Tour Guide to Thailand Islands: The Most Beautiful You Can't Miss
When planning a holiday in Thailand, there is nothing more important than choosing the location. You likely have many criteria for picking your travel destination: perhaps you want to visit somewhere with plenty of historical significance like Chiang Mai, or maybe you’re looking for a someplace peaceful and serene location. Whatever your wants may be, we’ve got you covered with this list of the best 28 Thailand Islands for your next holiday.
We all know Thailand for its wonderful islands!
The country has long been a popular destination for international travelers and ex-pats. The Thai government has recently created several initiatives to promote Thailand as a tourist hub, including the creation of an online visa application system that aims to make it easier for tourists from all over the world to get visas and travel to the country. To make your life a little easier, you can check an updated link about visa requirements here: COVID-19 Guide for Travelers to and in Thailand (thaiembassy.com)
This is good news for travelers who want to visit Thailand, but you might wonder: what are some of the best islands? If you’re considering taking a trip there soon, here’s our 2022 travel guide to Thailand islands, all the best you can’t miss:
Table of contents:
- How many islands does Thailand have?
- The most wonderful 28 Thailand islands:
- What is the best way to get to the Thailand Islands?
- Thailand Island hopping – expectations vs reality!
- Which Thailand islands would be best for retirement?
- Which is the Best Month of the year for your holiday in the Thai Islands?
- On a final note
- FAQ
How many islands does Thailand have?
The number of Thailand Islands is currently at 1,430 according to the Geography of Thailand. Most of these islands are uninhabited and covered with tropical forests, coconut groves, and unique wildlife.
What are the most beautiful islands in Thailand?
Map of thailand islands
We’ve listed some of our favorite islands below, with the main points of access marked on the map above. For more information about each island, see our Thailand beaches guide.
1. Koh Samui: A Paradise Island For Every Type Of Traveller
Are you looking for a tropical getaway but not sure where to go? Have you ever heard of Koh Samui, Thailand?
Ko Samui (Koh Samui) is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand. It’s known for its wonderful beaches and lush jungles, as well as for its great nightlife. However, there are many lesser-known things about Koh Samui that you may not know—things that make it an even better place to visit than you thought.
We know it for its white sands and aquamarine waters. It’s also home to some of the best-rated resorts in Southeast Asia. It’s not just about sunbathing on Koh Samui, you can also enjoy one of the many water sports available here or visit one of the many natural attractions like waterfalls or national parks.
If you’re looking for some activities to do while on the island, check out Na Muang Waterfalls, Mae Nam, and Chaweng Lake. You can also visit fishing villages, watch sunsets from the beach or watch monkeys running around. Therefore, it’s no surprise that tourists flock to this island every year. If this sounds like your ideal tropical getaway, then it’s time to plan your trip.
Which are the best beaches on the island?
The best beaches on the island vary depending on the season, and there are plenty of different spots where you can enjoy the sand and surf. Here is our list, then it’s up to you to decide which one is the better for you:
2. Koh Phangan: The Best Islands In Thailand For Beaches And Party
Koh Pha Ngan is a tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand, perfect for travelers who are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and one of my favorite. They have inhabited the island for over two thousand years and were once a major trading center in Southeast Asia.
The island has an area of 45 km² and the population is around 15,000, with a natural park on and around the island that covers an area of 590 km². This beautiful park is part of the Similan Islands Marine National Park and was set in 1981. The park naming after the largest island of Phangan. The expansion leads to covering more islands and is now called the Phangan National Park.
When you speak about Koh Pha Ngan, it’s usually spoken about regarding its infamous Full Moon Party. But in actuality, the island offers so much more than that.
You’ll find that Phangan island has some of the most wonderful beaches in Thailand, with its stunning white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters. The island has over 80 beaches and bays.
Today, we know Koh Phangan as a party destination among backpackers and ex-pats from around the world. The Full Moon Parties has been around for over 20 years and has turned into one of the largest celebrations on this beautiful island. The party happens every month, on the night of the full moon, so if you decide to go at a different time, then you will miss out on one of the biggest parties in Southeast Asia.
There are countless resorts and day parties to choose from on this tiny island paradise. Every night a different beach plays host to electronic music festivals, reggae concerts, foam parties, and more. If you’re looking to have an unforgettable experience at an exotic location that doesn’t break your bank account, then Koh Pha Ngan. If you want to know more about this island you can check this link.
Which are the best beaches on the island?
There are so many different beaches on the main island that it is impossible to say which ones are better than others. However, some beaches come close. Here is our list of the top five best beaches:
3. Koh Chang, The Elephant Island
Ko Chang is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, near the border of Cambodia, which became a popular destination for tourists looking to get away from the crowds. We also know Chang island as “the hidden paradise” because it’s one of those places that is usually seen by many tourists yet. The beauty of this island lies in its untouched beauty and serenity.
The water around the island is full of life with coral reefs and colorful fish everywhere you look. The island is also home to an unusual group of monkeys that have learned to walk on two legs and steal tourists’ food, drinks, and belongings. We can find the monkey beach itself on the east side of the island.
Chang island offers a variety of activities, but most visitors come for its pristine beaches. The waters are crystal clear, so it’s no surprise TripAdvisor has named Chang island Thailand’s number one snorkeling spot. Sea lovers will also enjoy the clear turquoise water on the island’s other beaches, such as Klong Prao and White Sand Beach. If you want to know more about this island you can check this link.
Which are the best beaches on the island?
4. Koh Kood, Free From Interruptions
Koh Kood is a small island that lies on the border of Thailand and Cambodia, in the Trat Province. It is part of the Koh Chang island group. Fortified by a network of mangrove-fringed islands, Koh Kood has been an important trading post for centuries. The local name for it is “Ko Kut”, which means “Island of the Crossing”.
It is a popular destination for travelers who want to enjoy the best of both worlds. Both Thai and Cambodian cultures have heavily influenced the island, so its relaxed atmosphere is unlike anything you have ever experienced. However, Koh Kood’s history goes back much further than most people realize.
Archaeologists have uncovered evidence that suggests they inhabited this island as early as 1000 BC, though there is no recorded evidence before 400 BC. The principal town on the island is Ban Sala Dan, a sleepy fishing village with a population of about 1,500. The island has only one main road, sandwiched between the beach and the mountains.
A few hundred meters away from this road is another road that runs parallel to the beach. This road has a few guesthouses and an excellent seafood restaurant, but otherwise, very little to do except.
Koh Kood opens its arms to tourists for a few years, so it remains an untouched gem of natural beauty, a true tropical paradise with warm, clear waters perfect for diving and snorkeling. Koh Kood is Thailand’s most beautiful and least-developed island.
Which are the best beaches on the island?
Koh Kood is one of the most picturesque Thailand islands. It has a lot of great beaches and coves. However, there’s more than just the famous Koh Tachai beach on Koh Kood, which everyone knows about. There are many other gems to be found on this beautiful island.
Here are some of the best beaches on Koh Kood that you should check out:
- Ao Noi Beach [SEE LINK]
- Tapao Beach [SEE LINK]
- Klong Chao Beach [SEE LINK]
- Bang Bao Beach [SEE LINK]