Thailand is known for its beautiful islands and beaches. With over 1000 islands dotting its coastlines along the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to visit. Here is a guide to some of the top islands to explore in Thailand.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is Thailand’s second largest island located in the Gulf of Thailand. With its palm-fringed beaches, coral reefs, coconut groves, and mountainous rainforest interior, Koh Samui appeals to all kinds of travelers. Popular beaches like Chaweng and Lamai have lively nightlife, while beaches like Mae Nam and Lipa Noi are more laid-back. The island has something for everyone – relax at the beach, enjoy water sports, explore jungle trails, visit Big Buddha temple, shop at local markets, or take a day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park. The easiest way to get there is by flying directly to Koh Samui airport.
Phuket
Phuket is Thailand’s largest and most developed island located off the Andaman coast. While quite commercialized, Phuket still retains some of its natural charm, especially on the western beaches. Patong Beach is the most happening beach with great nightlife and entertainment options along Bangla Road. For families, Kata Beach and Karon Beach are good choices. To get away from the crowds, head to the quieter northern beaches like Bang Tao, Surin, and Nai Yang. Phuket is also a great base for day trips – take a speedboat ride to Phi Phi Islands, go island hopping on a chartered yacht, or enjoy spectacular views on a cruise to Phang Nga Bay. The island has an international airport, so getting there is convenient.
Koh Phi Phi
The stunning Phi Phi Islands located in Krabi province comprise of Phi Phi Don island and the smaller Phi Phi Leh island. With no motor vehicles and roads, the islands give a real castaway vibes. Ko Phi Phi Don attracts visitors with its curvy bays, glowing emerald waters, and beach parties. Ko Phi Phi Leh is famous as the shooting location of The Beach movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Tourists come on day trips from Phuket and Krabi to snorkel around the islands, relax on Maya Bay, swim at Loh Dalum beach, and hike up to Phi Phi Viewpoint. Ferries are the only transportation to reach here.
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is a long stretch island near Krabi best known for its laid-back atmosphere, untouched natural environment and wildlife. The island has many secluded beaches with powdery white sand like Klong Dao Beach, Phra Ae Beach, Bamboo Bay, and Long Beach. Koh Lanta National Marine Park, located towards the southern tip of the island, has excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. The interior of the island is mostly undeveloped with lush tropical rainforests, waterfalls, caves, and wildlife. Visitors can explore on an ATV tour, elephant ride, or kayaking trip through the mangrove forests. Koh Lanta does not have an airport, so fly into Krabi airport and take a ferry.
Koh Tao
Koh Tao translates to Turtle Island owing to its turtle-like shape. Located off the Chumphon province in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao attracts divers and snorkelers with its abundant marine life. The island has plenty of dive sites and reefs that make for spectacular underwater scenery. Even beginners can get diving certifications here. When not diving, relax on the small but pretty beaches like Sairee Beach or hike up to John Suwan Viewpoint for panoramic views. The island has a very chilled out vibe with hippie aesthetics. To get here, one has to take a ferry from Chumphon or Surat Thani.
Koh Chang
Koh Chang sits in Trat province on Thailand’s eastern shore along the Cambodian border. The island gives a sense of unspoiled natural beauty with its rugged coastline, inland jungles, mangrove forests, and dozens of undeveloped beaches. Activities include jungle trekking, snorkeling, visiting Khlong Phlu Waterfall, and relaxing on White Sand Beach or Lonely Beach. For history buffs, explore remnants of the old Salak Phet fortress. Getting to Koh Chang involves flying into Trat airport or taking a bus from Bangkok.
Koh Kood
For ultimate tranquility and a deserted island fantasy, head over to Koh Kood in Trat province. With dense rainforests, mangrove wetlands, and waterfalls, the island has an untamed beauty. Visitors come here to lounge on empty sandy beaches, enjoy nature trails, go on kayaking trips through the mangroves, and experience bioluminescence plankton at night. Ao Phrao, Ao Prao, and Klong Chao are some nice beaches on Koh Kood to check out. Koh Kood does not have an airport and requires taking ferries from the mainland.
Koh Phayam
Koh Phayam is an untouched small island near Ranong province known for its bohemian hippie vibes. The island has no paved roads, just dirt tracks winding through coconut groves. Visitors are drawn to its magnificent beaches like Ao Yai, Ao Khao Kwai, and Ao Phutsa with golden sand, clear aqua waters, and swaying palms. Other activities popular here are yoga sessions, volunteering programs to help the locals, exploring mangrove forests, and kayaking in the bay. To get here, take a ferry from Ranong. It is one of the most peaceful islands in Thailand.
Koh Lipe
This tiny island in the Andaman Sea close to the Malaysian border attracts visitors with its gorgeous beaches and superb snorkeling and diving sites. Koh Lipe only has three main beaches but each one has its own distinct charm. Visit Sunrise Beach for swimming and relaxation, Sunset Beach for iconic sunset views, and Pattaya Beach for a livelier scene. Go on a Four Island Snorkeling trip to marvel at the underwater world. The island has a quaint hippie vibe with reggae bars, indie cafes, and street art. It can get crowded during high season. The only way in is through boat rides from Pak Bara or Langkawi.
With so many gorgeous islands to pick from, Thailand is truly an island-hopper’s paradise. The islands provide the perfect tropical beach vacation with opportunities for watersports, cultural experiences, nightlife entertainment, and closeness to nature. Whether you seek solitude, an adrenaline rush or a happening party scene, Thailand’s islands have something to satisfy every kind of traveler. So get ready for an unforgettable island vacation in Thailand. Just decide what kind of experience you want and the islands that best fit your interests for an epic getaway. I sincerely hope you find this “Top Islands to Explore in Thailand” article helpful.