Thailand is a stunning tropical paradise that attracts visitors from around the world with its beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture, and once in a lifetime experiences. No visit to Thailand is complete without a jaunt to its islands, where turquoise waters, powdery beaches and dense green jungles are the norm. Each island has its own particular magic, whether it takes the form of all-night beach parties, world-class scuba-diving sites or peaceful retreats away from the insanity of everyday life.

I’ve hopped from island to island in Thailand to figure out what sets each apart. From exciting expeditions at sea to cultural delights of the land, this guide contains detailed advice for the most satisfying holidays. If you want to soak up some golden sunshine, enjoy fantastic cuisine, or get one’s feet wet in clear-as-glass seas, delve into our ultimate guide to the best islands in Thailand.

Phuket – The lively inroad to heaven

visitors to the Andaman Sea, and it is Phuket, Thailand’s biggest island, that’s the gateway for many of those. Phuket is reachable by car and plane (its international airport is the second busiest in the country), and has something for every kind of traveler. Though some come here for the party-hearty nightlife or the high-end resort circuit, there’s so much more the island has to offer.

Beaches to Explore

While Patong Beach is probably the most notorious strip of sand, famous for its lively party scene, take my word for it that the magic of Phuket goes way beyond this touristy hot spot. I found myself drawn to spots such as Freedom Beach, a lovely, difficult-to-reach cove that is approached by boat or the narrow, treacherous jungle trail. Perfect for those who want seclusion, clear sea, and a quiet atmosphere.

For families, the laid-back waves at Kata and Karon Beaches are perfect, while Surin Beach adds a dash of style and boasts a scene of beach cuisine served at trendy beachside restaurants and designer boutiques.

Unique Experiences

Wander Old Phuket Town One of my best memories in Phuket was wandering the Old Phuket Town. This neighborhood is a throwback to another time, with its colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses and quirky cafes and artisanal stores offering handmade jewelry and art by local artists. I spent hours wandering the market here on Sunday night, trying everything from freshly grilled seafood to mango sticky rice, a must!

One of my favorite parts was kayaking in Phang Nga Bay, surrounded by the tall limestone cliffs and emerald green waters. The guided tour led me on hidden caves, which revealed so much that display beautiful lagoons belted with cliffs. It was just as magical as you would expect!

Pro Tips:

• Supplement your trip to Phuket with boat rides to other local islands such as James Bond Island or the Similan Islands.

• Foodies can explore moo hong, a pork stew seasoned with black pepper and garlic.

Koh Samui – A Paradise of Opulence and Fascination

One of Thailand’s luxury outposts, Koh Samui lures honeymooners, wellness seekers and those in search of a little pampering and adventure. And it’s insanely convenient, with its own airport and no shortage of ferry connections to other islands nearby.

Beaches and Things to Do You Can’t Miss

Chaweng Beach is where it’s at for Koh Samui’s pulsating scene, but if you’re into a little more peace and quiet (like moi), Lamai Beach is the place to be. I must have spent hours here, reclining with a book, feeling the warm ocean breeze on my skin. Just next door I also found Silver Beach, a tiny, jewellike cove with granite boulders framing its edges.

For those looking for more adventure, Ang Thong National Marine Park is a boat ride away. It is a 42-island labyrinth, full of never-ending discovery. I had the most amazing day road tripping by kayak through the limestone cliffs, hiking to viewpoints and snorkeling in its bustling waters.

A Taste of Thai Culture

In between beach days, Koh Samui has cultural landmarks like the Big Buddha at Wat Phra Yai, a 12-meter-tall golden statue that can be seen from miles around. As I travelled the island, I’d often stop at the roadside temples for a bit of peaceful self-reflection, marveling at the carved details and gaudy patterns of flowers and elephants that could only be Thai.

Insider Food Tip: Go to The Jungle Club for dinner and unbeatable views over the entire coast. The food’s great, but it’s the sunset views that will steal the show.

Koh Phi Phi -It’s Like Paradise Out of a Postcard

If there’s a single island that hogs the limelight in every Thailand travel guide, it’s Koh Phi Phi. The dramatic karsts, crystal clear waters and buzzy vibe in this destination make it one of the most memorable. As many visitors do, I was eager to see Maya Bay, where The Beach was filmed. But while it’s unquestionably beautiful, the real magic of Koh Phi Phi is in its quieter spots.

Island Exploration

One day I rented a longtail boat for a private tour of Phi Phi’s iconic locations and secret lagoons. Pileh Lagoon in particular, amazed me with its turquoise blue water and towering cliffs on all sides. A snorkeling trip by Viking Cave got me up close and personal with vibrant reefs teeming with tropical fish, while a visit to Bamboo Island delivered some of the softest sand I’ve ever seen anywhere.

