Top 17 Most Beautiful Islands in Thailand

Far away from Germany, over 500 stunning islands in Thailand await visitors with incredible beaches and a unique atmosphere. Each one has its own charm and offers optimal conditions for various types of vacations. We have closely examined the most beautiful islands in Thailand to help you find the perfect Thai island. Tempting offers included.

Whether you're planning a luxury vacation at one of the beautiful beach resorts or are backpacking through Southeast Asia to hit the most beautiful sights in Thailand, you will find great accommodations for every budget throughout the country. The beauty of the Thai islands is priceless, yet it can be admired by everyone.

To give you a good overview of the most scenic and beautiful islands in Thailand, we want to provide you with a first impression. Some of the islands in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea are uninhabited, while others are well-developed for tourism. To know what to expect on your vacation, we introduce you to the most popular and beautiful islands in Thailand. Great offers are of course included.

On this map of Thailand, you can see all the islands at a glance:

Before we introduce you to Thailand's islands individually, we'd like to give you a tip in advance: Many of these islands are perfect for island hopping, such as Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui in southern Thailand or the islands in the Andaman Sea.

To see as much of the country and its beautiful beaches as possible, you can visit several enchanting islands in Thailand with island hopping and be amazed by the diversity. You can either travel with inexpensive domestic flights - for example from Bangkok or Chiang Mai in the north - or choose one of the numerous bus and train connections. The bus trips often include a ride on the necessary ferry as well. It would be a real shame to only choose one from the amazing selection, right? But see for yourself!

In southern Thailand lie the three popular islands Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui. Due to their proximity to each other, these islands are great for island hopping. You can quickly reach each island by ferry, making them easily accessible. Depending on the route, a ferry ride costs around 150 Baht, which is just about 4€. You can buy tickets directly at the pier. If you prefer a more comfortable option, you can book a transfer with a crossing at a local travel agency.

Koh Samui is the largest of the three islands and is about 35 kilometers from the mainland. It is part of Surat Thani province. With a size of 233 km², Koh Samui is the third largest island in Thailand after Koh Phuket and Koh Chang.

Getting to Koh Samui

Koh Samui can be easily reached several times a day from all airports in Southeast Asia. Flights operate from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Krabi. Alternatively, you can arrive by ferry from the mainland.

Together with 60 other islands, including Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Koh Taen, Koh Nang Yuan, and around 40 islands of the Ang Thong National Park, it is part of the Samui Archipelago. You can expect year-round temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius, and the water will not be cooler than 27 degrees. Sounds pleasant, doesn't it? However, from May to December, it is the rainy season here. But that in no way prevents you from having a vacation on Koh Samui. During the rainy season, you can expect lush green landscapes and fewer tourists on the island, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Koh Samui in peace. Moreover, prices during the rainy season are significantly cheaper. So there are definitely advantages to traveling off-season.

Particularly popular tourist destinations are the places Chaweng and Lamai, which lure visitors with their stunning beaches, namely Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach. The six-kilometer-long Chaweng Beach, followed by Lamai Beach, is the longest, prettiest, and most popular beach on Koh Samui. It's best to rent a scooter and explore the island at your own pace with our Koh Samui tips!

Koh Phangan - also known as Ko Pha-Ngan or Ko Pha Ngan - is the neighboring island of Koh Samui and just 15 kilometers away.

Getting to Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan does not have its own airport and is therefore best reached by ferry from Koh Samui.

Koh Phangan is smaller, covering an area of 125 km². With its deep jungle, impressive viewpoints, and hidden waterfalls, it offers an exciting experience. The island is very suitable for exploring by motorcycle, on foot, or during a mountain biking tour. For those who prefer a more relaxed environment, there are numerous beautiful beaches such as Thong Nai Pan or Salad Beach, where you can lounge in the sun. Koh Phangan is also home to a large yoga scene. Especially in and around the village of Srithanu, you can find many wonderful yoga resorts offering numerous workshops and classes.

If you like to let loose after a relaxing yoga session, then Koh Phangan is the perfect place for you. Here, a Full Moon, Half Moon, and Black Moon party are held every month, with the Full Moon party being the largest and wildest event. Around 30,000 people come to the island each month during this time to celebrate at the infamous Haad Rin Nok beach with plenty of alcohol and neon-painted shirts. The Half Moon parties are held in the jungle, where beside large dance floors, you can even find hammocks to catch your breath. The parties are legendary and have gained a reputation for getting out of hand. Drugs, lots of alcohol, and the atmosphere can lead some visitors to total collapse. Be sure to look after your personal belongings and avoid trouble - then you can have the night of your life.

The 21 km² island of Koh Tao - also known as Ko Tao - is the smallest island in the Samui Archipelago. Its name translates to 'Turtle Island', as many sea turtles settled around the island long ago.

