Phuket, in the Andaman Sea, and Koh Samui, in the Gulf of Thailand, are the most sought-after island getaways for tourists visiting Thailand. For a vibrant beach scene, Phuket is the place to go. On the other hand, Koh Samui would be the island for tourists looking for a more peaceful setting.
Phuket and Koh Samui are certainly captivating islands, but Thailand offers more. There's a treasure trove of enchanting islands from the Andaman Sea to the Gulf of Thailand. Unlike Phuket and Koh Samui, these islands are away from the masses of tourists and will redefine your perception of an island getaway.
If you're looking beyond Phuket and Koh Samui, then this article is for you. These are the 9 most beautiful islands in Thailand. Though the "most beautiful" are bound to be subjective, they are without doubt enchanting and can't be ignored. They offer a more laid-back way of life, and some are still really quiet.
Table of Contents
Koh Lanta
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| Koh Lanta | dronepicr |
Koh Lanta is an archipelago of islands located off the southwestern coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. The islands are part of Krabi Province, with the larger ones being Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi. Koh Lanta Yai is the largest of all the islands and the most visited by tourists.
Koh Lanta Yai is where you'll find many accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The island is laid-back, more relaxed, and less crowded than Thailand's bustling islands. You can reach the island by taking a ferry from Krabi on the mainland or the island of Phuket.
The island boasts several beautiful beaches with soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. Phra Ae Beach, Klong Dao Beach, Kantiang Bay, and Nui Beach are among the popular beaches on the island. Each has its unique charm, from the quiet and secluded to more lively areas with beach bars and restaurants.
You can explore the underwater world through snorkeling and scuba diving, with numerous dive sites around the island. Koh Lanta Yai is also a great place for kayaking and paddle boarding. There are also boat trips to the nearby islands, such as the Koh Phi Phi islands.
Besides the beaches and the sea, there are the lush jungle and waterfalls to explore such as Khlong Chak Waterfall. Visit Koh Lanta Town (Old Town) on the island's east coast. This charming little town exudes a rustic character and a laid-back atmosphere, offering a delightful taste of Thai culture.
Koh Lipe
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| Koh Lipe | Vyacheslav Argenberg |
Koh Lipe is another stunning island in the Andaman Sea. It's near the southern border of Thailand and close to the Malaysian island of Langkawi. Often referred to as the "Maldives of Thailand," Koh Lipe offers its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and tranquil atmosphere.
Koh Lipe is a small island, covering only 3 sq km (1.2 sq miles). You can reach Koh Lipe by taking a ferry from several ferry points, including Pak Bara on the mainland and the nearby islands, including Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. You can also get to Koh Lipe by ferry from Langkawi in Malaysia.
The island boasts several beautiful beaches. Pattaya Beach, on the southwestern coast, is the most popular and vibrant area. Sunset Beach, in the northeast, and Sunrise Beach, in the west, are also well-liked spots but more tranquil. You'll also find secluded beaches and coves that adorn around the island.
The surrounding waters teem with marine life and coral reefs, offering opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. You can rent snorkeling gear and explore the underwater world off the beaches. For experienced scuba divers, you engage a dive shop to take you on trips to nearby dive sites.
Koh Lipe is an excellent base for island hopping. Long-tail boats will take you to the nearby islands of Koh Adang, Koh Rawi, Koh Yang, and Koh Hin Ngam. These islands are undeveloped, almost uninhabited, and boast beautiful beaches. For adventure seekers, there are hiking trails through the jungles of Koh Adang and Koh Rawi.
Koh Phi Phi Don
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| Koh Phi Phi Don | Deror Avi |
Koh Phi Phi Don is off the western coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. It's one of the most popular islands in Thailand, though not in the same spotlight as Phuket of Koh Samui. The island offers a mix of everything, including natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, vibrant nightlife, and a host of activities.
There are several ferry services to the island. On the mainland, ferries depart from Krabi Town, Ao Nang, and Rai Leh. Ferries also leave from the nearby islands of Phuket and Ko Lanta. The boat ride typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on the departure point.
Tonsai Beach is the most popular beach, and the pier here is also the main arrival point by ferry. With the shops, bars, and restaurants concentrated in the area, it's the busiest and most vibrant area on the island. Other popular beaches include Long Beach (Hat Yao), Loh Dalum Beach, and Laem Tong Beach, each catering to different preferences, from lively to tranquil.
