The crystal clear Andaman Sea and the turquoise Gulf of Thailand know for sure they have the biggest hook to cast a spell on you: the tropical islands.
Nature lovers assemble! Here are the nine best islands in Thailand for you to make a bucket list.
A thick vegetation team with dramatic coral reefs to bring out some of the best places to scuba dive, take on a hike, go rock climbing, or simply sunbathe on the silky-smooth sand and finish your favorite book.
Now comes the next biggest question: how to make the most out of each island?
Well, that’s why I made this ultimate round-up so you don’t have to. Not only will I cover some of the most stunning islands in Thailand for all types of travelers, but I will also break down a brief insight so you can tell which one suits you the most. And on top of that, I also made a detailed travel guide to each island that you can easily save for later.
Now let’s dive right in!
Koh Chang
As the name suggests, Koh Chang seems to be a giant elephant’s head looming out of the mist if you contemplate the island from above. Hence the name Koh Chang was born. Koh Chang, teaming up with Phuket and Koh Samui, is known as one of the largest natural islands in all of Thailand. The island lies within the Gulf of Thailand, at the very south where the Cambodia border is not too far away.
The Elephant Island is enfolded by sun-kissed sweeping bays while the overflowing jungle shields the old forest floor. Hidden amidst the woods are magnificent waterfalls you can reach on a hike. For those whose hearts belong to the world under the sea where all the colorful coral reefs settle, Koh Chang makes a great getaway for snorkeling too.
From beach huts for glamping and luxury resorts to chill out with style, Koh Chang is no short of a stellar place to stay for all types of travelers.
Phuket
Phuket needs no more introduction. Dubbed as one of the most visited islands in the country. Reuters says 40 million foreign arrivals hit Thailand and 10 million of which visited Phuket alone.
Well, there’s nothing to blame on this largest island in the country. A massive footprint spanning 543 square kilometers, allowing it to cover as many forms of terrain as possible. From beaches (of course!) to lagoons, from the massive Phuket mountain range and palm oil plantations, you name it.
On top of that, the dramatic drop-offs and fringing reefs turn Phuket into some of the most renowned diving spots in Thailand.
Koh Phi Phi
The famous The Man with the Golden Gun and the cinematic The Beach, those iconic Hollywood blockbusters were filmed in the stunning bay of Koh Phi Phi. Ever since the sun-flooded beaches and dramatic limestone caves in Koh Phi Phi were brought to the public eye, the island has received a record-breaking number of tourists flocking from all walks of life.
There’s no doubt that Koh Phi Phi has some of the most pristine beaches in Thailand (even though the booming tourism scene has driven the price a bit higher than ever). It’s not hard to capture the somewhat laid-back setting of the island. The clear-crystal waters and lush tropical vegetation welcome you to take a breather, go forest bathing, and scuba dive out of Shark Point.
Koh Krabi
A thriving marine life is not enough to bring Krabi into a world-class island in Thailand. Do you know Krabi is actually home to one of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs and a limestone cliff? Yeah, and the world’s most dedicated divers are desperate to conquer the ocean bed in this part of Thailand just to see this impeccable natural creation.
Well, it doesn’t mean you must know how to dive to be able to appreciate Krabi to the fullest. On a milder level, you can kayak to Ao Thalane and Bo Thor, or simply set sail on a cruise traversing the scenic Ao Nang Bay. Krabi is also well-known for rock climbing too, where the most passionate climbers yearn to take on the dramatic cuts around Ton Sai, Railay, and Phra Nang with a view to the stunning Andaman Sea.
Similan Islands
Similan Islands are perfectly shielded by the lush jungles of Similan Islands National Park out of Phang Nga Province. The archipelago consists of nine smaller islands wearing impeccable limestone rock formations on top and hiding a flourishing marine life off the coasts.
For that reason, snorkeling and scuba diving are no strangers here, with the Elephant Head Rock being the most sought-after diving spot.
Other than the gorgeous bodies of water, Similan Islands are also known for their thick vegetation and various hiking possibilities.
Koh Samui
What does the second-largest island in Thailand have in store for you? Is it the white sandy beach fringed with palm trees or a serene setting to hide out with your significant other?
Well, no matter what it is, Koh Samui has everything it takes to be your next favorite island with a rich romantic feel. Chaweng Beach can be the most visited beach in all of Koh Samui but Lamai is inarguably the most tranquil spot to finish your unfinished book or kick back with your loved ones.
Going beyond the coast’s boundary are plenty of things to see and do on a day trip. Are you down to see the mummified monk, forest bathe in Ang Thong National Marine Park, or stroll around the Secret Buddha Garden? It’s time to make your bucket list now!
Koh Tao – Turtle Island
Isn’t it impressive to see how mother nature has given the Gulf of Thailand some of the most quirky-shaped islands in Southeast Asia? Well, now we even have one with a shape of a turtle. As your boat gradually reaches the shore, that’s the perfect time to spot the “turtle head” sneaking out to say hello from afar.
They say Koh Tao is famous for snorkeling. And they’re right, even the most notorious dive education centers can be found here.
The coral reefs aren’t the only things you can see here. Be prepared to swim with green and hawksbill turtles if you decide to hit the Thian Og Bay.
Koh Samet
Koh Samet may not be the first name to pop up when you imagine the best islands in Thailand, but its deserted beauty totally wins my heart. Location-wise, it lies in the southeast of Thailand with proximity to Koh Chang and Pattaya.
Do you know that Koh Samet is the sunniest place of all the islands in the country? Here, Hat Sai Kaew is dubbed as the busiest part of the island while Ao Wong Deuan beckons more attention from tourists. If you’d rather stay somewhere less busy and more authentic, check out Ao Phai which is a great diving spot as well.
Koh Lipe
You may have heard of Koh Lipe (or not). It’s a tiny dot of the island at the southern edge of the country, in a far-off province called Satun. If you keep going from there, the Malaysian border will appear right in front of you.
Just like many other islands in the country, Koh Lipe is famous for snorkeling and diving with the coral reefs. There are only three beaches to hop in between,
But the great outdoor possibilities don’t just stop there. Koh Lipe has one of my favorite walking streets. There’s street food, Halal food, boutique stores, spas, hostels, and many more – you name it.
It’s time to include these nine best islands in Thailand on your bucket list. Let us know which one of the above is your favorite!
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