Famed for its abundance of offshore escapes, Thailand is a popular destination for island lovers, with plenty of options for every type of traveller. These 10 Thailand islands are tops, showcasing everything from unheard-of hideaways to party hot spots. Whether you seek relaxation, fun, or culture, you'll discover an idyllic tropical getaway along the stunning shores of the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
1. Ko Lanta
Find your Thai island paradise on the serene shores of Ko Lanta, a large and family-friendly island that’s less party-intensive and more wholesome, greener, and less crowded than many of Thailand's tourist islands. It’s reachable by ferry from nearby Krabi.
Whether you want to relax or explore, Ko Lanta is one of the best islands in Thailand. Bask on some of the country’s longest and most expansive white-sand beaches along its western coast. Stroll maze-like lanes filled with shops selling harem pants, crocheted bikinis, and street food at iconic Long Beach and enjoy authentic beachside barbecues. Beneath the waves, snorkel with manta rays in azure waters.
2. Ko Ngai
Idyllic Ko Ngai is a star among Thailand islands and a lesser-visited spot. The island is a rural haven of pristine coast dusted with powdery white sands, while the interior is made up of lush jungle begging to be explored on foot to take in local flora and fauna. Soak up serene moments on palm-studded beaches while gazing at the overhanging limestone karsts. Find your bliss in this tiny paradise on a snorkelling adventure or simply relish the hours on breathtaking beaches.
3. Ko Phangan
Whether you’re looking to unwind in nature or party until the early morning, Ko Phangan's diverse beaches, wellness retreats, and famed Full Moon Parties have you covered. Choose a beach with a party-like atmosphere, such as Haad Rin, or a stretch of shore where you can be alone with nature, like Haad Chao Phao. Both feature picturesque stone jetties and sandbars for whiling the hours away.
Take in the lush scenery from a cozy poolside balcony or one of the bungalows found on every beach, or traverse the island’s hilly interior on trails such as Khao Ra Lookout Trail, which is ideal for serious hikers. Chase waterfalls and find secret lagoons before plunging into the island’s epic nightlife. Drink in a multi-hued sunset from a viewpoint bar before toasting the night from the sand at a beach party.
4. Ko Samui
Koh Samui’s wide range of offerings makes it a great place to visit. Bophut has art galleries and street performers, while Lamai is the place for boutiques filled with handmade trinkets and carts selling savoury street food. Chaweng Beach has magically colourful sunsets and boho beach bars.
Around the island, gorge yourself on street delicacies such as grilled squid, pork skewers, and coconut ice cream; listen to local bands at a night market like Fisherman’s Village; and dance until dawn at beach clubs with international DJs, such as Green Mango Club.
5. Ko Yao Yai
On Ko Yao Yai, blue skies seamlessly melt into the turquoise sea, and it's easy to forget what day of the week it is. Relaxation is in order as you chill out amidst natural beauty, gazing at the nearby array of uninhabited lush islands rising above the waves from Laem Had Beach. Float in the water and sample the fresh seafood, such as fish grilled with lemongrass and stir-fried basil shrimp, from the restaurants that line every beach. Ko Yao Yai's charm lies in its quiet sanctuary, where you can escape the tourist hustle of nearby Krabi and Phuket or explore the Andaman Islands from a catamaran.
6. Ko Phi Phi
Budget-friendly Ko Phi Phi is one of the best islands in Thailand and is particularly popular with backpackers. Its landscape beckons with dramatic cliffs and hills waiting for you to climb. Meandering stairs lead to spectacular viewpoints, such as the trail that starts in Tonsai Village and ends at Phi Phi Viewpoint 1, where you can sip a fresh juice and take in the island, the horizon, and the endless waters surrounding it. Board a longtail boat and take a day trip to explore the iconic Maya Bay. Along the way, ask the boat crew to take you to their favourite snorkelling spots.
Car-free Ko Phi Phi is best seen from its streets. Take a stroll to discover inexpensive restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. At night, watch — or even participate in — fire shows on the beach.
7. Ko Racha Noi
Explore rugged, untouched perfection on Ko Racha Noi, one of Thailand’s less-developed islands. Pass your days on Ao Tawan Tok Beach, snorkelling with vivid schools of fish around coral reefs. Go swimming or kayaking through crystal-clear water. Afterward, unwind with a waterside seafood lunch on beaches that few foreign visitors have discovered.
8. Ko Ha Yai
Dive beneath the water to snorkel with whale sharks or climb its jagged and dramatic cliffscape to see Ko Ha Yai from above. This Thai island is known for its incredible boat trips, and it’s nestled within a protected national park. Catamaran and kayak excursions allow you to visit underwater caves, and the colourful underwater coral landscape is perfect for observing marine life in the deep blue Andaman Sea.
9. Phuket
From remote Cape Panwa’s peaceful beachfront promenade to the colourful Sino-Portuguese homes of Old Town, Phuket is a diverse island. It’s possible to find anything from immersive nightlife to Michelin-starred fine dining on the largest Thailand island.
Choose an indulgent waterfront resort on Kamala Beach or a remote cabin in the biodiverse mangroves of Ao Phang Nga Bay. Sail to James Bond Island, made famous in The Man with the Golden Gun, or travel through the southern islands on a catamaran. Phuket is known for its stunning limestone karst views, and the unique rock formations jutting out of the waters offer the perfect backdrop for photos that capture the island’s beauty.
10. Ko Tao
With inexpensive bungalows and bars, Ko Tao is popular with backpackers, adventurers, and party animals. Its shallow bays make it one of the best islands in Thailand for snorkelling and newbie divers. Ascend Kho Nang Yuan Viewpoint for panoramic views of the island’s massive granite boulders.
This laid-back Thai island is known for waterside seafood feasts on Sairee Beach, after-dark pub crawls on Mae Haad, and iconic sunsets from its western coast, best enjoyed from an atmospheric beach bar.
