Guide to the Thai Islands

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, chances are you’re feeling a little confused on which island to go to and what makes them different. Here’s a quick breakdown of the Thai islands and what makes each one special!

Quick facts about Thailand

Where are the Thai Islands?

Most of the Thai Islands that you’ll hear about are located in the southern part of the country. While this guide won’t discuss ALL of them (they are so many!!), there will be an overview over the most popular and easiest to visit for tourists.

How do you get to the Thai Islands?

When coming to Thailand, you’ll likely fly into Bangkok. Spend a few days there, before flying south to Phuket, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, or even to Langkawi in Malaysia. From there, you can take ferries to reach the various islands.

What are the best islands in Thailand?

That all depends on you! There is a huge variety between the different islands. Whether you’re a partier, beach bum, honeymooner, or traveling with kids, there is always an island for you!

Koh Tao, Thailand

Koh Tao is smaller and tends to have a mixture of party/relax. However, the island is mainly known for its cheap and amazing diving centers and dive sites. There are dive centers in almost every language, and it’s a great place to get certified for cheap. People come from all the world to get their diver’s certification in Koh Tao.

If you want to be in on the action and parties, stay on or close to Sairee Beach such as in Slumber Party hostel.

Koh Phayam, Thailand

Koh Phayam is a more secluded island and thus a bit more relaxing. There are no cars or tuks tuks on the roads; only motorbikes. Koh Phayam is nice to get away from the other tourists and have some peace and quiet, so it may be great for honeymooners or for families. Although it may be more laidback than the other islands, there are still plenty of things to do in Koh Phayam!

Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui is the biggest island, and also probably the most commercial. Although this may not be what some people are looking for, it provides easy access to Angthong National Marine Park and has an airport. Many people choose to fly into Koh Samui before heading towards other islands. However, it is still a beautiful island with lots of parties!

Koh Phangan, Thailand

Koh Phangan is known for the famous “Full Moon Party” so it tends to be a party island. Although there are now many other parties almost every single night, Full Moon Party is the most famous and takes place during the, you guessed it, full moon. You can check the website to see when the party is if you’re planning on going. I stayed on Koh Phangan working at the lovely Phangan Arena Hostel for two weeks and there’s plenty other things to see on the island. I recommend renting a motorbike and going beach hopping, hike the waterfalls, and even undertaking ‘The Challenge‘.

Koh Lipe, Thailand

Koh Lipe is famous for its white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters. It is part of a national park, so thus quite a bit more natural and untouched! There are indigenous people who live on the island but has otherwise been spared from industrialization.

Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

Phi Phi is a party party place. From the port to midway up the island you will find endless parties and random tattoo sops.

However, the further inland you go on the island, the more you can find places with a quieter lifestyle. Phi Phi is great to see for a few days and has many boat tours, beaches, and bays that really showcase the beauty of Thailand. However, it is small and once you’ve seen everything, there really isn’t any reason to stay longer.

Koh Lanta, Thailand

Koh Lanta is a bit more chill than the main islands but isn’t completely undiscovered like Koh Phayam. Years ago, it was truly a hidden gem in Thailand, but is slowly rising to popularity. Visit now before it becomes as popular as Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui!

Let me know in the comments if you have a favorite island that isn’t on the list!