Everything you need to know to island-hop Thailand like a pro
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Thailand’s islands are like jewels scattered throughout the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. For many, visiting these shores is the heart and soul of their trip to the country. From the heady lights of Phuket to the idyllic shores of Koh Kood, each island has its own charm and beauty. Here’s our ultimate travel guide to the Thai Islands (well, most of the ones you can visit), where buzzing nightlife, swaying palm trees, pristine reefs and lush jungles await you.
Andaman Sea vs Gulf of Thailand
The Thai islands are situated in two separate bodies of water – the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. When it comes to planning your trip, the main thing to note is that it’s absolutely possible to get between the two areas relatively quickly. There are fewer islands in the Gulf of Thailand and the rainy seasons are slightly different. The Andaman sea’s rainy season is between May and October, while in the Gulf of Thailand, this is from October to December. January, February and March are excellent times to visit both at the same time, and getting between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea is easy.
Flights are one of the quickest options, with short hops between Koh Samui (in the Gulf of Thailand) to Phuket and Krabi on the Andaman Sea. All these islands serve as major ferry hubs to the smaller islands around them. There is also a road that takes you from the Gulf of Thailand coast (via the port town of Surat Thani) to the Andaman Sea coast (Krabi), with minivans running regularly throughout the day. The journey takes around 1.5-2 hours.
Your Guide to the Thai Islands
Phuket – Best for Nightlife & Entertainment
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, home to luxury resorts, pumping nightlife and stunning beaches. Patong Beach is the heart of the island, known for its clubs, shopping and an infamous nightlife. Quieter beaches like Kata and Karon cater to families and are great for relaxation away from raucous crowds. Explore Old Phuket Town’s heritage architecture, or indulge in fine dining and luxury spas. Stay at the elegant Amanpuri for exceptional luxury. Read more about what to see and do in Phuket with our collection of Phuket Guides and Itineraries.
Koh Phi Phi – Best for Ticking off the Bucket List
World-famous after being featured in the movie “The Beach,” Koh Phi Phi attracts tourists with its otherworldly scenery, where jagged limestone cliffs erupt from the turquoise seas, hiding white sand lagoons. Explore the famous Maya Bay, kayak amongst the rocky giants and enjoy sundowners in the buzzing Tonsai village. For most, a visit here is a rite of passage on a trip to Thailand. Yes, there are crowds. Yes, it’s one for the bucket list. For more ideas, read our Guide to Visiting the Phi Phi Islands here.
Koh Samui – Best for First Timers
Home of the White Lotus Season 3, Koh Samui is renowned for its wellness retreats, beautiful beaches and its gentle island life. Visit landmarks like the Big Buddha and the impressive Wat Plai Laem, relax on Chaweng beach and stroll the streets of the boho Fisherman’s Village. World-class spas and yoga retreats are found a-plenty here, and it’s a wonderful place to experience the Thai islands for the first time. Read more about what to see and do in Koh Samui with our collection of Koh Samui Guides and Itineraries.
Koh Tao – Best for Diving and Snorkelling
Renowned for its world-class scuba diving and snorkelling, Koh Tao is home to breathtaking dive sites such as Chumphon Pinnacle and Shark Island, and it’s here that you’ll find the best dive schools in Thailand. For those who prefer to stay on land, you’ll find glorious hiking trails to breathtaking viewpoints, a relaxed cafe culture and white sand beaches. For more ideas, read our Guide to Visiting Koh Tao here.
Koh Phangan – Best for Full Moon Parties
The home of the infamous Full Moon Party, this is the main reason many come to the island, where buckets of cocktails, neon lights and thumping bass lines await you at Haad Rin Beach. But for those in the know, Koh Phangan is so much more than beach parties and hangovers. Explore a little deeper and you’ll find yoga centres and detox spas, hidden waterfalls, lush jungles and secret beaches. For more ideas, read our Guide to Visiting Koh Phangan here.
Koh Lanta – Best for Quiet Escapes
Koh Lanta attracts travellers seeking tranquility with its laid-back atmosphere, uncrowded beaches and barefoot vibes. You’re in a prime position to island-hop the Andaman sea, before exploring local markets, hiking Mu Koh Lanta National Park and discovering the charm of Lanta Old Town. This is all the good bits of Thailand nestled into one delightful island. For more ideas, read our Guide to Visiting Koh Lanta here.
Koh Chang – Best for Nature Lovers
Thailand’s third-largest island, Koh Chang, is home to dense jungles, spectacular waterfalls and a winding network of hiking trails. If you get bored of lazing around on a beach all day, Koh Chang will keep even the most restless of you busy. Kayak around nearby islands, explore mangrove forests or snorkel in the clear waters of Mu Ko Chang National Park.
Koh Lipe – Best for Romance
Known as the “Maldives of Thailand,” Koh Lipe is where you’ll find stunning white beaches, crystal clear waters and luxurious resorts that are made for romantic getaways. Snorkel directly off Sunrise Beach, stroll along Sunset Beach or dine under the stars at Pattaya Beach’s seafood restaurants. The vibe here is gentle, calm and oh-so-dreamy – the stuff Thai island postcards are made from. For more ideas, read our Guide to Visiting Koh Lipe here.
