White sand, rustic-chic beach shacks, a hammock gently swaying between two palm trees as a turquoise sea lap at the shore – sounds like paradise! Thailand’s islands are infamous the world over for their beauty, yet each one is quite different from the next. And there are dozens to choose from. So which ones are the must-visit islands that you NEED to put on your itinerary for your next trip to Thailand? Here’s our list of the top 5 best Thai islands.
Koh Tao (of COURSE!)
Koh Tao, or ‘Turtle Island’, is the home of Big Blue Diving. The island is lined with little sandy coves, pretty lantern-lit restaurants, and a million dive shops. That’s because it’s one of the world’s most popular place to learn to scuba dive, and the competition amongst dive shops has also made it one of the cheapest. If you’re new to the sport, sign up to get your Open Water Diver certification with us here at Big Blue. It only takes 3 days and includes 4 dives in the ocean. If you’re short on time, or just aren’t sure whether diving is for you, we also offer one-day Try Dive experiences. If you’re already certified, you can take the Advanced Open Water course and do some diving around our house wreck, and even do some diving at night! Even if you’re not at all into scuba diving there’s still plenty to keep you happy – like snorkeling, rock climbing, hiking, Muay Thai, and Thai cooking classes. Koh Tao has an irresistible charm that’s a bit more grown-up than neighbouring Koh Phangan, and that’s why it’s top of the list of the best Thai islands.
Koh Phayam
Koh Phayam is the most popular destination in the Province of Ranong. It’s located 200km north of Khao Lak and is the perfect getaway for those looking for a destination off the beaten tourist track. This 50 km² island has only around 500 inhabitants so it offers visitors a travel-back-in-time experience. The island has two main beaches, Ao Yai (Long Bay) to the southwest and Ao Khao Kwai (Buffalo Bay) to the northwest. There are no cars on Koh Phayam; the only way to travel around is by renting a motorbike (moped) or bicycle. A few narrow cement roads allow people to easily reach the main bays and tips of the island from Koh Phayam pier (located on the east coast). The central part of Koh Phayam is rather flat and hosts cashew nut tree plantations and virgin forest. A large patch of mangrove forest can be found at the western end of Buffalo Bay, offering a wild playground to sea kayakers.
Koh Lanta
Of all the best Thai islands, Koh Lanta is one of the best all-rounders. Less than an hour’s boat ride from Krabi, Koh Lanta is actually made up of several little islands, the most-visited of which is Koh Lanta Yai. It has nature reserves and beaches where you won’t see another soul; it’s got accommodation from low-budget to super-swanky. Bringing the kids? The waters around the island are calm and the island itself is safe. If you want to have it all on your holiday – suntanning on beautiful beaches, a bit of world-class diving, a great massage, fun beach bars, kayaking through a mangrove forest, eating seafood tom yum with the locals in a friendly fishing village – then Koh Lanta is where you get it.
Koh Lipe
When you picture Thai islands, you’re probably thinking of somewhere beautiful like Koh Lipe. Often said to have the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, Koh Lipe is one of the 51 islands that make up Tarutao Marine Park near the border with Malaysia. It’s got the dreamy combination of remoteness (far fewer tourists than Phuket or Koh Samui), picture-perfect beaches and luxury hotels. The island is small enough to explore on foot or maybe hand-in-hand with your loved one. Pattaya Beach is the busiest of the beaches and home to most of the island’s nightlife, while Sunset Beach is the quietest and most secluded. Snorkeling, diving and tours of nearby islets are readily available, although you might prefer to spend your time getting couples massages at one of the exclusive luxury resorts.
Koh Phangan
If your idea of the perfect holiday involves epic three-day beach parties, Koh Phangan is the island for you. Famous for its full moon parties at Haad Rin’s Sunrise Beach, this island is for hardcore partygoers and dreadlocked travellers. During peak season, the island can see 20,000 visitors dancing, drinking and partying on the white sand beach under the full moon. If you can’t make it at the right time of the month, don’t worry – there are half-moon and black-moon parties in the intervening weeks. And there’s action every night of the week at the island’s beach and cocktail bars. The morning after, sleep it off in the shade of a palm tree while a Thai masseuse kneads you back into shape. There are secluded beaches to hang out at too, far from the crowds, like hippie favourite Bottle Beach, arguably one of the best beaches in Thailand.
Really, there are loads of Thai islands that are also worth a visit, like Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket, but these ones are our favourite Thai islands. Make sure at least a few of them are on your itinerary for your next trip to Thailand. And if you have questions or want to know more about any of the Thai islands, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!
