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Thai Island Dilemmas: How to Choose Your Ideal Beach Trip (21 Options)
Scribbled by Claire ⬩ 08 Jan 2026
Are you planning your dream beach trip to Thailand and bamboozled by the sheer number of options? Want to know which ones are optimal for your interests? If this is you, we’ve reviewed a tonne of the Thai islands we’ve visited, describing what each is ideal for and who it is best suited to.
When you daydream about Thailand, what do you see?
Most people picture the archetypal swaying palm trees, curved sandy coves, the sun peeking over dramatic karst rock scenery, and beachy wooden huts serving spicy fun and coconuts.
And they wouldn’t be wrong, for a large part.
Southern Thailand is overflowing with beachy spots which, depending on your island of choice, could likely be your best beach holiday ever (I’m biased and think it’s highly likely).
The big question is: do you want wild nightlife, Robinson Crusoe-style empty beaches, a plethora of day trip options, the best snorkelling, outlandish resorts, budget rustic huts, options for exploration, elephant experiences, or challenging hikes?
No Thai island is perfect for all these things and many islands excel at only a few, so choosing your ideal one can be a bit of a challenge.
After our years spent living in Bangkok and travelling around Thailand, below is an honest summary of who we think each island is best suited to, what our personal experiences were, and which ones we ultimately think are best!
We’ve tried our hardest to sum up the distinct personalities of each; because every one is unique.
We’ve reviewed the islands we spent time on, written about some extra ones that we plan to visit in the next few months (so we’ll keep this list updated), and others we’ve yet to visit but know a fair bit about, to hopefully help you plan an ideal island trip!
If this is your first visit to the Thai islands, take a look at our perfect 2-3-week island hopping itinerary that takes out all the complications of choosing your islands and includes a bit of everything you could possibly want from a beach trip!
IN THIS GUIDE //
Thai Island Dilemmas
Thai Islands Map
Lively or Party Islands
– 1. Koh Phi Phi
– 2. Phuket
– 3. Railay
– 4. Koh Lipe
– 5. Koh Samui
Chill, Friendly Islands
– 6. Koh Lanta
– 7. Koh Mook
– 8. Koh Chang
– 9. Khao Lak
– 10. Koh Yao Noi
The Best Time to Visit the Thai Islands
Islands We are Visiting Soon
Other Island Options
– Andaman Coast
– Gulf Coast
Island Google Map
Island Time-Distances by Boat
Where to Next?
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Thai Islands Location Map
Below is a map of all the Thai islands we’ve mentioned in this post.
They’re clustered into a few areas, along the Andaman Coast (around Phuket) and in the Gulf of Thailand. In the Gulf, there are two main sets of islands centred around Koh Samui and Koh Chang.
It makes sense to plan a trip around a cluster of islands to avoid unnecessary travel time and costs – unless you have several months or more!
Lively Thai Islands
Below are a list of islands that we’d consider more lively, with activities, nightlife, higher classes of accommodation, developed Infrastructure and more day trips.
1. Koh Phi Phi
Best for: scenery, kayaking, film locations, beach party vibes, iconic beaches, social/backpacker scene, proximity to Ao Nang and Phuket.
Worst for: peace and quiet, space, budget, hotel quality and prices.
Pair with: Phuket, Ao Nang, Railay, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Lanta
Koh Phi Phi is one massive conflict.
Collectively they are, without a doubt, two of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. This minuscule duo of isles include Phi Phi Leh, a national park made famous as the castaway island in the film The Beach. Unfortunately, due to this distinction, it’s also one of the most overpopulated, touristified (is that a word?), obnoxious places, too.
It’s like the latchkey kid that was never supervised growing up and now has impulse control issues.
You’ll arrive at Phi Phi Don, the populated island (and only one you can stay overnight on) by ferry or speedboat. At the busy port, your first view on either side will be a MacDonalds and a Burger King – two jarring sights that only set you up for more disenchantment. Wandering through the narrow, densely packed, English-language plastered stalls, vendors and bars is disorienting. The area feels more like a buzzing medina in Morocco (but without the charm) than a laidback Thai island paradise.
Now, here’s the thing: if you want to party, watch fireshows and drink beers on the beach until four in the morning, it’s actually a great place. The scenery is outstanding, the sandy beaches are lovely, and there are almost uncountable evening activities, like boxing matches, tattoo parlours, restaurants, bars, hostels, and dancing, all within walking distance.
Where to Stay
It’s pricey on Phi Phi and hotels generally don’t offer great value for money, in our experience.
Tip: if you want to avoid the drunken frat boy backpacker bro vibes, then stay away from the central Tonsai area: there’s almost no escape from the parties. However, this will likely mean a long walk or a longtail boat to the centre.
Best spot for party vibes: anywhere in Tonsai, especially nearby Slinky Bar (it’s a late-night party epicenter).
