Thailand is blessed with some of the most beautiful islands in the world and if you are keen to visit deciding where to go can be a difficult. Thailand has a staggering 1430 islands although not all are inhibited, there is so much choice.
The Thai islands are perfect if you are looking for a relaxing holiday, want to do outdoor activities, watersports or go island hopping, swimming, snorkelling and see wildlife. Whether you are looking to have a luxury break with your family, take a honeymoon, or explore the islands on a backpackers budget there are options for everyone.
View our guide to the Thai islands and start planning a dream break today.
How to Decide Which Thai Island to Go
Thailand is a diverse country and no trip would be complete without seeing the islands. But there are so many islands to choose from, some are world famous and recognisable names whilst others are up and coming.
Where you visit really depends on what your interests are. Do you want to play it safe and stay and stay somewhere super touristy and modern, or would you like somewhere more authentic and rustic?
You will also need to work out how much time you have available, if you are planning a short holiday it might be best to stay on one specific island and do day trips to other destinations. But if you are more flexible and have more time we defiantly recommend trying to visit and stay on as many islands as possible.
How to Get to the Thai Islands
Thailand has a long established transport network and you can reach the islands by plane, train, bus and ferry/boat connections. Transport can be booked online in-advance or on arrival with a travel agent in tourist hubs like Bangkok. Prices vary depends on the operator and level of comfort.
Best Time of the Year to Visit the Thai Islands
The islands of Thailand are popular with international visitors all year round and the best time to visit is generally between December and April when there is lots of sun and little rain. The southern region of Thailand where most of the islands are located only really have two seasons: wet and dry. The Gulf coast is dry between January and August. The dry season on the Andaman coast is from November to March.
Top 10 Most Incredible Thai Islands
Check out our top picks for the top rated Thai islands you really need to visit.
1. Phuket
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and also one of the most touristy destinations in the whole country. Located on the beautiful Andaman Sea island, Phuket is home to stunning beaches, markets, modern shops and world class accommodation.
There is something for everyone in Phuket, whether you want a 5 star luxury break or just to explore on a backpackers budget. Some of the most popular tourist sites in Thailand are located here including watersports and day trips.
Phuket is the ideal destination if it is your first time in Thailand or Asia, and you are loving for modern comforts in a developed and modern environment. The choice of world class accommodation and safety makes it an appealing destination for families.
If you would like to enhance your stay check out some of the luxury hotels in Phuket – some of which are jaw-dropping! For something rewarding, check out our guide to the best ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, some of which are located in Phuket.
How to Get to Phuket
Phuket is just a one hour flight south from Bangkok and getting here is very easy. Alternative options include catching a train or bus to Phuket from the main tourist hotspots like Bangkok. Most trains arrive into Phun Phin railway station which is 5 hours by bus to Phuket. Buses from Bangkok to Phuket take around 12 hours are usually travel overnight bus or early in the morning. If you are short on time, or keen to avoid long journeys they flying is the best option.
Is Krabi or Phuket better?
Are you wondering where to visit Krabi or Phuket? Krabi is fast becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand and offers a great alternative to the more developed Phuket. Although Krabi is is a province, rather than an island, it is home to some of the most popular islands to visit in Thailand including Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta which both make out list. If you have enough time we recommend both, but if you are keen to spend time somewhere less touristy then Krabi is the best choice.
2. Phi Phi
The 2000 blockbuster film ‘The Beach’ starring Leonardo Di Caprio put Phi Phi on the world map. This once little sleepy fishing village is now one of the most developed and touristy islands in the whole of Asia. If you are looking to experience an island buzzing with activity, party or do incredible day trips Phi Phi will not disappoint.
Top things to do in. Phi Phi include visiting places like ‘Maya Bay’ – which is where the ‘The Beach’ was set, the boat trip here is amazing when you travel through lagoons and striking scenery.
There are so many accommodation options available from luxury right down to bargain backpacker dorms. Most of the cheap hotels and hostels are located on the main road from the ferry port whilst the more expensive hotels are located in more remote locations on the other sides to the island.
How to Get to Phi Phi
As there is no airport on Phi Phi there are two ways to reach the island; taking a ferry or a speedboat. The ferry is the most popular choice by far for tourists to reach the island. A ferry ride takes two hours from Phuket and around 90 minutes from Krabi. The speedboat journey is fast, but also more scary unless you are an adventure seeker.
3. Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is small compared to some of the other islands on our list with a population of about 12,000 people but each month around 50,000 visitors arrive.
If you are looking to experience one of the most lively festivals in the world then Koh Phangan should be on your itinerary. The island is famous for its full-moon parties, which take place once a month at Haad Rin Beach. This lively event include colour, events, drinking and late night beach parties. View Full Moon Party dates to plan your trip.
There are so many reasons why you will fall in love with Koh Phangan other than the than the Full Moon Party and you can visit the island for a more laid back experience. This is a stunning tropical island with pristine nature, beautiful white sandy beaches, temples, markets and lots of great value sightseeing activities and adventure sports.
How to Get to Koh Phangan
From Bangkok you can travel by train, bus and ferry (via Surat Thani). This journey takes about 10-16 hours depending on the operator and route. Another option is to travel by plane to Koh Samui, then catch a ferry to Koh Phangan which takes about 7 hours.
4. Koh Tao
If you are keen to go scuba diving then Koh Tao is the destination for you. This tiny island is home to lots of dive companies offering packages to either learn to dive or go on an dive excursion. Some of the best dive locations in the world are off the coast of Koh Tao and prices are very competitive.
One of the highlights of visiting Koh Tao other than diving is doing amazing day trips to nearby islands like the popular and scenic Koh Nang Yuan (as seen in the picture above).
