Updated December 6, 2022
Published December 7, 2021
Long-boats bobbing in a sea of turquoise, dense jungle dangling over lime-stone cliffs, white-powder sand, swaying palm trees… Thailand’s beautiful islands never fail to conjure dreams of paradise.
While they share some of the same idyllic features, each one is distinct and different. So, if you’re planning a holiday to Thailand but don’t know where to start, we’ve got the lowdown on the islands that should be on your radar.
1. Koh Yao Noi
An often-overlooked chunk of palm-fringed paradise, Koh Yao Noi is a tiny island halfway between Phuket and Krabi and offers the best of both worlds. It’s around 30 minutes by speedboat from Phuket’s Bang Rong Pier but is still largely undeveloped and feels properly off the beaten path.
Long hikes through its mangrove forests and fishing villages provide a colourful insight into a side of Thailand few travellers get to experience, and beaches such as Klong Jark and Pasai are brilliant options for sunset strolls.
Visit sooner rather than later – chain hotels and new restaurants already starting to set up shop here – and remember to choose local. Some of the best places to eat on Koh Yao Noi are the small, family-run restaurants where seafood reigns supreme.
2. Koh Kret
Say hello to Thailand’s most accessible island: Koh Kret, to the north of Bangkok, in the middle of the Chao Phraya River. Just a short longboat jaunt from the city’s centre, it might not have the dive schools or beaches of Thailand’s most popular islands, but it’s definitely worth a visit.
The island was formed during the construction of a canal, and was later settled by the Mon people, an ethnic group with roots in central Thailand. A network of raised concrete pathways connects the various villages (many of which have shops specialising in traditional Mon pottery) and they’re great fun to cycle along – you can hire a bike for just a couple of pounds and pedalling around the island’s perimeter takes under an hour.
For some retail therapy, visit on a weekend to check out Koh Kret’s market on the eastern side of the island.
3. Koh Chang
Although Koh Chang is one of the Gulf of Thailand’s largest islands, it’s only recently started appearing on travellers’ radars thanks to its day-glo coral reefs, thundering waterfalls and wildlife-filled forests.
The island – which is easily accessible from Cambodia, as well as Thailand – is a popular destination for hikers, who come to march up Salak Phet, the island’s highest peak, or to the Mu Ko Chang National Park viewpoint for fantastic views over nearby islands.
If you’re planning to stay a while, the island has a great range of independent hotels, all of which offer brilliant value. Try the four-star Dewa Koh Chang hotel, where rooms start from around £85 per night.
4. Koh Samui
Full disclosure: if you’re heading to Koh Samui from one of Thailand’s quieter islands, you’re in for a shock. Koh Samui has bustling towns and lots of traffic, but it’s also got some of Thailand’s best beaches, as well as fantastic cuisine (kalamae, a teeth-rottingly sweet dish made with coconuts and palm sugar, is a top pick here).
Getting there is wonderfully easy – there are dozens of flights a day from Bangkok, or you can opt for a 90-minute boat ride from Surat Thani. Most of the island’s resorts are on the east coast, which is also where you’ll find the best beaches.
5. Phuket
Phuket, in southern Thailand, has experienced a recent makeover, thanks largely to a crackdown on bad behaviour, as well as flurry of new five-star hotels. But it’s not all high-end luxury on Phuket – the island is perfect for budget bliss, with accommodation options to suit all types of travellers.
There are plenty of attractions for visitors of all ages, too. Besides brilliant beaches, such as Nai Harn and Kata Noi beach, make time for Phuket’s legendary Big Buddha and the Phuket weekend night market.
6. Koh Pha-ngan
Koh Pha-ngan, in southeast Thailand, is an island that tops most backpackers’ hit lists – a place famous for its full moon parties and beachside bungalows. But to write it off as a tourist trap would be wrong. You’ll find fantastic beaches here, especially on the south coast, where its famously clear waters attract divers from all over the world.
There are some wonderful walking routes, too. Some of Koh Pha-nagan’s best hikes include the route to the top of Khao Ra (on a clear day you can see nearby Koh Tao) and the many routes of Namtok Than Sadet National Park.
7. Koh Lanta
A classic beach destination, Koh Lanta is known for its laidback vibe and stunning coastline. To confuse things, it’s actually made up of several islands. Ko Lanta Yai is the largest island, and where most travellers base themselves.
It’s got a wonderfully wild feel, partly because much of the southern part falls within the boundaries of Mu Koh Lanta National Park. Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll around Koh Lanta’s old town, where teak-framed stilted houses overhang the sea. If you have time, visit the Emerald Cave on the neighbouring island of Koh Mook. Wander through this limestone cavern to reach the gorgeous white-sand beach on the other side.
8. Koh Ngai
You’ll find Koh Ngai in Krabi Province, although it’s equally accessible from Trang Province on Thailand’s southern coast. At just 5km squared, it’s one of Thailand’s smallest islands, with only a handful of small beach resorts.
Koh Ngai is incredibly popular with divers, who flock to the offshore reef to admire huge shoals of neon-hued fish. Many of the resorts hire kayaks, but a stroll around the island’s perimeter is an equally efficient way to offset any seafood-related indulgences. Koh Ngai’s location makes it a great base for a spot of island-hopping too – Koh Kradan and Koh Lanta are both within easy reach.
9. Koh Tao
A beautiful island off Thailand’s east coast, lively Koh Tao is one of Thailand’s best diving spots thanks to its diverse marine life and stunning coral reefs. Although many visitors come here purely for the diving, its stunning beaches make it a great option for some time out.
Some of the best stretches of sand include the north coast’s Mango Bay, with its weird and wonderful rock formations, and Sairee Beach, which has some brilliant beach bars. Koh Tao’s accommodation consists mainly of beach bungalow resorts, albeit some fairly luxurious ones. One night in one of the three-star View Point Resort’s beachfront bungalows, with their enormous balconies and Condé Nast-worthy interiors, starts from around £71 per night.
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