13 Best Islands in Thailand: Guide to Choosing the Perfect Island for You
After traveling Asia for the past two years, I can confidently say the best beaches (and seafood…!) in the world are located among the Thai islands!
Thailand is not only the land of smiles; it is also the land of endless offerings! There are abundant activities for every type of traveler.
The great landmass of Thailand boasts 1,430 islands- 60 of which are accessible to tourists. However, 60 tour-able islands are still a lot to choose from and can complicate narrowing down the perfect island for your Thailand vacation. With most travelers having desired activities and limited time (especially with the 30-day-only Thai tourist visa! 🙁 ), we hardly want to spend all of our time pondering which islands to visit.
After living in Thailand for a year, I have had my fair share of weekend Thai island getaways nationwide. So, from my farang’s (foreigner) point of view, I am here today to share with you the best islands in Thailand and how to choose the perfect island for your Thailand vacation!
*This post contains affiliate links. Purchasing through my link has zero extra cost for you, but it helps me earn a small commission to keep traveling! *
Factors to Consider
There are many factors to consider when choosing the perfect island for your Thailand vacation, such as:
- Budget
- Desired activities (day tours, partying, relaxation)
- Travel season
- Accessibility
Every Thai Island is famous for its own niche and offers varying ventures. Some Thai islands are more difficult to reach than others due to remoteness, while others have an undeniable tourism season/ main activity (Hello, Koh Phangan!).
I am here to share my recommended the best islands in Thailand for your Thailand vacation, starting from the northern-western islands, working my way south, and then moving towards the east. I also display all of the islands on interactive maps, so you clearly understand the location/ where this island is located within Thailand to help you visually plan your itinerary routes!
Travel Season
The recommended travel season for all Thai islands is November to April. Because you are looking to travel to a Thai island, I assume you want to enjoy the beach and all the outdoor activities that come with it—and April to November is the best time to do so. Monsoon season (wet season) in Thailand lasts from May to October, so it is not recommended to travel during these months if you are looking for perfect weather.
Budget
I will not be covering a budget because the budget depends on the traveler. I am accustomed to staying in a mixture of hostel dorms and private hotel rooms, so it depends on your vibe for your island vacation, whether you are a luxury seeker or transiting backpacker. I will, however, give advice and recommendations on which islands are best for all types of travelers depending. So, you can make the decision on where to spend your budget wisely so that a luxury seeker does not end up in a backpacker’s paradise, and vice versa.
How to Get Around
As always, I recommend using 12Go for any and all ticketing needs. This is the best site to use, especially when buying ferry or bus tickets to one of the Thai islands!
13 Best Islands in Thailand
1. Koh Phuket
Starting in the west, Koh Phuket (pronounced Poo-ket) is the largest Thai island and arguably the most famous. This is an obvious choose when choosing for my list of best islands in Thailand.
Traveling to Koh Phuket is simple, depending on your patience. There are plenty of direct flights from Bangkok daily, lasting just over an hour. Or, you can take the bus (the island is connected to the mainland by two main bridges) for around the same price- except the bus is 12 hours.
Your choice. The prices also depend on the season.
Koh Phuket is quite Instagrammable and boasts a mass of activities. You can visit beautiful temples, like Wat Chalang, sunbathe at one of the four main beaches such as Kata Beach, or take pictures of the famous giant lilypads! The most popular activities in Phuket are primarily snorkeling or going on day island-hopping tours to small nearby islands.
There is no time for sleep in Phuket. By night, Phuket transforms into a bustling bar scene. You can party the night away on Bangla Road or watch a Muay Thai show!
2. Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi is Thailand’s secret gem! Seriously, this place sees barely any tourism. Koh Yao Noi (and its big sister, Koh Yao Yai) is famous among Thai locals for its quiet beaches and scenic viewpoints.
