Last Updated on February 19, 2025 by Steph
Thailand is one of the most popular Asian countries for tourism, along with Japan. The strange, stretched-out shape of the country means you can enjoy the mountains and jungles in the north and plenty of coastal destinations in southern Thailand. We spent a few weeks in Chiang Mai relaxing in the north, but our favorite part of our time was exploring the Thai islands.
When planning your trip to Thailand, you’ll be confronted with options for which island to choose. We’ve put together a little guide to make that decision easier based on our experiences and those of our friends. Find out which island meets your vacation needs, and maybe add a few more to a travel bucket list.
A Simple Guide to the Islands of Thailand
Thailand has around 1,400 islands within the country’s borders. The country is surrounded by water on the east and the west, so there are plenty of options for any season. There are limestone cliffs, sandy beaches, and incredible colors and flavors. It’s a great destination for anyone looking for warm weather, warm people, and warm waters.
A few things to know before traveling to the Thai Islands:
- Monsoon seasons are different on each side. The monsoon season runs from November to February in the Gulf of Thailand. On the other side of the country, the Andaman Sea’s monsoon season is May through October.
- Understand the customs. Don’t be the person who’s trying to explore a temple with a spaghetti strap tanktop. You can wear a swimsuit on the beach, but cover up when visiting restaurants or other establishments.
- Be careful with motorbikes. It might seem like the most exciting way to get around, but we saw so many accidents and people who did not know how to drive safely. There are plenty of options to get around with a driver, and tuk-tuks are really fun to ride.
- Pack comfort necessities. I recommend bug spray, pepto-bismol, pain meds, and sunscreen. Bring feminine products too if there’s a preference, since some things can be hard to find in other countries.
Now, let’s dive into a few options for visiting Thai islands. I won’t cover 1,400, but I’ll share the main ones we considered and which we spent time on.
Eastern Thai Islands in the Gulf of Thailand
Ko Pha-Ngan
For people who want to escape
This island is well-known for the wild full moon parties, but it’s very peaceful and relaxing for the rest of the month. Yoga studios, coffee shops, beach bars, and stunning swimming places are scattered all over the island. The north end is way less developed than the island’s southern portion and is easy to get to by taxi.
Ko Samui
For families and inexperienced travelers
This island is packed with resorts and vacation rentals along the sandy beaches. There is an airport with plenty of connections to the larger cities, making it easily accessible. It’s family-friendly, with a collection of restaurants and shops to explore. The waters are perfect for swimming and splashing. Chaweng Beach area has tons of options and is extremely easy to navigate.
Ko Tao
For people who love to play in the water
This island sits a little further north than the last two and is smaller. It’s named “Turtle Island” because of the sea turtles living in the surrounding waters. The most popular activity here is diving, and it’s one of the most affordable places in the world for people to become certified as PADI open-water divers.
Western Thai Islands in the Andaman Sea
Phuket
For easy access to island life
This is the largest island in Thailand and has its own airport. You can also reach it via a bridge, so there are other options for transportation from the mainland. Tourists flock here to explore the Old Town area with colorful Portuguese buildings from the 19th century. Staying here would give you access to a huge collection of adventures without navigating to remote islands on your own.
Ko Yao Islands
For slow-paced adventures
The James Bond island is just across from these twin islands, which makes them a popular destination for people who cannot stop thinking about that famous scenery. You’ll find a lot of sleepy fishing villages here, and it’s more slow-paced than some of the more popular islands. You can enjoy many kayaking and hiking opportunities between your beach relaxation sessions.
Ko Lanta
For national parks and stunning landscapes
This section of islands (about 52) is just off the coast of Krabi. Mu Ko Lanta National Park covers several islands in this area and has so much to explore. There are coral reefs to snorkel around and jungles with hiking trails. It’s a bit of a hidden gem compared to the other areas with fewer visitors, but it’s still easy to find dining and adventure options.
Ko Phi Phi
For quiet at night and typical limestone cliffs
The Phi Phi islands are accessible by ferry. These islands have no roads, so everything is reached on foot or by boat. It’s a popular destination for day trips, but not many people spend the night, so the islands get very quiet in the evenings. The limestone cliffs are one of the most popular features of this area. If you’ve seen the Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach, you’ve seen this backdrop before.
If you are looking for more limestone mountains that rise from the sea, consider a cruise through Ha Long Bay in Vietnam.
How to Decide on Which Thai Island to Visit
When choosing the island in Thailand you want to visit, there are a few main things to consider. Avoid the monsoon season if you wish to enjoy sunny skies and fewer storms. Check out the accommodations on each island to find a place that looks comfortable and fits your budget. You can find everything from this property that serves as a backdrop for season 3 of White Lotus to this stunning beachfront place for a teeny tiny fraction of the cost.
It’s also important to consider why you are visiting Thailand. If you want something authentically Thai, avoid Chaweng Beach. If you want fewer people, visit one of the smaller islands. Choose diving, snorkeling, or jungle exploration if you want something adventurous. There’s truly something for every kind of traveler, but it’s not one island fits all.
Which Thai Islands We Visited
We stayed on the Gulf of Thailand and visited Ko Samui and Ko Pha-Ngan. It was a decision based on recommendations from friends who love Bottle Beach. Ko Samui was a short stay for us. We stayed there after landing and before taking off from the airport on the island. Ko Pha-Ngan was perfect for a few weeks of sunshine and relaxation. I recommend this island if you want to get a bit of adventure and a lot of relaxation. We ate noodles and veggies every night on the beach during the sunset and left there feeling so rejuvenated.
On our next adventure to Thailand, I want to stay in the Ko Lanta islands and enjoy kayaking and snorkeling.
Final Thoughts on the Islands of Thailand
You’re in for a tropical treat regardless of which island you visit. The waters are turquoise, the trees give off a jungle vibe, and there are plenty of immersive opportunities to enjoy Thai culture. There isn’t a bad option when choosing where to go in Thailand, so enjoy the planning process and let us know what you end up picking.
Season 3 of White Lotus was filmed in multiple locations in Thailand, including Phuket and Ko Samui. Koh Samui Four Seasons is featured, and that’s the island on which the show is set.
A few small airports on the islands have flights from Bangkok, Chaing Mai, and even other countries, like Malaysia. Once you fly to Ko Samui, Phuket, or Krabi, you can travel to different islands on the ferries.
Many islands are close to one another and connected via ferries. You can island hop on day trips with a guide, or you can split your vacation time up between two spots without too much travel time.
Most Thai islands are affordable, especially compared to the US. Choosing quieter islands will also mean you’ll enjoy cheaper prices, but there will be fewer restaurant options. Don’t let that deter you because you’ll find great local spots to enjoy and quiet places to relax and unwind.
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