Koh Phi Phi really ever comes into its own in the nighttime. Beach bars in Tonsai Bay host lively parties with fire dancers and every genre of music. Even if nightlife isn’t for you, that is something you should probably try a time or two or three.

Travel Hack: A quieter option is Loh Lana Bay for those that prefer less crowds and beautiful natural landscapes.

Koh Lanta – The Best in Slow Living

Koh Lanta was an unexpectedly enjoyable stop on my island-hopping tour. The relaxing vibe and broad beaches made for a fantastic place to unplug and relax. Long Beach is the ideal spot for lazy morning sunbathing, while Klong Nin beach is quiet by day and mellow beach bars by night.

For the more adventurous, Koh Lanta is a fantastic launching point for day trips to neighboring islands such as Koh Rok or Koh Haa. I signed up for a snorkeling tour, and was awed by the colorful coral and healthy marine life.

Offbeat Adventures

Hiring a scooter and discovering Koh Lanta’s green jungles and nice little villages was a favorite pastime for me. Located at the south end of the island, you’ll see Mu Ko Lanta National Park’s trails to lighthouses atop sheer cliffs.

Cultural Moment: Stilted wooden houses dot Koh Lanta Old Town, a picturesque display of small cafes sandwiched between boats bobbing in the harbor. The town moves slowly, which is a perfect manner in which to soak up the culture of southern Thailand.

Koh Chang – The ideal place for the nature lover

Koh Chang is nowhere near as developed as the likes of Phuket or Koh Phi Phi. I fell in love at first sight with its wild jungle draped landscape scattered with tranquil beaches.

For more adventurous travelers there is much to do here from jungle trekking to finding waterfalls. Another of the must-sees with its perfect stopping off points to cool down in the natural pools, is Klong Plu Waterfall. Or do as the locals do and hire a motorbike to check out the treasure trove of beaches along Koh Chang’s coast, from the lively White Sand Beach to secrets like Bang Bao.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Activity: Book a fishing tour from one of the local piers of Koh Chang to see traditional island life.

Koh Phangan – Party Meets Serenity

Koh Phangan is known for its epic Full Moon Parties APOSTROPHEhere, but it’s way more than just a place for party animals. Renowned for its stunning beaches, tropical rainforests and a burgeoning wellbeing scene, the island has the best of both worlds. Dance the night away on Haad Rin Beach, or escape into serene yoga retreats and nature hikes.

Full Moon Party Bliss

When I went to my first Full Moon Party, I had no real idea of what to expect aside from really bright neon colors and shiiiiiiit music. What I received was an electric experience. Under the full moon, hundreds of participants were coated in iridescent glow paint, dancing to a kaleidoscopic array of DJs. The spectacle was surreal, with fire jugglers entertaining around us and glowing lanterns set free into the night sky.

If you aren’t stopping by during the Full Moon, have no fear. Half Moon and Black Moon parties continue the party vibe, though on a smaller scale.

The Quieter Side of Koh Phangan

If parties aren’t your scene, Koh Phangan’s natural beauty is incredibly enticing, too. At its northern coast beaches such as Bottle Beach (Haad Yuan) are great for a day of peace and quiet. I recall a strenuous abyss-bound trek through a dark, uninviting trail to reach this V-shaped beach, one where the emerald waters and haze white sands were clearly worth every bit of toil.

The island is also known for its yoga and wellness retreats. I went to a morning yoga session at a hillside pavilion with a view of the sea, and it was nothing short of soul-soothing. Lots of wellness centers also have guided meditations, detox activities and healthy plant-based meals.

Travel Tip: Rent a scooter and tour the island in your own time. Koh Phangan is hilly, so you will be in for some twists and turns, as well as some scenic road views.

Koh Tao – A Diver’s Dream

A magnet for those keen to experience the underwater world, Koh Tao is home to some of the world’s finest scuba-diving spots. It’s not just beautiful; it’s also one of the cheapest places to get PADI certified.

Diving and Snorkeling Trips

I was gobsmacked the first time I did indeed dive it. As I swam under the blue sky and crystal-clear waters, I swam with schools of fish, coral and even sometime whale shark! Other amazing dive areas are Shark Bay and Southwest Pinnacles where the diversity of marine life is second to none.

For those who aren’t yet scuba ready, Koh Tao’s got some great snorkeling prospects. As the name suggests, Shark Bay is a great destination for observing harmless (and exciting) fare in the form of blacktip reef sharks. Ao Leuk, in the meantime, is an ideal location for some shallow reef diving.