Best for peace and isolation: SAii Phi Phi Island Village (or somewhere equally as isolated). It’s a longtail boat ride away from the built-up area, on a quiet secluded beach.
Best for something in between: P2 Wood Loft – our affordable, comfortable fave. It’s central but somehow super quiet at night and is an easy walk to the beaches and pier. It’s a rare find in the Tonsai area.
If none of this appeals, it is possible to visit the Phi Phi islands just as a day trip from Railay, Phuket or Ao Nang, but day times are obviously the busiest with visitors and genuinely not that nice an experience.
Getting There
There are numerous boat options to Phi Phi from Phuket Town, Krabi Town or Ao Nang (plus other surrounding islands like Koh Lanta and Koh Yao Yao/Nai – Phi Phi is an easy place to reach).
Check 12GoAsia for representative prices, routes, boat company reviews and schedules. It’s a reliable transport aggregator that we use often to secure our boat seats in Thailand during high season.
Note: you’ll need to pay a 20 baht environmental tax/fee to visit the island.
2. Phuket
Best for: ease of access for international travellers, renting a car, nightlife, high-end accommodation options, big beaches, connections to other islands, day trip options, families, shopping, visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary, public buses, vegetarian festival in October.
Worst for: hotel prices, crowds, traffic, sex tourism abundance, taxi prices, obnoxious tourists
Pair with: Koh Phi Phi, Ao Nang, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai, Similan Islands, Surin Islands
Phuket is gargantuan. It’s Thailand’s largest island and has almost everything (if you look hard enough). Like, it doesn’t feel like an island, at all – it seem more like a mega city, but one where the skyscrapers are replaced with beaches and traffic.
It’s the polished eldest child who grew up spoilt, which meant it stopped trying to improve itself to gain your approval *a long time ago*.
I’m not the biggest fan of Phuket, generally, just because I feel like it is one of the few places on this list that doesn’t really have that quintessential island vibe, or even much of a personality. It’s just too large, sprawling and busy most of the time – especially in the high, dry, winter season. Phuket is also outrageously expensive during this period (those taxi drivers will absolutely try to rip you off).
However, despite my personal opinions on the matter, I’d recommend you not too harshly judge such an enormous place, because the island offers way too many options for it to be summed up in just a couple of paragraphs.
Phuket is the south of Thailand’s sex tourism hub; but it’s also family friendly and perfect for low-key gatherings. It’s home to some great hiking for active travellers, wide beaches for the chill ones, plus cultural experiences and food for everyone else.
Phuket is a bit of everything (apart from the castaway vibes) – but I never really loved how I felt there, apart from the Old Town area which I really love (have a read of our Phuket Town guide for more information on things to do in the area).
Here’s a quick, non-exhaustive summary. For:
⬩ families – Kata and Karon
⬩ backpackers and solo travellers – Phuket Old Town
⬩ hardcore partiers – Patong
⬩ couples or people looking for a quieter time – Kamala Beach, Naiyang Beach, Rawai Beach
Where to Stay
Phuket is too large for me to just list the best places to stay in each area. However, below are a few places we’ve stayed that we’ve loved in Phuket Town:
Budget $ | Shunli Hotel – helpful staff, clean and bright hotel rooms right in the centre of Phuket Town. It’s an absolute bargain, we loved it. You definitely cannot get better value for money than this!
Mid-Range $$ | WOO Gallery and Boutique Hotel – beautiful, artsy hotel in a renovated heritage building with a kind of unique gallery museum feel and a top notch location by the Sunday market. It can get a tiny bit loud during peak night market activity but, honestly, it’s such a vibe that it’s not a worry! I loved the little details, like the beautiful sinks.
Mid/Upper-Range $$ | BAAN 125 STAY Phuket – get the apartment with a terrace! This place is quirky, central and classy with a cute café area. The décor is absolutely top-class and elevates this one to my favourite in town.
Getting There
The easiest option for Phuket is to arrive directly into the international airport on the north tip of the island.
It’s also possible to drive or bus from other locations, such as Bangkok (long-ass journey), Krabi or Surat Thani.
Phuket is also accessible by boat from pretty much every other island – it’s very well connected. Check 12GoAsia for all your options!
3. Railay Beach
Best for: outrageous scenery, beautiful beaches, climbing, lively low/mid-key nightlife, quick access to Krabi Town and Ao Nang, no bikes or cars, no 7-Eleven, stoner vibes, swimming, a penis cave, beginner kayaking.
Worst for: exorbitant prices, limited accommodation that sells out, bad price to quality ratio on hotels, crowded from day trips, not much to do after a day or so, average food, longtail access isn’t ideal for lots of luggage.
Pair with: Ao Nang, Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Yao Noi/Yai
Okay, so I know Railay isn’t technically an island, but as a peninsula that’s only really accessible via boat (particularly if you have luggage), I’m including it here as an island option. It seems only fair.
