9 of the Best Islands in Thailand

#1. Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is located in Tarutao National Park in Satun Province, southwest Thailand, known as Thailand's Maldives. The water here is so clear and stunning! Koh Lipe is a relatively new tourist attraction in Thailand. Because the original marine environment is well preserved, it has become the most beautiful island by Thais, and is also known as the Maldives of Thailand.

Long-tail boats take you to and from the various sandy beaches of the island, and the cool bungalows add a charming rural feel. Koh Lipe is small and suitable for three-day or four-day tours. At night, it is very suitable for walking on the beach, drinking some wine, blowing the sea breeze, chatting and so on.

#2. Phuket

Located in the Andaman Sea of Southern Thailand, Phuket Island is an incredibly popular tourist destination frequented by millions of tourists from all across the globe.

Phuket has many beaches with white sand and clear water, as well as cliffs lined with strange rocks and mountain forests covered with tropical vegetation. It is known as "a pearl in the Andaman Sea" for its charming scenery and rich tourism resources. The total area is about 543 square kilometers. There are 39 large and small islands around. The most famous Island at the area is Khao Phing Kan. It was also known as James Bond Island, was famously used as Scaramanga's hideout in 'The Man with the Golden Gun'. Coral and Racha islands offer excellent snorkeling conditions off the southern coast of Phuket and make for a serene escape from the bustle of the main island.

#3. Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta, a relatively new tourist island in Thailand, is getting more and more popular.
Koh Lanta is an island composed of a series of small islands. There is actually not one, but two Koh Lanta islands: Koh Lanta Noi and Koh Lanta Yai, but people often speak of Koh Lanta to refer to the big sister, Koh Lanta Yai, where most of the beaches and almost all tourist infrastructure is located.

Koh Lanta Yai is a beautiful medium-sized island –6 km wide and 30 km long– quite easily accessible from Krabi in about 2-3 hours, but somehow has so far managed to avoid mass tourism. The tourist season in Koh Lanta runs from October through April with the most visitors here December to March. An increasing number of people are visiting in Green Season (May to October) when daily rainfall usually only lasts a few hours.

#4. Koh Phi Phi

Phi Phi Island is one of the most beloved islands in Thailand.

Located about 20 kilometers southeast of Phuket, Thailand, Phi Phi Island is a sister island consisting of two main islands. This is a place favored by the sun, with soft and white sandy beaches, tranquil blue waters, magical natural caves, and unspoiled natural features, which make her stand out from the more than 30 outlying islands around Phuket and become the most popular in recent years.

Come to one of the hottest resorts. People who like tranquility will definitely like Phi Phi Island. If you spend a few days here, you will definitely feel the best feeling in life. It is suitable to live calmly and appreciate it carefully.

#5. Koh Samui

The beaches of Koh Samui are full of exotic flavors. This is the second largest island in Thailand, and the island is best known for its many five-star hotels, intimate resorts and spas.

The most remote beach is Taling Ngam Beach in the south. Behind the beach is an almost uninhabited alpine forest. Koh Samui is also quite famous for its coconuts! Here, you can not only feel the warm and romantic natural beauty, but also experience the rich nightlife. In addition to diving, you can enjoy authentic Thai spa, and finally don't forget to see cute and smart monkeys picking coconuts and tasting fruits such as coconuts and rambutans.

#6. Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Phangan (also spelt Ko Pha-Ngan) is Thailand’s 5th biggest island and one of the most beautiful and wild.

Located 70 km from the mainland and just 12 km from Koh Samui, Phangan does not have an airport and relies heavily on ferries from the mainland and Koh Samui to transport visitors.

The island is renowned for its lush tropical jungle interior, many idyllic, long, white-sand beaches and over 20 nearby dive sites. The main disembarkation points are Thongsala and Haad Rin, where you'll find plenty of ATM machines and banks. Koh Phangan’s main claim to fame is its legendary Full Moon Party, Black Moon Party with the Full Moon celebrations attracting between 10,000 and 30,000 revellers during New Year’s Eve.

#7. Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a small island in the southeast of Thailand. Because it looks like a turtle, the island is also called "Turtle Island". This is a small island with an area of only 8.5 square miles. It takes about 2 hours to get here by express ferry from Tongla, Hpa An Island, or about 4 hours to take a regular ferry.

More and more tourists visit Koh Tao every year, and the land and sea here still maintain their pristine beauty. Koh Tao is also a world-class diving and snorkeling destination because of its colorful underwater world, stretches of beaches and hidden attractions. Big Blue is one of the largest diving schools on the island, offering a full course of PADI diving, as well as diving accommodation packages!

#8. Koh Chang

Ko Chang island, known also as ‘Elephant Island’ named because of its elephant shaped headland. It is Thailand’s third largest island after Phuket and Samui.

Koh Chang is not very far from Bangkok, it takes 5 hours by bus from the center of Bangkok or the airport, get off the bus and then take the ferry for 45 minutes. Koh Chang has wide beaches and waterfalls, as well as several green parks with great views. The beach is full of lively bars, and there’s even a Koh Chang version of the Koh Phangan Full Moon Party every month.

If you are really tired of the commercial development of the country, then this undeveloped and destroyed island surrounded by mountains is like a hidden country that stays in time. The unpolluted clear water is suitable for snorkeling and fishing, while the tranquil and traditional fishing village is a good place to experience the simple daily life of local fishermen and taste the best seafood.

#9. Koh Samet

Koh Samet is a relatively quiet island around Bangkok. It takes 2 and half hours by bus from Bangkok, and then a ferry, you’ll be on the beautiful beach of Koh Samet.

Part of a national park – and named after the trees that grow here – this protected island has a surprisingly good nightlife scene, with everything from fire juggling to beach barbeques on the social calendar.

Ko Samet sees much less rainfall than any of Thailand’s other islands, which makes it perfect for lazy beach days. Haad Sai Kaew (Diamond Beach) is the most popular, with bars and restaurants along its scenic stretch. Sunthorn Phu, a 19th-century poet, set some of his poetry here, and you’ll find statues of the main character from Phra Aphai Mani and a mermaid on the beach. Other decent beaches include the quieter Ao Hin Khok, secluded Ao Tubtim, and Mae Ramphueng Beach, home to various mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and marine life. Thrill-seekers are well catered to, with jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, diving, and motorcycling. Shop for souvenirs in Samet town center or simply relax with a beach massage – the choice is yours.