The Best Islands in Thailand to Visit (Updated 2025)

Dotted around the coasts of Thailand are a diverse range of island paradises offering experiences from peaceful getaways to snorkeling and diving. If you're looking for luxury, nature, adventure, nightlife, or tranquility, there is the best choice available. Let us help you discover the best Thai island destinations for 2025.

Where Are the Best Islands of Thailand Located? The Map of Islands in Thailand

Thailand's islands are grouped by which coast they fall under. On the west coast, in the Andaman Sea, the top islands are:
Phuket: Located 862 km south of Bangkok and connected to the mainland by the Sarasin Bridge.
Similan Islands: Known for their diving spots, they are 84 km northwest of Phuket and accessible by boat from Khao Lak.
Koh Racha: Another great diving and snorkeling spot 20 km south of Phuket. Accessible by speedboat from Phuket.
Koh Lanta: Famous for its long beach, the island is off the coast of Krabi. Accessible by ferry from Krabi, Phuket, or Phi Phi Islands.
Koh Rok: Southeast of Koh Lanta and accessible by boat from there or Trang.
Koh Lipe: Near the Malaysian border and part of the Tarutao National Marine Park. Accessible by boat from Pak Bara, Koh Lanta, or Langkawi in Malaysia.
Phi Phi Islands: Located between Phuket and Krabi and accessible by ferry from both.
Koh Yao: A peaceful island in Phang Nga Bay that is easy to reach from Phuket.

On the east coast, another group of islands await in the Gulf of Thailand:
Koh Samui: An island with great luxury resorts and exciting nightlife. Koh Samui has its airport.
Koh Tao: It has renowned diving schools and is located north of Koh Samui.
Koh Phangan: Famous for its Full Moon Parties and is located north of Koh Samui.
Koh Nang Yuan: It has a picturesque sandbar connecting its three islands. Located northwest of Koh Tao.
Koh Samet: Southeast of Bangkok, it's known for its white sandy beaches and clear waters.
Koh Kood: An island of untouched natural beauty near the Cambodian border.
Koh Chang: Also near the Cambodian border, it's part of Mu Koh Chang National Park and home to dense jungles and waterfalls.

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For First Time Tourists, Phuket Is the Most Recommended, with Phang Nga Nearby

Phuket is the perfect spot for first-time travelers to Thailand. Patong Beach, Karon Beach, and Kata Beach are a great introduction to Thailand's beautiful sands and waters. You can relax and sunbathe or go into the water to swim, kayak, or snorkel.

Phuket Old Town is a slice of local culture with shopping, street food, and great restaurants. Food, music, and shopping can also be enjoyed at Phuket's Night Markets. There are also the cultural sites of Big Buddha sitting atop Nak Ker Hill and Wat Chalong, the biggest Buddhist Temple on the island.

Phang Nga is only a short drive away. The famous Phang Nga Bay National Park is packed with natural marvels like sunken caverns and rock formations soaring out of the sea. It's a great place for a day trip, and if you arrive early, you can enjoy the stunning sunrise from Samet Nangshe Viewpoint.

Snorkel in Phuket

For off-the-beaten-track Adventurers, the Best Island Recommended Is Koh Yao Island

Seeking an off-the-beaten-track adventure is the chance to discover hidden gems away from the crowds. Koh Yao is a place of tranquility and authentic Thai culture.

The small, quiet island is ringed with beaches from the peaceful Potsai Beach to Long Beach, with its mangroves and small restaurants. You can tour the whole island in one day on a scooter, seeing the untouched natural surroundings.

Local fishing villages, cooking classes, and traditional batik painting offer a chance to see authentic Thai culture. Neighboring islands like James Bond Island, Koh Poda, and Koh Yao Yai are a short boat tour away.

Thailand Koh Yao Island

For Super Luxury Tourists or Honeymooners, Koh Samui Is the Most Recommended

Koh Samui is a luxurious paradise ideal for a honeymoon or luxury travel. The island has many five-star resorts, private villas, world-class spas, and fine dining.

Chaweng Beach on the east coast is the longest on the island. It's seven kilometers of white sand bordering emerald-blue waters. Ang Thong National Marine Park is a breathtaking protected archipelago of 24 islands with a vibrant ecosystem, limestone mountains, waterfalls, and white-sand beaches.