So, thoughts on Railay. It’s an exceptionally dazzling peninsula surrounded by the iconic Andaman Coast karst rocks, literally adjacent to the popular, rowdy (and less than pleasant) town of Ao Nang.
It’s the wannabe supermodel of your friend group – acts flashy, extravagant, and a little insufferable, but whenever no one is looking, you’ll find them smoking weed down a back alley.
A decade ago when a longtail dropped me, my backpack, and just a few other travellers during the low season onto Railay Beach, it blew me away. I’d seen those iconic, idyllic photos before I arrived and it looked literally just like them.
Now, all that said, it also has a few major downsides. For starters, year-on-year it gets busier and busier. This includes thousands of day trippers from Ao Nang, so it’s particularly bad during the day (we’d highly recommend you spend the night to avoid this). It’s also shockingly expensive (usually more than Phi Phi and Phuket).
We’re going back for some photography-based projects in the high-season of February and truthfully I’m anxious about how busy it’s going to be (will report back).
Where to Stay
The beaches are best on Railay West, so if you have enough money, that’s where you should choose to stay. However, Railay East does have a whole bunch of far more affordable accommodation options, but the beaches and views suck. Honestly, though, there’s no value for money anywhere on the Railay peninsula, so just leave your expectations and high standards at the door.
The west and east beaches are connected by a walking street that cuts through the jungle – it’s easy enough to walk between them.
Below are a few of our favourites (and one that is so far out of our price range but is the super-sexy option in Railay):
Budget $ | Railay Garden View Resort – set in the jungle on Railay East, these rustic seafront bungalows are a steal. There’s no aircon, but the price is definitely right!
Mid-Range $$ | Railay Village Resort – this place was another surprise for us and we really enjoyed our stay. I was expecting a bit of a rundown resort style place, but it was quite luxurious and the pool and grounds were like a tropical jungle filled with flowers. The rooms were clean and spacious too.
Upper-Range $$ | The Rayavadee: I cannot afford this incredible resort and probably never will, but it’s been voted southeast Asia’s best hotel multiple times for good reason. It’s unreasonably perfect and I’d honestly be tempted to sell my house to stay there (my organs are probably worth jack-shit at this point). If you can afford it, listen to Nike and just do it.
Getting There
Railay is easiest to reach from Ao Nang or Krabi Town. Both offer regular longtail boats that shuttle people and their luggage all day long. The journey is quickest from Ao Nang – just head down to the beach and grab your ticket.
4. Koh Lipe
Best for: bluest waters, super pretty beaches, equal backpacker and resort vibes, access to Langkawi (Malaysia), nearby national park hiking, lack of cars, isolated vibes while being lively, no need for a vehicle.
Worst for: ease of access, exorbitant prices, open space, 200 baht fee to access the national park/island, limited day trip options.
Pair with: Langkawi (Malaysia), the Trang Islands, like Koh Mook
Koh Lipe is the wild child.
It’s the one always off doing their own thing at the bottom of the garden; probably all covered in mud, but with exquisitely pretty, sparkling eyes.
I mulled over whether this island should be classified as chill or party, and it was not an easy decision. You see, it has changed over the years (as have most of the Thai islands, to be fair). Koh Lipe used to be a real chill backpacker haven, but now it’s hectic, busy as sin, and pretty loud with bars and parties. This change only gets more obvious year-on-year.
Anyone who describes it as chill must surely be comparing it to Phuket or Bangkok!
But this tiny little island, walkable from one side to the other in about 30 minutes, has some of the prettiest beaches and bluest water I’ve ever seen in my life. It has those Maldives island waters, which is not that common in Thailand.
So, it’s crowded, but also undeniably appealing (that’s a similar narrative to a fair few of the other islands on this list, unfortunately). We’d recommend Lipe for anyone on a full backpacker-style Thai island tour when heading to or from Malaysia. It’s a great first or last stop before crossing the border.
We’ve always had a magnificent time here, to tell the truth, even though we stayed through Christmas (so busy) and when I had shingles (terrible timing).
Where to Stay
Koh Lipe has four main beachy areas you can choose to stay in. Or, you can just stay near the walking street that puts you kind of centrally on the island. We’ve always stayed on Pattaya beach (more busy) or the north bit (insane water), and both have completely different vibes.
Pattaya Beach $$$ | Ananya Lipe Resort – central location in the middle of Pattaya beach, yet quiet accommodations. Adjacent to the walking street for access to restaurants. Absolutely fantastic pool – worth the money just for this.
Walking Street $$ | Nest Hostel Lipe – smack bang in the middle of the island, yet surprisingly quiet and with super friendly staff. Both hostel beds and private rooms are offered here.
Northern coast $$$$ | Irene Pool Villa Resort – a brand new boutique hotel with modern villas, each with a decent sized private pool. Set on, by far, the prettiest stretch of sand in Koh Lipe – I had a quick look around and want to stay here the next time we visit!
