Are you ready to explore the best islands in Thailand?
From Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta and Koh Samui, we’ve got all the popular beach destinations.
With crystal clear waters, soft white sand beaches and lush jungle, each with its unique personality, it can be hard to decide which to visit.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, here is our pick of the best Thai islands.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui, the second largest island in Thailand, is renowned for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves and rainforests.
The island is home to luxury resorts, beautiful villas and guest houses.
A popular Koh Samui attraction is the 12 metre tall golden Big Buddha statue on a small offshore island, also known as Wat Phra Yai.
There are around 40 beaches on Koh Samui along its 50km of coastline.
Popular beaches on Koh Samui include Silver Beach, Chaweng Noi and Thongson Bay.
After spending a few weeks on the island, we’ve put together our favourite things to do on Koh Samui.
Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is the island made famous by the monthly full moon party that takes place on Haad Rin beach.
While the parties are a big draw card for many visitors, there is more to Koh Phangan than just all night dancing.
The island has a more relaxed vibe than Koh Samui and is popular with backpackers and digital nomads.
There are plenty of accommodation options available on the island, from luxury resorts to cheap hostels.
Some of the best beaches on Koh Phangan include Bottle Beach, Haad Salad and Chaloklam Bay.
Koh Tao
Nicknamed Turtle Island, Koh Tao is one of the top diving destinations in Thailand with its coral reefs and clear turquoise waters.
The small island is also home to some beautiful beaches, such as Sai Ree and Mae Haad Beach.
Koh Tao is a great place to learn how to scuba dive with many diving schools located on the island.
If you’re not into diving, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy, such as hiking, rock climbing and snorkelling.
Phuket
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand..
The island is located in the Andaman Sea off the west coast of peninsular Thailand. Phuket has a tropical climate and is home to rainforests, mountains, and some of Thailand’s most popular beaches.
Clear waters and high end seaside resorts make Phuket a desirable destination for many travelers.
Visitors to Phuket can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and windsurfing at Kata Noi Beach. Other popular beaches in Phuket include Patong Beach, Karon Beach, and Surin Beach.
Another popular attraction on Phuket is a visit to the big buddha on Nakkerd Hills. Phuket town also has a weekend market where visitors can find souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Located on the west coast, the main resort town of Patong has numerous bars and discos. The town has a reputation for its lively nightlife with cabarets, nightclubs and massage parlors.
Despite its reputation as a party destination, Patong also has a number of cultural attractions such as temples, museums and art galleries.
Koh Phi Phi
The Koh Phi Phi islands are located in the Andaman Sea, off the coast of Thailand.
The islands are a popular tourist destination and are known for their white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.
The most famous island in the Koh Phi Phi group is Koh Phi Phi Don, which is home to Maya Bay, made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio movie, The Beach.
Other popular beaches on Koh Phi Phi Don include Loh Dalum Bay and Monkey Beach.
Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is a small island located in the Andaman Sea, off the coast of Thailand.
The island is part of the Tarutao National Marine Park and is surrounded by coral reefs.
Koh Lipe has three main beaches, all of which have white sand and clear turquoise waters.
The most popular beach on Koh Lipe is Sunrise Beach, located on the island’s east coast.
Other popular activities on Koh Lipe include snorkelling, diving and kayaking.
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is an island located off the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea.
The island is a popular tourist destination and is known for its white sand beaches, coral reefs and lush jungle interior.
Koh Lanta has two main towns, Saladan and Kantiang Bay.
Saladan is the island’s main town and is where most of the shops, restaurants and hotels are located.
Kantiang Bay is a quieter town located on the south coast of Koh Lanta.
The best beaches on Koh Lanta include Kantiang Bay, Klong Dao Beach and Long Beach.
Koh Chang
Koh Chang is one of the largest islands in the Gulf of Thailand.
The island is a popular tourist destination and is known for its beaches, waterfalls and jungle interior.
Some of the best beaches on Koh Chang include White Sands Beach, Kai Bae Beach and Lonely Beach.
Koh Chang is also home to Khao Sok National Park, one of Thailand’s largest rainforests.
The park is a popular spot for hiking, camping and bird watching.
Similan Islands
The Similan Islands are an archipelago of nine islands in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Phang Nga Province in southern Thailand.
The islands are known for their white sand beaches, clear waters, and coral reefs. They are a popular destination for snorkeling, diving, and swimming.
The Similan Islands were declared a national park in 1982 and are now a popular tourist destination.
Visitors to the islands can stay in one of the many resorts or camp on the beach.
Koh Si Chang
Koh Si Chang is a small island located in the Gulf of Thailand. It is about 12 kilometers off the coast of the Thai mainland and is part of the province of Chonburi.
Like many Thai islands, Koh Si Chang has stunning beaches, coral reefs and crystal clear waters.
There are a number of historical landmarks on the island, such as the Wat Tham Kongkaew temple and the Koh Si Chang Royal Palace.
Final Words
The islands we have listed are some of the best in Thailand for tourists.
They offer stunning beaches, crystal clear waters and plenty of activities such as snorkelling, diving and swimming.
If you’re looking for a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Thailand, any of these islands would be a great choice.