Koh Yao Noi is only accessible by boat from Phuket or Krabi. It is a 30-45-minute ferry ride to the island’s pier from either way. But know that the ferry in question is actually a tiny longtail boat. So, it’s not the most comfortable journey, and I wouldn’t take it with a classic Phuket hangover.
It’s an unspoiled Thai island meant for enjoying a quiet beach life, relaxing, and eating local food. Enjoy the tranquility and get up early for the pink sunrises while you are here. This place is truly the definition of vacationing!
3. Phi Phi Islands
Phi Phi Islands (pronounced Pee Pee Islands, Lol) is one of the most picturesque locations in the world! You may have seen this island on social media, flaunting towering limestone cliffs and clear waters. Or, if you’re a movie buff, you will recognize the location of Maya Bay as the setting from the 2000 Leonardo Dicaprio movie, “The Beach.” It is not just one of the best islands in Thailand- it is one of the best islands in the wol
Phi Phi Islands is famous for day tours from Phuket or Krabi, but you can stay on the island to truly soak in its beauty. Phi Phi Islands can only be reached by ferry, either 50 minutes from Phuket or 30 minutes—2 hours from Krabi, depending on where you depart.
While in the Phi Phi Islands, you can enjoy an array of activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and nightlife. It is a party island (similar to Phuket, but much smaller. And more beautiful).
People fail to mention that the Thai island has clear west and east areas, with no cars and boats shuttled through the bay between them. The short boat rides stop running by evening, so you better ensure you are on the same side as your accommodation!
4. Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is a Thai island built for ultimate relaxation. There are a few bars in the northwest, but compared to the other nearby islands, there is no real nightlife.
Koh Lanta can only be reached coming from the Krabi mainland.
From the Krabi mainland, you can expect a one-hour van transfer to the pier and an additional 2-5 hours for the remainder of the transfer. The fastest method of arrival is the one-and-a-half-hour express speedboat transfer. Other transfer methods include a minivan (2-3 hours, depending on the car ferry queue) or a 4-5 hour ferry.
Taxis in Koh Lanta can be expensive, so renting a motorbike is recommended. I usually don’t recommend driving in foreign countries because foreigners may not understand local diving styles, but the island is quiet and flat, so there is minimal risk.
On the island, you can enjoy the numerous clear-water beaches along the east coast, such as Bambi Beach, or the stunning sunsets along the western shore. Other activities include kayaking in the mangroves, walking through the old town, or swim at Bamboo Beach.
5. Koh Lipe
Known as the “Maldives of Thailand,” Koh Lipe (pronounced Lee-pay) has grown in popularity due to its luxury and luscious appearance.
This Thai island is very far in the south of Thailand. First, you must reach Hat Yai in the south, near the Thai-Malaysian border, by either bus, train, or plane. Train transit will take the longest, clocking in at around 14 hours from Bangkok to Hat Yai. From the pier, there are around four ferry crossings a day, and you should plan to transit for around 2 hours via boat onto the island.
There is also a direct boat transfer from Phuket, which will take around 7 hours.
Once in Koh Lipe, you can enjoy various activities, such as daily beachside fire shows at Monkey Bar or Zodiac, or island-hopping day tours. The island is relatively small, so you can quickly get around on foot. However, I recommend going sooner rather than later as the island has become more prevalent in recent years!
6. Langkawi Island (Malaysia)
This island isn’t technically Thailand—it’s Malaysia—but hear me out. I have a valid reason for recommending it. You can cross the border to Malaysia from Thailand on this island (and vice versa!), making it the perfect place for travelers to enjoy transit. This is easily the best border crossing in the world!
*Side note- Make sure you know the visa requirements for your passport when crossing into Malaysia or Thailand before travel. For US passports, you need two passport-size photos and your passport to travel to Malaysia on a VOA. American citizens crossing into Thailand can obtain a Thai VOA for 30 days.*
USA passport holders can check visa requirements here:
Thailand International Travel Information (state.gov)
Malaysia International Travel Information (state.gov)
You can fly directly onto the island or take a ferry or bus ferry. The ferries last for around 2 hours or less and are comfortable, with seating and air conditioning.
