Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is well-known for its magnificent shrines and active street culture. It is complemented by its adjacent islands, which are brimming with lush flora, gorgeous beaches, and amazing beauty. Whether you’re on your honeymoon or travelling with friends, visiting these islands near Bangkok will undoubtedly add charm to your holiday. Some of the most popular islands around Bangkok are Koh Samet, Koh Samui, Koh Si Chang, and Koh Talu. They provide a terrific time besides allowing you to have experiences to remember forever.
7 Best Islands Near Bangkok To Explore
These are some of the top islands near Bangkok that you should undoubtedly visit to make the most of your holiday:
1. Koh Samet
Photo: Kishjar / Wikimedia Commons
Koh Samet is a tiny island located southeast of Bangkok. Beautiful white sand beaches, crystal blue water, serene coral reefs, and a peaceful ambiance await you here. Furthermore, you may sunbathe at beaches such as Sai Kaew, Ao Phai, and Ao Vong Duen, as well as participate in a variety of water activities such as water skiing, jet skiing, banana boating, and scuba diving. You may also charter a speedboat for a full or half-day diving expedition.
Major attractions: Pristine white sandy beaches, particularly Sai Kaew Beach
Best Time To Visit: November to April (dry season with less rainfall)
Ideal Trip Duration: 3-4 days
Nearest Airport: U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport (UTP), about 50 km away
Nearest Seaport: Ban Phe Pier in Rayong, from where ferries depart to Koh Samet
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit Near Bangkok For An Unforgettable Day Trip
2. Koh Samui
Photo: J. Miers / Wikimedia Commons
This tropical island has a great lot of both man-made and natural beauty. From pristine beaches to beautiful waterfalls, Koh Samui has it all. Ang Thong National Park allows you to immerse yourself in nature and feast your eyes on lush foliage. The 12 metre high Big Golden Buddha, Koh Samui’s landmark, can be found on the north shore, along with a small market selling good luck charms. You may also see the ‘Hin Ta and Hin Yai’ stones, which represent grandfather and grandmother.
Major attractions: Chaweng Beach, known for its stunning 7 km stretch of white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Best Time To Visit: February to April, when the weather is dry and sunny with lower humidity
Ideal Trip Duration: 5-7 days, allowing time to explore beaches, temples, and nearby islands
Nearest Airport: Samui International Airport (USM), located on the island itself
Nearest Seaport: Nathon Pier, the main ferry terminal on Koh Samui’s west coast, connecting to mainland Thailand and nearby islands
3. Koh Pha Ngan
Photo: Micha Schmidt / Wikimedia Commons
Ko Pha Ngan is a tiny island in southeast Thailand that lies 12 km north of Koh Samui. It is well-known for its crystal-clear beaches, beach bungalows, and the “Full Moon Party”. You must visit the Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai double bays, as well as the Baan Tai herbal sauna. Aside from that, you should not miss seeing the popular beaches such as Ban Tai, Mae Haad, and Haad Rin Beach.The Haad Rin Beach is well-known for its night-long beach celebration, ‘The Full Moon celebration’.
Major Attractions: Full Moon Party on Haad Rin Beach
Best Time To Visit: December to March (dry season)
Ideal Trip Duration: 3-5 days
Nearest Airport: Samui International Airport (USM) on nearby Koh Samui
Nearest Seaport: Thong Sala Pier, the main pier on Koh Phangan
Suggested Read: Top Beaches In Bangkok
4. Koh Si Chang
Photo: ekeidar / Wikimedia Commons
If you want to experience local culture in an unusual setting with beaches, you should certainly visit Kho Si Chang. It’s the perfect location to relax and unwind. You may explore the Royal Summer Palace, which was built by Rama the Fifth in 1892. Wat Asdangkhanimitr is a Thai temple located in the south. A frog-shaped stone known as the Bell stone may be seen on the right side between the palace and Asdangkhanimitr. You may also visit a 500-step temple that leads to the authentic ‘Sri Lankan’ replica of Buddha’s footprint. You may also participate in aquatic sports such as fishing, kayaking, and snorkelling.
Major Attractions: Phra Chudadhuj Palace, a former royal summer residence with beautiful gardens and architecture
Best Time To Visit: November to February, offering cooler temperatures and less rainfall
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 days, allowing time to explore the island’s attractions and relax on its beaches
Nearest Airport: U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport, about 50 km away on the mainland
Nearest Seaport: Sri Racha Pier, located in Sri Racha on the mainland, from where ferries depart regularly to Koh Si Chang
5. Koh Larn
Photo: Ilya Plekhanov / Wikimedia Commons
Koh Larn is a tiny island off the coast of Pattaya known as “Coral Island”. It is renowned for its beaches, sunset vistas, and forested hills. Parasailing, sea walking, and banana boat rides are all options here. You may travel to Tawaen Beach and enjoy the white sand and crystal blue waves, as well as see the large Buddhist Monk monument surrounded by trees. You can even relax at Tien Beach.
Major Attractions: Pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters, particularly Tawaen Beach and Samae Beach
Best Time To Visit: November to April, during the dry season with less rainfall and calmer seas
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days, as the island is small and can be explored relatively quickly
Nearest Airport: U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport, about 40 km from Pattaya (where you catch the ferry to Koh Larn)
Nearest Seaport: Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya, from where regular ferries and speed boats depart for Koh Larn
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Bangkok For An Unforgettable Experience
6. Koh Khram
Photo: Pattaya Boat Charter / Wikimedia Commons
Koh Khram is a small and private island near Koh Mak in Trat province of Thailand. It is known for its clear waters, and various water activities. You can find a great isolation in this place accompanied by its fine sand and clear water. Moreover, it is a perfect place for snorkelling.
Major Attractions: Pristine beaches and nesting grounds for sea turtles
Best Time To Visit: November to April (dry season) for optimal weather conditions
Ideal Trip Duration: Day trip or 1-2 nights, as facilities are limited
Nearest Airport: U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport (about 45 km away)
Nearest Seaport: Sattahip Port, which serves as a naval base and commercial port
7. Koh Talu
Photo: Koh Lipe Thailand: Koh Lipe Beach Resort / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Koh Talu is the best place in the Gulf of Thailand for snorkelling and diving. The island is surrounded by coral reefs with shallow water. In Koh Talu, skin diving and snorkelling are the most amusing leisure activities. To comfortably bring the guests to the island’s diving spot, we have a spacious raft.
Major Attractions: Pristine beaches and excellent snorkelling opportunities in clear waters teeming with marine life
Best Time To Visit: November to April, during the dry season, for optimal weather and sea conditions
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 days to fully experience the island’s beauty and activities
Nearest Airport: Chumphon Airport (CJM), approximately 40 km from the mainland pier
Nearest Seaport: Bang Saphan Pier in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, from where boats depart to Koh Talu
Suggested Read: Discover The Best Beaches Near Bangkok
A destination which is famous for its nightlife and oodles of vibrancy, Bangkok never ceases to enthral its tourists. Much like Bangkok, its nearby islands also have a charm of their own. The Islands near Bangkok offer travellers numerous scenic views and a tranquil time that they expect from a vacation. So, if you are planning a trip to Bangkok anytime soon, then make sure you visit these spectacular islands as well. Plan your trip with TripXL and make sure to have a memorable experience.
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only