Discovering the most beautiful islands in Thailand - this is probably one of the great adventures that are at the top of every explorer's travel bucket list. For good reason: Many of the travel destinations are just incredibly picturesque and heavenly, remote, full of wonderful beaches and always have one or two surprises in store. The most beautiful Thailand islands include classics like Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui, but also smaller and much less crowded gems like Koh Mook (Koh Muk). Which are the most beautiful islands in Thailand and where can you go on a paradise island vacation? I have put together the most important travel destinations for you.
You can hardly imagine it, you have to pinch yourself and ask yourself whether you are awake or dreaming: It is so bright, the white sand shines and, in contrast, the turquoise water that you just want to jump into immediately. island holiday in Thailand is so beautiful that it is almost impossible to believe.
You think you're dreaming and after arriving from Europe you first have to get used to the colors, the warmth and all the exotic impressions. Thailand is truly blessed - with some of the most beautiful beaches, welcoming people and some of the most breathtakingly beautiful islands to explore on the planet.
The beautiful islands attract many tourists
Anyone who goes island hopping in... Thailand It will be difficult to be impressed by other travel destinations. Of course, excessive tourism in the Land of Smiles has a major negative impact on the environment. The Thais are aware of the problem and, especially in recent years, you get more and more the impression that they want to tackle it and keep their country clean.
All the better for everyone who wants to spend an island vacation in paradise and discover the most beautiful islands in Thailand. In my holiday tips I will give you a lot of valuable information about the little paradisiacal places.
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Thailand Islands List – my ranking of the most beautiful travel destinations
A quick overview
Imagine you are on a journey of discovery through Thailand's breathtaking island world. Each island in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand is unique and offers you something special. My ranking is subjective, but I would like to introduce you to my personal highlights that will captivate you. Many of these islands are also in others travel reports listed as Thailand's most beautiful islands - so let's discover this island paradise together.
- Koh Mook (Koh Muk): A hidden treasure known for its spectacular Emerald Cave. Ideal for adventurers who want to explore untouched nature and secret beaches.
- Koh Lipe: A little paradise with crystal clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling and diving. Here you will find vibrant underwater life and picturesque sunsets.
- Koh Phangan: Famous for its full moon parties, but there is so much more! Discover quiet coves, yoga retreats and beautiful hiking trails through the jungle.
- Ko Kradan: Perhaps the most romantic island, ideal for couples. Enjoy quiet beaches and enchanting sunsets in a relaxed ambience.
- Koh Ngai: A small, quiet island, perfect for switching off and enjoying nature. Here you can snorkel for hours and admire the colorful underwater world.
- Ko Phi Phi: One of the most famous islands thanks to its breathtaking beauty. Discover hidden coves, impressive cliffs and vibrant coral reefs.
- Phuket: Thailand's largest island, known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches and a variety of activities. A must for every traveler to Thailand.
- Koh Samui: Popular for its luxurious resorts, beautiful temples and laid-back island feel. A perfect mix of relaxation and culture.
- Koh Tao: A diver's dream! Discover the fascinating underwater world and beautiful, secluded beaches that invite you to relax.
- Ko Chang: Known for its natural beauty, with dense forests and high mountains. Ideal for nature lovers and adventurers.
- Ko Phayam: Still relatively untouched by mass tourism, this island offers quiet beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. An insider tip for anyone who wants to experience authentic Thailand.
- Ko Yao Yai: A quiet oasis with traditional charm. Enjoy the hospitality of the locals and the incomparable tranquility.
- Ko Lanta: A family friendly island with a relaxed atmosphere. Discover beautiful beaches, charming villages and fantastic sunsets.
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The density of paradisiacal dream islands is felt nowhere higher than in Southeast Asia – and Thailand has a hefty share of destinations that are more or less easily accessible for vacationers and explorers.
Of course, not all islands appear in my large Thailand island ranking - but some - and most of them are proven to be among the best in the region with some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. Mostly find
There are also good hotels and delicious restaurants on the islands - so everything you need for a perfect holiday. Of course, the list is not complete as there are so many beautiful Thailand islands. And tastes are different too – maybe you prefer other islands. In any case, my Thailand island list should serve as inspiration for you.
