As the Holiday season approaches one must be wondering of yet another place to travel. Let this year’s travel be a little different, by which I don’t mean to regard that any of your previous travels would not have been any different or unique. Thailand also the heaven of Islands is this different I am talking about. I promise this won’t end up burning a hole in your pocket as Thailand actually comes in the list of countries meant for Budget Travel.
Thailand, also known as the Kingdom Of Thailand is a country situated at the center of the Southeast Asian Indochinese peninsula which comprises 76 provinces. It is known to be the fifth largest country by total area and comprises distinct geographic regions. Thailand is bordered to the north by Myanmar and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea and the southern extremity by Myanmar.
Most of Thailand has a tropical wet and dry climate and the Elephants of Thailand are the country’s national symbol. The sight of palm trees along with shimmery sand and turquoise blue water is a common sight in Thailand. The islands of Thailand can be a wonderful place to rejuvenate, unwind, relax, and connect with oneself, and a little spiritual exploration could also happen on the journey.
Best Islands To Visit In Thailand
We made this list of the Best Islands To Visit In Thailand for you. You can visit maximum beauty at fewer intervals of time if you have this list of the most wonderful islands in Thailand. Now, no need to get worried or confused during your trip to Thailand.
1. Phuket Island
Phuket Island is the largest and the most famous Island in Thailand which is 48 km in length and 21 km wide. It is in Southern Thailand, on the west facing the Andaman Sea coastline, suspended from the southern tip of Phang Nga Province by a pair of short but substantial road bridges. This beautiful Island in Thailand is famous for its beautiful beaches, clear water, coral forests, pearl farm, limestone cliffs, caves, mangroves, fishing villages, and national parks.
Besides Phuket Town, the interior of Phuket is pretty much unvisited by foreign visitors. This fertile hilly expanse consists of mangrove forests, fishing villages, rubber and pineapple plantations, small Muslim communities, and shrimp farms. The Island has a magnificent historical old town and is known to be a good base for all the nearby Islands.
2. Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay lies between southern Thailand’s mainland and Phuket Island and is also known as the Ao Phang Nga National Park. This Bay is distinctively characterized by its limestone cliffs and rock formations, as well as mangrove forests and small Islands. James Bond and Koh Panyee are just two famous spots in the Bay also famous for their spectacular scenic beauty.
3. Koh Samui
Koh Samui is Thailand’s second largest Island which lies on the east coast of Kra Isthmus. This Island is a cosmopolitan melting point that attracts a lot of budget travelers who wish to stay for a month or two, whether be it a bungalow or a luxury resort, or a villa.
It is famous for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, luxury resorts and villas, mountainous forest, and the well-known posh spa. The 12 m tall Buddha statue placed in Wat Phra Yai Temple is a landmark located on a tiny island that is connected to Ko Samui.
4. Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is considered to be an island paradise which is located in the South Andaman Sea along the Malaysian border. It is part of Tarutao National Marine Park and is famously renowned for its white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters. It is situated to be 60 km away from the Thai mainland and on a clear day, one can also witness Langkawi Island in Malaysia which is 30 km away.
The Island is part of the Adang Archipelago which is a cluster of about 10 Uninhabited Islands, out of which Koh Lipe is an exception. One can sleep here on anything from bamboo huts to luxury resorts. The great variety of restaurants will allow you to taste the best Thai street food around the place. It is a hub for underwater adventures and explorers.
This beautiful Island in Thailand is home to many aboriginal Malay people, who are famously known as the Urak Lawoi. It is the ideal destination for snorkeling as it has twenty-five percent of the world’s tropical fish species that are known to be found in that area.
5. Koh Chang
This island is known to be one of the largest Thai Islands in the Gulf of Thai Island. Koh Chang is part of the Mu Koh Chang National Park, which is the largest as well as the most famous Island in eastern Thailand. It contains steep jungles and dense waters.
This Island keeps you bustling with numerous activities to participate in ranging from elephant trekking to scuba diving. A scooter is an ideal vehicle to explore the interiors of this Island and experience the soothing breeze. This Island is definitely less known than Phuket and Samui but still doesn’t fail to impress its viewers.
The coast of this Island is dotted with beaches and villages including the Bang Bao which is basically built on Piers. The famous lonely beach on this Island is known for its original backpacker beach. The Hat Tha Nam is famous for its stay on the beach itself.
6. Ko Mak
Ko Mak is a small tropical Island in Trat Province which is situated in Eastern Thailand near the Cambodian Border in the Gulf of Thailand and is almost about 300 km from Bangkok and 50 km from Trat. This Island is said to be a natural Island that focuses on Eco-Tourism and only entertains a limited capacity of visitors.
The Island is a living tropical paradise that covers an area of 16 km with being 10 km wide and 5 km from north to south. The Island is famous for its white sand and stunning blue water and is located in the National Marine Park in Eastern Thailand and is the biggest privately owned Island in Thailand. It is owned by a small group of families who each strive to work together in order for the Island to continue to remain as natural as it is possible.
The hinterland on the Island is lush green with its natural forest and coconut trees. The rubber plantations are a specificity of this place. One will not find jet skiing around the place but can surely get hold of biking trails, and diving schools as part of the fun activity on the Island.
7. Ko Adang
Ko Adang is an island with abundant offshore coral reefs and is the second biggest Island within Tarutao National Marine Park which is very close to Ko Lipe Island. The highest point on this Island is considered to be 690 m high. The Island is 6 km long and 5 km wide. The Island is covered with hilly interiors and has two waterfalls which add to the scenic beauty of this Island.
