The 15 Best Thai Islands: How to Choose the Perfect One

We have always had a huge soft spot for islands, probably for the same reason as so many of our other travel preferences – growing up on the Canadian prairies. Sure, we have islands, but they are basically just tiny rocks in the middle of remote northern lakes. Not exactly Iceland or Japan. So maybe it isn’t surprising that we tend to be excessively enthralled by the many spectacular islands around the world. And, let me tell, you the incredible Thai islands certainly fit the “spectacular” bill.

So, yeah, soft spot for islands or not, there is no denying that the gorgeous islands of Thailand are among the world’s best. Individually, of course, but they are even more impressive as a collection. Not many places in the world can offer so many fantastic island getaways on the same tourist visa (Greece is one of the few), and none combine them with the same number of outstanding pad see ew noodle dishes.

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Now, it can be tempting to paint all the fantastic Thai islands with the same brush because, in fairness, they do have quite a few similarities. Multiple beaches, fascinating underwater life, cheap restaurants, a wide range of accommodation and an extremely scooter-heavy transportation system are all reasonable to expect no matter which Thailand island you visit.

But dig a little deeper and the differences start to show. Some Thai islands are busy and full of nightlife while others are sleepy and sparse. Some offer world-class snorkelling and diving while others might just have a sandy box of beat-up masks sitting there in case you feel like flailing around in the waves for some exercise. Some have postcard white beaches lined with palm trees. Others have a few rough patches of sand that only appear at low tide. You get the picture.

So, in light of all these important distinctions, we would like to share our thoughts on 15 of the best Thai islands we have personally visited, provide a bit of an overview on each one and give our quite subjective who/what/when and where suggestions to help you plan your next Thai island adventure. The “why” seems fairly obvious, so don’t go getting all picky about the 5 w’s. And the 15 is limited to islands where we actually stayed – there are countless more islands in Thailand that we have visited on day trips, snorkelling trips or while scuba diving. Well, maybe not literally “countless”, but more than I’m willing to count, how’s that?

Now, for the list. We have split them into east / west, or Gulf of Thailand / Andaman Sea, or Pacific Ocean / Indian Ocean – to use whichever geographical dividing line floats your boat, so to speak. The reason for this is weather – each side has its own rainy and high seasons so this needs to be your first consideration when planning a trip to the Thai islands.

East / Gulf of Thailand / Pacific Ocean

Dry Season: January to early September (February and March are usually best)

Rainy Season: October and November (there is also usually some rain in late September and sporadically in December)

West / Andaman Sea / Indian Ocean

Dry Season: December to March (November and April can be good as well)

Rainy Season: June to September (May and October could go either way)

Of course, this isn’t to say you can’t visit any of these Thai islands outside of dry season. Other than at the height of monsoon season, rain showers tend to be sporadic and considering how hot it is, aren’t necessarily unwelcome. In fact, despite technically still being high season on the east side we have found April to be stiflingly hot, which is probably why that is when Thais celebrate Songkhran, an epic and VERY inclusive water festival that involves aggressive country-wide water fights and, presumably, a lot of ruined electronics.

So we would generally suggest January to mid-March which, somewhat conveniently, happens to represent an overlap in dry seasons between the two island groups. But if that doesn’t work for you, any time of year you should be able to find a Thai island with near-perfect weather.

Now, on to the list. I’m serious this time.

Legend:

koh = island

In case that isn’t clear.

Thai Islands Map

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Thai Islands: Gulf of Thailand

Koh Samet

Best for a Quick Trip from Bangkok

Koh Samet was nice. Not spectacular, not exciting, not difficult, not expensive, not cheap. Just a pleasant, pretty island with a pretty decent range of beaches (some busy, some quiet, some photogenic, some the kind only a mother could love), a good variety of restaurants, some impressive sunsets and very easy transportation from Bangkok. With a bit of time to kill and a desire to get out of the city, it’s an enjoyable place to spend a bit of time. And if hedonistic pursuits are also your thing, good ‘ol Pattaya just happens to be right on the way.

Koh Chang

Best Mid-Range Gulf Choice

There was a time when lovely Koh Chang was considered the main off-the-beaten-path Thai island option. Of course, that could be said for basically every island at one time or another. Still, while others of its generation such as Koh Samui and Koh Lanta have really blossomed into “it” islands, Koh Chang remains ever so slightly wide of the mainstream.

It has more varied scenery than Koh Samet, fewer parties than Koh Pha Ngan and is considerably cheaper than Koh Samui. Plus, there are also a bunch of other tiny islands nearby (Koh Kood, Koh Mak and more) where you truly can get off-the-beaten-path if that’s your thing. So if your schedule demands that you stick to the east side, Koh Chang is a great choice.

Koh Samui

Best for Comfort and Luxury – East

Koh Samui is gorgeous. Picturesque beaches, luminescent water, magnificent hotels. Paradise on Earth, for those who can afford it. Because not much comes cheap on Koh Samui. And you aren’t likely to find serenity or seclusion. But what you can do is have a fabulous, fun and photogenic tropical holiday. And that’s not nothing.