Getting to Koh Tao

Koh Tao does not have its own airport, so the best way to reach it is by ferry from Koh Samui or Surat Thani (mainland).

Koh Tao is particularly known for its incredible underwater world. The intact diving spots make the island a very popular destination, especially among beginners, with many diving schools available. There is hardly a beach on Koh Tao where you can't dive and discover sea turtles and brightly colored fish. Otherwise, on Koh Tao, everything revolves around Sairee Beach, the most famous beach on the Thai island. Here you will find numerous hotels, bars, and restaurants that sweeten your evenings.

If you're ever in Koh Tao, be sure to visit Koh Nang Yuan, the island located just north of it. You can hike to a viewpoint and enjoy a breathtaking view of a sand dune connecting three islands.

The Andaman Sea lies on the west coast of Thailand. It is home to many Thai islands that are also suitable for island hopping. However, you should allow plenty of time as there are many beautiful islands to see. We have again selected the most beautiful and interesting islands for you.

Koh Phi Phi - also known as Ko Phi Phi - is an island group, including the two main islands Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Le. On Koh Phi Phi Le, the smaller island, is the legendary Maya Bay, where the famous film 'The Beach' was shot. Of course, as a visitor, you are never alone here. In the past, entire boats of tourists came here daily and left their traces. This mass tourism, which is damaging to nature and the national park, has been somewhat curtailed by the Thai military government. Since June 2018, the famous Maya Bay has been indefinitely closed to tourists.

Getting to Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is only accessible by ferry. This runs from Phuket or Krabi, for example.

On Koh Phi Phi Don, the viewpoint is especially legendary, offering a beautiful view of beach, nature, and sea. It takes about 20 minutes to hike up to the viewpoint. Although the climb is strenuous, it is definitely worth it! Bring a small picnic up with you and enjoy the moment in comfort. Due to the clear waters around the island, you can also go diving in Koh Phi Phi, just a few meters from the beach, where you will find colorful coral reefs. The boat can also take you to more distant dive spots if it gets too crowded near the beach.

Vacation Guru Tip: Charter a longtail boat and let yourself be taken to the secluded and deserted beaches of the island, away from the main town of Tonsai. Great beach paradises await you.

To be precise, Koh Lanta - also known as Ko Lanta - lies at the transition between the Malacca Strait and the Andaman Sea and is actually not a simple island, but a double island. It is divided into Lanta Yai and Lanta Noi, with Lanta Noi being almost uninhabited. However, Lanta Yai has numerous places and a well-developed tourist infrastructure.

Getting to Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is best reached by ferry from Krabi. The Thai island does not have an airport.

Both islands are part of the Mu Ko Lanta National Park. In the beach venues, you can really treat yourself, and the Thai cuisine here is simply delicious. How about a fresh fruit salad made of mango, papaya, and pineapple and a Pad Thai with fresh vegetables and freshly caught shrimp? It would be impossible to say no to that, right? At dusk, you can observe the lines of lights from the shrimp and prawn fishing boats that go out to sea every night to fish. They only return at dawn. One thing is for sure - Koh Lanta is definitely a Thai island for relaxation and recovery.

Coral Island, also known as Koh Hae/He, is located about eight kilometers off the southern coast of Phuket.

Getting to Coral Island

The small island can be reached on a day trip or by longtail boat.

Many small bays with colorful coral reefs invite diving and snorkeling. A long, snow-white sandy beach is the best place to enjoy the relaxed vacation feeling. Compared to Phuket, Coral Island is still regarded as a hidden gem among tourists. Who knows, now that you know about this beautiful island, your next trip might be there? The island is particularly empty in the morning and evening, as most day-trippers have already left. So, if you book one of the few small bungalows here, you can enjoy the calm before and after the tourist rush and experience a romantic sunrise or sunset on the beach.

A listing of the most beautiful islands in Thailand must of course include one: Phuket. The largest island in Thailand is no longer a hidden gem, but still worth a visit, especially for beginners, as there is hardly any other Thai island with such a well-developed tourist infrastructure.

Getting to Phuket

Phuket can be easily reached multiple times a day from all airports in Southeast Asia and even directly from the United States. Flights operate from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Krabi. Alternatively, you can also arrive by ferry from the mainland.

The Patong region is the tourist center of the island and offers numerous beaches as well as shopping and party options. If you prefer less bustle, you should rather vacation in the southwestern part of Phuket. Kata Beach and Karon Beach are beautiful beaches that have largely been spared from mass tourism. Besides these two beaches, you will certainly find other gems where you can relax away from the crowds and thoroughly enjoy your vacation in Thailand. In our Phuket tips, you will find more inspirations and insider knowledge for your trip.