Langkawi is a social media influencer’s dream. It is picturesque, and they extensively cater to this with countless aesthetic activities. Available activities include the Skycab and bridge, eagle feeding point, banana boating, 3D art museum, and more. Have your camera ready!
7. Koh Tao
Located in the Bay of Thailand, Koh Tao, known as “Turtle Island,” is the smallest in a trio of famous Thai islands, including Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. Why go to just one- when you can go to all three?
There are a few ways to get to Koh Tao and the surrounding three islands. There are many options when coming from Bangkok, such as flying, bus, or train. As always, the train will take the longest time, clocking in at around 14 hours from Bangkok to Surat Thani. The bus takes around 10 hours to Surat Thani. Once there, you can buy a van and ferry ticket combo to drive you from Surat Thani to the pier and then onto Koh Tao.
The most expensive but easiest option is to fly; however, Koh Tao does not have an airport. You can fly to the neighboring island of Koh Samui or onto the mainland near Surat Thani.
Koh Tao has three ferry options from Chumphon, running from 2 to 7 hours to reach the island. For more information about that, I suggest reading this article: Chumphon to Koh Tao | Ferry Times (thailandtravelroutes.com)
Unlike most of my ferry journeys in Thailand, this one is consistently very rocky. I’ve never had a friend visit Koh Tao without reporting trouble during the ferry journey. If you get motion sickness, definitely take an extra pill beforehand!
Koh Tao is stunning and well-appreciated by outdoor lovers. Its unique coastline consists of rocky shores and traditional sand beaches. Visitors can enjoy hiking, snorkeling, rock jumping, and more while watching Sealife.
8. Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is one of the most famous Thai islands among backpackers due to the imfamous Full Moon Party. If you don’t know what I am talking about, you can view the official party website here: Official Full Moon Party (fullmoonpartythailand.com)
Located on Haad Rin Beach in the southern part of the island, this beach party happens under every full moon. The party attracts international travelers and lasts all night into the dawn.
Like Koh Tao, there is no airport on the island of Koh Phangan. You must reach the island by a 2-3 hour ferry from the mainland or a 30-minute ferry ride from Koh Samui.
While Koh Phangan offers more than just the full moon party, the Thai island is pretty sparse of travelers during those “off-weeks” in the month. So, this island is primarily recommended for those who want to enjoy the nightlife in Thailand. However, Koh Phangan also has a bit of an underground spiritual scene. My friends that live on the island are super into it- it’s a hippie hub. Instead of joining the full moon party, you can attend Rastafarian moon parties, jungle hikes, and relax in the sun.
9. Koh Samui
Koh Samui is the last and most prominent of the three in this trio of Thai islands.
Koh Samui is the easiest of the three islands to reach because it has its own airport! Otherwise, you can take a two-hour ferry from the mainland.
Koh Samui also offers the most activities out of these three islands. It is less outdoorsy than Koh Tao, and less about partying than Koh Phangan, but has other offerings, such as beautiful temples, a fisherman’s village night market, nightlife, and delicious coconut ice cream! If you are feeling brave, you can even go view the mummified monk who is still in the meditating position.
10. Koh Lan
Jumping from the west side of the Bay of Thailand to the east, we first have the Thai island of Koh Lan! Koh Lan is situated just 7 km off Pattaya’s coast, a famous tourist city known for its nightlife and beaches. If you plan to visit Pattaya, I recommend visiting Koh Lan for a day trip or overnight stay!
This is arguably the most accessible island in Thailand. You can fly directly to Pattaya or take a three-hour van ride from Bangkok and a 10-minute ferry ride to the island.
This Thai island is much tamer than the city of Pattaya, with loads of colorful temples and mangrove-style beaches. While there, you can enjoy Buddhist architecture and viewpoints or sunbathe at one of the various beaches, such as Tawaen Beach or Monkey Beach. This is the perfect place for those wishing to escape the city life for a day or two!
