Are you planning your Thailand beach vacation, and cannot decide which island is the best for you? It might get pretty daunting if you see all the options Thailand has for you. We made this overview of seven best islands in Thailand to give you an idea what you can expect from each of them, and included some bonus tips on where to stay there.
If this is going to be your first trip to Thailand and you need more detailed information, here is our Ultimate Thailand Travel Guide to make your planning easier.
Best Islands in Thailand
Koh Lanta
Quiet beaches, serene sunrises, no steep hills compared to other popular island, local food, yoga studios, a hub for digital nomads, and last but not least – unforgettable pink-red-orange sunsets. Welcome to Koh Lanta! It’s one of the best options for family holiday in Thailand, as well as a perfect spot for romantic souls or travelers who seek solitude. No crazy parties, just you, waves, and fishermen’s boat on the horizon.
Best things to do in Koh Lanta:
- Explore Koh Lanta on a scooter
- Pay a visit to a local market
- Hike in a Koh Lanta National park
- Check out Koh Lanta Old Town
- Spend a day on the southern beaches
For more details, read our ultimate guide to Koh Lanta, and comprehensive tips on where to stay on Koh Lanta.
Koh Samui
Who has not heard of Koh Samui from the travel websites by now, he will do so from the hype around The White Lotus TV series. Koh Samui is the second biggest island in Thailand, and is a winner when it comes to white sand beaches, easy access (ferries, international airport), and plethora of different activities that will meet the needs of any kind of traveler, from an adventurer, beach bum, to families, or party lovers. It’s also a perfect island for first timers in Thailand.
Best things to do in Koh Samui:
- Beach hopping
- Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
- Visit the Big Buddha Temple
- Night markets
- Tarnim Magic Garden
Where to stay in Koh Samui > Your best shot is to book one of the beach villas in Koh Samui, so you are in close proximity to the beach, where you can get pampered, and avoid crowdy hotels in a peak season.
Koh Phangan
I know, I know, notorious Full Moon party island. But hear me out. Koh Phangan is far more than an island with buckets of mixed drinks, techno music, and stalls with tacky souvenirs.
After visiting Koh Phangan shortly after the Full Moon party, I had a chance to witness it as a very laid back place where you can indulge in a massage on a beach, stroll along some quite shores, go for a hike, dive into some local food at the market, or go for some self exploring journey in one of yoga and meditation retreat centers in Koh Phangan.
Best things to do in Koh Phangan:
- Hike up to Haad Rin viewpoint
- Sample as much street food at Thong Sala’s Street Market as possible
- Get a Thai massage on a beach
Phuket
The biggest, the busiest, and the most popular island among first timers in Thailand. Mainly because it offers some of the most westernized options including catering, shopping or luxury accommodation. So if you feel like going down this alley, Phuket will be the best pick.
Similarly to Koh Samui, you can get here easily thanks to the international airport. It’s not as walkable as Koh Lanta, but you won’t have any trouble to move around on a scooter or Grabbing (pick ups from the airport are not allowed though).
Get ready for some turqouise beaches (yes, even on the most crowded island there are some quiet spots with amazingly coloured water and clean sand!), different outdoor activities, stunning sunsets, or wild nightlife at Patong – the Thai islands party capital, if that’s what you are looking for.
Best things to do in Phuket:
- Chill at the lesser known beaches (Ao Sane, Nai Harn, or Banana Beach to mention a few)
- Hike up to the iconic Big Buddha
- Volunteer at The Soi Dog Foundation
- Have a stroll in the Old Town
- Visit The Upside Down House Museum
- Where to stay in Phuket > if you want to embrace the island fully, with Thai hospitality, chic design, and exquisite service, opt for some Phuket villas for your holiday.
Plan your Thailand holiday:
- Bangkok Tips: How to Survive Your First Time In the Capital of Thailand
- The Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai
- Thailand Travel Guide
Koh Tao
When it comes to scuba diving adventure in Southeast Asia, Koh Tao leads the pack. You can face your fear from diving and learn from the best ones here, or upgrade your skills and get some certificate too. Apart from that, Koh Tao offer oodles of outdoor activities starting from paddleboarding, kayaking, rock climbing. If you seek more gentle kind of movement, you can join a yoga class.
Best things to do in Koh Tao:
- Pay a visit to the Turtle Conservation Center
- Learn Thai cooking
- Hike to the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint
- Go rock climbing at Mek’s Mountain
- Challenge yourself at the Laem Thien Trail
Where to stay in Koh Tao > stay in some cool hostels to connect with diving community here.
Koh Phayam
If there is a yin-yang couple among Thai islands, then there is Phuket and Koh Phayam. Superbly tranquil, small island that might remind you Thailand 20 years ago. Are you asking what’s the secret? There are no cars on the island, only a few scooters, and only one ATM machine, near the pier. This is THE place to immerse yourself into a proper beach life without parties and loud music bars.
Best things to do in Koh Phayam:
- Check out the Pier Temple
- Have fun at kite-surfing
- Chill at Big Bay beach
- Have a drink at the Long Beach during the sunset
- Visit the funky Bottles Castle
Where to stay in Koh Phayam > pick a bamboo bungalow with a view! There are some amazing upscale options too.
Koh Si Chang
Now, this might not be the island with immensely beautiful beaches compared to the previous islands, but it is your best options if you stay in Bangkok and want to have a long weekend city break.
Best things to do in Koh Si Chang:
- King Chulalongkorn’s Summer Palace
- Learn about fishing culture
- Pay a visit to a Chienese temple
- Check out the Meditate Center
- Visit the Bat island
Where to stay in Koh Si Chang> Choose from some of the homestays if you want more local experience.
Happy travels!
