written by
Ties Lagraauw
updated 27.02.2025
Thailand has a rich culture, beach huts aplenty, tantalizing local food and adventures galore, and all are available at often staggeringly low prices. It is home to an astonishing array of islands offering all manner of diving, swimming and sunbathing opportunities all year round. The hardest part for any visitor is singling out Thailand's best islands among the hundreds. Here is our pick of 20 of the best islands in Thailand.
The information in this article is inspired by Rough Guide to Thailand.
Thailand is home to stunning islands, each offering something unique — whether it's world-class diving, vibrant nightlife, remote hideaways or the best beaches in Thailand.
With over 1,400 islands, choosing the best one for your trip can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the 20 best islands in Thailand, categorized by travel style to help you find the perfect destination.
Thailand’s islands are spread across two main regions:
The best time to visit Thailand depends on the season.
Getting between Thailand’s islands is relatively easy, especially during the high season when ferries, speedboats, and flights run frequently. Many major islands, such as Phuket, Koh Samui, and Krabi, have airports with domestic and international flights, making them convenient starting points.
From there, ferries and speedboats connect travelers to smaller islands. In the low season, ferry schedules are reduced, but private speedboat charters remain an option for reaching more remote destinations. Planning ahead and checking ferry timetables can help ensure smooth island-hopping adventures.
Looking for a peaceful island escape? Koh Mak is a tiny, star-shaped island with soft white-sand beaches and a serene, family-run atmosphere. Ideal for those seeking a quiet, off-the-beaten-path retreat. Koh Jum is the ultimate laidback hideaway, where days are spent lounging on deserted beaches and nights are lit by paraffin lamps and starlight. Koh Yao Noi is a tranquil gem in Phang Nga Bay, with breathtaking sea views and an authentic island vibe, far from the crowds.
Best for secluded beaches and peaceful island vibes.
Where is Koh Mak? → View on Google Maps
Small, slow-paced, peaceful Koh Mak makes an idyllically low-key alternative to Ko Chang. Home to little more than 400 people, many of them descended from the islands’ five main clans, Koh Mak measures just 6 square miles and is dominated by coconut and rubber plantations. The island is shaped like a star and has fine white-sand beaches where most of the tourist accommodation is concentrated.
Fly to Trat Airpor, then take a taxi to Laem Ngop Pier, where speedboats (45-60 mins) and slower wooden boats (2-3 hrs) connect to Koh Mak.
Ao Suan Yai Beach, Koh Mak Island ©Shutterstock
Best for stunning sea views and crowd-free tranquility.
Where is Koh Yao Noi? → View on Google Maps
Located in an idyllic spot on the edge of Phang Nga Bay, almost equidistant from Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi, the island of Koh Yao Noi enjoys magnificent maritime views from almost every angle and makes a refreshingly tranquil getaway.
Measuring about 7 miles at its longest point, it’s home to some four thousand islanders, most of whom earn their living from rubber and coconut plantations, fishing and shrimp farming. While the beaches don’t have that same wow factor as many of the other best islands in Thailand, tourism here is low-key so it’s a peaceful escape.
Reachable from Phuket or Krabi. Regular speedboats (30-60 mins) run from Bang Rong Pier (Phuket) and Thalane Pier (Krabi). Longtail boats also offer a slower, scenic ride.
Koh Yao Noi, Phang Nga, Thailand © Shutterstock
Best for off-grid relaxation and quiet coastal escapes.
Where is Koh Jum? → View on Google Maps
This is the sort of laidback spot people come to for a couple of days, then can’t bring themselves to leave. Though there’s plenty of accommodation on the island, there’s nothing more than a handful of beach bars for evening entertainment, and little to do during the day except try out the half-dozen West Coast beaches and read your book under a tree.
Nights are low key: it’s paraffin lamps and starlight after 11 p.m. at places off the main grid, and many places don’t even provide fans as ocean breezes are sufficiently cooling.
From Krabi Airport, take a taxi to Laem Kruat Pier. A longtail boat (40 mins) will get you to Koh Jum. If coming from Koh Lanta, there’s a direct ferry in high season.
Koh Jum, Thailand @ Shutterstock
Indulge in a luxurious island escape with world-class resorts, stunning beaches, and upscale experiences. Koh Lanta is best for laid-back luxury offering long, serene beaches, top-notch diving, and a peaceful, family-friendly vibe. Koh Samui is best resort luxury and vibrant beach life, with stunning coastlines, high-end resorts, and access to the breathtaking Ang Thong National Marine Park.