1. Koh Mook (Koh Muk)
Koh Mook (Koh Muk) is a real gem of an island and pretty much the epitome of what you would think of as a little-visited tropical paradise. While hotels and the place of the same name are on the east side, the west side of the island is full of cliffs, jungle and lonely beaches. There is also the famous Morakot Cave, an old pirate hideout - a cave that ends in a beach inside.
Hotels
For the size of this island, there are really many resorts here, all of which are on the east side. The Koh Mook Sivalai Beach Resort is known, for example, because it is located directly on Pearl Beach, the extensive sandy beach headland in the east.
How to get there
The best way to get to Koh Mook is from Krabi or Koh Lanta. The island can also be reached by speed boat from Phuket and Koh Phi Phi - the journey is correspondingly longer.
Activities
Visit to the Emerald Cave, snorkeling, kayaking
Essen
Local Thai cuisine in small, family-run restaurants
Best time to travel
November to April
2. Koh lipe
Koh Lipe is the southernmost tourist island in Thailand. The little paradise is located in the Tarutao National Park on the border with Malaysia opposite the island of Langkawi. On Koh Lipe the clocks tick more slowly and the islanders - Thais and newcomers - enjoy the easy life. All around the island there are wonderful beaches, great bungalows and resorts, some directly on the beach and that too Diving on Koh Lipe is incredibly beautiful thanks to the Tarutao Natural Park.
Hotels
The hotels and resorts on Koh Lipe mostly consist of bungalow complexes, which are often located directly on the beach. Visitors have a choice of three locations where most of the resorts are located - one is on the busy main Pattaya Beach, on Sunset Beach, and on Sunrise Beach. When choosing a resort, you have to decide whether you prefer to enjoy a sunrise or a sunset.
How to get there
Getting to Koh Lipe is not that easy because the island is relatively remote in the deep south. You can travel by speed boat from Langkawi, Krabi or from Phuket via Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lipe. Depending on where you start, the journey can take several hours. And depending on the selected speed boat provider, the Transer makes numerous stops along the way - for example on Koh Mook and Koh Ngai.
Activities
Diving and snorkeling, exploring beaches
Essen
Diverse cuisine, from street food to international restaurants
Best time to travel
November to April
3. Koh phangan
Koh Phangan is my personal favorite island in Thailand. It's not too big and not too small. The island is not overcrowded when it is not the Full Moon Party and simply exudes a calm that is ideal for a wonderful beach holiday and wellness holiday. By the way, there are also many families on the island. Koh Phangan is more relaxed and quieter than its sister island Koh Samui, but is anything but boring. That was one of my highlights Diving on Koh Phangan, which takes place primarily at the world-famous dive site "Sail Rock", where whale sharks are also regularly sighted.
Hotels
On Koh Phangan there are a number of great bungalow complexes, but also hotels, resorts and hostels that are relatively evenly distributed over the entire island. The accommodations range from good and cheap to premium and expensive - you have a very flexible choice here.
How to get there
The journey to Koh Phangan is usually made by ferry. There is no airport on the island. The ferries usually run the route Koh Samui - Koh Phangan - Koh Tao and back. So you have the option to travel to Koh Phangan from Koh Tao or Koh Samui. On the other hand, Koh Samui has an airport that offers many regular flight connections - for example to Bangkok, Phuket or Krabi.
Activities
Full moon parties, yoga retreats, jungle hikes
Essen
Large selection of Thai and international dishes
Best time to travel
December to March
4. Koh kradan
Koh Kradan is also such a small paradise that belongs to the trio of Koh Mook, Koh Ngai and Koh Kradan. The island is well filled with visitors, but these are mostly day visitors who are relatively concentrated in the east of the island. In any case, the island is a real dream. Lie down on the Beach, go for a swim and let your mind wander.
Hotels
There are only a few small boutique resorts on Koh Kradan that are also more upscale. Therefore, most visitors make day trips from the surrounding regions or from the neighboring islands to Koh Kradan.
How to get there
The best way to get to Koh Kradan is from Krabi or Koh Lanta. The island can also be reached by speed boat from Phuket and Koh Phi Phi - the journey is correspondingly longer.