Koh Phi Phi Don is a haven for water sports. Snorkeling and scuba diving are particularly popular due to the island's coral reefs and marine life. You can explore sites like Shark Point and Hin Bida. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat trips to nearby attractions like Maya Bay and Phi Phi Leh are also available.
Away from the beach, the island offers several hiking trails through the rainforest. It's a challenging hike to Phi Phi's highest point, Khao Phi Phi, but the views are worth the effort. Another trail is the hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint, which offers more lovely views of the island.
Koh Yao Yai
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| Koh Yao Yai | Ole.Pophal |
Koh Yao Yai is a serene and less-touristy island in the Andaman Sea, not far from the islands of Phuket and Krabi on the mainland. The island manages to provide modern comfort to tourists yet retains its simple rural charm. Unlike neighboring Phuket, Koh Yao Yai is known for its peaceful and laid-back atmosphere.
Some ferries take you to Koh Yao Yai from several piers in Krabi and Phang Nga on the mainland. There are also ferries departing from several points in Phuket. The ferry ride usually takes 1.5 hours from Krabi and Phang Nga, and 30-40 minutes from Phuket.
Koh Yao Yai is an ideal destination for travelers looking to escape the crowds and experience a peaceful island getaway. You can still find amenities and services on the island, including convenience stores, pharmacies, and ATMs, not to mention restaurants and local eateries.
The island boasts unspoiled beaches with soft sand, calm waters, and fantastic sunset views. Loh Paret Beach and Laem Had Beach are popular spots but without the crowd. There are also opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking, and long-tail boat trips to nearby islets.
Once at your accommodation, many larger resorts will have scooters or bicycles for rent. With your transport, you can explore the island's scenic coastline, pass by rubber plantations, and even stop by a local village restaurant. If traveling within the proximity, exploring on foot is a good option.
Koh Phangan
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| Koh Phangan | JanRehschuh |
Koh Phangan is the fifth-largest island in Thailand and is in the southern part of the Gulf of Thailand. The island is just north of its more famous neighbor, Koh Samui. Koh Phangan caters to all kinds of travelers, from partygoers and adventure seekers to those looking for relaxation.
You can reach Koh Phangan by taking a ferry from the mainland city of Surat Thani and the nearby island of Koh Samui. There are buses and flights departing from Bangkok to Surat Thani. There are also flights leaving Bangkok to Koh Samui. Koh Phangan's ferry port is at Thong Sala, the island's main town.
The concentration of youthful partying tourists is in a small pocket around Haad Rin Beach, on the island's southeastern corner. Moving away from Haad Rin Beach and Thong Sala, Koh Phangan becomes more eye-catching, serene, and laid-back.
Koh Phangan features several stunning beaches. Beyond Haad Rin Beach are Thong Nai Pan, Haad Salad, and Haad Yao, where you can relax on the powdery white sand and swim in crystal-clear waters. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular due to the diverse marine life around the island.
Beyond the beaches, Koh Phangan offers lush jungles and hilly terrain, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts and hikers. Visit the Phaeng Waterfall, hike to the island's highest point at Khao Ra, explore the dense forests, and discover hidden temples that dot the island.
Koh Tao
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| Koh Tao | Visions of Domino |
Koh Tao, also known as Turtle Island, is a small tropical paradise in the Gulf of Thailand. Besides its stunning beaches, the island is also known for its vibrant marine life that offers plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. Despite its small size, Koh Tao also presents opportunities for hiking through the island's scenic trails.
Ferry boats departing from Chumphon and Surat Thani on the mainland to Koh Tao. Ferries also leave from the nearby islands, including Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. You'll enjoy the scenic ride as you sail across the crystal-clear waters.
Sairee Beach is the most popular and vibrant, with its bustling nightlife, restaurants, and shops. Other noteworthy beaches are Chalok Baan Kao, Ao Tanote, and Freedom Beach, which offer a quieter atmosphere and opportunities for snorkeling.
Koh Tao is one of the world's top destinations for scuba diving. The crystal-clear waters teem with marine life, including colorful fish, turtles, and even whale sharks. You can find several dive shops on the island as well as diving schools for all levels, from beginners to more experienced divers.