Koh Pha Ngan

Best Party in Thailand

Ok, I can’t definitively make that claim. For starters, “best party” is extremely subjective. Secondly, I have not been to very many parties in Thailand, relatively. I HAVE, however, been to one of the famous Koh Pha Ngan Full Moon Parties and it… was… something, let me tell you. Sure, that was quite a while ago now, but nothing I’ve heard lately makes me think it’s gotten any less crazy. For example, hotel prices change significantly around full moon and flight schedules to Koh Samui ramp up. So, yeah, I think it’s still a pretty big deal.

Mind you, Koh Pha Ngan does still have several cheap and even relatively quiet areas if you’re willing to stay a little farther from the action. Not to mention a thriving drug scene and loads of backpackers selling trinkets to fund the next step of their indefinite travels. It’s quite a mix, old Koh Pha Ngan.

Koh Tao

Best Place for Scuba Dive Training

This was true way back when we took our Advanced Open Water and it remains true to this day. Koh Tao is full of great dive shops, surrounded by amazing dive sites and the entire island practically revolves around dive trips. It also happens to be quite attractive above sea level as well. Sure, it isn’t as cheap as it used to be (how many places are?) but in the overall scheme of international scuba diving, it is still very affordable.

And you’re only a short boat ride away from Koh Pha Ngan, in case you feel the need to blow off a little steam, say, once a month. If so, rest assured, the pharmacies on both islands still prominently advertise how qualified they are to deal with dehydration, road rash, overdoses and unwanted pregnancy. One stop shops, truly.

Thai Islands: Andaman Sea

Phuket

Best for Comfort and Luxury – West

The largest island in Thailand, which seems to have earned it the right to drop the “Koh”. Phuket is THAT cool. Ok, maybe it has nothing to do with that and more to do with the fact that Phuket is nearly attached to the mainland by actual land, and most definitely by bridges, so doesn’t really feel like an island. Nonetheless…

Phuket is a big name in the international tropical destination scene, full of huge hotels catering to all sorts, including a number of epic and sprawling 5-Star resorts. It is busy, and rather expensive, and typically pretty full of Russians, but it also has some fantastic beaches and practically limitless options for filling your time. You can sign up for basically any tour imaginable from Phuket, from island hopping to scuba diving to getting dragged behind a jetski on a huge inflatable shaped like the tropical animal of your choice. There is even a beach where planes fly so low overhead that you’ll feel like ducking. You don’t have to, though, that would be crazy. But just for a second it’ll probably feel like the right thing to do.

Mai Khao Beach: Phuket’s Unique Airplane Beach

Koh Phi Phi

Best for Stunning Photo Spots

Koh Phi Phi Leh is travel-famous for Maya Beach, the dazzling beach and bay featured in the old DiCaprio movie, The Beach (skinny DiCaprio, which gives you an idea just HOW old). Koh Phi Phi Don,on the other hand,is travel-famous for the incredible viewpoints overlooking its two hilly sections connected by a gloriously photogenic sandy isthmus.

Everyone stays on Koh Phi Phi Don and visits Koh Phi Phi Leh on day trips. There are parties, many outstanding photo spots and a whole lot of other terrific islands nearby. Not to mention good snorkelling and diving. And parties, did I mention parties? Oh yeah, they love a good party on Koh Phi Phi Don. Consider yourself warned.

The Best Koh Phi Phi Photo Spots

Koh Lanta

Best for Mid-Range Travellers

The third and hardest to summarize of The Big 3 of the Andaman Sea (I just made that up, feel free to impress your travel agent with it), Koh Lanta lacks that one big standout feature. On the other hand, it also lacks any real weaknesses. Kind of like if Pedro Pascal were an island.

It has beautiful beaches, obviously, and a wide range of accommodation options to fit nearly every budget (although it may have graduated beyond “shoestring” these days). There are lots of restaurants, shops and dive outfits but it still doesn’t feel overrun, and it’s big enough to be worth exploring by scooter, but small enough that it won’t take that long. All in all, Koh Lanta is still the Thai island we recommend the most, mainly because it fits so many profiles.

Beaches: AKA Getting Burnt on Koh Lanta

Koh Yao Noi / Yai

Best Off the Beaten Path Option

For now, of course. These things change quickly, especially in Thailand. Although a key factor both Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai have going for them – shitty beaches. Ok, bear with me here. I know that doesn’t sound like something to brag about. Buuutt… if your goal is to stay a little under the radar, avoid the day trip crowds and be pleasantly surprised at the prices, well, a few mediocre beaches are just what the doctor ordered. No luxury resort is going to take over a bay with a scruffy brown beach that disappears at high tide and turns into a muddy soccer field at low tide.