If you're not in the mood for a party and would instead prefer to spend the entire day on a deserted beach, then Koh Muk is the perfect spot for you.

Getting to Koh Muk

You can reach Koh Muk most quickly by ferry from Hat Yao Pier in Trang. Ferries to Koh Kradan also operate from here.

The small island off the coast of Trang is hardly developed for tourism compared to its neighbors, and the beaches here are still little frequented. On Koh Muk, there are only a few small resorts, few ATMs, and hardly any supermarkets - a true escape paradise! Here, you can only do one thing: simply unwind and listen to the sound of the sea. If you find lounging too boring, you can swim through the Tham Morakot cave and discover a lagoon with a mini beach - incredibly beautiful!

Actually, the small island of Koh Ngai should still be counted among the hidden gems in Thailand, but in recent years, more and more travelers are discovering this charming island beauty, which is sometimes also called Koh Hai.

Getting to Koh Ngai

Ferries to Koh Ngai run from Koh Lanta and Koh Kradan. The island does not have an airport.

Located between Koh Lanta and Koh Muk, Koh Ngai does not have its own airport and can only be reached by ferry from Koh Lanta or the mainland. What awaits you after your arrival on the island comes quite close to the dream of a deserted island, as larger towns are nowhere to be found on the densely forested island. It's best to book accommodation in the east of the island, where beautiful beaches are located.

Sure, some of you might say: 'Everyone knows these islands. And they are totally overcrowded.' True, but that doesn't mean that Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao aren't incredibly beautiful islands in Thailand. And for first-time visitors to Thailand, these islands are perfect. However, for experienced independent travelers, it can go a bit further into the island world of Thailand. We have found five great islands that are perfect for experiencing Thailand's nature while also learning about the culture of the locals. You might search in vain for villas with swimming pools and working WiFi here - but you can dive with dolphins and sea turtles and look for birds and other wildlife in the dense forests.

The Surin Archipelago is located approximately 1.5 hours away by speedboat from Phuket and is considered one of the most beautiful diving areas in Thailand.

Getting to the Surin Archipelago

The Surin Archipelago is best reached by boat from Khao Lak. A regular ferry does not operate here.

For this reason, day-trippers often come here. However, very few stay overnight. You won't find hotels here, only a few bungalows and tents that you can rent for little money. Electricity is only available until 10 pm at night, but who really needs it after an action-packed day? Authentic island atmosphere and breathtaking nature await you here.

The small island of Koh Tarutao and the Tarutao National Marina Park, with its 50 other islands, are a true highlight for nature lovers in Thailand. Dense jungle makes many of the small islands unattractive for mass tourism and thus for most package tourists.

Getting to Koh Tarutao

You can best reach the national park from the mainland in Satun or from the Malaysian island of Langkawi.

However, if you want to experience Thailand in its original form, you should come to Koh Tarutao. In simple bungalows, you will stay right in the national park and can observe a variety of marine animals such as turtles or dolphins with a bit of luck. There are two memorials that recall the island's past as a prison island.

A small gem of the Andaman Sea is the pristine island of Koh Jum, which is also known as Koh Pu.

Getting to Koh Jum

You can reach Koh Jum by ferry from Klong Jilad and Lam Kruat Pier in Krabi.

Not far from the islands of Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi and the Krabi Province, the island is regarded as a real hidden gem among fans of Thailand. You will search in vain for large hotels and other tourist facilities here; however, you will find secluded beaches, wild nature, and authentic villages on Koh Jum. The island can only be reached by ferry, which only operates during the main season. If you are looking for the perfect getaway, you will find it on Koh Jum!

On Koh Phra Thong, nature is the star. If you're looking for a luxury resort here, we must unfortunately disappoint you.

Getting to Koh Phra Thong

The easiest way to get there is from Khao Lak or the Khao Sok National Park. From there, you will travel to the Khura Buri region, from where ferries depart for the island.

Instead of hotel complexes and pools, you will find untouched nature here, home to plenty of macaques, turtles, and uniquely beautiful orchids. Tourists rarely visit this natural paradise. If you want to learn more about the jungle and its mangrove forests, consider taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide.

Getting to Koh Phayam

The nearest airport is Ranong Airport. From there, you can quickly reach the Ranong Pier, where the boats to Koh Phayam depart.

This little island lies in the Indian Ocean in the Andaman Sea and is just the right destination if you want to relax. On Koh Phayam, everything moves a little slower; hammocks are relaxed in the shade of palm trees or a good book is read. Between coconut and cashew plantations, especially hippies and backpackers feel at home.

