Top 10 Islands In Thailand: Explore The Tropical Paradise
Who cannot dream of visiting the mesmerizing islands in Thailand? Planning your next trip to Thailand would be bliss if you are ready to explore the best islands in Thailand. They are spread across the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, so deciding on which to visit can be really confusing.
So, make sure you are choosing the right Thailand tour packages to make the most out of your trip. You need to see the itinerary first to see which places you are exploring on the vacation, and must imbibe the different islands if not present.
Best Islands In Thailand
Hey, want to witness the best Thailand islands? You should because they are not worth missing! Prepare yourself to see the most beautiful scenic views like never before! There are many places to visit in Thailand, but you should not miss these gems of the beautiful country. The blue waters, emerald lagoons, and exciting adventure activities in Thailand are a must-do!
So, let’s get started with the best islands in Thailand.
1. Phuket
It is one of the most popular islands in Thailand, as well as the greatest tourist destination. It is located in the Andaman Sea in Southern Thailand, featuring stunning gold-sand beaches, the best watersports activities, a beautiful shoreline, and some of the best resorts in Thailand.
Who can forget the celebrity chef restaurants situated in the place? There are some mouthwatering dishes to taste and know more about the Thai cuisine. Definitely, you can explore the different places to visit in Phuket and make the best out of your trip.
Places to visit: Kata Noi Beach, Patong Beach, Old Phuket Town, Big Buddha statue, and Karon Viewpoint are some of the best places to visit in Phuket.
Things To Do: There are many things to do including a relaxing Thai Spa, jungle safaris, adventure sports, nightlife in Phuket, and interesting cultural shows at Siam Niramit and Fantasea
Places to stay: Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Anantara Phuket Villas, Renaissance Phuket Resort and Spa, The Shore at Katathani, and many more are there for the tourists to stay.
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2. Koh Samui
Koi Samui is one of the best islands in Thailand for couples, especially! But, it is also home to some of the party freaks, with the most beautiful beaches, huts, and the best parties.
Now, it is known to be a luxury destination for tourists with the best beaches in Thailand – Chaweng, Lamai, Lipa Noi, and Bophut. So, make sure you are visiting the most beautiful island.
Places to visit: Lipa Noi Beach, Namuang Waterfalls, Kamalaya Rainforest Spa, Big Buddha, Crocodile Farm, Wat Plai Laem, and Wat Khunaram – the best places to visit.
Things to do: Do not miss out on the different crocodile and snake shows, dine at the finest restaurants, elephant trek from the forests, and the best nightlife of Koh Samui.
Places to Stay: W Retreat on Maenam Beach, Banyan Tree Resort, Four Seasons Resort, and Tongsai Bay Resort are some of the best places to stay.
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3. Mu Koh Ang Thong Marine Park
It is a vast group of 42 islands in Thailand, as the name suggests Mu Koh means group of islands. The park covers an area of about 102 square kilometers.
One fascinating fact is that “Mu Koh Ang Thong” means “Golden Bowl” in Thai, depicting the park’s unique shape. These islands are rich in biodiversity, with diverse marine life, making it a paradise for snorkelers and divers.
Visitors can explore hidden lagoons, caves, and white sandy beaches, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including langurs, sea turtles, and a wide array of bird species. It’s a protected area, ensuring the preservation of its natural beauty for generations to come.
Places to visit: The beautiful beaches and tropical forests are the perfect tourist attractions for nature lovers.
Things to do: Explore with kayaks and see the hidden lagoons, have a barbecue and stroll along the beaches.
Places to stay: Baifern Homestay, Bualuang Angthong Hotel, Ayutthaya Retreat, Tony’s Bed are some of the best places to stay.
4. Mu Koh Phi Phi
It is a group of islands in Thailand for couples, near Krabi where most of the solo travelers as well as the couples like to stay. It has so many things to do such as relax on the beaches or party hard during nights.
It is one of the most popular destinations while you are in Thailand. Also, it has been rebuilt almost entirely after the disastrous Tsunami of 2004.
Places to visit: Maya beach, Monkey Bay, Laem Tong, Phak Nam Bay, Vikings Cave, Long Beach and the best Phi Phi ViewPoint.
Islands: Koh Phi Phi Lee, Ko Phi Phi Don, Koh Bida Nok, Koh Yung, Koh Mai Phai and Koh Bida Noi are some of the islands situated here.
Things to do: Sun Bathing by the beaches, island hopping, swimming and adventure activities. Also, start your parties during the night and shopping in the evenings.
Places to Stay: Phi Phi Island Village, Dee Dee Beach House, Zeavola Resort, Viking Natures resort and Sunwaree Phi Phi Resort.
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5. Koh Lanta
Enjoy the beautiful boat ride from Krabi to reach this beautiful island. It is definitely among the best Thailand islands with the most beautiful beaches.
There are world-class diving centers, massage parlors and mouthwatering seafood that people can enjoy! Also, there are other groups of Thailand islands that you would be amazed to witness here.
So, get ready to explore one of the best islands to make the best out of your trip!
Places to visit: Klong Khong Beach, Klong Nin Beach, Lanta Animal Welfare, Old Town, Long Dao Beach, Rasta Baby bar, and Oasis yoga are some of the major places to visit here.