Personally, we kind of enjoyed that side of it. The place was quiet, the mud flats can be quite picturesque in their own right and there was a decent amount of wandering to be had (not to mention one of the best sunsets of our trip). And it’s still very close to many of the best limestone islands in Phang Nga Bay, making it a great (and cheap) place to sign up for a day tour.

Koh Yao Noi: Thailand’s Hidden Gem

Koh Siboya

Best Stranded on a Tropical Island Vibe

Another Thai island that boasts an excellent central location smack-dab in the middle of all the best Andaman Sea scenery but flies under the radar because of its distinct lack of exquisite white sand beaches. And comfortable resorts. And convenient shops. And much of anything else. But Koh Siboya does have some very exotic mangrove coasts and amazing views of the more popular surrounding islands. And lizards. Huge monitor lizards. Just wandering like they couldn’t care less about you because, well, they really don’t.

Journal of a Koh Siboya Castaway

Koh Jum

Best for Local Vibes

Koh Jum is another example of a pleasant, very natural island with an excellent location in the middle of all the big highlights that really isn’t busy or over-developed because – you guessed it – the beaches aren’t the best. Now, of course, that is a very relative description. They aren’t the best beaches in Thailand. They WOULD be the best beaches in, say, Saskatchewan, just to choose a place completely at random.

And, to be honest, we really liked the beaches on Koh Jum. They aren’t really that soft white sand that looks so incredible in photos (but is practically impossible to get off your legs) but a few of them are quite wide, long and perfect for walking. On top of that, nearly all the hotels are on the west side and boast amazing sunsets and there are three small villages on the island, all of which still seem very local, not always the case post-tourism. There are quite a few monkeys, too, for better or worse.

The Top Things to Do on Koh Jum

Koh Ngai

Best for Cliché Tropical Beauty

If you’re looking for a true tropical hideaway where you can feel good about doing absolutely nothing, well, may I present to you, lovely Koh Ngai. It DOES have those gorgeous white sand beaches – sure, there are only two of them but those two are well worth it. All the resorts (of which there aren’t many) can be found on those two beaches, there are literally no roads and very little do other than relax, enjoy the view and maybe go for a swim every now and then.

There are really only two downsides. One, prices are a bit higher than on some of the nearby islands. The cost of stereotypical beauty, I suppose. The second is the way “Ngai” seems to be pronounced “Hai”, joining the long list of things I do not understand about the Thai language.

Reasons to Visit Gorgeous Koh Ngai

Koh Mook

Best Sunset Beach

Koh Mook (sometimes written as Muk) is practically the opposite of Koh Ngai, with literal towns, streets, shops and lots of varied accommodation scattered around the island. It is the best island among this southern cluster to find stuff, buy stuff and plan stuff. Plus, it is one of the cheapest Thai islands we’ve been to.

It also features two big highlights. The first is Charlie Beach, a big, flat beach tucked between lush hills that is great all day but really comes alive for sunset. You won’t want to miss it. The other is Emerald Cave, a spectacular hidden lagoon accessed by boat/swimming trips. Really impressive.

The Best Things to Do on Koh Mook

Koh Kradan

Best for Exclusivity

Tiny Koh Kradan has just 7 places to stay on the whole island (only 6 of which are official), providing the ultimate “it’s just us” vibe. Of course, it’s not actually just you. But it’s about as close as you can get while still being able to enjoy nice (not amazing) beaches, terrific snorkelling, excellent food and supremely quiet nights.

There is one “hiking” trail and… well, that’s about it. A couple sunset spots. Did I mention the snorkelling? Yeah, well, that’s about it. And, in our opinion, that’s enough.

Beautiful Koh Kradan: Where to Stay and What to Do

Koh Lipe

Best Party in the Park Destination

The most popular island in Tarutao National Marine Park, Koh Lipe is known as both a fantastic scuba diving destination (people come from far and wide to dive the famous Stonehenge site) and THE party island of the deep south. So if you want to spend your days on and under the water and your nights bar-hopping along festive Walking Street, then Koh Lipe is the perfect choice. There are also many other islands within the park – far less developed – for when you feel like you’ve spent enough time diving with a hangover.

The evolution of Koh Lipe has been particularly fascinating to us since our very first visit way back in 2008 came just when it was just being discovered and you could practically see its future being mapped out on a daily basis (mainly in freshly poured concrete and yet another happy hour special).

Thai Islands Summary

Thailand is an amazing country offering world-class variety, awesome people and exceptional food. all for very reasonable prices. Which is why we’ve been back so many times. But when push comes to shove, Thailand is mainly (and justifiably) famous for its phenomenal islands. Both their collective beauty and individual features and highlights.

Hopefully this overview has given you a starting point for planning your next big Thai islands adventure and inspires you to dig deeper into the islands that might just fit your wildest hopes, wishes and tropical island dreams. But, if I can leave you with one last – and somewhat unhelpful – opinion:

They are all quite nice.

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