Getting to Koh Mak

There are several ways to reach Koh Mak from Bangkok:

• Flight to Trat, then taxi to Laem Ngop Pier
• Buses from Ekamai or Mo Chit bus terminals to Trat, then shared taxi to the pier
• Book a shared minivan to Laem Ngop ferry terminal
• Travel from Koh Chang: by speedboat or wooden slowboat.

If you are looking for a dream beach that is not overcrowded, then the tiny island of Koh Mak is just the right place for you. Here you will find turquoise to bright green shimmering sea, as well as clean and deserted beaches. The most beautiful ones include Ao Soun Yai Beach, Ao Kratueng, Laem Son, and Two Island Beach. The small island, only 16 km² in size, is located in the far east of Thailand, in the Trat province. It forms part of the Koh Chang Marine National Park alongside 50 other islands. Only about 250 locals live here. So, if you value unspoiled beaches and total peace, then Koh Mak is your favorite island!

Getting to Koh Kood

The fastest option would be a flight from Bangkok to Trat. Those looking to save money can also take the bus (travel time: about 6 hours). Then you can take a boat from Laem Sok Pier.

This beautiful Thai island is mentioned in many travel guides, yet it is still considered a hidden gem. Koh Kood, or 'Ko Kut', is located near the Cambodian border. Most tourists miss it because they visit the neighboring island of Koh Chang.

Here, everyone can find their little paradise, as there are still some coastal areas that are barely developed. Traffic is also low. You can marvel at the breathtaking Klong Chao Waterfall and Klong Yai Kee Waterfall. The 500-year-old Makka tree and the Golden Buddha are also worth seeing.

If you want to mingle with the locals and enjoy delicious drinks during sunset at a beach bar, then you are in the right place on Klong Chao Beach. If you prefer more secluded beach sections, you will find happiness at the beaches Ngam Kho Bay and Ao Tapao.

Getting to Koh Yao Yai

From Phuket: At the airport, take a minivan to one of the piers (e.g., Bang Rong Pier), then take a ferry or speedboat to Koh Yao Yai. From Krabi: At the bus station, take a taxi to Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang. Then a speedboat will take you to Koh Yao Yai.

Koh Yao Yai can be considered one of the larger islands that falls into the category of hidden gems. It has an area of approximately 90 km² and is located east of Phuket in Phang Nga Bay. Although more beach lovers are coming here over time, the island is still far from being as overcrowded as the classic options.

One of the most beautiful beaches is Huam Lam Haad Beach, which promises a Caribbean vibe. The water temperatures often reach 30 degrees, making swimming even more delightful. In a bay, you can find Khlong Son Beach, which is not often visited. Therefore, you won't have to share this beach with many other travelers. Snorkelers will discover their paradise at Ao Muang Beach where the water is crystal clear. And when cocktails and good food are on the evening's agenda, spend your day's conclusion at Loh Pared Beach.

As you have read, Bangkok is often your first touchpoint with Thailand and can also be the starting point for your journey to Thailand's islands. And when you're in town, you shouldn't miss out on the perks of Thailand's vibrant capital.

The mix of tradition and modernity, along with the many exciting sights in Bangkok, makes the Thai capital a must-see, especially for first-time visitors. We have a few tips for your stay in Bangkok that will let you experience the millions of city in a unique way.

To experience Bangkok away from tourist spots, we recommend a Khlong tour. On a Khlong tour, you ride a longtail boat along the colorful canals of Thonburi and get an authentic insight into the original corners of Bangkok. Small houses directly on the river, market vendors selling food, drinks, and souvenirs on their little boats, impressive temples lined along the river, and the unique landscape will immerse you in a previously unknown Bangkok.

In Bangkok, a visit to one of the legendary rooftop bars is a must. Especially at sunset, the view of Thailand's capital from above is downright magical. Order a few drinks and enjoy the breathtaking view as Bangkok's sea of lights lies at your feet. We have sought out some sky bars here that are among our absolute favorites.

A stroll through the colorful night markets is also a must during a trip to Thailand. For foodies and shopaholics among you, night markets are a paradise: a variety of delicious street food, colorful clothing, and delightful souvenirs await you here. Well-known night markets in Bangkok include the Pratunam Night Market, the Lan Luang Market, and the Train Night Market Ratchada. Wander through the narrow alleys of the markets, take home a souvenir or two, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of these special markets.

Also, a traditional Thai massage must be on your Thailand bucket list. Thailand is famous for its massage techniques. So it's no surprise that you can find Thai massages offered on nearly every corner of Thailand's streets. The technique may seem unusual at first glance, but it can work wonders for tension! So don't miss out and give Thai massage a try - this way, you can start your island hopping tour fully relaxed the next day!

If you are now excited about a vacation on one of Thailand's islands, then feel free to check out our current offers and plan your trip to Southeast Asia with our other Thailand tips!