Thai Islands

Best for

Beaches

Koh Lipe

Powder-white beaches and some of Thailand's clearest turquoise waters.

Scenery

Koh Phi Phi

Towering limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons and postcard-perfect island views.

Romance

Koh Samui

Luxury beachfront villas, tropical hideaways and romantic sunset escapes.

Diving

Koh Tao

Incredible coral reefs, vibrant marine life and world-class diving.

Relaxation

Koh Lanta

Peaceful beaches, spectacular sunsets and the perfect place to unwind.

Nightlife

Phuket

Beach clubs, rooftop bars and Thailand's most vibrant nightlife.

Browse the islands

Phuket

Filmed byGabby Letalon

Music byTinlicker - Voodoo

Thailand's largest island blends white-sand beaches, luxury resorts, vibrant nightlife and colourful old streets. Whether you're island hopping, relaxing by the ocean or exploring local culture, Phuket offers something for every traveller.

Must visit

Patong Beach

Phuket's loudest mix of beach, lights and nightlife

Yona Floating Club

A floating beach club made for a full-day splurge

Freedom Beach

A hidden cove reached by longtail boat

Old Phuket Town

Colorful Sino-Portuguese streets with real character

Wat Chalong

Phuket's most revered temple complex

Big Buddha

A white marble Buddha above the island

Promthep Cape

Phuket's classic sunset cliff

Perfect for

Beach lovers

Patong for energy, Freedom Beach for seclusion, Kata Noi for beauty

Nightlife

Patong's beach bars run fire shows nightly — Phuket doesn't sleep

Island hopping

Speedboat to Phi Phi, Similan, or the Racha Islands all leave from Phuket

Families

Calm bays, easy day trips, and resorts built for all ages

Before you go

Stay in Kata or Karon⌄

For a quieter atmosphere than Patong.

Book island tours in advance⌄

During peak season, the best tours sell out days ahead.

Patong is busiest after sunset⌄

Plan around it if you're not there for the nightlife.

Koh Phi Phi

Filmed byBrandon WilloughbyTobi Reissinger

Music byDlj Bido - Explorers

Home to some of Thailand's most iconic scenery, Koh Phi Phi is famous for towering limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons and unforgettable nightlife. Whether you're exploring Maya Bay or watching sunset from the viewpoint, every corner feels like a postcard.

Must visit

Phi Phi Viewpoint

A short climb to Phi Phi's famous twin bays

Maya Bay

The legendary bay framed by limestone cliffs

Monkey Beach

A longtail stop with clear water and wild cliffs

Pileh Lagoon

Emerald water sealed inside limestone walls

Viking Cave

Sea cliffs, old markings and island folklore

Loh Dalum Beach

Turquoise by day, full island energy by night

Perfect for

Photography

Drone-worthy cliffs, neon-blue water, and a viewpoint that earns every step

Snorkelling

Coral reefs surrounding both Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh are still spectacular

Nightlife

Tonsai Village's beach bars run fire shows nightly; the island doesn't sleep

Island hopping

A natural stop between Phuket and Krabi's other islands

Before you go

Check Maya Bay access before visiting⌄

Seasonal closures and conservation rules can affect access.

Wear sturdy shoes⌄

For the Phi Phi Viewpoint hike.

Expect busy beaches⌄

During peak season, especially around Loh Dalum and Maya Bay.

Koh Lanta

Filmed byAdelina & Anthony

Music byGiovanna - hold me

Relaxed and unspoiled, Koh Lanta offers a slower pace with quiet beaches, lush jungles and spectacular sunsets. It's the perfect island to unwind while still enjoying incredible natural beauty.

Must visit

Long Beach

Long quiet sand on Lanta's west coast

Mu Koh Lanta National Park

A lighthouse lookout at Lanta's wild southern edge

Old Town

Stilted streets, sea breeze and slow cafés

Kantiang Bay

A laid-back bay beneath jungle hills

Mangrove Forest

Paddle quiet tidal channels through the mangroves

Koh Rok

A day-trip island with impossibly clear water

Perfect for

Relaxation

Quiet beaches and some of Thailand's most spectacular sunsets

Nature

National parks, mangroves and jungle waterfalls

Families

Calm, shallow beaches and a relaxed, unhurried pace

Road trips

Easy to explore the island end to end by scooter

Before you go

Renting a scooter is the easiest way to explore⌄

The island is spread out along a single coastal road.

Stay on the west coast⌄

For the best sunsets over the Andaman Sea.

Many restaurants close earlier than Phuket⌄

Plan dinner earlier in the evening.

Koh Lipe

Filmed byElin Lindvall

Music byMassane - No Return

Often called the Maldives of Thailand, Koh Lipe is known for powder-soft beaches, crystal-clear water and colourful coral reefs. Small enough to explore on foot, it's one of Thailand's most beautiful tropical escapes.

