for: when you can’t make up your mind.
Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi might just be the island for you if you’re going on holiday on your own or with single friends.
The island as a reputation for good times and lots of activities to offer (scubadiving, snorkelling, cliff-jumping, and boat trips to Koh Phi Phi Ley (where the Danny Boyle blockbuster The Beach was filmed in 2000).
Koh Phi Phi also offers great nightlife especially during the full moon parties, which are particularly popular with the backpacker crowd.
Add the traditional long-tail boats to the sublime scenes and you get a good picture of what Koh Phi Phi look like.
Best island in Thailand for: solo travelers and young travelers.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is one of the most famous island in Thailand and one of the most frequented by tourists. It offers excellent services, a range of beautiful beaches and even some large shopping malls.
Even if most accommodation fits into the mid-range category, Koh Samui now has some of the best luxury beach resorts you can find in the world and some first-class spas.
Best island in Thailand for: People going on honeymoon, families and first-time Thailand travelers.
Koh Tao
Koh Tao or ‘Turtle Island’ could be the spot for your next trip if you like lazy days on the beach and a friendly ambience with pretty lantern-lit restaurants.
But the main reason people choose this island is diving. Most travellers are here to dive.
The island is one of the world’s best places to learn. Explorers can expect a colourful array of coral reefs and marine life including turtles. And that’s what makes it one of the best islands to visit in Thailand.
If you’re new to the sport, sign up to get your PADI or SSI Open Water certification. This usually takes four days, and includes four ocean dives. Instructors teach in a variety of languages and children’s courses are also available.
Best island in Thailand for: underwater adventures.
Similan Islands
The Similan Islands are numbered north to south, one to nine, and form a national park in the Andaman Sea.
If you’re looking for clean and beautiful beaches, they’re well worth the effort to get there. And remember, wherever you go, you’ll need a boat.
It takes around 1.5 hours by speedboat from Phuket to the Similans and the islands are only accessible between October and May. I gave all the details about the best time to go to Thailand in this article.
Just like Koh Tao, the islands are considered as one of the best places for scuba diving and snorkelling in the world.
Best island in Thailand for: island-hopping
Koh Lipe
The island of Koh Lipe is often said to have the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. It’s got the best combination: remoteness (way less tourists than Phuket or Koh Samui), white-sand beaches and luxury hotels.
As part of the Tarutao National Marine Park, it’s a good starting point for awesome diving adventures.
Koh Lipe is quite famous for snorkelling as well because its coral reefs are easy to reach as they start just a few metres away from each of the four main beaches.
The island has also a good selection of accommodation, restaurants and bars.
Best island in Thailand for: Romantics and honeymooners
Koh Chang
Koh Chang is Thailand in miniature. It is also one of Thailand’s most challenging islands to reach. That has helped it retain its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere.
It’s not exactly untouched, but much of its interior is national park. The mountainous and jungled terrain make it great for trekking which makes exploring more challenging and exciting. There are several lovely waterfalls and temples.
But Koh Chang offers many great beaches as well.
Best island in Thailand for: exploring Thailand’s eastern islands.
Koh Samet
Koh Samet is the favourite weekend getaway for people living in Bangkok as it’s just a few hours’ drive from the capital.
This Thai island is also a good place to do some diving and snorkelling because it is surrounded by coral reefs that are in good condition and attract diverse marine life.
Come nightfall, the beaches of Koh Samet are lined with plenty of bars and restaurants that promise a lively time after hours. With evening fire shows adding another magical dimension to your trip.
Best island in Thailand for: evening fire shows on the beach.
Phuket
Phuket is the biggest, busiest island in Thailand. It offers every Western convenience you can think of. Designer boutiques, world-class restaurants, six-star resorts ? Phuket has it all!
The island is an excellent option if you’re looking for an all-round holiday combining beautiful beaches, practical transport options, and a whole series of activities.
With its own international airport, even short visits from other parts of Southeast Asia are worth it.
Best island in Thailand for: living big
Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is certainly one of the best islands to visit in Thailand. If your idea of the perfect holiday involves three-day beach parties then you’in the right place!
The island is famous for its full moon parties at Haad Rin’s Sunrise Beach. It’s important to realise that Koh Phangan can see up to 20,000 visitors dancing and drinking on the white sands under the full moon.
Accomodation prices tend to go through the roof around full moon parties events.
If you want more peace, just move away from the beach bars and the crowds and you’ll find isolated beaches (like Bottle Beach, probably one of the best beaches in Thailand).
You may also encounter photogenic coastal rocks, waterfalls, forests and plenty of spas where you get an afternoon of recovery.
Best island in Thailand for: party lovers
If you ask me, one of the best things to do in Thailand is exploring its gorgeous islands. Whether you like resting on a white sand beach or enjoying water activities, there is inevitably an island which corresponds to you.
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