Getting There
Koh Lipe is serviced by international ferries from Langkawi – these can be booked in advance (recommended, it’s always been packed during high season) via Direct Ferries or 12GoAsia.
Within Thailand, there are loads of reservable speedboats that head north to the Trat Islands of Koh Mook, Ngai and Kradan and further north. However these only run during the high season – so if you are around during the rest of the year, you’ll have to transit via Pak Bara Pier in Hat Yai.
5. Koh Samui
Best for: families, nice flights from Bangkok, getting around by car, scenery, decent beaches, excellent infrastructure, lots of things to do, the White Lotus hotel
Worst for: a shocking number of expats, anyone who hates sex tourism, crowds, changeable weather in the Gulf, backpackers, anyone on a budget, anyone without a scooter or driver’s license
Pair with: Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Hua Hin (if travelling down from Bangkok by train!)
Koh Samui, situated in the Gulf of Thailand, is the country’s second largest island. It’s known for pretty beaches, family friendly options and a reasonable amount of lively night life options, especially around Chaweng Beach (similar to Phuket’s Patong nightmare).
It’s been so many years since I’ve been to Koh Samui that I don’t actually have any photos. I also can’t really speak for the current vibes. So, I’m only really including it here to highlight the other major lively island hotspot that fits on this list.
I’m going back and spending a fair amount of time there in a few months, so I’ll update this list with my up-to-date opinions, but for now, I’ll tell you what I know.
Samui is a firm favourite of some but hated by others, for various reasons. It’s polarised, just like Phuket, really. Firstly, it’s heavily over-touristed, especially at certain times of year. Secondly, while some people love the modern infrastructure and Western vibes, others resent it and the throngs of people that naturally come as part of it. Thirdly, it’s often missing those idyllic island vibes and isn’t heavily suited to budget backpackers, with a lack of affordable and central spots for people to congregate.
However, I’ll rewrite all of this in two months when I’ve visited!
Where to Stay
I’ll update this with where we stayed when we return!
Getting There
Getting to Koh Samui is relatively straightforward if you’re willing to splash the cash on a Bangkok Airways flight. This airline is the only one that services the island (I read that the company literally owns the airport in Samui so nobody else flies there).
Bangkok Airways operate a bunch of flights everyday from Bangkok to Samui, which includes a 20kg checked bag. It’s a good deal if you book well in advance, but if you miss that window, flights are crazy pricey.
The other option is to get a boat from the mainland. The closest place is Surat Thani, which also has an airport with (usually) much cheaper flights from Bangkok. You can book kind of package deals that will get you from the airport to Samui via ferry on 12GoAsia. This is the easiest option.
You can also travel from other spots, like Phuket or Krabi, by transiting over to Surat Thani and getting a ferry. Again, the transfers can all be booked in advance on 12GoAsia.
Chill, Friendly Islands
The following islands are a bit of a mix: quiet, but not empty, occasional scattered parties, nice restaurant vibes, sometimes markets, but not clubs, and minimal heavy drinking/sexpat culture.
6. Koh Lanta
Best for: physical space, loads of beach choices, quiet, food, small markets, access without a ferry, car-friendly, mid-prices, a fantastic ethical elephant sanctuary, family groups, slower vibes, safe roads.
Worst for: anyone looking for proper party vibes or posh restaurants, karst scenery, high-octane excitement, anyone without a scooter or car.
Pair with: Ao Nang, Railay, Koh Phi Phi
Koh Lanta is the one island we’ve spent the most time on and have a real soft spot for – I’m a sucker for long empty roads and remote beaches that you don’t need a boat to access.
It’s like the less dramatic sibling, one that does most things well and never makes much noise.
This island is large, spread out and flatter than other islands, with loads of sandy beaches that run down the 30-ish-kilometre west coast that suit pretty much anyone. There are small restaurants, cafes and bars, huddled around the beaches, which get more and more sparse the further south you go. It’s quiet, but not lacking in infrastructure – there are regular 7-Elevens, night markets and even a large petrol station.
We love it because there is so much space on Koh Lanta. Miles of roads and isolated spots to explore – it’s perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to be stuck in one place for too long and likes to get out and about, especially on two wheels. It’s also reachable by road so you can rent a car and drive if you want (we always do this!).
It’s also home to one of Thailand’s few genuinely reputable elephant sanctuaries – Following Giants, which we’d highly recommend for your elephant visitation choices in Thailand.
For more information, check out our rundown on Koh Lanta’s beaches.
Where to stay
There are options for every budget and style in Lanta, but much of the island caters to the kind of ‘midrange huts on beach’ type customer.
We’ve stayed in a whole bunch of places, but the best ones are always small locally owned places, with individual huts in little rows with ocean views. It’s like the comfortable, middle class version of the non-aircon, buggy, wooden beach hut vibes from the 80s.
