8 Best Islands of Thailand To Explore

To rekindle yourself from a tedious life, pack your bags and visit the mesmerizing best islands of Thailand. Thailand is a perfect place for rejuvenation.

It is a combination of delicious street food, amazing beaches, serene mountains, spellbinding culture, tropical climate.

Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Pattaya have commonly visited places in Thailand. But exploring the charismatic islands of Thailand can be a super stress buster.

Eight Best Islands of Thailand:

The countless islands of Thailand Stretch from the Andaman Sea in the west to the Gulf of Thailand in the east. Here are the Eight Best Islands of Thailand you will love visiting.

1) Koh Phi Phi- Islands of Thailand:

Koh Phi Phi, the queen of all the islands, is the must-visit destination in Thailand. It is a 90 minutes ferry ride from Phuket or Krabi and comprises six islands out of which Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don are the main islands.

·   Tourist’s Attraction :

Phi Phi Leh is popular for the Maya Bay where the movie ‘The Beach’, starring Leonardo Di Caprio, was filmed but has no inhabitants. Whereas, Phi Phi Don attracts hundreds of tourists every year because of its beautiful shores.

·     Activities :

Koh Phi Phi is an ideal place for adventure seekers because of its various activities like swimming, snorkeling, diving, boat rides, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing. Huge Limestone cliffs and sunset on the turquoise blue sea make you sink in the tranquility of the island.

·    Accommodation :

A few popular stays in Koh Phi Phi are Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort, Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi, Phi Phi The Beach Resort, Phi Phi Banyan Villa, P.P Palmtree Resort, Zeavola Resort, etc.

 

2) Koh Samui– Islands of Thailand:

Koh Samui lists the second-best islands of Thailand and is the ultimate destination to experience a hassle-free vacation.

The rain forests, coconut groves, crystal clear seawater, and palm trees along the edge of the beaches enhance the beauty of the island.

·   Tourist’s Attraction :

Among numerous beaches, Chaweng Beach tops the list in Koh Samui with a length of 7 km. This alluring white sand beach is popular for its coruscating nightlife.

Lamai Beach, Maenam Beach are a few more popular beaches to be mentioned.

The famous 12 meters tall Golden Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai Temple and the famous mummified monk displayed at the Wat Khunaram are major attractions.

Bophut Fisherman’s Village is the ultimate place for foodies and shopping.

The sight of the Grandfather rock (Hin Ta) and the Grandmother Rock (Hin Yai) captivates the interest of visitors for their striking resemblance to male and female genitalia.

·   Activities :

A few more places to visit from the list are Namnang Waterfalls, Secret Buddha Garden, a new temple at Wat Plai Laem, Safari at Bophut Elephant Camp, Angthong Marine Park for kayaking and snorkeling, etc.

·   Accommodation :

A few popular stays in Koh Samui are Casa De Mar, Lamai Wanta Beach Resort, Chaweng Regent Beach Resort, Chaweng Samui, Sea Dance Resort, Palm Coco Mantra, Banyan Tree Samui, Paradise Beach Resort, etc.

 3) Koh Lipe:

Koh Lipe is a small island located near Malaysia’s border. It is a combination of white sandy beaches, clear turquoise seawater, numerous coconut trees, tropical forest, and bountiful marine life.

Ferry and speed boats are the options to reach Koh Lipe from Krabi, Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Pakbara, Trang. It is a part of Taruta National Marine Park. Koh Lipe bestows a relaxing and super chilled-out ambiance.

·   Tourist’s Attraction :

This small island has three main beaches – Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach, Sunset Beach. You can enjoy nightlife at the beaches which have some cool bars – Maya Bar is the coolest bar on the island.

‘Walking Street’ is the main street in Koh Lipe where you can find numerous restaurants, massage parlors, and shops.

·   Activities :

Activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing lure trippers to the island. Some popular dive sites of Kop Lipe are – 8 Mile Rock Pinnacle, Yong Hua Shipwreck, Sting Ray City, etc.

Trekking is a good idea to explore the small island; it takes hardly an hour to trek.

Koh Lipe is not a shopping paradise, rather shopping is limited to items for beach holidays, handicrafts and souvenirs.

·  Accommodation :

A few popular stays in Koh Lipe are Mountain Resort, Lipe Resort, Serendipity Beach, The Cliff Lipe, Castaway Koh Lipe, Bundhaya Villas, Cabana Lipe Beach Resort, etc.