Koh Tao isn't just about underwater adventures. The island's interior features hiking trails that lead to viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the island and the surrounding sea. A popular hike is the trek to the John-Suwan Viewpoint for stunning views of the sunset and sunrise.
Koh Samet
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| Koh Samet | Sakateka |
Koh Samet also spelled Ko Samet or Koh Samed, is in the Gulf of Thailand near the mainland. This small island is part of the Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park. The island is usually crowded on weekends and public holidays but quieter on weekdays.
This charming island is easily accessible from Bangkok, which makes it popular for tourists visiting the city and city dwellers for weekend getaways. The trip is about 3 hours from Bangkok and an hour from Pattaya City to the coastal town of Ban Phe. From here, there are ferries that'll take you to Koh Samet. The boat ride takes 30-45 minutes.
Koh Samet boasts 14 beautiful beaches. Hat Sai Kaew Beach is the most popular, offering a range of accommodations, water sports, and a lively nightlife. But if you're looking for secluded beaches, you can head to Ao Prao Beach or Ao Wong Duen Beach.
While Koh Samet is primarily to relax, you can still enjoy various activities. Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular watersports, and you can rent equipment on the beaches. The island's interior boasts several hiking trails and viewpoints, including the hike to the summit of Khao Laem Ya.
There is an entrance fee to visit Koh Samet since it's part of a national park. This fee is usually collected upon arrival on the island and used to support conservation efforts. The amount to pay varies depending on your nationality.
Koh Chang
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| Koh Chang | Toey19863 |
Koh Chang is in the Gulf of Thailand near the border with Cambodia. Often referred to as "Elephant Island" due to its shape, the island is Thailand's third largest after Phuket and Koh Samui. Even though tourism has surged in recent years, it is nowhere near the level of Phuket and Koh Samui.
The island is about 315 km (196 miles) southeast of Bangkok and easily reached using a combination of bus and ferry. Buses depart from Bangkok's Ekkamai Bus Terminal to the ferry port in Trat. You can also fly to Trat Airport from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport and then take a taxi or shuttle to the ferry port.
Koh Chang is home to numerous pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters. The more popular beaches are on the island's western side, including Hat Sai Kha (White Sand Beach), Hat Tha Nam (Lonely Beach), Kai Bae Beach, and Klong Prao Beach. The eastern side is less developed for a quieter beach experience.
Rich marine life surrounds Koh Chang. Several dive shops can take you on snorkeling or scuba diving trips to nearby dive sites. If you prefer to stay above water, you can go kayaking or take a boat tour to discover hidden coves and beaches scattered around the island.
The middle of the island is covered in lush rainforest with several scenic waterfalls to discover. The island is home to Khlong Phlu Waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip in the cascading waters. For a more challenging hike, the Salak Phet Mountain Trail leads to the summit for views of the island.
Koh Mak
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| Koh Mak | A J Niccel |
Koh Mak is a serene and lesser-known island in the Gulf of Thailand, not far from Cambodia. This small island remains relatively undeveloped and pristine. Unlike some of the more bustling islands, Koh Mak is peaceful and laid-back and often referred to as one of the "hidden gems" of Thailand.
To reach Koh Mak, you can take a ferry from the mainland town of Laem Ngop, which is about a 4-5 hour by road from Bangkok. The ferry ride from the pier at Laem Ngop to Koh Mak takes 45-60 minutes. Alternatively, you can fly to Trat Airport from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport and then arrange a private transfer to Laem Ngop.
Koh Mak is home to stunning beaches with soft, white sands and crystal-clear, emerald waters. Among them, Ao Suan Yai Beach and Ao Kao Beach stand out as the most popular choices, each offering a long stretch of sandy coastline. The curvy bay of Ao Suan Yai is perfect for swimming, while Ao Kao Beach is renowned for its scenic sunsets and another fantastic spot for a dip.
If you're into snorkeling or scuba diving, there are plenty of great spots near the island to explore the fascinating coral reefs. The island is mostly flat, so it's perfect for renting a bicycle or motorbike to explore the rubber and coconut plantations and villages, not to mention the sandy beaches.
While Koh Mak is less developed than some other Thai islands, you can still find a variety of accommodations, including boutique resorts, lodges, and beachfront bungalows. Many of these places offer a tranquil and secluded experience, which makes the island perfect for a quiet getaway.