Best for laid-back luxury.
Where is Koh Samui? → View on Google Maps
Over a million visitors a year, ranging from globe-trotting backpackers to suitcase-toting fortnights, come to this one of the best islands in Thailand just for the beautiful beaches of Koh Samui. Samui is generally large enough to cope with this diversity, and the paradisal sands and clear blue seas have to a surprising extent kept their good looks.
For most visitors, the days are spent indulging in a few watersporflantats or just lying on the beach waiting for the next drinks-seller, hair-braider or masseur to come along. For something more active, you should not miss the almost supernatural beauty of the Ang Thong National Marine Park, which comprises many of the eighty islands in the Samui archipelago
Fly directly to Samui International Airport or take a flight to Surat Thani, then a ferry (1.5-2 hrs) to the island.
Koh Samui © Shutterstock
Best for relaxing in luxury on a laid-back island.
Where is Koh Lanta? → View on Google Maps
Although Koh Lanta Yai can’t compete with neighboring Koh Phi Phi's stupendous scenery, the thickly forested 15-miles-long island has the longest beaches in the Krabi area – and plenty of them. This is also one of the best islands in Thailand for snorkeling and diving, plus caves to explore, trekking and kayaking.
Many people base themselves here for their entire vacation fortnight. The island is especially popular with families, in part because of the local laws that have so far prevented jet skis, beachfront parasols and girlie bars from turning it into another Phuket.
Fly to Krabi Airport, then take a taxi to Hua Hin Pier for a ferry or speedboat (15-30 mins) to Koh Lanta.
Family sunset on the beach in Thailand Koh Lanta island © Shutterstock
Travel cheap, stay social, and find adventure. Koh Pha Ngan is best for parties and budget beaches, from Full Moon madness to quiet coastal escapes. Koh Tao is best for cheap diving and a laid-back vibe, with low-cost dive courses and relaxed beach bars. Koh Chang is best for adventure on a budget, offering jungle treks, waterfalls, and affordable beachfront stays.
Best for affordable island with adventure activities.
Where is Koh Chang? → View on Google Maps
Edged with white-sand beaches and backed by jungle-clad hills, Koh Chang is developing fast but still feels green. It’s Thailand's second-largest island, after Phuket. Unlike its bigger sister, it has tourist facilities in its densely forested interior, just a few rivers, waterfalls and hiking trails.
The island is popular with package tourists, but it’s still possible to find accommodations to suit most budgets. Although the beaches may be busy, there are plenty of places to swim or snooze under a palm tree.
Fly to Trat Airport, then take a taxi or shared minivan to Laem Ngop Pier. From there, ferries (30-45 mins) and speedboats (15-20 mins) run regularly to Koh Chang. If coming from Bangkok, buses and minibuses connect to Trat, followed by a short ferry ride.
A white-sand Koh Chang beach © Vlad61/Shutterstock
Best for party scene + hidden budget-friendly beaches.
Where is Koh Chang? → View on Google Maps
For drinking and dancing, Koh Pha Ngan gets a mention thanks to its famous party beach, Hat Rin. It’s now established as the major party venue in Southeast Asia and one of the best things to do in Thailand. In peak seasons – August, December and January – thousands flock here for the infamous Full Moon parties.
The atmosphere created by thousands of folk mashing it up on the beautiful, moonlit beach, is a real buzz. Unfortunately, drug-related horror stories are common currency here, and many of them are true, so be careful.
Fly to Koh Samui Airport, then take a ferry (30-60 mins) from Big Buddha Pier or Maenam Pier. Alternatively, fly to Surat Thani, then take a bus to Donsak Pier, where ferries (2.5-3.5 hours) connect to Koh Pha Ngan. Speedboats from Koh Tao and Koh Samui also run regularly.
Best for cheap diving and laid-back vibe.
Where is Koh Chang? → View on Google Maps
Koh Tao (Turtle Island) is so named because its outline resembles a turtle nosediving towards Koh Pha Ngan, 25 miles to the south. The rugged shell of the turtle, to the east, is crenellated with secluded coves where one or two bungalows hide among the rocks. On the western side, the turtle’s underbelly is a long curve of classic beach, Hat Sai Ree.