There are a lot of camping facilities available on this Island and to get to other sights on and around Ko Adang one can hire long-tail boats. The Island is covered with a black sand beach to the north of the Island. The mountain trails are a little place for hiking through the jungle.
For the best view of the Island, one can head to the Koh Adang viewpoint and the hike involves some uneven, muddy, and challenging paths as several of the pathfinders have fallen down or the paint has faded on them. Because of this one has to be extra cautious while hiking but this also adds to the adventure and people who are looking for more adventures must surely try out hiking. All these things make this island one of the best islands to visit in Thailand.
8. Koh Phi Phi
The Koh Phi Phi has been rebuilt in recent years and is a group of islands that is situated between the large Island of Phuket and the western Strait of Malacca coast of the mainland. A lot of activities are offered on Koh Phi Phi that includes diving, snorkeling, cliff-jumping, and boating.
The Island is known to attract a younger crowd who are up for unwinding, partying, and chilling along the way. The Island is jampacked on New Year’s Eve due to the massive celebration. It is a great place for shopping and hopping from one nightclub to another during the evening time. The Islands are considered to be part of the Krabi Province and are famous as it was used as a location for the well-known British- American movie ‘The Beach’.
9. Koh Kut
This Island is situated in the Trat province in the Gulf of Thailand, primarily in eastern Thailand. This Island has the smallest population around any of the islands in Thailand which is just 2,000 people living on the Island. It is home to one of the best beaches and mangrove-draped rivers.
The crystal clear water along with coral reefs is a wonderful sight to look at. Ko Kut is 105 km long covering along the mountainous land. The Island is a hub for tourists visiting throughout the year along with their families. It doesn’t appear to have any nightlife which might be disappointing for the younger generation as well as couples looking for some nightclubs around. The Island is known for scuba diving which is a great way to discover and enjoy underwater life.
10. Rattanakosin Island
Rattanakosin Island is a historic area in the Phra Nakhon District in the district city of Bangkok, Thailand. This Island is said to be established in 1782 when King Rama moved the Siamese capital across the river from Thonburi, which is also considered to be the start of a famous period known as the Rattanakosin period in Thai history.
This Island is rich in its deeply rooted Thai history. It also contains the history of Thai traditional Buddhist temples, museums, parks, and monuments. The Island itself is an overview of Thai culture, history, and religion. The royal temple Wat Phra Kaew is a famous temple of this Island as well as Thailand where the Emerald Buddha is situated.
The famous open area known as Sanam Luang is known for its ceremonies and celebrations during the festive season and this Grand place becomes an important part of the Island as the entire city comes together in this wide open area during festivals.
11. Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is a tranquil and less crowded island in the Andaman Sea, perfect for those seeking a laid-back atmosphere. The island boasts beautiful beaches, lush nature, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for those who want to unwind and escape the crowds.
Koh Lanta’s pristine shores are ideal for leisurely strolls, sunbathing, and soul-soothing swims. Beyond its picturesque coastline, the island harbors a welcoming community and a warm, laid-back atmosphere that instantly makes visitors feel at home.
12. Koh Tao
Koh Tao is a small island renowned for its diving and snorkeling opportunities. Known as the “Turtle Island,” Koh Tao is a paradise for divers and snorkelers. Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, this small island offers an array of stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life, making it an excellent destination for underwater enthusiasts.
Besides diving, Koh Tao’s beaches are perfect for relaxation and soaking in the tropical ambiance. The island has a more laid-back vibe compared to its busier neighbors, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil and adventurous escape.
If you are interested in the history of Thailand then this is the best island to visit in Thailand for you. So, must include this Island in your tick list.
13. Koh Samet:
Located close to Bangkok, Koh Samet is a convenient option for a short island getaway. The island features picturesque beaches, clear waters, and a range of water activities. This tropical paradise offers a perfect escape for those seeking a quick and rejuvenating getaway.
Fringed with golden sandy beaches and surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters, Koh Samet presents a picture-perfect postcard setting. Visitors can bask in the sun, swim in the inviting sea, or indulge in various water sports and activities. The island’s relaxed and laid-back vibe makes it a favorite among beach lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
14. Koh Phangan:
While it’s renowned for its Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan also has other quieter and serene spots. The island offers a diverse range of activities, from partying to yoga retreats.
Famous for its legendary Full Moon Party, the island attracts partygoers from around the world to its vibrant beach celebrations. However, beyond the festivities, Koh Phangan boasts a quieter and more tranquil side, making it a destination that caters to all types of travelers. The island’s picturesque beaches, fringed with swaying palm trees and clear waters, provide an ideal setting for relaxation and unwinding. Nature lovers can explore its lush jungles, hike to panoramic viewpoints, and discover hidden waterfalls.
15. Mu Koh Ang Thong Marine ParkBest Thailand Holiday Package Deals
Mu Koh Ang Thong Marine Park is a breathtaking archipelago located in the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 35 kilometers northwest of Koh Samui. The park consists of 42 pristine islands, each offering a unique and awe-inspiring landscape. The name “Ang Thong” translates to “Bowl of Gold,” aptly describing the mesmerizing beauty of this protected area.
The marine park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those in search of tranquility. The islands are characterized by towering limestone cliffs, lush tropical rainforests, and secluded beaches with powdery white sand. These diverse ecosystems provide shelter to a wide variety of wildlife, including exotic birds, reptiles, and marine species.
Read More, Most Beautiful Islands in India
These are the Best Islands To Visit In Thailand that you must visit during your trip to Thailand. You will love the natural beauty of Thailand. The best thing is that you can get peace and party at the same place. So, the Islands in Thailand are the best places to get peace and to do rocking parties at night.