Activities
Snorkeling, beach relaxation, romantic sunsets
Essen
Limited options, mostly in the resorts
Best time to travel
November to April
5. Koh ngai
Koh Ngai is also known as "Chicken Island" or Chicken Island. The small, picturesque island belongs to the triad of Koh Mook, Koh Kradan and Koh Ngai. On the island you will find exactly what you are looking for in a perfect island holiday in Thailand - an approximately four kilometer long dream beach, crystal clear water for swimming and a shady spot under a palm. What you won't find here: Shops, paved roads and only a few restaurants, most of which are connected to the accommodations.
Hotels
On Koh Ngai you will find some simple and comparatively cheap resorts, which are all exceptionally well rated on the Internet. Since the island is only five square kilometers, all the resorts are more or less close to the beach.
How to get there
The best way to get to Koh Ngai is from Krabi or Koh Lanta. The island can also be reached by speed boat from Phuket and Koh Phi Phi - the journey is correspondingly longer.
Activities
Snorkeling, beach walks, relaxation
Essen
Small local restaurants and hotel kitchens
Best time to travel
November to April
6. Koh phi phi
How should one Koh Phi Phi just describe it – perhaps as an eerily beautiful party island? That wouldn't do justice to the archipelago halfway between Phuket and Koh Lanta. Because Koh Phi Phi has an incredible amount to offer. You can dance all night long on the beach, have a great meal in the numerous restaurants or swim on one of the beautiful beaches. Koh Phi Phi Don, the main island, can be completely explored by scooter in a very short time. Opposite is the island of Koh Phi Phi Leh, which has two beaches, one of which is the world-famous Maya Bay, featured in the film “The Beach”.
Hotels
On Koh Phi Phi Don there are numerous bungalows, hotels, resorts and other dives. You can stay in numerous accommodations from bad and cheap to good and cheap to upscale category - the selection is large.
How to get there
The island can be reached from Phuket and Krabi by speed boat and is frequented by the companies.
Activities
Boat tours, diving, nightlife
Essen
Wide selection from street stalls to fine restaurants
Best time to travel
November to April
7. Phuket
Phuket is also such a patient - marked by mass tourism on the one hand, blessed with wonderful beaches, wild nature, waterfalls and culture on the other. Who vacation on Phuket you should be aware that there is a lot going on on the island. Some of Phuket's most beautiful beaches are also the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia. And there is also a lot to do on the island: obligatory on Phuket is a visit to the Big Buddha, which towers over the island, to the Walking Street of Patong and to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. There's a lot to do in other ways too: you can hike to waterfalls, ride a scooter, surf or SUP on Phuket try out.
Hotels
On Phuket you have a huge selection of hotels, resorts, bungalows, holiday homes and apartments. I've been looking for an accommodation that I really like for a long time and finally I'm in Baan Krating Phuket Resort (experiences) landed.
How to get there
The journey to Phuket usually takes place by plane. There are direct connections from Germany and numerous transfer connections via the Emirates and Istanbul. From Krabi, Koh Samui and Bangkok you can travel to Phuket by plane. The island can also be easily reached from Surat Thani by taxi or rental car overland.
Activities
Beaches, water sports, cultural attractions
Essen
A wide variety of international and local cuisine
Best time to travel
November to February
8. Koh Samui
Koh Samui is incredibly great in its own special way. The island is economically developing and - unlike Phuket, for example - has retained its authenticity and tradition at the same time. In my Koh Samui travelogue I described the island as “the big and wild one in the Gulf of Thailand”. That would probably be true.
It's nice that you can also find a lot of premium offers on the island, good food, upscale hotels, so that the island is not only visited by budget tourists. There is also everything to discover here that can be described as “dream”: dream scenery, dream beaches and fantastically beautiful hotels.
Hotels
On Koh Samui you have a huge selection of hotels, resorts, bungalows, holiday homes and apartments, ranging from cheap bungalows with fans to five-star retreats.
How to get there
The journey to Koh Samui usually takes place by plane or ferry. The cute little boutique airport is served by Bangkok, Phuket and Krabi as well as numerous other destinations.
Activities
Beach relaxation, temple visits, trips to Ang Thong National Park
Essen
Wide range of Thai and international dishes
Best time to travel
December to April
9. Koh Tao
Koh Tao is the turtle island. It is populated by divers, because nowhere in Southeast Asia is there a higher number of diving schools. Most travelers who land here begin training to become divemasters or diving instructors. The Diving then often takes place along with other spots at the famous dive site "Sail Rock", which is full of fish and larger animals.