The 8 square miles of granite in between is topped by dense forest on the higher slopes and dotted with huge boulders that look as if they await some Easter Island sculptor. There are rough trails inland that are great for exploring but Koh Tao is most famous for its great scuba diving. For those looking to learn how to dive on vacation Koh Tao has ranked as one of Thailand's best islands.
Fly to Koh Samui Airport, then take a ferry (1.5-2 hours) from Bangrak or Maenam Pier. Alternatively, fly to Surat Thani or Chumphon, then take a bus to the pier, where ferries (2-3 hours from Chumphon, 4-5 hours from Surat Thani) connect to Koh Tao. Speedboats also run from Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Samui.
Make a splash with epic underwater adventures. Similan Islands are best for world-class scuba diving — think crystal-clear waters, vibrant reefs, and exhilarating drift dives. Surin Islands are best for pristine snorkeling, with untouched coral gardens, sea turtles, and a peaceful, crowd-free setting.
Best for pristine snorkeling experience.
Where is Surin Islands? → View on Google Maps
Spectacularly varied and unusually shallow reefs, a palette of awesomely clear turquoise waters and dazzling white sands, and dense forests of lofty dipterocarps combine to make the islands of Mu Koh Surin National Park one of the must-visit destinations in southern Thailand.
It’s very much an outdoor experience, with most of the bulk of accommodations in national park tents, no commerce on the island at all, and twice-daily snorkeling as the main activity.
Fly to Phuket or Ranong, then take a bus or taxi to Khura Buri Pier. From there, speedboats (1.5-2 hours) run to the islands.
Relaxing on one of the Surin islands - one of the best islands in Thailand © DC_Aperture/Shutterstock
Best for world-class scuba diving.
Where is Similan Islands? → View on Google Maps
Rated as one of the world’s best spots for both above-water and underwater beauty, the eleven islands at the heart of the Mu Koh Similan National Park are among the most exciting diving destinations among the best islands in Thailand. Massive granite boulders set magnificently against the turquoise waters give the islands their distinctive character, but it’s the thirty-metre visibility that draws the divers.
The underwater scenery is nothing short of overwhelming here: the reefs teem with coral fish, and you’ll see turtles, manta rays, moray eels, sea snakes, red grouper and possibly white tip sharks, barracuda, giant lobster and enormous tuna.
Fly to Phuket or Ranong, then take a bus or taxi to Thap Lamu Pier near Khao Lak. From there, speedboats (1.5-2 hours) run daily to the islands during the open season (November-May).
Similan Island, Thailand © Shutterstock
Love to party by the beach? Koh Phi Phi is the ultimate nightlife hotspot, where fire shows, beach bars, and all-night parties keep the island buzzing. By day, recover on stunning beaches or explore hidden coves.
For a livelier weekend escape, Koh Samet delivers. Just a short hop from Bangkok, this island blends soft white sands with a vibrant nightlife scene — think beachfront bars, live music, and neon-lit parties that go till dawn.
Best for stunning beaches with wild nightlife.
Where is Koh Phi Phi? → View on Google Maps
About 25 miles south of Krabi, the island of Koh Phi Phi looks breathtakingly handsome as you approach from the sea, its classic arcs of pure white sand framed by dramatic cliffs and lapped by water that’s a mouthwatering shade of turquoise.
A flat sandy isthmus connects the hilly east and west halves of the island, scalloped into the much-photographed symmetrical double bays of Ao Ton Sai and Ao Loh Dalum. The vast majority of the tourist accommodation is squashed in here, as is the island’s wild nightlife, with just a few alternatives scattered along the eastern coasts. Phi Phi’s few indigenous islanders mostly live in the northeast.
Fly to Phuket or Krabi, then take a ferry (1.5-2 hours from Phuket, 1 hour from Krabi) to Koh Phi Phi. Speedboats offer faster but pricier transfers. Ferries run regularly from both locations, and from Koh Lanta.
Phi Phi Leh, Thailand © Dan Mammoser/Shutterstock
Best for Bangkok’s weekend escape, with lively bars and neon-lit beach parties.
Where is Koh Samet? → View on Google Maps
Blessed with the softest, squeakiest sand within a weekend distance of Bangkok, the tiny island of Koh Samet, which measures just 4 miles from top to toe, is one of the best islands in Thailand and is a favorite escape for Thais, expats and tourists.