Our favourites are:
Budget $ | Grand House – single-digit pounds for a bright, modern double room? This friendly guesthouse is incredible value, central, and clean but doesn’t have hot water or aircon.
Mid-Range $$ | Fill – Feel @ Long Beach Resort – six perfect little bungalows in a tropical garden near the beach, a wonderful owner and free pad thai on arrival. These are easily the nicest rooms we’ve stayed on in Koh Lanta. She’s only got six rooms – what are you waiting for?
Mid-Range $$ | Lanta Fa Rung – amazing value individual huts, right on the beach on the best bit of Koh Lanta’s coast (in our opinion). We spent a really long time here and love the location.
Upper-Budget $$$ | Lanta Casa Blanca – this place is super-stylish and modern, on the beach with a big pool. We want to stay here on our next visit!
Getting there
Koh Lanta is easily accessible by road or boat.
By road, your best option is to arrive into Krabi Airport. It’s an easy 2.5 hour drive from the airport, which involves a tiny, five-minute car ferry shuttle. It’s really easy and the way we always go to Koh Lanta. Renting a car in Thailand is amazing – find out more about why if you’re interested in having a more in-depth, less touristy experience around Thailand.
For Koh Lanta by boat, there are options from pretty much every island – Phuket, Phi Phi, Ao Nang, Koh Yao Noi and Yai, Lipe, Mook and more. Check for route options on 12GoAsia that suite your itinerary.
7. Koh Mook
Best for: isolated vibes but still with a bunch of restaurants, no 7-Elevens, striking scenery, no cars or bikes, walkable, pretty offshore views, smaller accommodations, hikes.
Worst for: people who hate quiet, nightlife, variety of day trips, resorts (there’s only one smallish one), kayaking
Pair with: Koh Ngai, Koh Kradan, Koh Lipe, Koh Lanta
I’ve spent a full week on this tiny, hilly island, far south of Koh Lanta. It’s teeny-tiny – you can walk from one beach to the other (yeah, there’s only two proper beaches) in 30 minutes via a jungly path. Both those beaches are pretty damn nice, though, and I think this little pretty dot in the ocean is a lot of people’s favourite for good reason.
It’s the quiet cousin you always forget to invite to your parties, but when they invariably turn up anyway, you’re grateful they’re there.
From the moment you get dropped off on the pier, you can feel how rural it is – there are no cars, just a few golf carts and the occasional scooter, and no buildings more than a storey or so tall. There’s no 7-Eleven, either.
It’s just very, very low-key. There are a few absurdly great restaurants (the seafood is super fresh here), a few shops, and a whole bunch of muddy tracks. That’s, like, it. If this sounds like your idea of heaven, add Koh Mook to your itinerary.
For more information, have a read of our Koh Mook guide.
Where to stay
Budget $ | Mook Ing Lay – we stayed here for most of our stay – it’s cute, has friendly owners, is nearby the beach and next to the small walking street.
Mid-Range $$ | Mook Lamai Resort and Spa – lovely pool, inland jungle location, wonderful owners who help with *everything*.
Upper-Budget $$$ | Koh Mook Sivalai Beach Resort – the nicest resort on the island, these bungalows are spread out across the long sand spit of Pearl Beach, providing tremendous views of the sunrise and the Thai mainland, opposite.
Getting there
Boats service Koh Mook from all the major hubs – Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, Phuket, Ao Nang.
You can also reach (or leave) Mook from Trang Airport, too. The journey involves a 15-minute longtail boat to the mainland, then a 60-minute taxi. This route is very easy to arrange via your accommodation, or book in advance on 12GoAsia.
8. Koh Chang
Best for: car access, space, decent hiking, smaller crowds, access to Cambodia, avoiding flights, affordable prices, exploring, scenery, proximity to Bangkok, solo backpackers.
Worst for: elephant experiences, the severely steep and windy roads, anyone looking for a hardcore party
Pair with: Koh Mak, Koh Kood
Koh Chang, Thailand’s third largest island, couldn’t be more different to Phuket. It has a largely rural feel, with a hilly, jungly, impenetrable national park interior, perfect for searching out waterfalls and difficult hikes.
It’s like a big, talented personality who’s been inexplicably placed in the chorus of a play when it deserved the lead role.
There are a whole selection of beaches that run along the western side of the island, set into little coves. These beaches are less wide, long and sweeping than on Koh Lanta or Phuket, for example, but they’re much prettier, in my opinion.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants comfortable infrastructure, but also likes to avoid that kind of built-up, busy city feeling. There are loads of restaurants and comfortable hotels, yet tourism is not something that seems to have overly dominated the island. Some of my favourite pizza in Thailand has come from the islands and one example is on Koh Chang!
The island has a kind of dedicated spot for backpackers, too, so it’s super easy to meet other travellers, unlike Phuket and Samui which are far more couple and family oriented.