The island's interior has sites like the Big Buddha and the Secret Buddha Garden. You can explore natural sites like the Purple Waterfall, Na Muang, and swim in its natural pools. Don't miss the delicious food and exciting atmosphere of the Lamai Night Market.

Thailand Koh Samui Island

For Island-Hopping Lovers, Similan Islands Is the Most Recommended

Island hopping is a chance to experience the diversity of local landscapes. The Similan Islands is an archipelago of 11 islands that make up Mu Ko Similan National Park.

It is a protected area with diverse animal species, such as mangrove monitor lizards, flying foxes, and pale-capped Pigeons. Ko Huyong, which has the longest beach, is where sea turtles come to lay eggs.

As part of environmental protection efforts, tourists are not allowed to stay overnight on the island. It can be visited on day trips or 'liveaboard' experiences where you sleep on the boat.

The Similan Islands of Thailand

To Enjoy Bustling Nightlife and Thail Culture, Pattaya Is Most Recommended

Pattaya City is on the mainland, but Pattaya includes many offshore islands. Koh Larn has white sand beaches, Koh Phai is a place to seek adventurous activities, Koh Khram is perfect for snorkelers, and Koh Samet is where to go for luxury stays.

A big appeal of Pattaya is its exciting nightlife. Pattaya Walking Street is packed with bars, clubs, restaurants, and street performances. Every night, it's closed off to traffic, and you can find entertainment there until the early hours of the morning.

6 Days Splendid Pattaya Tour Package

Bangkok - Pattaya - Bangkok

For Young Solo and Single Travelers, Koh Phi Phi Is the Most Recommended

Koh Phi Phi is perfect for solo travelers, as you'll only be alone if you want to be. Solo travelers can take a peaceful hike to the Koh Phi Phi viewpoint, relax on beaches like Loh Dalum Beach or Ao Poh Beach, or check out Tonsai Village Market. The well-lit tourist village is closed to traffic and safe to walk around.

If you get bored traveling alone, there are shows and parties to join and meet other travelers. Loh Dalum Beach has nonstop pool parties that are free to join. Fire shows take place almost every night, lighting up the sands and creating an exciting atmosphere.

Thailand Koh Phi Phi Island

Seeking the Quietest and Most Secluded Island, Koh Lipe Is the Most Recommended

Sitting in the southern part of the Andaman Sea, Koh Lipe is one of Thailand's quietest and most secluded islands. It has a laid-back atmosphere, attracting visitors to the vibrant coral reefs and peaceful setting.

The three main beaches are within walking distance from anywhere on the island. Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach have clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling and diving. Pattaya Beach is the place to go for fresh seafood restaurants.

The whole island can be explored on foot to find secluded coves and beaches. For the ultimate relaxation, you can get a massage on the beach while soaking up the sun.

Thailand Koh Lipe Island

For Scuba Diving, Koh Tao Is Most Recommended, one of the World's Best Places to Learn to Dive

Koh Tao is one of the best places in the world to learn how to scuba dive. There are over 40 diving centers offering a range of underwater courses for beginner to advanced divers. You can get certified in as little as 3-days with an open water diver course and be ready to dive anywhere in the world.

Once you're ready, there are dozens of excellent dive sites to explore. Laem Thien, with a depth from 0 to 18 meters, is suitable for beginner to advanced divers. It's like a playground with ancient volcanic boulders strewn about.

Sail Rock is considered one of the best diving spots in the Gulf of Thailand. Suitable for intermediate to advanced divers, there is a good chance of seeing amazing marine life like pelagic fish and barracudas.

Scuba diving in Koh Tao

There are More Islands to Explore in Thailand

Thailand has an almost inexhaustible range of islands to explore.

Koh Lanta's stunning beaches are a paradise with magical sunsets. Koh Racha is another excellent diving spot with clear waters and vibrant marine life. Koh Chang and Koh Kood are untouched secrets a world apart from the crowding that can happen in more popular locations.

An island-hopping tour can let you see a range of places. Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui are well-connected to neighboring islands by boat. You can go on day tours to have different experiences, or hop from island to island and take in the highlights.

8 Days Thailand Island Hopper Tour Package

Phuket – Koh Phi Phi – Krabi

Conclusion

Whatever experience you're looking for, there is an ideal island to visit. Our Thailand Island tours will take you to the most beautiful, exciting, peaceful, or out-of-the-way places, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on enjoying yourself. Check out our island tour packages, or contact us and tell us about what you're looking for, and we'll put together a personalized itinerary.