11. Koh Samed
Moving east towards Cambodia you can find the stunning Thai island of Koh Samed, located in the Rayong province. It is a small, walkable island with day activities and nightlife. Upon arriving, you will be greeted by a mermaid ogress statue from Thai folklore.
You can reach Rayong by flying or taking a four-hour van from Bangkok and a 30-minute ferry ride onto the island. For a little more money, you can also take a speedboat, which can get you onto the island in only 15 minutes.
The island is mostly walkable, but there are also scooter rentals and songtaews if you do not wish to walk. The island is one main road with many bars and restaurants along the path. The daytime can be spent sunbathing or going on a snorkeling tour, while the flights can be spent hitting up the many bars and ending with the daily party at Silversand.
12. Koh Chang
Koh Chang is a lover’s paradise, so make sure to bring your partner when you visit. Many of my Thai friends deem this island as one of the best islands in Thailand- which says a lot. It boasts a unique coastline with sandbars and a lush green interior. Its natural beauty has made it a popular destination for many domestic and international travelers, ranking it as one of the best islands in Thailand.
The travel time by bus is around 5 hours from Bangkok, or a one-hour flight twice a day from Bangkok to Trat Airport. Once at the pier, the ferry onto the island is a mere additional 30 minutes.
While visiting Koh Chang, you can also do a bit of Thai island hopping such as to the nearby island of Koh Kood (which I will talk about next!). But most people choose to just relax around the stunning island and enjoy the high-end accommodation offerings. Other activities include plating with elephants on Kai Bae beach or hammocking in the clear waters.
13. Koh Kood
The final Thai island I will be discussing is Koh Kood. While less popular among tourists, you should not exclude this island from your Thailand itinerary. Take this opportunity to enjoy the empty beaches with minimal tourism.
Same as Koh Chang, you can take a 5-hour bus from Bangkok or fly into Trat Airport before departing on a 45-minute ferry ride to the island. Or you can island hop from Koh Chang, and vice versa, for just over an hour.
Koh Kood is half the size of Koh Chang, but much quieter. Enjoy the natural beauty this island has to offer by kayaking in clear kayaks, swimming at Huang Nam Waterfall, or exploring Thai culture Khlong Hin Dam Village.
My Top Pick!
The best island in Thailand for me- Koh Samed!
After exploring Thailand’s diverse islands, my personal top pick of the best islands in Thailand is the charming Koh Samed! It’s our favorite island to enjoy girl’s weekend-getaway trips. This small, walkable island in the Rayong province offers the perfect blend of accessibility and island vibes- and is a convenient escape from my city life.
The island’s compact size allows us to easily explore its beautiful beaches and attractions on foot. By day, we relax on pristine white beaches, join snorkeling tours, and eat delicious seafood. As night falls, the island comes alive with its vibrant bar scene, from the neon bars to fire shows. If you ever find yourself on Koh Samed, make sure to stop by Audi’s Bar for a late-night afterparty and say “Hello” to Audi!
I also want to give a special mention to my favorite beach in Thailand- Railay Beach in Krabi! While this is technically not an island- it is a peninsula only accessible by ferry- it is still one of my favorite vacation spots in Thailand. You can read my guide about it here: Ultimate Guide to Railay Beach: Thailand’s Hidden Paradise (thetinytraveler.blog)
Final Thoughts
Thailand’s islands offer a diverse array of experiences, from bustling party scenes to serene, untouched beaches. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, or vibrant nightlife, there’s an island that perfectly suits your travel style for your Thailand vacation. From the well-known shores of Phuket and Phi Phi to hidden gems like Koh Yao Noi and Koh Kood, each destination has its unique charm. With careful planning and an open mind, your Thai island adventure is sure to be an unforgettable experience in this tropical paradise. So, pack your bags and sunglasses and get ready to discover the magic of Thailand’s enchanting islands!