Islands: Koh Lanta Noi, Koh Bu Bu, Koh Klang, Koh Ma, and Koh Ha
Things to do: You can experience island hopping, kayaking, strolling over the beaches, and snorkeling.
Places to stay: Andalay Boutique Resort, Pimalai Resort and Spa, Bamboo Bay Resort, Lanta Cha Da Resort, Klong Dao Beach
6. Koh Pha Ngan
Want to experience the best nightlife in Thailand? You must witness it on the Koh Pha Ngan island – one of the best Thailand islands to explore! It is mostly popular for the rave full moon parties, but people can also enjoy the beautiful vibe of the beaches here.
Make sure you are enjoying the spa therapies here that will rejuvenate you and let you relax on the trip.
Places to visit: Phaeng waterfall, Wat Pho, Khao Ra Peal, Kuan Yin Chinese Temple, Haad Rin’s Sunrise Beach, Bottle Beach, and Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach are the best ones.
Things to do: Must take spa therapy at the Ayurveda spa at Santhiya Resort, do attend the full moon parties.
Places to stay: Santhiya Resort, Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort, Suncliff Resort in Haad Rin, and many more!
7. Koh Kai
It is popularly known as the “chicken island” and is a part of the Poda islands in Thailand near Krabi.
It is named as the chicken island because of the verdant cliffs – a large rock formation that resembles the head and neck of a chicken.
8. Koh Lipe
Let’s talk about one of the best islands in Thailand for couples! It has breathtaking beaches and views of sunrise and sunset.
People visit this place for the beautiful scenic views and how they can enjoy it here makes it a great tourist attraction.
Stroll through the beaches, and witness the beautiful sunsets and sunrise views that will definitely make it all worth it.
Places to visit: Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach, SunsetBeach, Walking Street, Royal Indian restaurants, Happy Vibe Bar
Things to do: sunrise and sunset points from the beaches, boat tours, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Places to stay: The Reef in the Walking Street, Bundhaya Resorttortt, The Cliff Sunset Resort, San Pita Resort
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9. Koh Tao
It is majorly popular for scuba diving where mainly people come for this purpose only. Also, it is really known for the best nightlife that is enjoyed, little sandy coves, and pretty restaurants that feature romantic dinners.
You would be amazed to see the cheap prices over here for the tourists. So, why not enjoy it to the fullest when you have everything that too in a lesser price? Due to high competition, people find this island really convenient for their parties, watersports, and trying different restaurants.
Places to stay: Nang Yuan Island Dive Resort and Casas del Sol on Koh Tao are the best ones to stay here.
10. James Bond Island
It became popular with the outside world after the James Bond movie, it was featured there and got so much popular among tourists. Located in Phang Nga Bay, these islands are limestone tower karsts that emerge from the emerald-green waters.
The high Koh Tapu is the most iconic structure that is 20m long.
Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQs)
What are the top romantic islands in Thailand for couples?
Thailand, renowned for scenic beauty and great culture, offers a plethora of romantic island getaways for couples.
Koh Phi Phi, with its blue waters and limestone cliffs, tops the list as a dreamy destination for lovebirds. The tranquil atmosphere of Koh Lanta, adorned with beautiful beaches and lush greenery, provides a serene setting for couples to unwind.
For those desiring a more secluded retreat, Koh Yao Noi offers a romantic haven surrounded by breathtaking scenery and a laid-back ambiance. Koh Samui, with its mix of luxury resorts and hidden coves, caters to diverse tastes, making it an ideal choice for couples seeking both relaxation and adventure.
What is the best time of year to visit the Thai islands?
The best time to visit the Thai islands is generally during the dry season, from November to April. This period offers the ideal weather characterized by sunny days, clear skies, and calm seas, creating perfect conditions for beach activities and water adventures.
Within this timeframe, the peak tourist season occurs from December to February when the temperatures are mild and the risk of rainfall is minimal. However, it’s essential to note that popular islands like Phuket and Koh Samui may experience higher crowds during these months.
Which are the best islands to visit in Thailand?
Among the top choices is Phuket, the largest island, known for its best nightlife, beautiful beaches, and cultural attractions.
Koh Phi Phi, with its crystal-clear waters and limestone cliffs, is a favorite for water enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. For a more tranquil experience, Koh Samui provides a perfect balance with its beaches and tropical landscapes.
Krabi’s Railay Beach stands out for its dramatic scenery and rock climbing opportunities. Koh Tao, often referred to as the diving paradise, is ideal for underwater enthusiasts, boasting vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. These islands collectively showcase the diversity and allure of Thailand’s island destinations, making it a haven for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Are there family-friendly islands with kid-friendly activities in Thailand?
Yes, Thailand offers a variety of family-friendly islands with activities especially for children. Phuket, the largest island, has numerous family-oriented resorts and attractions, including water parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and vibrant cultural shows.
Koh Samui is another popular destination, known for its beaches and family-friendly resorts offering childcare services and organized kids’ activities.
Koh Phi Phi, despite as a party destination, has quieter corners suitable for families to enjoy the crystal-clear waters and explore marine life through snorkeling. Additionally, Koh Chang provides a more laid-back atmosphere with family-friendly resorts and outdoor adventures.