Hotels
Koh Tao is by far the smallest of the three islands Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Nevertheless, it is full of diving schools, hotels, resorts and bungalows.
How to get there
The journey to Koh Tao is by ferry. The ferry runs from Koh Samui via Koh Phangan to Koh Tao. From Bangkok there is a combined bus and ferry ticket. The journey there takes around 14 hours. It is best to fly to Koh Samui from Bangkok or Phuket and take the ferry to Koh Tao from there - the crossing from Koh Samui takes between one and a half and two hours.
Activities
Diving, snorkeling, hiking
Essen
Local Thai cuisine and western options
Best time to travel
March to October
10. Koh chang
Koh Chang - the "Elephant Island" - is located in the northeast of the Gulf of Thailand, which is also very heavenly. While the islands presented so far were closer to Phuket, Koh Chang is closer to Pattaya and Bangkok. The best time to visit the island is from November to March. There is enough to do: many visitors go on jungle trekking and if necessary they can plunge into the nightlife. In the main town Bang Bao there are shopping opportunities and delicious fish restaurants.
Hotels
There are numerous bungalows, hotels and resorts on Koh Chang. You can live here in numerous accommodations from cheap to upscale - the choice is quite large.
How to get there
The best way to get there is by plane (with Bangkok Airways) from Bangkok to the provincial capital Trat. From Trat, the ferries leave for the island every 45 minutes during the day.
Activities
Jungle hikes, waterfalls, elephant camps
Essen
Diverse cuisine, especially seafood
Best time to travel
November to February
11. Koh phayam
Koh phayam is one of the most natural and peaceful islands in the Gulf of Thailand. The neighboring island of Koh Chang offers a lot of peace and nature, without party and hustle and bustle. Instead, you can expect relatively lonely beaches and the cashew plantations for which the island is known.
Hotels
Relatively evenly distributed over the entire island there are numerous resorts and huts, ranging from cheap to premium. The Tropical Hostel is an important insider tip.
How to get there
The journey to Koh Phayam is via Ranong. You fly from Bangkok to Ranong and from there take a ferry (journey time: 2,5 hours) or a speed boat (journey time 40 minutes).
Activities
Relaxation on quiet beaches, bird watching
Essen
Local restaurants with a focus on fresh ingredients
Best time to travel
November to April
12. Koh Yao Yai
Koh Yao Yai is a large island in the Andaman Sea that runs parallel to Phuket. It is located in Phang Nga Bay. Ko Yao Yai means “big long island”. It is widely considered an insider tip and an alternative to Phuket because it is significantly less visited than its large, touristy neighboring island.
The island is ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. It's actually hard to believe that this huge island right next to Phuket is still so paradisiacal and untouristy. You can explore the island wonderfully by bike or scooter. Unlike most other places in Thailand, Koh Yao Yai is largely Muslim.
Hotels
There are a few good resorts scattered across the entire island. These include many simple accommodations, but also upscale premium resorts.
How to get there
The journey takes place by boat - mainly speed boat - from Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga.
Activities
Cultural and natural experiences, traditional villages
Essen
Simple local cuisine and some resort restaurants
Best time to travel
November to April
13. Koh lanta
Koh Lanta is ideal for everyone who is looking for a varied and at the same time quiet island in Thailand. The large and very original island is located in the southeast of the country. In any case, there is a lot to discover here: wonderful beaches, wild jungle and plenty of time to relax and unwind.
Hotels
On Koh Lanta you will find a number of good and cheap hotels, resorts and bungalow complexes, many of which are extremely well rated. At around 140 euros per night, the Layana Resort & Spa on Phra Ae Beach is not exactly cheap, but really beautiful.
How to get there
The journey is possible from Phuket or Krabi with the speed boat. Since Koh Lanta is located almost directly on the mainland, it is also possible to travel overland and then only have to cross over a very short distance by ferry.
Activities
Beaches, mangrove forests, historic old town
Essen
Wide range from street stalls to gourmet restaurants
Best time to travel
November to April
14. Koh libong
Koh libong is located south of the three previously presented islands Koh Mook, Koh Ngai and Koh Kradan. The island is a little bigger than the other three and accordingly has a little more infrastructure. Nevertheless, Koh Libong is anything but busy. The island is ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. At the same time, there are also one or two restaurants and a few bars where you can stop off in the evening. The highlight of the island are the manatees that you can visit here. Jungles and caves can also be found on the island.