To find out if Koh Chang is your kind of vibe, have a read of our island guide.
Where to stay
We had a good nosey around lots of Koh Chang accommodations, so these are hotels we have either stayed in and recommend, or have had a look around and would stay in next time:
Evergreen ($$, North of White Sand Beach) – we loved this little hotel, consisting of individual huts dotted around a pretty pool in beautiful gardens, is located inland away from the beach, in a rural, residential area. It’s the epitome of chill, and a short walk to the small village at the bottom of the road, where there are a few restaurants and an extremely well air-conditioned 7-Eleven.
Garden Resort ($$, Kai Bae Beach) – our favourite place on the island, with a super nice pool and cute well-maintained huts. The location is a several-minute walk from the beach and, despite being smack-bang in the centre of the little Kai Bae village area, is super quiet (and adjacent to a 7-Eleven). The European owner is friendly and speaks perfect English.
Beach Jungle ($+, Lonely Beach) – a superb hostel with attentive staff, decent private rooms and dorms. Set just across the main road from the nightlife hub in Lonely Beach, this spot is ideal for travellers looking for a decent night’s sleep to accompany their social outings (it’s quieter at night, music-wise, than a lot of other Lonely Beach locations). There are lots of activities and refillable water, too. It’s also just a quick ten-minute jaunt to the beach.
KC Grande Resort and Spa ($$$+, White Sand Beach) – okay, so we didn’t stay in this one (too pricey for our meagre budget). However, we had a good look around this resort and felt that this is the nicest option, especially for the money you’d spend elsewhere on a different island. It’s classy, has some seriously nice rooms and the staff are thoughtful. We’d definitely recommend our parents stay here!
Getting there
The nearest town to Koh Chang is Trat. It is possible to fly to Trat from Bangkok, then get a short ferry transfer over to the island. Alternatively, it’s very easy and affordable to take the bus to Koh Chang from Bangkok (it takes around five hours, and we’ve always had extremely positive experiences).
The public buses we have taken drop you off at the ferry terminal where you buy a ferry ticket separately. However, it’s possible to prebook a complete transfer that includes both bus and ferry in one.
To book the transfers in advance, take a look at 12GoAsia. We found the buses sometimes sell out in the busy season.
9. Khao Lak
Best for: simple road access from Phuket, no ferries required, rental car friendly, nice beaches, less party vibes, quality food (particularly western options), nearby Khao Sok National Park, jumping off point for Similan and Surin Islands.
Worst for: not much to do, beach access is not so straightforward depending on where you are, it’s not really an island, scenery is mid, unpleasant (fast, dangerous) roads for scooter riders, moderately high prices.
Pair with: Phuket, Khao Sok National Park, Phang Nga National Park, Surin or Similan Islands
Okay, I know this is another spot that is not technically an island. However, it’s always on random people’s lists of potential places for their Thai holiday, so we thought we’d mention it here.
I’m torn about Khao Lak (that’s me putting it politely). So many people love this place, but I just didn’t get it.
I found it such a dull place. Controversially, I felt like it is almost exclusively designed for middle class tourists who don’t really care about seeing actual Thailand (think White Lotus) and don’t want to admit they went to Phuket.
The area is all kind of segregated and doesn’t really have a proper market, walking street or centre. It’s kind of hard to explain. I did have a nice pizza and pasta at Little Marghe, though (I cling on to my top pizza-related memories, as you’ll see throughout this post).
I couldn’t even come up with a slogan for this area, because I found it so unimaginably tedious. I mean, seriously I didn’t even take any photos while I was there for five days – that’s just not great, is it?
However, just because it’s not my vibe, doesn’t mean it won’t be yours, though.
It’s definitely a nice enough strip of beach, mostly occupied by a bunch of (pretty nice) high-end resorts. So, if you don’t intend to do much on your beach trip, hate ferries, want a rental car but can’t be bothered with the traffic of Phuket, and fancy visiting Khao Sok but don’t want to stay in the jungle, it might be the ideal place. There’s also a sneaky artwork by Alex Face just off the beach if you want to hunt it down!
Where to Stay
In Khao Lak, we stayed at a place called Khaolak Forest Resort. It’s excellent value for money if you’re on a bit of a budget, especially with the pool access room that we chose. The beds are decent, rooms are modern, they’ll rent a scooter for you, and the breakfast was excellent. We’d thoroughly recommend it if you don’t need to be on the beach.
For a more upmarket experience, there are many incredible resort options directly on the beach in Khao Lak (which I assume is where the appeal to this area comes from). If I were to choose one for my next trip, it would probably be the La Vela, because it’s walkable to the markets and restaurants, smack bang on some of the nicest soft sand beach, and has modern rooms with access to the enormous pools.
Getting There
The closest place to Khao Lak is Phuket Airport, which is just a little over one-hour south by road. It’s ideal for renting a car and driving: the roads are really straightforward and the route is easy.
