Plan the ultimate island hopping in Thailand trip with our guide to the best destinations.
Thailand, with its sun-kissed beaches, lush jungles, and clear turquoise waters, is akin to paradise. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a beach lover, or just looking to indulge in authentic island culture, you’ll find your perfect spot in Thailand.
From well-known spots like Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui, to a couple of destinations you’ve (probably) never heard of, these are the Thai islands you need to add to your itinerary.
Explore this Guide
Best Islands to Visit in Thailand
4 Islands Tour: Best For Those Short on Time
If you’re spending time in Krabi, you do not want to pass up on the famous 4 Islands day trip.This tour packs in everything that makes Thailand special: crystal-clear waters, exotic wildlife, and scenery that looks like it’s straight out of a postcard.
We took this tour from Ao Nang and visited Chicken Island, Koh Tup, Koh Poda (where we ate lunch) and, finally, Railay Beach. In fact, we loved Railay so much we visited twice. There was plenty of time to snorkel in numerous locations – even at night with bioluminescent plankton – and the day trip didn’t feel rushed. We highly recommend it.
James Bond Island: Best For Iconic Scenery
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a James Bond movie, take a day trip to James Bond Island, aka Koh Tapu. While you can’t stay overnight on this island, located in Phang Nga Bay, we think it’s well worth paying a visit.
Famous for its dramatic limestone karsts that rise majestically from the emerald waters, this island is a quick boat ride from Phuket or Krabi. Not only is the island jam-packed with breathtaking views, but also opportunities for kayaking, rock climbing, and exploring the nearby caves.
Read Next: The Best National Parks in Thailand
Koh Tao: Best For Adventure Lovers
Don’t let Koh Tao’s less than stellar reputation (and murky nickname) put you off – it’s the best Thai island for those seeking an adventure. Its nicer nickname is “Turtle Island” due to its shape and resident sea turtles, so it makes sense that Koh Tao is one of the best places in the world to learn to dive.
But Koh Tao is more than just diving – it’s also home to laid-back beach bars, quiet coves, and breathtaking viewpoints. Rock climbers and hikers will also find a fun trail on this island. Whether you’re exploring the depths of the ocean or chilling on the beach with a coconut in hand, Koh Tao is worthy of a place in your itinerary.
Koh Phi Phi: Best For Beach Lovers
If there’s one island we recommend, it’s Koh Phi Phi. We fell head over heels in love when we visited. With its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic cliffs, it’s the perfect destination for beach lovers. Spend the morning soaking up the sun on Long Beach and thank us later.
But it’s not just about the views – this island is teeming with activities. Whether you’re hiking to Koh Phi Phi viewpoint, hitting up one of the island’s cafés, or heading out on a tour to Maya Bay, there’s plenty to see and do. Plus, after the sun sets, the nightlife heats up with beach parties, cocktails (read: buckets of alcohol), and vibrant bars.
Koh PhangAn: Best For Full Moon Parties
While you’ll find a party pretty much everywhere in Thailand, Koh Phangan is the ultimate party island. And the Full Moon Party is its crown jewel. Held every month on Haad Rin Beach, this all-night rave attracts thousands of backpackers from around the globe.
The beach is transformed into a neon wonderland, with fire dancers, DJs, and glow-paint-clad revelers. But there’s more to Koh Phangan than just the Full Moon Party. During the day, the island offers tranquil beaches, waterfalls, and yoga retreats – so don’t be put off if you’re not a big partier.
Koh Yao Noi: Best For an Authentic Thai Experience
On the hunt for an authentic island experience away from the crowds? Koh Yao Noi is the place to be. Situated between Phuket and Krabi, this peaceful island offers a rare glimpse into traditional Thai village life.
Unlike the more tourist-heavy destinations, Koh Yao Noi remains largely untouched by mass tourism. Here, you can cycle through rice paddies, visit local markets, and explore the unspoiled coastline. We adore this under-the-radar spot – visit for a couple of lowkey days before heading to the buzzing Phuket.
Koh Lipe: Best For Seclusion & Unspoiled Beauty
Located in the southernmost part of Thailand, Koh Lipe has been given the affectionate moniker, the “Maldives of Thailand.” This is due to its stunning coral reefs and pristine beaches.
Unlike some of the more famous islands, Koh Lipe remains relatively undeveloped, offering a ridiculously tranquil escape. This island is a haven for nature lovers, offering excellent snorkelling, diving, and kayaking. If you want to experience Thailand’s natural beauty, sans crowds of partygoers, Koh Lipe is ideal.
Koh Lanta: Best For Relaxation
Looking for an island that’s less touristy and more laid-back? Koh Lanta is the answer. With its expansive, sandy beaches, friendly locals, and a chilled-out atmosphere, this island is perfect if you fancy a slower pace.
While Koh Phi Phi and Koh Phangan are all about parties, Koh Lanta is about unwinding. We particularly recommend this Thai island for families and couples. There’s still plenty to see and do – from snorkelling to exploring the island’s national parks, it’s the ideal getaway for those who want to avoid the crowds and savour island life at its best.
Koh Samui: Best For Luxury & Wellness
Koh Samui is one of the more popular islands in Thailand… and for good reason. This is where luxury meets natural beauty. Famous for its high-end resorts, spas, and yoga retreats, we recommend heading here if you’re looking for a mix of relaxation and indulgence. Craving a beach day? Choose between upscale spots like Chaweng or quieter, more serene coves like Lipa Noi.
If spa days, gourmet meals, and perhaps a sunset cocktail at one of the island’s chic beachfront bars sounds like heaven (duh!) Koh Samui is truly a gem. And, when you’ve had enough luxuriating, the island is also home to temples, waterfalls, and vibrant night markets.
Thai Island Hopping Map
Best Time for Island Hopping in Thailand
The best time to visit Thailand’s islands is during the dry season, from November to April. During these months, the weather is sunny and ideal for lazing around on the beaches.
However, if you want to avoid the peak tourist crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons – either late April to early June or September to October. We visited in September and it was beautiful (and much cheaper than in the high season).
Keep in mind that some islands, like Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui, are very popular year-round, while others, like Koh Lipe and Koh Yao Noi, tend to be quieter outside of the high season.
Best Thai Islands: What to Know Before You Go
Transportation
Ferries and speedboats are the main modes of transportation between islands in Thailand, and while it’s relatively easy to book tickets, it’s always best to plan ahead during peak season. For more remote islands, like Koh Lipe or Koh Yao Noi, private boats might be necessary.
What to Bring on Tours
It’s a good idea to carry cash some with you. While available in most tourist hubs, some of the more remote islands may not have reliable ATMs. Likewise, make sure you bring plenty of water and sun cream, especially on day trips, as it can get extremely hot (even when on a boat/ferry).
