Thailand is a picturesque Eastern country with numerous unique islands, each characterized by a unique atmosphere, breathtaking landscapes, and captivating attractions. Washed by the Andaman Sea from the west and the Gulf of Thailand from the south, Thailand’s islands boast a fantastic location. Some of them are constantly crowded with tourists, while others are quiet, secluded, and almost deserted. Regardless of the type of vacation you prefer, in these places, every wanderer will find their haven.
Hundreds of Thailand’s islands – where should one go? To help you choose a place that suits your spirit and aligns with your goals, we present a list of the most outstanding islands. With them, your journey will be magical.
Phuket
Phuket Island unveils the top destinations of Thailand for a reason—it is the most popular choice among tourists. The reason behind this is its remarkably developed infrastructure, capable of satisfying the needs of even the most discerning travelers. At night, lively parties with luxurious settings take place in restaurants, hotels, and recreational areas, while during the day, a relaxed atmosphere reigns, offering a variety of activities to choose from: snorkeling, diving, surfing, golfing, zip-lining, and many others. Particularly significant places on the island include the 50-meter Buddha monument on Nakaked Mountain, Chalong Temple, the vast Bang Pae Waterfall, and the colorful botanical garden.
Koh Samui
If Phuket represents the explosive temperament of Thailand, then Samui is the perfect combination of secluded tranquility and thrilling entertainment. The highlight of the island is considered to be its pristine white beaches, which are beautifully complemented by the crystal-clear, bright blue water. Water sports, exploring coral reefs, and encountering marine life are a must-do experience in this place. It is very convenient to visit the Ang Thong Marine Park from the island, which impresses with its stunning panoramas of rocky cliffs, arches, lakes, and caves. Classic leisure activities are also represented in a huge variety: restaurants, bars, and shops operate round the clock, allowing you to naturally and effortlessly immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine.
Krabi
The province of Krabi is located on the coast of the Andaman Sea, including the mainland and more than 200 small islands. Limestone cliffs and caves are everywhere here, which contributed to the development of rock climbing. Passion for such an extreme sport brings climbers from all over the world to the island of Krabi, because against the background of crystal clear water and the jungle, it is especially effective to practice passion. While on this island, it is a must to swim under the Railay Caves, go on an excursion to the hot springs and dine on one of the rocks with a perfect view of the sunset.
Ko Lanta
The Ko Lanta archipelago encompasses 52 islands in southwest Thailand, most of which are uninhabited. The two main islands are named Lanta Noi and Lanta Yai, with the former being entirely dedicated to local residents, while the latter has already become a resort island with an abundance of tourist complexes. It is preferable to stay in the Yai part, as that is where hotels, restaurants, and various entertainment areas are located. Lanta Noi, on the other hand, is an excellent place to experience Thai culture and way of life. Cozy villages, markets, and local houses allow you to delve into the local customs from within. If you are in search of pristine nature, mountain landscapes, and a quiet connection with the surrounding environment, this place is definitely for you.
Koh Chang
Located in the Gulf of Siam, east of Phuket, the island of Koh Chang enchants with its beautiful nature, sandy beaches, warm waters, and dense jungles. The park is famous for its diverse ecosystems, including tropical forests, waterfalls, and marine biodiversity. When visiting here, guests can take hikes along trails, explore caves, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. Speaking of the name, there is an elephant village on the island, called “chang” in the Thai language. It is precisely here where you can take a leisurely walk with friendly elephants and even ride them for a short trip.
Koh Tao
Among the listed islands, Koh Tao is clearly one of the most secluded from the noise and hustle of tourists. Known as the “Turtle Island” due to its shape and abundance of turtle habitats, it offers numerous ways to enjoy a perfect vacation amidst wild nature, surrounded by tall mountains, dense jungles, and waterfalls. The most popular activities in this area are diving and snorkeling. Just imagine: there are over 30 dive spots and 60 dive schools on the island, providing an opportunity to encounter turtles, rays, barracudas, and reef sharks. Both beginners and experienced divers can experience a whole range of emotions from diving underwater right here.
Koh Phangan
This place has established a reputation as an exciting spot where parties and various shows regularly take place. The most remarkable of them is the monthly Full Moon Party, which occurs on the eve of the new moon at Haad Rin Beach. It seems that the true spirit of the island is felt precisely at this festival. However, there are also tranquil spots on the island, especially in the northern part. Spa resorts will help you rejuvenate, and on serene and picturesque beaches, you can meditate or practice yoga. The local markets of the island are another must-visit location. Authentic Thai food is sold here, and in addition, you can purchase unique souvenirs and handmade crafts.
Koh Lipe
Despite its miniature size, the island of Koh Lipe manages to combine different types of leisure activities. On one hand, there’s active diving and boat tours around the Tarutao Archipelago, and on the other hand, there’s the leisurely enjoyment of landscapes on numerous beaches. As for passive relaxation, the Pattaya, Sunrise, and Sunset beaches offer perfect conditions for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. Local fishing villages provide authentic restaurants where you can try fresh seafood and Thai dishes. You can choose your preferred way to spend your time, but Koh Lipe certainly has something to offer.
How to find the time see all the islands in Thailand
As soon as vacation time begins, one wants to see all the significant places with their own eyes and experience various activities. Often, it is the lack of time that becomes an obstacle, forcing one to choose only one place for relaxation. Nevertheless, there is a solution – car rental in Thailand. To ensure that your trip goes according to plan, we have prepared recommendations for a successful visit to the diversity of islands.
- Create a list of islands you would like to visit. Thailand has around 250 islands, varying in size and population. It’s not possible to see them all in one trip, so it’s best to choose the most desirable ones. Give preference to the islands mentioned above or conduct your own research—what matters is that you know what to expect.
- Rent a car. It’s very convenient to move from one place to another if you have a car at your disposal. It saves a lot of time and effort, giving you more opportunities to relax. Cars can be rented on the website of LocalCarRents—here you can find the best prices and a wide selection of cars.
- Plan your route. After choosing the preferred places to visit, try to determine the starting and ending points of your journey, as well as the approximate duration of stops and stays. Start with locations that are closest to your current location and gradually move further away.
- Book accommodation. In modern times, there are almost limitless options for booking: you can use well-known hotel and apartment booking websites or try the Couchsurfing method, seeking the help of locals. Try to book accommodation on each island in advance so that you can plan your outings and excursions.
- Learn about attractions and activities on each island. Undoubtedly, Thailand’s islands are extremely unique—each of them has special locations and popular ways to spend time. To make the most of your time, it’s worth finding out all the details about beaches, national parks, museums, temples, tours, and other unique places on the islands. Thorough preparation for your vacation will save you from inconveniences and various mishaps.
- Plan your time. Traveling to multiple islands at once can be quite tiring, so it’s important to distribute your time wisely between active pursuits and beach or room relaxation. When planning visits to multiple locations, make sure you allocate enough time for each of them and leave time for travel. If you’re short on time, you can use car rental in Thailand.
- Try to save time. To see more islands, it’s necessary to use your time efficiently. Plan your trips in a way that minimizes travel time and movement between islands. Additionally, use navigation systems or travel apps to find optimal routes.
- Don’t forget about relaxation. First and foremost, a journey is about relaxation, comfort, and new experiences. Determine what constitutes true relaxation for you: sunbathing on the beach, swimming in the sea, and meditation, or rock climbing, diving, surfing, and excursions. Ideally, find a balance that allows you to enjoy every minute of your journey.