Koh Yao Noi – Best for Cultural Immersion
Ideally nestled between Phuket and Krabi, Koh Yao Noi is an island that offers a genuine cultural experience, something that can be a rarity in the Thai islands. Visit fishing villages, join local cooking classes, cycle through rice paddies or stay in eco-friendly luxury resorts while enjoying breathtaking views of Phang Nga Bay. Six Senses Yao Noi provides an unparalleled luxurious experience in harmony with the island’s environment. For more ideas, read our Guide to Visiting Koh Yao Noi here.
Koh Kood – Best for a Magical Escape
Koh Kood is where you’ll find exclusive resorts hidden away on untouched beaches and behind dense jungles. It’s where you’ll also find boutique stays on the mangrove forests, your veranda perched above the misty canals that empty out into the Andaman Sea. If you want privacy, peace and a slice of real Thai living, Koh Kood is about as magical as it gets. Trek through the jungle-clad interior to find cascading waterfalls that plummet into emerald pools, or snorkel in the pristine waters. Either way, you’ll leave a piece of your heart here. For more ideas, read our Guide to Visiting Koh Kood here.
Koh Jum – Best for Authentic Thai Living
A serene escape from the more famous islands, Koh Jum is home to unspoiled beaches and rustic resorts. Get away from it all and experience what all the Thai islands would have felt like a few decades ago. Rent a scooter to discover secluded bays, hike through the lush interior or unwind at beachfront eateries serving fresh, locally caught seafood.
Koh Kradan – Best for Crystal Clear Waters
Part of Trang’s island group, Koh Kradan is where you’ll find some of the most beautiful, transparent waters in Thailand. Explore coral reefs right off the beach, relax on the powdery white sands and stay in small, intimate resorts that will have you feeling like the outside world no longer exists.
Koh Libong – Best for Wildlife Encounters
Famous for its resident dugong population (those gentle marine mammals similar to manatees) Koh Libong has some truly exceptional wildlife spotting opportunities. Take guided boat tours, kayak through mangroves and keep the company of dolphins, turtles, monkeys and dugongs. It’s an unspoilt paradise that feels like a secret.
Koh Mak – Best for Sustainable Travel
Idyllic and unspoiled, an island dedicated to sustainability, Koh Mak has natural beauty in spades. Explore tranquil beaches, cycle through coconut plantations and kayak to nearby islands. This little slice of paradise has won international awards for its sustainable tourism, and shows you what Thailand can be without the rampant commercialism of Phuket. You won’t find raucous bars or high-rise resorts here. Thatched bungalows tucked into the trees and stretches of golden, empty sands await you here.
Koh Phayam – Best for Boho Vibes
Car-free Koh Phayam is tucked away near the Myanmar border, a hidden gem that flies under most tourist radars. But here you’ll find a laid-back atmosphere, tranquil beaches, organic farms and bohemian cafes. Join yoga retreats, stroll the pristine shores before unwinding in rustic-chic bungalows and feel like you’ve stumbled upon your own secret Thai island.
Koh Muk – Best for Natural Wonders
Koh Muk is famous for its awe-inspiring Emerald Cave, accessed only by swimming through a tunnel to reach a hidden lagoon surrounded by towering cliffs. This peaceful island has caves to explore, jungle to hike through and pristine beaches to relax on when you’ve had enough adventuring.
Koh Tarutao – Best for Seclusion and HistoryOnce a remote penal colony in the far south near the Malaysia border, Koh Tarutao now draws travellers seeking untouched natural beauty and historical sites rarely found on the Thai islands. The island itself, part of Tarutao National Marine Park, is home to hiking trails through dense forests, deserted beaches and fascinating ruins of former prison sites. Accommodation is rustic yet comfortable, with basic national park bungalows perfect for soaking in a part of Thailand so few tourists get to see.
Koh Samet – Best for Quick Getaways
Conveniently close to Bangkok and only a hop away from Pattaya, Koh Samet offers an accessible escape with its powdery white sands and turquoise waters. It’s popular with the city crowd, who party till dawn on Sai Kaew beach. It’s ideal for those short on time and with tight itineraries, who might struggle to spend 5-10 days down near Phuket and Krabi. It’s a taste of the idyllic Thai islands, and a perfect weekend trip from the bustling capital.
Koh Bulon Le – Best for Unplugging
For travellers looking to disconnect completely, Koh Bulon Le is an intimate island experience devoid of modern distractions. Down here near the Malaysian border, small-scale tourism ensures an authentic atmosphere, empty beaches and crystal-clear waters. It’s the place to come for your own Robinson Crusoe retreat, where all you need to worry about is what freshly caught fish you’ll be eating that night. Traditional fishing boats ply the waters, lonely islands slumber offshore and there’s a real feeling that the world won’t catch up to this place for a long while yet.
Koh Racha Yai – Best for Day Trips
Just off Phuket’s southern coast, Koh Racha Yai is known for its exceptional diving and snorkelling scene, where you’ll find clear waters teeming with marine life. Perfect for day trips or short stays, it’s got everything you need from an island break – luxurious accommodation, excellent dining options and unbeatable ocean vistas.