Hotels
There are relatively few accommodations on the island. The resorts are on the west side. The Le Dugong Libong Beach Resort is excellently rated and not overly expensive.
How to get there
The island is approached from the nearby mainland (about 50 kilometers away) from Chao Mai or from the neighboring islands of Koh Mook and Koh Ngai.
15. Koh Rawi and Koh Adang
Ko Rawi and Koh adang are two neighboring islands of Koh Lipe, which are located in the middle of the Tarutao National Park and are uninhabited. To discover are dense jungle, waterfalls, wild animals and one or the other small bay with a wonderful sandy beach. The islands are uninhabited, there is only one sea gypsy colony in the area.
Hotels
There are no hotels or other accommodations on the islands. If you want to visit Koh Rawi or Koh Adang, you have to look for accommodation on Koh Lipe.
How to get there
The journey takes place by excursion boat from Koh Lipe.
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Thailand Islands Map – paradise islands in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea
On the map you can see that the large island of Phuket marks the southern part of the island world of Thailand. To the northwest in the Gulf of Thailand - on the other side of the land area - are Koh Samui and Co. Both regions have a different microclimate.
Best travel time for the most beautiful islands in Thailand
Thailand insiders vehemently emphasize that the south with the Andaman Sea, Phuket and the southeastern islands up to Koh Lipe should not be equated with the Gulf of Thailand, which is not particularly far away, when it comes to climate. The Gulf of Thailand and the corresponding islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Koh Chang have a noticeably different microclimate than a few hundred kilometers further south.
When comparing the climate tables for Phuket and Koh Phangan, it becomes clear that December in particular is the sticking point. Phuket and Koh Phangan each represent the region in which they are located. With eight days of rain, Phuket is significantly lower than Koh Phangan with an average of 14 days of rain. Experience has shown that this difference is clearly noticeable on site. The sometimes heavy downpours are not a catastrophe, but they can be heavy and affect the trip a little.
Climate table Phuket (Southwest Thailand)
| Month | high | Rainydays | Hours of sunshine |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32,7 | 6 | 9 |
| February | 33,6 | 3 | 9 |
| March | 33,9 | 7 | 9 |
| April | 33,8 | 12 | 8 |
| May | 32,9 | 19 | 6 |
| June | 32,4 | 20 | 5 |
| July | 32,1 | 20 | 6 |
| August | 32 | 20 | 5 |
| September | 31,7 | 22 | 5 |
| October | 31,4 | 25 | 6 |
| November | 31,7 | 18 | 7 |
| December | 31,9 | 11 | 8 |
Climate table Koh Phangan (Gulf of Thailand)
| Month | high (in degrees Celsius) | Rainydays | Hours of sunshine | water temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32 | 6 | 8 | 27 |
| February | 32 | 3 | 9 | 27 |
| March | 33 | 7 | 9 | 28 |
| April | 34 | 8 | 8 | 29 |
| May | 34 | 18 | 5 | 29 |
| June | 33 | 17 | 6 | 29 |
| July | 32 | 19 | 6 | 28 |
| August | 32 | 18 | 6 | 28 |
| September | 32 | 21 | 5 | 28 |
| October | 31 | 23 | 5 | 28 |
| November | 31 | 22 | 6 | 28 |
| December | 31 | 14 | 7 | 27 |
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My conclusion
There are so many beautiful islands to discover in Thailand that you should think about island hopping in Thailand. The island is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world. Most of the destinations are relatively small and after a few days you have certainly discovered everything and have been swimming on the most beautiful beaches. So it might make sense to change islands more often, especially at the beginning of your vacation.
This is easily and relatively cheaply possible with the ferries, long-tail boats and speed boats. Koh Mook, Koh Kradan and Koh Ngai are so close together that visiting all three islands in one trip is a must. For longer distances in Thailand you can also use the relatively cheap domestic flights - from Phuket and Bangkok you can fly to Koh Samui and Krabi, for example. All in all, the countless Thailand islands are ideal for spending a relaxed holiday in the land of smiles.
Which islands in Thailand have you already visited? Or are you planning a trip? Share your experiences in the comments.
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