Its 14 white-sand beaches may look idyllic, but they’re packed with resorts, sunbathers, and a buzzing nightlife scene. By day, expect clear blue waters and a few shady coconut palms. By night, beachfront bars and fire shows keep the island lively. Don’t come here looking for solitude — this is a social scene with a view.
From Bangkok, take a bus or taxi (3-4 hours) to Ban Phe Pier in Rayong. From there, ferries (30-45 mins) and speedboats (15-20 mins) run regularly to Koh Samet. Speedboats can also take you directly to your beachside resort.
Ao Nuan Beach on the island of Koh Samet in Thailand © Muzhik/Shutterstock
Love the outdoors? Koh Kood is a nature lover’s paradise, with untouched beaches, hidden waterfalls, and mangrove forests perfect for kayaking. Life moves slowly here — ideal for those who want to unplug and soak in the island’s wild beauty.
For an even quieter escape, Koh Phayam offers empty beaches, jungle trails, and a no-car policy that keeps things refreshingly peaceful. Spot hornbills in the trees, snorkel offshore reefs, or just sway in a hammock with nothing but the sound of the waves.
Best for mix of rainforest, mangroves, and hidden waterfalls, with plenty of space to explore.
Where is Koh Kood? → View on Google Maps
The fourth-largest island in Thailand, forested Koh Kood (sometimes spelt Koh Kut or Koh Kud) is still a wild and largely uncommercialised place. Though it’s known for its sparkling white sand and exceptionally clear turquoise water, particularly along the west coast, Ko Kood is as much a nature lover’s destination as a beach bum’s.
Swathes of shoreline are fringed by scrub and mangroves rather than broad sandy beaches, and those parts of the island not still covered in the virgin tropical rainforest are filled with palm groves and rubber plantations. Koh Kood is a surprisingly pleasant place to explore on foot (or kayak), especially as the cool season brings refreshing breezes most days.
Fly to Trat Airport, then take a taxi or minivan to Laem Sok Pier, where ferries (60-90 mins) and speedboats (45-60 mins) connect to Koh Kood. Alternatively, buses from Bangkok run to Trat, followed by a short taxi ride to the pier. Most resorts offer transfer services from the mainland.
Ao Phrao area Ko Kood, Thailand © Phaphthay/Shutterstock
Best for wildlife, from hornbills in the treetops to coral reefs just offshore.
Where is Koh Phayam? → View on Google Maps
The diminutive kangaroo-shaped island of Koh Phayam offers fine white-sand beaches and coral reefs and is home to around 500 people, most of whom either make their living from prawn, squid or crab fishing, or from growing cashew nuts, sator beans, coconut palms and rubber trees.
Because of its roads, Koh Phayam has a slightly more developed feel than neighbouring Koh Chang, underlined by a low-key beach-bar scene – all hand-painted signs and driftwood sculptures – and the presence of a significant number of foreigners who choose to spend six or more months here every year.
Fly to Ranong Airport, then take a taxi or motorbike taxi to Ranong Pier, where speedboats (30-40 mins) and slower wooden boats (2 hours) connect to Koh Phayam. There are no cars on the island, so expect to get around by motorbike or bicycle once you arrive.
Koh Phayam, Thailand @ Shutterstock
Looking for a quiet island escape with a mix of relaxation and adventure? These islands offer stunning beaches, calm waters, and just the right balance of seclusion and comfort. For a romantic or family-friendly stay, Koh Lipe has beachfront resorts, easy snorkeling, and sunset strolls along Walking Street. If you want total peace, Koh Ngai is the place — soft sands, calm waters, and just a handful of quiet resorts. For incredible snorkeling, Koh Kradan boasts powdery beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for couples and families alike.
Best for a mix of barefoot luxury and adventure.
Where is Koh Lipe? → View on Google Maps
A mix of adventure and comfort, Koh Lipe is perfect for couples and families looking for a relaxed island vibe with plenty to do. The island’s main beach is a stunner, lined with over fifty bungalow resorts ranging from budget stays to boutique beachfront retreats.
Lipe’s heart is Walking Street, a lively stretch of shops, cafés, and seafood restaurants. Families can enjoy calm, shallow waters, while couples can hop between beach bars or take a longtail boat to nearby snorkeling spots like Ko Gra. Though it’s part of Ko Tarutao National Marine Park, tourism has taken over — so don’t expect total seclusion, but do expect plenty of island charm.
