Thailand is home to hundreds of beautiful islands scattered between the Gulf of Thailand, and the Andaman Sea, just south of Bangkok. Choosing the best islands in Thailand to visit can be difficult! Each of the best islands in Thailand are known for something unique, like world class resorts, diving, crazy parties, and jungle trekking.
I have created a list of the best Thailand Islands to help you get an idea of what to expect at each! When I am Island hopping in Thailand, I prefer to book my first Island and leave the rest of my schedule open.
If I really enjoy a particular island or want to explore another one more, my schedule is open! The easiest way to travel between Thailand islands is by ferry boat, but you can hire private taxi boats for travel between some of the smaller islands.
Packing for your trip through the Thailand islands is a breeze because you can pack so lightly! Every island has what you will need to get the most out of your experience, and you can bargain for anything you might need to pick up.
Check out my Ultimate Thailand Packing List so you don’t miss anything you might need to bring. No matter which of the best islands in Thailand you decide to visit while you are planning a trip to Thailand, you will be met with some of the most beautiful scenery, wildlife, crystal-clear waters, and powdery white sand beaches you have ever seen.
I honestly cried when I left. Make sure you don’t miss the sunsets!
The Best Islands in Thailand
Ko Pha Ngan
Koh Pha Ngan is considered one of the biggest party destinations in Southeast Asia. Home to the Full Moon Party, it boasts world class dancing and fun that goes well into the next day.
Thousands of people flock to this beautiful island each month to experience the one of a kind Thailand party scene. People come to dance under the moonlight, adorning neon paint, and enjoying alcohol by the bucketful. You can even plan trips to this island specifically for the parties from Europe!
Ko PhI Phi
Koh Phi Phi Island is Thailand’s most scenic island. It offers crystal clear waters and powder white sands!
There’s tons to do here (snorkelling, diving, boat trips to Koh Phi Phi Ley (photo of me on the top of the island above), cliff jumping, hiking), and attracts a younger, stylish, and energetic crowd.
Koh Phi Phi is one of the best islands in Thailand for honeymoons. The breathtaking sunsets along the coastlines are incomparable to anywhere else in the world. Because it’s a smaller island, I suggest renting a bike for the duration of your stay on Koh Phi Phi.
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Koh Samui
Koh Samui is the mother of the Thai Islands. It has some of the best beach resorts and beach bungalows in Thailand.
While significantly more touristy than Koh Phi Phi or Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Samui is still a beautiful paradise, and is home to some of the best food on the Thai Islands.
I would almost compare the amazing food in Koh Samui to the street food in Bangkok! This island is very child friendly, offering plenty of family-friendly hotels and activities. It makes for a great starter island when venturing into the paradise of the best islands in Thailand!
Koh Tao
Koh Tao is known worldwide as the best place to go scuba diving in Thailand. Don’t forget your dive computer! The streets are lined with dive shops and beach gear. It is one of the best places in the world to learn, and the competition between the dive shops has made it one of the most inexpensive.
The classes range from beginner (never dived before) to more advanced. Koh Tao offers more than diving though, when I visited here I never wanted to leave.
The nightlife in Koh Tao is amazing, and the shops all have so much to choose from! I went snorkelling here, and had so much fun seeing the sharks at my feet!
Phuket
Phuket is the largest and busiest island in Thailand. They have every convenience you can think of.
Six star resorts with private butlers, plastic surgery, celebrity-chef restaurants, and designer boutiques have turned Phuket into a designer destination that I find to be overpopulated with tourists and people trying to sell you everything under the sun.
The beaches may be beautiful, but I’d much prefer to spend my time cruising the more laidback Thailand islands. If you’re looking for luxury, you’ve found it in Phuket!I have still listed it as one of the best islands in Thailand, because there is just so much to see and do while in Phuket. We really enjoyed some mini golfing and a few dinners while we were here!