Must visit

Sunrise Beach

Soft sand with coral reef just steps from shore

Coral Gardens

Colorful reefs in water clear enough to forget time

Koh Adang

Jungle trails and big views across Koh Lipe

Pattaya Beach

Beach bars and easy nights on Lipe's main strip

Sunset Beach

A quiet west-facing beach for Andaman sunsets

Walking Street

Lipe's after-dark stretch of food, drinks and music

Perfect for

Tropical escapes

Powder-soft beaches and turquoise water within walking distance of each other

Snorkelling

Some of the best visibility in Thailand, whale sharks sighted seasonally

Couples

Remote, quiet, spectacular sunsets over the Andaman

Photography

Sunrise and Sunset beaches, named for exactly what they deliver

Before you go

Book accommodation early⌄

During high season.

Plan your ferry connection ahead⌄

Boat schedules vary by season and departure point.

Bring reef-safe sunscreen⌄

To help protect the coral reefs you'll be snorkelling over.

Koh Samui

Filmed byDries Jaeger

Music byNora En Pure - Spring Embers

Blending luxury resorts, palm-fringed beaches, lively beach clubs and cultural landmarks, Koh Samui offers one of Thailand's most complete island experiences. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure or a touch of indulgence, this island delivers effortlessly.

Must visit

Ang Thong National Marine Park

A boat day through 42 limestone islands

The Giant Hand

A surreal ocean sculpture made for the photo stop

Overlap Stone

A balancing stone with wild sea views

Pig Island

A playful island stop with Samui's swimming pigs

Na Muang Waterfalls

A jungle waterfall with a cool freshwater pool

Silver Beach

A tucked-away cove with Samui's clearest water

Big Buddha Temple

A golden Buddha rising above the water

Perfect for

Luxury escapes

Five-star pool villas, rooftop beach clubs, and private yacht charters available year-round

Beach holidays

Chaweng and Lamai for energy, Silver Beach for a quieter stretch of sand

Families

Easy resorts, calm bays, and gentle day trips for all ages

Wellness

Spa retreats, yoga studios, and healthy dining across the island

Before you go

Rent a scooter or car⌄

Makes exploring the island much easier.

Fisherman's Village on Fridays⌄

Best visited in the evening for the weekly walking market.

Book beach clubs in advance⌄

During peak season, the popular ones fill up fast.

Koh Phangan

Filmed byJulian Travels

Music byAvo - Nothing Left

While famous for its legendary Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan offers far more than nightlife. Discover hidden beaches, jungle waterfalls, yoga retreats and peaceful bays where life moves at a completely different pace.

Must visit

Bottle Beach Viewpoint

A jungle climb to Koh Phangan's best bay view

Bottle Beach

A remote beach reached by boat or jungle trail

Ko Ma Beach

A sandbar walk to a tiny offshore island

Secret Beach

A quiet bay that still feels tucked away

Haad Rin

The beach where Phangan turns all the way up

Perfect for

Nightlife

Largest beach party in the world, every full moon

Wellness

Yoga retreats and detox resorts have made it a wellness hub

Hidden beaches

Secret Beach and Haad Yuan are only reachable by boat or jungle trail

Couples

Quiet bays on the north coast, away from the party crowds

Before you go

Avoid Full Moon Party dates⌄

If you prefer a quieter atmosphere.

Rent a scooter⌄

To reach the island's secluded beaches.

Book accommodation early⌄

During party weekends, rooms sell out fast.

Koh Tao

Filmed byBrandon WilloughbyTobi Reissinger

Music byInky - Wool Gloves

Known as Thailand's diving capital, Koh Tao is surrounded by colourful coral reefs, hidden bays and crystal-clear water. Whether you're earning your first dive certification or simply relaxing by the beach, it's an island that's hard to leave.

Must visit

Nang Yuan Island

Three tiny islands stitched together by sand

Sairee Beach

Dive shops, beach bars and sunset evenings

John-Suwan Viewpoint

Koh Tao's clearest view from coast to coast

Japanese Gardens

A shallow coral garden for first snorkels

Tanote Bay

Clear water, granite rocks and a slow beach day

Ao Leuk Bay

A calm cove made for easy snorkeling

Shark Bay

Snorkel clear water where reef sharks glide by

Mango Viewpoint

A short hike to Koh Tao's greenest viewpoint

Perfect for

Diving

Learn to dive for a fraction of what it costs in Europe or Australia, coral reefs at every entry point

Marine life

Shark Bay for snorkelling, Shark Island for diving with reef sharks

Relaxation

Sairee Beach's laid-back strip of beach bars and sunset views

Photography

John-Suwan Viewpoint's panorama over twin bays

Before you go

Book dive courses ahead⌄

During peak season, popular schools fill up fast.

Visit Nang Yuan Island early⌄

To beat the day-trip crowds.

Bring water shoes⌄

Several of Koh Tao's beaches are rocky underfoot.

Koh Chang

Filmed byToey Rista

Music byEnamour - Brush The Dust Off Your Soul

Thailand's second-largest island remains one of its best-kept secrets. Covered in rainforest, waterfalls and peaceful beaches, Koh Chang is perfect for travellers looking to escape the crowds and experience a more authentic side of island life.

Must visit