Alternatively, it’s easily reachable by overland transport – check 12GoAsia for options.
10. Koh Yao Noi
Best for: spectacular offshore scenery, sunrises, riding a scooter, low crowds, no alcohol vibes, niche accommodations, quick access from Phuket and Krabi, prices.
Worst for: perfect white sand beaches, parties, alcohol, hard to get around without a bicycle or scooter, lively backpackers.
Pair with: Phuket, Koh Yao Yai, Ao Nang, Railay
This is, hands-down, our favourite Thai island, so we’re probably biased here with our description.
If there ever was an antithesis to places like Koh Phi Phi and Ao Nang, it’s Koh Yao Noi. This is the first island I ever really loved, unequivocally. Like, I couldn’t find a flaw. It’s perfect in my eyes (so much so that we’re exploring Koh Yao Yai, its sister island, in a this month and I cannot wait).
It’s like your sweetest, calmest, most academic child – the one you know is your favourite (not that you can admit that to anyone).
In fact, I wrote an entire post about how I think Koh Yao Noi is ideal for particular traveller styles, so take a look to see if it’s your kind of place.
The island is low-key, with a majority Muslim population, so alcohol is not excessively available (you can usually find a beer with dinner, but it’s definitely not a get wasted kinda vibe and the 7-Eleven doesn’t sell any). So, if you’re looking for the fire shows, whisky buckets and all night events, this is definitely, one-hundred percent not the place for you.
However, if you’re after empty roads, vast views, excellent infrastructure, some great food, and a 7-Eleven, this might be your ideal island. It was mine.
Where to Stay
The Simple ($+) | we stayed at this 9-room basic-boutique hotel in the ‘town’, which was eye-wateringly affordable, even during peak high season. The modern, super-clean rooms had epic air-conditioning, comfy beds, working television and reliable hot water. Plus, it came with breakfast for that crazy low price. It lives up to its name – in the best sense. If you need an affordable, central base to explore the island from, it’s a fantastic option and we’d definitely stay there again.
Cape Kudu Hotel ($$$) | we totally fell in love with the vibes and views at this upscale hotel, which is set in an elevated position above the sea, kind of between two sections of beach. It’s got modern, island décor, lots of activities and some hornbills!
Hill House ($$) | this tiny little family place has five huts overlooking the ocean. It’s a bit more rustic than the option above, but still comes with comfy beds, aircon, fridge and all the usual mod-cons – all set up in the jungle, with a hammock and crazy views of the distant islands. It’s the ultimate in chill island vibes.
Koh Yao Seaview Bungalow ($$+) | if you’re looking for a quintessential huts on the beach atmosphere, but with added comfort and value for money, this may be the one for you. These simple rooms are right on a pretty beach a the sandbar and offer the archetypal Thai experience at a reasonable price. If you can stretch the budget, get a sea view room.
Getting There
Koh Yao Noi is only a short-ish (15-45 minute) speedboat journey from Phuket, Ao Nang and Koh Yao Yai. You can check 12GoAsia for options.
The Best Time to Visit the Thai Islands
Below is a quick graphic to show which areas of Thailand are the best throughout the year.
I’ve found that the Gulf Coast’s weather is less predictable and more turbulent than the Andaman Coast, so it’s a bit more of a gamble booking a trip during the off season.
The Andaman Coast can be lovely through the rainy season – we had four perfect days at Railay Beach during the cheapest months with not a drop of rain and amazing offshore lightning! It’s often not rainy all day.
Where We’re Visiting Soon
This list is currently missing a few major players in the Thai Island debate. So, don’t fear, we’re visiting more of them in the next few months and will elaborate on this information, including what we found and the personalities and vibes at each.
11. Koh Yao Yai
This year, I am low-key most excited to visit this particular island, especially considering how much I loved Koh Yao Noi.
It’s larger, wilder looking, with the same minimal alcohol/party culture and long empty roads. There is a lack of budget accommodations and a plethora of resort options, so I’ve booked some of both and will report back!
Definitely consider this island if you find my description of Koh Yao Noi appealing. I am so excited.
12. Koh Phangan
This is Thailand’s fifth largest island and direct neighbour of Koh Samui.
It’s famous for the riotous, day-glow full-moon parties that have been held on Haadrin Beach for decades. However, in the mid-2020s, it’s also known for unscrupulous expats buying up all the land and hoards of digital nomads with terrible scooter-riding skills.
I’m going to find out what all the fuss is about – will report back later (along with Koh Samui).
13. Koh Tao
This is the traditional backpacker’s and diver’s dream. It’s kind of like the real-life version of what Koh Phi Phi was depicted as in the film The Beach.
Koh Tao is one of the most popular Thai islands for diving and snorkelling, and it looks to be one of the most pretty, scenery-wise, too. It’s also got quite a young, backpacker-y slant, and the accommodation value seems to be questionable (like really pricey or really cheap!).