Unwinding Above Water

Koh Tao’s charm does not diminish once you step out of the water after a day of underwater exploration. Trek to John-Suwan Viewpoint, where a deep jungle canopy opens up to a panoramic view of the nong nuch gardens twin bays far below. Come sunset, Sairee Beach is where it’s at, soaking up the last golden rays with a refreshing fresh coconut water or cocktail in hand.

Insider Tip: Be sure to check out the Mae Haad Walking Street for great street food such as skewered seafood and green curry. With its laid-back atmosphere, Koh Tao is an island that once you’re on is very hard to leave.

Similan Islands - Unspoilt and Protected

The Similan Islands, consistently rated as one of the top 10 most beautiful archipelagos in the world, is a haven for nature lovers and divers. These islands form a national park, so strict conservation efforts have ensured their preservation in an unspoiled state.

Underwater Wonderland

I’ll never forget snorkeling in the Similans. The reefs are teeming with life, from parrotfish dashing through the currents to graceful manta rays that hang by like flying carpets. There are underwater adventures in much of Thailand travel, but the Similans are in a class by themselves.

For experienced divers, the celebrated Richelieu Rock is a must. I didn’t get to see this, but the folks I met who did were still chattering about those giant grouper fish, seahorses, and the occasional glimpse of a whale shark.

Above-Water Serenity

The islands, too, are nothing short of magnificent. There are white sand beaches and crystal clear waters at Donald Duck Bay (named after an unusual rock formation) which provide an idyllic setting for a picnic.

Urgent Note: The Similan Islands are accessible to travelers during the dry season (November to May) only. Tight visitor limits mean these islands are unspoiled gems.

Koh Samet- Near, Easy and Beautiful

A mere three-hour drive from Bangkok, Koh Samet is a convenient island getaway that residents and tourists love to escape to. On this tiny island, the beaches run the gamut from lively to utterly deserted, so it’s great for both partying and peace and quiet.

Pick Your Vibe

Ao Hin Khok and Sai Kaew Beach are pulsing with color; the beach bars and high-energy water sports are all part of the fun. One night I hung out here for fire shows and live music, and the energy was infectious.

Looking for calm? Quieter options include Ao Wai and Ao Phrao Beach. I could feel stress melt away while I watched sunsets over Ao Wai’s placid, glimmering water.

Convenience and Comfort

I loved how easy Koh Samet was (compared to other islands). Whether it’s the close proximity to Bangkok, the variety of places to stay or the easy ferry system, the island just seems catered to a traveler’s comfort.

Pro Tip: Koh Samet is perfect for a quick weekend getaway when you don’t have time for the full-blown tropical experience.

Koh Yao Noi: Off the Beaten Path for a Romantic Break!

Wedged between Phuket and Krabi, Koh Yao Noi is a quiet, unspoiled escape that has managed to retain its authenticity. It’s a dream choice for honeymooners, couples in search of peace, or solo travelers in search of the beauty of nature.

A Day on Koh Yao Noi

I had cycled here this morning across open country, through rice paddies, sleepy fishing villages, and modest local homesteads. The island was a breath of fresh air, grounding me in the present.

For lunch, I visited a mom-and-pop shop by the pier, where I had some locally caught seafood dressed in Southern Thai spices. It was that wonderful meal you can easily get only if you are off the beaten track.

Quiet Luxury

For a splurge, Koh Yao Noi has luxurious, eco-friendly resorts like Six Senses Yao Noi. Try soaking in an infinity pool while staring at the spectacular limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay.

Travel Tip: The island’s isolation can make it feel worlds away, but it’s only a 30-minute speedboat ride from Phuket.

Final Words About Island Hopping in Thailand

Postcard-perfect beaches and thrilling underwater worlds can be found at Thailand’s islands, no matter what type of traveler you might be. It doesn’t matter if you’re a partier, a nature lover, a foodie or a wanderer in need of a little peace and quiet — there’s an island here with your name on it.

More Tips for Smooth Travel

Getting Around: For hopping between the islands, take domestic flights, ferries and speed boats. Try to get tickets as far in advance as possible, especially during the busy season!

When to Go: November to April brings the best weather in most of the islands; monsoons (May to October) make certain destinations harder to reach.

What to Pack: Sunscreen, bug spray, waterproof bags, and water shoes are necessities for island hopping.

Saying goodbye to Thailand’s islands is like saying goodbye to a part of me. The variety of experiences varied from thrilling plunges into the sea, to peaceful sunsets, to cultural finds, to some of the best food in the world. Wherever you go next in search of wanderlust, Thailand’s island life is waiting for you.