Summary :- Thailand is a beautiful country and for an unforgettable experience, there is no better place to visit than one of the country’s many islands. The best islands to visit in Thailand include Koh Samui, Phuket, Koh Chang, etc.
Edited by: Bhawna Nijhawan
If you’re looking for a tropical paradise, Thailand is the ideal destination for you. There is no other country in the world with such stunning dreamy islands and jaw-dropping scenery. There’s something for everyone on Thailand’s islands, whether you’re looking for snorkeling, beach vacations, backpacking, partying, couples’ getaways, or family vacations.
There are tons of other islands to go to besides the world-famous Thai ones like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Phuket, and Koh Lanta. While some are pretty quiet and peaceful, away from tourists, and not explored much, others are known for their wild parties. How about visiting one of these Thailand islands during your next summer vacation? Let me tell you about some of the best islands in Thailand.
1. Ko Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is the perfect choice for holidaying alone or with friends. After the tsunami devastated the island, it’s been rebuilt nearly entirely, with better hotels than ever.
There are many activities you can do there (diving, snorkeling, cliff jumping, boat tours, etc.). All these activities cost around 600 THB to 2500 THB. Featured in Leonardo di Caprio’s film The Beach, Koh Phi Phi draws young, sophisticated, energetic tourists looking to relax or party. You can spend your days sunning, swimming, or exploring. Evenings can be spent enjoying at the beach bars, watching Thai dancers juggle fire, shopping in the local market, and interacting with the local people.
Location: Krabi Province, Southern Thailand
Best Time To Visit: Between November to April
Ideal Duration: 3 Days
Tourist Attractions: Swimming, Kayaking, Snorkelling, Scuba diving
2. Koh Tao
Koh Tao, otherwise known as Turtle Island, has white sand beaches, lantern-lit restaurants, and dive shops. Tourists who visit this island are mostly interested in diving. In addition to diving for fun, you can also learn by doing a diving course at a very reasonable price and with the help of an incredible instructor.
There are many dive shops on the island, so it’s one of the most affordable places to learn diving. The cost of a beginner diving course normally ranges from 9,500 – 11,000 THB and takes three to four days, while a one-day scuba diving course costs 2,500 THB. If you love scuba diving, this is the perfect place for you. If you don’t like diving, you can go to the beaches on this island and chill. I can say that this island is a must-see when you’re visiting Thailand.
Location: Western shore of the Gulf of Thailand
Best Time To Visit: Between February to April
Ideal Duration: 2-3 Days
Tourist Attractions: Scuba diving, shopping, nightlife, sightseeing
3. Ko Chang
A lot of people say it’s the most beautiful and most visited island in the country. The interior of this island is primarily a national park, so it is great for jungle trekking. The entrance fee for the national park is 200 Baht for adults, and for children 3-14 years old, it is 100 Baht. For Thai citizens, the fee is 40 Baht for adults and 20 Baht for children.
The beaches on this island add to the beauty of this place. You can skip the main beaches on the west coast of this island and head to Had Sai Noi Beach for its bohemian beach bar scene, and Salakkok Bay for an occasional glance of a traditional fishing village. The best part about this place is that it’s surrounded by mountains and you can rent small huts. There’s a family-run Kati restaurant in Klong Prao village on this island that makes everything from scratch with homemade curry pastes, I think you should definitely visit there. The area also has amazing resorts, where one can spend quality time.
Location: Trat Province, Thailand
Best Time To Visit: Between November to February
Ideal Duration: 2 Days
Tourist Attractions: Fishing, Had Sai Noi Beach, Salakkok Bay, Koh Chang Waterfall
4. Phuket
As Thailand’s largest island, Phuket is the busiest island and has designer boutiques, world-class restaurants, glorious beaches, and so much more. The glitzy resort town of Phuket offers every convenience, comfort, and facility that you can imagine.
If you are looking for a superb restaurant with celebrity chefs or a luxurious, six-star resort with a private pool, Phuket is the island for you. The price of luxury resorts in Phuket ranges from 1500 THB to 15000 THB per night. For an adrenaline rush, you can also go bungee jumping or scuba diving in Phuket. The nightlife is one of the main attractions for tourists in Phuket. One or two days are not enough time to see everything this beautiful island has to offer.
Location: Southern Thailand
Best Time To Visit: Between November to February
Ideal Duration: 4-5 Days
Tourist Attractions: Beach, Nightlife, Scuba Diving, Six-star resorts
5. Ko Phangan
Koh Phangan is a tropical paradise in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand, with lush jungles and golden sands. I’ve visited this island quite a few times. Besides seeing beautiful beaches and blue water, you can explore waterfalls and mountains in the village of Ban Chalok Lam and learn about the lifestyle of local farmers and fishermen.
Known for its full moon parties, the island is surrounded by jungle and stunning beaches. There is a fee of 200 THB per person to attend the Full Moon Party. The place is great for party people, and even for couples or families. Koh Phangan Island has all kinds of tourist attractions, so it’s a must-visit in my opinion.
Location: Gulf of Thailand
Best Time To Visit: Between December to March
Ideal Duration: 2-3 Days
Tourist Attractions: Full-moon parties, night market, lush jungles
6. Ko Samui
Koh Samui is the oldest Thai island and used to attract travelers with its amazing beaches, cheap huts, and full moon parties, but today, this island has some of the best luxury beach resorts, hotels, and spas in the world. There’s no better yoga and spa destination in Thailand than Koh Samui Island.
The number one spa and wellness center is Kamalaya in Koh Samui, high up in the rainforest: the lodges are made from wood and stone – classic Thai architecture surrounded by banana trees and bougainvillea, all wood and greenery. Absolute Sanctuary is another awesome yoga center on this island that’ll change your life. It costs about 300 THB to 650 THB for one yoga class and 2600 THB to 4500 THB for 10 classes.