It’s a way off the gulf coast and I’ve never been bothered to get down to Chumphon or Surat Thani, then take a ferry. This month, I’ll change that.
14. Koh Samet
This tiny island is close to Bangkok and Pattaya, making it a popular weekend getaway for city residents.
I’ve heard so many amazing things about it being severely underrated, so we’re visiting to find out and staying in a few accommodation options (mid-week to avoid the potential crowds!).
Other Islands for Your Consideration
There are loads more islands that you could consider – especially if this is not your first trip to the beaches of Thailand.
The majority of these alternative options have a more rural feel, less infrastructure, fewer day trips and connections. If that is appealing to you, take a peek at any of the below. (We’ve thought about trips to all these in the past and have done a bunch of research on the accommodation, transport and vibes).
Andaman Sea Island Options
15. Koh Jum
This small-ish island, between Railay and Koh Lanta, is super rural, with rustic accommodations and wide beaches. We ruled it out for our trip this year purely due to a value:quality issue with the accommodation choices. It was just so expensive for very little, and I’m all about feeling happy with what I’ve spent! (We don’t have a price limit, as such, just a perceived value).
Having said that, we would have been going to Koh Jum this year if it wasn’t for this issue, so see if you can find somewhere you’d like to stay!
16. Koh Ngai
This small island in the Trang region (near Koh Mook) is a couple’s haven. The island pretty much has only small resorts (not big international ones) that run down its eastern shores, but no shopping areas, markets or public restaurants outside the hotels.
It’s an interesting place and perfect for relaxing (which is not overly my vibe, truthfully. I think I’d get very bored). There are a few hiking opportunities around the island, too.
17. Koh Phayam
This is a super rural island up near the border with Myanmar. I’ve wanted to visit here forever, but simply never got around to it. It’s low key, with lots of small, rustic huts and restaurants.
This is the island that I think in a few years might boom under tourism, so I’m going to get there as soon as I can – we’d recommend you do, too.
18. Similan Islands
This option is niche.
You can’t actually stay overnight on the Similan Islands and they are also shut for a chunk of every year (mid-May to mid-October). However, they are a crazy popular option for some of Thailand’s best dive spots. As I mentioned above, I cannot dive, so they’re not something I’ve ever prioritised – but people rave about them!
Also, all the pretty, smooth boulders on the beach there look out-of-this-world pretty.
19. Koh Kradan
This island is an excellent option to pair with other Trang islands like Koh Mook and Ngai.
Kradan is known for outstanding beaches (previously voted best in the country) and quiet, serene vibes. It does unfortunately also have an accommodation price tag to match that reputation, so we’ve never been, and the few more affordable options are not that great.
Check it out to see if you’re happy to splurge for it! If I had the cash, there’s no doubt I would.
Gulf Island Options
20. Koh Kood
This island is known for having some of the nicest beaches in all of Thailand and for prioritising the environment. So, although it’s actually quite large, you won’t find any chain stores here. I’m desperate to visit, but my schedule has never aligned to make it happen. (It’s best to visit during high season since a lot of the island shuts, plus the ferries don’t run as often).
That’s genuinely the only reason I haven’t been yet. Oh, and the usual accommodation value-for-money issue, but I want to go anyway.
It’s perfectly paired with a trip to Koh Chang, above, and Koh Mak, below.
21. Koh Mak
This smaller island, sandwiched between Koh Chang and Koh Kood in the eastern Gulf of Thailand, is rural, quiet and super pretty.
It’s relatively unvisited but, for me, I worry about getting bored (I’m so restless, to a flaw). However, if you’re looking for a really authentic island-feel, with few tourists and minimal infrastructure, this might be the one for you!
Islands Google Map
In case you want to save all of these Thai islands to your own personal Google Map, check out the below.
Green: Andaman Islands
Purple: Gulf Islands
Orange: Eastern Gulf Islands
Red: Mainland Thailand
If you want to save it, select the star next to the title.
Island Time-Distances by Boat
Below are the rough times in minutes by speedboat between most of the islands mentioned in this post. Where there is a cross, it means there’s no boat route between the two islands.
Use it to help plan your itinerary!
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Where to Next?
We hope this list helps you a tiny little bit with your island planning! Making a Thai itinerary that ticks every box is a complex job and there’s literally never enough time.
If you’re heading to the islands via Bangkok, check out how we’d spend one, extremely busy day, or even consider visiting Thailand’s most beautiful, milky blue waterfalls – perfect for a day or overnight trip.
We’d highly recommend you rent a car, too, if you’re looking for an adventure without the crowds in Thailand. It’s the best way to get around, explore some lesser known temples, quiet beaches and enjoy small town street food that you won’t find at the major spots. Check out everything you need to know, if that’s something you’re keen on.
Have a smashing day!
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