 4) Koh Phangan:

Koh Phangan is the 5th largest island of Thailand and is popular for its monthly full moon beach party.

A ferry ride from Koh Samui and the mainland is the best option to reach  Koh Phangan.

·   Tourist’s Attraction :

Haad Rin Beach is a must-visit in Koh Phangan to enjoy the monthly full moon beach party.

Paradise Falls, Phaeng Falls, Than  Sadel are a few of the astounding cascading waterfalls on the island.

Island’s primary town is Thongsala and the night market there offers the best food in Thailand. For instance, Milky Bay is the best restaurant for a quality dining experience.

In the late afternoon, you can visit Secret Mountain, a local food joint at the top of a steep hill, to relax and experience the stunning sunset while you eat and drink.

·   Activities :

The island offers several activities like diving, hiking, trekking, snorkeling, etc.

Sail Rock in the Gulf of Thailand which is an hour boat ride from the island, is the best diving site for backpackers.

Snorkeling at Mae Haad Beach provides you the majestic experience of marine life, tropical fish, coral rays.

Khao Ra is the highest point at Koh Phangan which attracts hiking lovers. Even the hikers can take a 3 hours round trip.

You can visit the Ang Thong National Park and explore the housing secret caves by kayaking or swimming.

To get wiped out, The Challenge Phangan is a must-visit on the island for the trippers. It is a water-based obstacle course where you can have great fun and test your ability as you finish the complicated and thrilling course.

Again, cooking enthusiasts can attain Thai cooking classes all over the island and numerous Yoga Retreat and Herbal saunas are also available for fitness lovers.

·    Accommodation :

A few popular stays in Koh Phangan are Phangan bay Shore Resort, Suncliff Resort, Sunset Hill Resort, Milky Bay Resort, Koh Phangan Dreamland Resort, Pinchan Beach Resort, The Coast Resort, Grand Sea Beach Resort, Panviman Resort, etc.

 5) Koh Lanta:

Koh Lanta is one of the largest islands of Thailand which is located in Krabi Province. Its remote location, unblemished beaches, soothing weather makes it an amazingly exotic island for backpackers to rejuvenate.

The island is a  contrast of a few smoggy mountains, prolific jungle, unspoiled sandy beaches, coral reefs, clear water together compliments the island.

Koh Lanta is the utmost destination for tourists who prefer a peaceful, less crowded, and laid-back atmosphere for vacationing.

·  Tourist’s Attraction :

Long Beach is the best among all the beaches on the island.

Sense the admirable beauty of Khlong Chak Waterfall in the Khao Mai Kaew cave network at  Mu Ko Lanta Park.

Tourists can take a boat ride from Koh Lanta to Four Island Tour and visit the spectacular Emerald Cave.

Apart from exploring beaches, you can visit the island’s Old Town which is a village of teak tilted houses, few shops, and restaurants.

A few quality dining joints at Koh Lanta are Drunken Sailors, Red Snapper, Kwan’s Cookery, May’s kitchen, Irie, etc.

·   Activities :

To have a playful day, one can visit Trang Island for activities like snorkeling, kayaking and hopping around the limestone island.

For more adventure, visit ‘The Chimney’, a narrow cavern, for swimming and experiencing the mesmerizing underwater life.

Koh Rok is the best spot for snorkeling near the island.

The hiking enthusiasts can hike up to the Lighthouse at the Koh Lanta National Park.

Koh Lanta has several yoga classes and cooking classes.

·     Accommodation :

A few popular stays in Koh Lanta are Leaf House, Grand House, Ozone Beach Huts, Sai Naam Lanta Residence, Beachfront Villa A2, Layana Resort and Spa, etc.

6) Koh Chang:

Koh Chang is the third-largest island in Thailand which is located in the Gulf of Thailand and is a part of Mu Ko Chang National Park. It is also known as ‘Elephant Island’ because of its elephant-shaped headland.

Numerous budget-friendly accommodation options, lots of restaurants, shops, and night party life make Koh Chang a popular destination for backpackers.

·   Tourist’s Attraction :

Koh Chang comprises beautiful mountains covered with lush green jungle, waterfalls, and coral reefs and Khao Salak Phet is the highest peak in the mountains.

Koh Chang’s famous beach is Lonely Beach, where you find most crowd gatherings. Whereas, Klong Koi Beach is smaller but a lot quieter with very few people roaming around.

A day trip to the nearby Koh Wai from Koh Chang by boat is highly recommendable. As it is a small and quiet island without any road (only a trail through the forest is there) and a  night stay at Koh Wai is a good idea to enjoy the quietness.

