Islands to Visit in Thailand: A visit to the best islands in Thailand can be the highlight of any trip to the kingdom. It is a great way to relax with accommodations within earshot of stunning beaches, nodding palms, and gently lapping waves. Thailand has hundreds of islands and it is fair to say that along with miles of coastline, there is something for everyone in the Andaman Sea to the west or the Gulf of Thailand to the east.
Any list of the best islands in Thailand is bound to be subjective, but these are places that offer excellent beaches, plentiful tourist amenities, and a full range of tropical island vibes. Take a look and see which Thai island suits you best.
11 best Islands to Visit in Thailand
- Phi Phi Island, Phuket
One of the major attractions in Phuket is the famous Phi Phi Island where you can enjoy lively discos and thumping music all night long. Known for its lively atmosphere and crazy gatherings, this island is a haven for party animals. But if that’s not your thing, you can also enjoy the sun, sand, and sea on the beautiful beaches.
Soaring cliffs, clear blue skies, and immaculate shorelines are trademarks of the Phi Phi Islands in aquamarine waters. Participate in watersports activities, go shopping and try delicious local curries. Watch the tangerine sunset over the sea and immerse yourself in the unparalleled natural beauty of Phi Phi.
- Krabi Island
Located in southern Thailand, the province of Krabi Island is a beautiful landscape covered with hills, mangrove swamps, limestone cliffs, and oil palm forests. With eight districts in its pocket, Krabi Island is one of the major tourist attractions in Thailand.
Some of the major attractions here are its beaches, which are located to the west of the city of Krabi. Apart from this, there are various caves, views, and waterfalls, which are worth seeing for all the tourists visiting here. The other major tourist destination on the island is the Tiger Cave Temple aka Wat Tham Sua.
Highlights: From the hills of Krabi Island, a giant golden Buddha overlooks the landscape giving you splendid views of the city, limestone mountains, and the Andaman Sea. The mountains of Krabi Island are also famous among the mountaineers who regularly come here to test and challenge themselves.
- Coral Island, Pattaya
Coral Island, locally known as Koh Hee, is a beautiful getaway destination for honeymooners in Thailand, located three kilometers southeast of Phuket. The island has two main beaches, Long Beach and Banana Beach. It is one of the wonderful places to visit in Thailand.
The name of the island says it all; Snorkeling at Banana Beach is thrilling and if you go far enough from Long Beach, you’ll find plenty to see with its impressive coral reefs. The place is beautifully quiet at night; During the day it is quite busy with tourists but peace and quiet can be found at the ends of both the beaches. Deck chairs and sun loungers can be rented and come free of charge.
- Racha Yai Island, Phuket
Racha Yai Island also known as Ko Racha Ya is a very beautiful place that is about 12 km from both Phuket and Bangkok. This place is very clean with a beautiful sea of blue color.
The beaches of this place are mesmerizing and beautiful. This place is most famous for diving. It is a paradise for those who love to swim in the sea. Its white sand crescent-shaped bay makes it a very mesmerizing bay. Among the places to visit in Thailand, this place is famous for the various amazing marine resources found here. Some authentic mouth-watering Thai cuisine is to be found at this place.
- Similan Islands, Phang Nga
Nestled just 84 kilometers from the city of Phuket, the Similan Islands have gained popularity around the world – mainly due to being one of the best dive sites in the world, making it one of the top places to visit in Thailand. The underwater beauty and crystal clear visibility of the coral reefs attract tourists from all over the world and make it a must-visit place to visit among the various islands of Thailand. These are a total of 9 established islands that offer a lot of scope for exploration for tourists.
- Khao Khanap Island, Krabi
The two limestone peaks named Khao Khanap are definitely worth visiting. Situated along the Krabi River, the peaks sit side by side as the entrance to the area, each about 100 meters from the water. There is no entry fee to visit the area, although you will need to pay for your own boat ride to reach the area.
Highlights: There are several caves inside Khao Khanap Nam that have impressive clusters of stalactites and stalagmites to marvel at and explore. The mangrove forests surrounding Khao Khanap Nam also make it an ideal area for canoeing or renting a boat for a leisurely afternoon on the water.
- Koh Poda Island, Krabi
Koh Poda, part of a smaller, wider group of islands in Krabi province, off the west coast of Thailand, is the most picturesque of the many uninhabited and semi-populated islands that line the coast.
Long-tail boats drop visitors off along the Chinese soft, white sand beach, which is famous for its clear waters and stunning views of offshore limestone formations. Thanks to its west-facing beach, the area is especially lovely around sunset.
- Phang Nga Bay, Phuket
Phang Nga Bay can be considered the center of the limestone islands. Two of the most famous of which are James Bond Island and Koh Pani which most of the tourists visit.
While Thailand island hopping, Phang Nga Bay can be on the list of visitors who want the idea of a relaxing time strolling around the stunning limestone cliffs. Taking a boat ride from the north end of Phuket is the best way to get the most out of the region.
- Raya Island, Phuket
Raya Island is considered one of the best places to visit in Thailand. The surreal tropical island offers clear, translucent waters along the calm and pristine coastline brimming with snorkeling activities and marine life.
With an extensive number of luxurious bungalows and resorts, the island is fast turning into a good place to stay. The waters of Raya Island are perfect for snorkeling, although it becomes quite overcrowded and busy with tourist boats arriving in the afternoon.
Raya Island is home to one of the best resorts in Thailand- a large secluded bay called The Racha and Ao Siam which is ideal for long peaceful strolls.
- Koh Lanta Island
A trip to Koh Lanta Island makes for a perfect day trip or even a weekend getaway destination from Pattaya. When you are done with all the tourist places in Pattaya or are just itching to get away, this island offers the perfect getaway. Surrounded by turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and views of lush green mountains, you can’t go wrong with this island.
You can rent a two-wheeler and zip around the 27-kilometer island to discover the many different beaches and bays. You’ll find small, quaint huts on the island with a handful of hotels and restaurants that offer food and accommodation.
- Koh Samet Island, Rayong
Koh Samet Island is one of the best places to visit in Thailand. The island can be reached from both Pattaya and Bangkok. It has a very beautiful coastline which mesmerizes the tourists.
Tours cost 1250THB for adults and 1150 TBH for children. The sea here is very calm and has a beautiful color that compliments the white sand beaches. The nature here is breathtaking. This place is full of marine resources. The food items here are mouth-watering. International cuisine is available here. This is a one-day tour. The last tourist boat is available at 16.00.
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