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Thailand’s islands are renowned for their stunning beauty, offering a perfect blend of tropical paradise and rich culture. We’ve come up with a list of the best islands in Thailand. Scattered across the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, these diverse islands range from bustling tourist hotspots to secluded havens. Each island has its unique character, from the party atmosphere of Koh Phangan to the laid-back charm of Koh Lanta. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation or cultural experiences, these best islands to stay in thailand provide unforgettable experiences for every type of traveller.
Top 10 Best Islands In Thailand
So what are you waiting for? Get a pen and paper to write down the best islands in Thailand that we’ve gathered just for your next trip to Thailand.
1. Phuket
Photo: Subhrajyoti07 / Wikimedia Commons
Phuket is Thailand’s largest and most famous island, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. This tropical paradise offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it a popular destination for travellers. It boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, including Patong, Kata, and Karon. These beaches are ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. For those seeking cultural experiences, Phuket Town, with its Sino-Portuguese architecture, provides a glimpse into the island’s fascinating history. The island is famous for its bustling nightlife, particularly in Patong Beach, where visitors can enjoy bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
Ideal Time To Visit: November to April
Duration: 5 – 7 days
Suggested Read: The Ultimate List Of The Top Things To Do In Thailand
2. Koh Samui
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Koh Samui, Thailand’s second-largest island, is a tropical gem. Known for its palm-fringed beaches, lush jungles, and laid-back atmosphere, it offers a perfect balance between relaxation and adventure. The island’s most popular beaches include Chaweng, Lamai, and Bophut, each with its unique charm and atmosphere. Nature lovers can explore the island’s hidden waterfalls like Na Muang and the scenic Ang Thong National Marine Park. The island also boasts a diverse culinary scene, from street food markets to high-end restaurants serving both Thai and international cuisine. Fisherman’s Village in Bophut is a charming area known for its boutique shops, bars, and weekly night market.
Ideal Time To Visit: February to April
Duration: 4 – 6 days
3. Koh Phi Phi
Photo: Luxure / Wikimedia Commons
Koh Phi Phi is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty and offers best nightlife in Thailand slands. The main island, Phi Phi Don, is the only inhabited island and serves as the base for most visitors. Despite its small size, Phi Phi offers an incredible range of experiences, from world-class beaches to vibrant nightlife. The island’s most famous attraction is Maya Bay on the nearby Phi Phi Leh. While Maya Bay has reopened after a period of closure for ecological recovery, visits are now carefully managed to protect the environment. Visitors can enjoy snorkelling and diving in crystal-clear waters, home to colourful coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Ideal Time To Visit: November to April
Duration: 2 – 3 days
Suggested Read: Top Beaches In Pattaya
4. Koh Tao
Photo: Franz Winter / Wikimedia Commons
Koh Tao, meaning “Turtle Island”, is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand renowned for its world-class diving opportunities. The island is one of the world’s most popular places to get a scuba diving certification, thanks to its clear waters, abundant marine life, and affordable courses. Even for non-divers, the snorkelling around Koh Tao is exceptional. Despite its popularity, Koh Tao maintains a laid-back atmosphere with a good selection of restaurants, beach bars, and accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury.
Ideal Time To Visit: March to September
Duration: 3 – 4 days
5. Koh Lanta
Photo: Neitram / Wikimedia Commons
Koh Lanta offers a more relaxed and less developed island experience compared to some of Thailand’s more famous destinations. Located in the Andaman Sea, it’s made up of several islands, with Koh Lanta Yai being the main tourist destination. The island is known for its long, sandy beaches, mangrove forests, and diverse wildlife. The western coast of Koh Lanta Yai is lined with beautiful beaches, each with its own character. Klong Dao and Long Beach are popular for their calm waters and sunset views, while the southern beaches offer a more secluded experience.
Ideal Time To Visit: November to April
Duration: 4 – 5 days
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Thailand With Family
6. Koh Chang
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Koh Chang, or “Elephant Island,” is Thailand’s third-largest island, located in the eastern Gulf of Thailand near the Cambodian border. Despite its size and beauty. Koh Chang remains less developed than many of Thailand’s more famous islands offering a mix of pristine nature and comfortable amenities. The island’s western coast features a string of beautiful beaches from the popular White Sand Beach to the more secluded Klong Kloi. The island’s interior is dominated by dense tropical jungle and rugged mountains, home to diverse wildlife and several impressive waterfalls like Than Mayom and Klong Plu.
Ideal Time To Visit: November to March
Duration: 5 – 7 days
7. Koh Phangan
Photo: Visions of Domino / Wikimedia Commons
Koh Phangan is famous for its Full Moon Party, but this beautiful island offers much more than just beach parties. The island boasts some of Thailand’s most picturesque and secluded beaches, lush jungles, and a growing wellness scene that attracts yoga enthusiasts and those seeking a spiritual experience. Haad Rin, on the southern tip, is the epicentre of the Full Moon Party but the rest of the island offers a more relaxed vibe. Beaches like Thong Nai Pan and Haad Salad provide tranquil settings for relaxation while Bottle Beach, accessible only by boat or a hike offers a slice of adventure for visitors.
Ideal Time To Visit: March to September
Duration: 4 – 5 days
Suggested Read: Amazing Places To Visit In Thailand On Your Next Tropical Vacation
8. Koh Lipe
Photo: VascoPlanet World Photography / Wikimedia Commons
Koh Lipe, the “Maldives of Thailand”, is a small island in the Andaman Sea, part of the Tarutao National Marine Park. Despite its growing popularity, it has maintained much of its charm and natural beauty. The island is known for its beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for snorkelling and diving. The island’s small size means you can easily walk from one beach to another in about 15 minutes. The surrounding waters are home to vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Walking Street, the island’s main thoroughfare, is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops, offering a taste of local life.
Ideal Time To Visit: November to April
Duration: 3 – 4 days
9. Koh Yao Noi
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Koh Yao Noi, along with Koh Yao Yai island, sits in Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi. It offers a glimpse of traditional Thai island life, with a slower pace and less development than many of its neighbours. It is known for its rubber tree plantations, rice paddies, and beautiful beaches with views of the limestone karsts. Activities here include kayaking through mangroves, cycling through rural villages, rock climbing, and island-hopping tours. The eco-friendly resorts here focus on preserving local culture and environment. The island offers a range of accommodation options, from basic bungalows to luxury resorts, catering to different budgets and preferences.
Ideal Time To Visit: November to April
Duration: 3 – 4 days
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Thailand For Couples For A Romantic Getaway
10. Koh Kood
Photo: Orkunozkaya / Wikimedia Commons
Koh Kood, also known as Ko Kut, is one of Thailand’s large islands, offering visitors a glimpse of a pristine tropical paradise. Located near the Cambodian border in the eastern Gulf of Thailand, Koh Kood is known for its immaculate beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush jungles. The island boasts some of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches, including Klong Chao, Ao Noi, and Ao Prao, each offering powdery white sand and calm, clear waters. The island is home to several waterfalls, including the impressive Klong Chao Waterfall. Koh Kood’s waters are perfect for snorkelling and diving, with healthy coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Ideal Time To Visit: November to April
Duration: 2 – 3 days
These best islands to visit in Thailand offer a diverse paradise for every traveller. From bustling Phuket to serene Koh Kood, each destination promises unique experiences and breathtaking beauty. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, these islands deliver unforgettable memories. As you plan your next trip tot he best islands in Thailand, let TripXL shoulder the burden of bookings with the best deals.
Cover Photo: saiko3p / Shutterstock