Koh Chang is home to a variety of wildlife including birds, snakes, deer, elephants, Stump-Tailed Macaque, Small Asian Mongoose, Small India Civet, etc.

Ban Bao is a fishing village on the island where you can find a lot of seafood restaurants.

Again, sunset at Koh Chang is a delightful experience and the best way to end a day.

·  Activities :

People toss water on each other to celebrate ‘Songkran’ on the island. As it is the best way to beat the heat.

Tourists can enjoy various activities from elephant trekking to scuba diving on the island.

·  Accommodation :

A few popular stays in Koh Chang are Koh Chang Paradise Hill, Marina Sand Resort, The Emerald Cove Koh Chang, The Grand Tree, Fine Times Resort, Koh Chang Gala, The Chill Resort, and Spa Koh Chang, Awa Resort Koh Chang, Kacha Resort and Spa, etc.

7) Koh Tao:

The popularity of Koh Tao credits scuba diving activity at a pocket friendly budget compared to other islands of Thailands. It neighbours Koh Phangan and Koh Samui along the east coast of Surat Thani province of Thailand.

Koh Tao means ‘turtle island’ in English as the island is inhabited by numerous turtles like hawksbill turtle and green turtle. Also the island takes the shape of a turtle shell.

·         Tourist’s Attraction :

This island stands above sea level to a certain elevation, densely shield with greenery and avails hiking options to the non-divers. Its awe-strucking beaches attract a lot of backpackers to come down to this serene island.

A great place for water lovers where you can enjoy boating on the quiet blue sea waters and explore the remarkable coral reefs.

The main attraction of the island is the scuba diving activity at the most affordable price. The abundance of magnificent under water life attracts a huge number of divers every year.

No wonder, why Koh Tao is the diving paradise.

Apart from the waters, one can indulge into yoga if seeking for calmness and inner peace in this quiet island.

Party lovers can enjoy the beach night party along with fine dine at the beach restaurants.

·         Activities :

You can hike through the dense greenery and reach the top elevation of the island to experience a majestic sight of sunset.

The popular budget friendly water activity scuba diving following by snorkeling attracts a huge crowd to the Koh Tao waters.

·         Accommodation :

A few popular stays in Koh Tao are Asia Divers Resort, Infinity Guest House, Simple Life Resort, Koh Tao Toscana Resort, Sairee Cottage Resort, SeaShell Resort, Koh Tao Coral Grand Resort, Koh Tao Regal Resort, Sairee Hut Resort, and many more.

8) Koh Samet:

Koh Samet is located in the eastern coastline of Thailand, and a 4 km drive from Bangkok. To escape the crowd of Bangkok and even Pattaya one easily move to Koh Samet.

This island is place for both relaxing at mesmerizing white sand beaches and enjoying a vibrant night life. A range of activities can be a good eye catcher in the island.

·         Tourist’s Attraction :

A number of white sand beaches draw attention of the backpackers in the island . A few popular beach are Haad Sai Kaew, quieter Ao Hin Khok, secluded Ao Tubtim, Mae Ramphueng Beach, etc.

Koh Samet is a part of Khao Laem Ya National Park which a great place to explore for the tourists.

You will find numerous beach bars and restaurants stretching along the beaches of the island. Night life at these beaches shouldn’t be missed especially at Haad Sai Kaew beach.

The night life at the beach is filled with entertaining shows like fire juggling, and beach bar-b-que is commonly found through the beaches.

Another great attraction in this island is the Wot Koh Samet, a beautiful temple locate in the Samet village, where you will a large smiling Buddha statue.

• Activities :

Like other beach islands of Thailand, Koh Samet offers a number of activities like jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, diving, motorcycling, etc.

Samet Town is the place for shopaholics to explore and shop.

You can also relax yourself by taking message at the beaches in the island.

You can also rent a scooty and explore this small island on your own.

·         Accommodation :

A few well known accommodations of Koh Samet are Sangthain Hills, Samed Villa Resot, Samet Villa Resort, Pandora Resort, Sea Horse Sun Bungalow, Rainbow Sky Hotel, Chilli Hotel And Restaurant, Silver Sand Hotel, etc.

 

To Conclude:

To escape the daily hectic schedule of life, just get set to explore the jaw- dropping  beauty of few best islands of Thailand.

These beach islands not only provide a calming and peaceful environment for relaxing and rejuvenating but also energizes you with its amazing activities.