How to get to Koh Tao
Koh Tao is a very small island with no airport but there are lots of ways to get here. You can catch a flight to a neighbouring island and then do a connection ferry. Another option is to travel by bus or train from Bangkok and then catch a boat connection from the coast to the island.
5. Koh Kood
Koh Kood is Thailand’s 4th largest but least populated island in the Gulf of Siam, near Thailand’s border with Cambodia. This is one of the lesser known islands on our list but made our top picks due to being one of the prettiest and unspoilt.
Koh Kood is also home to Soneva Kiri, which is often described as one of the best resorts in Asia. Soneva Kiri is set amid palm-fringed hills around a secluded bay on the north- west coast and has luxurious villas with private pools and terraces. Prices aren’t cheap, but staying here is a memorable experience.
How to get to Koh Kood
Getting to Koh Kood is a little more tricky compared to some of the other islands on our list but transport options have been getting improved and faster with the popularity of the island increasing. Most connection boats leave from Laem Sok Pier, about 30 minutes drive south of Trat town and 45 minutes drive form the ferry piers for boats to Koh Chang.
6. Koh Samui
Koh Samui has long been a popular destination with international tourists, this is Thailand’s second largest island and located in the Gulf of Thailand off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus.
Koh Samui is famous for it’s beautiful palm-fringed beaches, rainforest, posh spas and being home to some of the best luxury beach resorts in Thailand. This is a popular island with backpackers, families and for honeymooners due to the diverse accommodation available.
Popular tourist locations to visit include the beaches, local shopping centres, night markets, and the 12m-tall golden Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai Temple. There are also lots of water sports and leisure activities, and lively nightlife. If you would like to do something meaningful like volunteering in Thailand, lots of marine conservation projects are located here.
How to Get to Koh Samui
Due to being one of the most visited Thai islands getting to Koh Samui is easy. The best way to get to Koh Samui is flying with Bangkok Airways from Bangkok. You can also fly from other destinations like Phuket, Pattaya and Singapore. You can also travel by land and sea to reach the island, a popular option is to catch a ferry or catamaran from Surat Thani or Don Sak on the Thai mainland.
7. Koh Chang
Koh Chang is the third largest Thai island but it is also one of the more underrated and least touristy especially compared to Phuket and Koh Samui.
Koh Chang is very relaxed island and there are less crowds so it can feel much more enjoyable if you are looking for a more local/authentic Thai trip. Koh Chang is blessed with beautiful beaches where you can relax and see amazing sunsets. There are also lots of rock-climbing and outdoor activities available.
How to get to Koh Chang
Koh Chang doesn’t have an airport but you can fly from Bangkok to Trat airport on the Thai mainland which is around a 15 minute drive to the main ferry pier connection you to the island. Another option is to catch a bus from Bangkok to Koh Chang will takes around 5-7 hours and generally costs around $8-20.
8. Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is located in Krabi province in the south of Thailand. Koh Lanta isn’t as touristy as most of the other islands on our list but by visiting you will get a much more authentic experience. Its less visited which is a good thing If you are looking for a more relaxed stay with less international tourists on the beaches.
How to get to Koh Lanta
There is no airport on Koh Lanta so most people either fly into Krabi Airport which is the closest airport. You can also reach Koh Lanta by flying into Phuket and Trang too, although journey times with the ferry connections can be much longer.
9. Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is a small L shaped island in the Adang-Rawi Archipelago of the Strait of Malacca, in southwestern Thailand, close to the Malaysian border. Koh Lipe is part of a cluster of 10 islands in which Koh Lipe is the only inhabited island.
Koh Lipe is one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets and if you make the effort to venture away from the other popular tourist destinations you will be rewarded. This island is beautiful, quiet, unspoilt and not heaving with tourists.
Koh Lipe has hotels for all budgets, however, prices are high compared to other islands/destinations in Thailand. There are 3 main beaches to stay or visit in Koh Lipe including Pattaya, Sunrise, and Sunset. Sunrise is one of the most popular beaches which is beautiful and very laid back.
How do you get to Koh Lipe?
There are many ways to get to Koh Lipe, you can take a flight, Nok Air, from Bangkok to Trang, and then a ferry to Park Bara. Another option is taking a flight, Air Asia, from Bangkok to Hat Yai, Bus to Pak Bara, and then ferry to Koh Lipe. There is also a ferry connection to Koh Lipe from other islands and popular tourist destinationslike Krabi Town, Ao Nang, Phuket, Ko Phi Phi, or Koh Lanta. During peak tourism season boats also run from Langkawi, Malaysia.
10. Koh Yao Yai
Ko Yao Yai is a Thai island in the Andaman Sea, halfway between Phuket and Krabi. Despite being close to these two tourism hotspots, this island couldn’t be more different. One of the main attractions of Koh Yao Yai is that it is relatively untouched and retains its natural charm.
This island is definitely a place you might not have heard of before, but take an off the beaten track trip here and you will be rewarded with paradise. Think empty beautiful white sandy beaches, quiet little fishing villages and hardly any tourists.
If you aren’t looking for the big shopping centres, or the glitz and glamour of Phuket, you will love Koh Yao Yai. It is very local with rice paddies, rubber plantations, dirt roads and local hotels.
How to Get to Koh Yao Yai
Koh Yao Yai is located around 30 minutes by speedboat to Phuket which is the best way to reach the island. You can also arrive from Krabi and other islands in the region via a ferry connection.
Plan Your Trip to the South of Thailand
The islands of Thailand really are beautiful and a must visit destination on any Asia itinerary. The only way to see which is your favourite destination is to visit for yourself, so start planning a trip today.