Fly to Hat Yai or Trang, then take a taxi or minivan to Pak Bara Pier, where speedboats (1.5-2 hours) connect to Koh Lipe. From November to May, ferries also run from Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Langkawi (Malaysia).
Seascape of Thailand, Lipe Island © Shutterstock
Best for those looking to unplug in a serene setting.
Where is Koh Ngai? → View on Google Maps
The most developed of the Trang islands, Koh Ngai (also known as Koh Hai) is still decidedly low-key among the best islands in Thailand. The island’s action, such as it is, centers on the east coast, where half a dozen resorts enjoy a dreamy panorama of jagged limestone outcrops, whose crags glow pink and blue against the setting sun, stretching across the sea to the mainland behind.
The gently sloping, fine white sand beach here runs unbroken for 1.5 mile and there’s some good snorkeling in the shallow, clear water off the island’s southeastern tip.
Fly to Trang or Krabi, then take a taxi or minivan to Pak Meng Pier, where speedboats (45-60 mins) connect to Koh Ngai. During high season (November-April), boats also run from Koh Lanta, Koh Mook, and Koh Kradan.
Best for couples seeking romance.
Where is Koh Kradan? → View on Google Maps
Koh Kradan is the remotest of the inhabited islands off Trang, and one of the most beautiful, with crystal clear waters. On this slender triangle of thick jungle, the main beach is a long strand of steeply sloping, powdery sand on the east coast with fine views of Koh Mook, Koh Libong and the karst-strewn mainland.
An offshore reef to the north boasts vibrant hard coral, offering couples a stunning spot for snorkeling together. Just be prepared for the midday rush, as day-trip boats from Koh Lanta often turn the beach into a lively picnic stop.
Fly to Trang or Krabi, then take a taxi or minivan to Pak Meng Pier, where speedboats (45-60 mins) connect to Koh Kradan. During high season (November-April), boats also run from Koh Lanta, Koh Mook, and Koh Ngai.
Prefer your islands wild and crowd-free? These remote spots offer untouched nature, jungle trails, and a true sense of escape. For a no-frills retreat, Koh Chang (small island) is all about hammocks, bungalows, and a slow island rhythm.
For pure wilderness, Koh Tarutao has jungle-covered mountains, sea caves, and empty beaches — no crowds, just adventure. If hiking’s your thing, Koh Adang offers rainforest trails, hidden waterfalls, and epic views over Koh Lipe.
Best for no-frills, ultra-laid-back retreat.
Where is Koh Chang? → View on Google Maps
No, we’re not repeating ourselves, this is a different Koh Chang, not to be confused with its much larger namesake off the east coast of Thailand. It’s a forested little island about 3 miles offshore, whose car-free, ultra laid-back, roll-your-own vibe more than compensates for the less-than-perfect beaches.
The pace of life here is very slow and for the relatively small number of tourists who make it to the island, the emphasis is strongly on kicking back and chilling out. Bring your own hammock and you’ll fit right in.
Fly to Ranong Airport, then take a taxi or motorbike taxi to Ranong Pier, where slow wooden boats (1 hour) and speedboats (30-40 mins) connect to Koh Chang.
Best for jungle-covered mountains, hidden caves, and empty beaches
Where is Koh Turatao? → View on Google Maps
This is the largest of the Koh Turatao National Park archipelago and it offers the greatest natural variety: mountains covered in semi-evergreen rainforest rise steeply to a high point of 2,300 feet; limestone caves and mangrove swamps dot the shoreline; and the west coast lined with perfect beaches for most of its 16-mile length.
Fly to Hat Yai or Trang, then take a taxi or minivan to Pak Bara Pier, where speedboats (30-60 mins) connect to Koh Tarutao.
Koh Tarutao is notable for its mountains © khlongwangchao/Shutterstock
Best for some of the best panoramic views in the region.
Where is Koh Adang? → View on Google Maps
This rainforest-covered island has narrow beaches backed by a canopy of pines. A half-hour climb to Sha-do cliff is worth tackling, with great views over Koh Lipe island to the south. Another option can be found near the main park station, where a 20-minute trail leads to the small Pirate Waterfall.
Fly to Hat Yai or Trang, then take a taxi or minivan to Pak Bara Pier, where speedboats (1.5-2 hours) connect to Koh Lipe. From Koh Lipe, hire a longtail boat (10-15 mins) to Koh Adang.
written by
Ties Lagraauw
updated 27.02.2025
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