Location: Gulf of Thailand
Best Time To Visit: Between December to May
Ideal Duration: 3 Days
Tourist Attractions: Yoga & Spa Retreat, beach resorts, snorkeling, trekking
7. Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is one of Thailand’s best islands because it’s got everything you could ask for. Whether you’re looking for sunbathing on beautiful beaches, world-class diving, a relaxing massage, fun beach bars, kayaking through mangrove forests, or eating seafood tom yum with the locals in friendly fishing villages, then Koh Lanta has it all. Despite not being as commercially popular, it has nature reserves and beaches that will touch your soul.
The best thing about Koh Lanta is that there’s so much to do. This island’s countless attractions, beautiful beaches, jungle, and magical sunsets make it unique. Additionally, there are a lot of hippie beach bars here on the island. These hippie bars charge between 100 THB and 350 THB as entry fee.
Location: Krabi Province, Thailand
Best Time To Visit: Between December to March
Ideal Duration: 2-3 Days
Tourist Attractions: Scuba diving, Thai massage, snorkeling, diving
8. Ko Lipe
A popular diving and snorkeling spot for divers and snorkelers, Koh Lipe has Thailand’s most beautiful & stunning beaches. You will find fewer tourists on this island than on Phuket or Samui, but the beaches here are picture-perfect. Having a loved one by your side would make exploring the island even more enjoyable.
There are two very popular beaches on the island: Pattaya Beach (pictured), which is the busiest, and Sunset Beach, which is the quietest and most secluded. Many trekking sites are available here, so those who love trekking can also visit this island. The cost of trekking is about 100 THB per person.
Location: Southwest Thailand
Best Time To Visit: Between November to March
Ideal Duration: 5 Days
Tourist Attractions: Stunning beaches, trekking, snorkeling
9. Similan Islands
There are nine islands numbered north to south in the Similan Islands. It also has a national park which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The entrance fee to this National Park is approximately 500 THB for adults and 300 THB for children. The island itself consists of the best restaurants and beautiful guesthouses.
I think you should definitely visit QCumber, it is a perfect place for healthy breakfasts and Thai curries. With a stunning coastline that is ideal for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts, this Thai destination is one of the most treasured places to visit.
Location: Phang Nga Province, Thailand
Best Time To Visit: Between December to January
Ideal Duration: 3-4 Days
Tourist Attractions: Diving, snorkeling, hiking
10. Ko Si Chang
If you are only in Thailand for a short trip, you probably won’t be able to visit all the distant islands from Bangkok. You can consider spending a day or two on Koh Si Chang (not to be confused with Koh Chang). A two-hour boat ride from Bangkok takes you there.
The boat ride takes about 40 minutes and costs around 50 THB per passenger. Residents of Bangkok often come here for weekend getaways. Although Ko Si Chang doesn’t have the softest white sand, its green interior, and fishing villages make it a wonderful getaway from Bangkok’s hectic, polluted streets. There are several restaurants on this island where you can enjoy fresh seafood. You’re better off in Koh Si Chang if you only have a precious few hours to spend on the beach.
Location: Chonburi Province, Thailand
Best Time To Visit: Between December to February
Ideal Duration: 1 Day
Tourist Attractions: Seafood, boat ride, fishing
Also Read :- Best Tourist Places to Visit in Thailand
Factors to consider when choosing an island to visit
You can consider these factors when choosing islands for your Thailand vacation:
Traveler’s needs
Is your trip a honeymoon-style trip or a family vacation? The islands that are well-developed with all the facilities, such as Phuket, are more suitable for family trips. A quiet, romantic island like Koh Samui is ideal for honeymoons.
Travelers’ Budget
The budget of every traveler is different, and it is a matter of personal choice, but Phuket fits all budgets. The most expensive island, on the whole, is Koh Samui and the most affordable is Krabi. Because every island is different, it is up to you to decide what is within your budget.
Individuals’ preference
Some people prefer lively islands with plenty of activities, markets, eating, and entertainment options, while others prefer quieter islands. A peaceful and less commercial island may not have many facilities or high-quality hotels. Nonetheless, there are still some islands that have both a relaxing vibe and great facilities, such as Koh Samui and Koh Lanta.
The Climate
East and west coasts of Thailand experience monsoons at different times. There’s a lot of rain on the eastern coast islands between October and December, while it rains on the western coast islands between May and October. It is recommended to avoid the rainy season if you wish to enjoy a dry and sunny holiday.
FAQs
What is the main island of Thailand?
The main island that everyone prefers to visit in Thailand is Phuket with its luxury accommodations and family getaways, as well as undiscovered spots. If you’re looking for a holiday that combines picturesque beaches, convenient transportation options, and plenty of activities, Phuket is an excellent choice.
What is the most beautiful island in Thailand?
There is no doubt that Ko Phi Phi is the most beautiful island in Thailand. The natural beauty of this island is breathtaking. Ko Phi Phi boasts pristine beaches, stunning rock formations, turquoise waters, and stunning marine life.
What are the most luxurious islands in Thailand?
Rang Yai Island is one of Thailand’s most luxurious islands. Just five kilometers away from Phuket Island, this island is easily accessible. There are countless things to do on Rang Yai Island, such as mountain biking, fishing, nature walking trails, and hiking, which will make your vacation memorable.
Which month is best for Thailand islands?
The best time of year to visit Thailand is from November until early April. It is during this time that the skies clear up and the rain stops. But this is Thailand’s peak tourist season, making lodging and flights more expensive. For a more affordable stay, you can visit Thailand during the off-season if you don’t mind some rain or heat.
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