Thai Islands

Best for

Beaches

Koh Lipe

Powder-soft white sand and some of Thailand's clearest turquoise water.

Scenery

Koh Phi Phi

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

Romance

Koh Samui

Luxury resorts, beachfront villas and unforgettable sunset escapes.

Diving

Koh Tao

One of the world's best destinations to learn scuba diving and explore vibrant reefs.

Relaxation

Koh Lanta

Peaceful beaches, spectacular sunsets and the perfect place to slow down.

Nightlife

Phuket

Beach clubs, rooftop bars, Bangla Road and Thailand's most diverse nightlife scene.

Browse the islands

Choose your escape

Phuket

Filmed byGabby Letalon

Music byTinlicker

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

The island's liveliest stretch of sand and nightlife

Yona Floating Club

A floating beach club just off the coast

Freedom Beach

A secluded cove reached by longtail boat

Old Phuket Town

Sino-Portuguese streets and street art

Wat Chalong

Phuket's largest and most revered Buddhist temple

Big Buddha

45m white marble, hilltop views

Promthep Cape

The island's best sunset viewpoint

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 Willoughby&Tobi Reissinger

Music byDlj Bido

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

30-min hike, best at sunrise

Maya Bay

The Beach, restored after reef recovery

Monkey Beach

Longtail stop, bring a snorkel

Pileh Lagoon

Emerald water ringed by limestone cliffs

Viking Cave

Ancient wall paintings and swiftlet nests

Loh Dalum Beach

Turquoise bay that turns into a party 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

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

Miles of quiet sand along the west coast

Mu Koh Lanta National Park

Lighthouse viewpoint at the island's southern tip

Old Town

Wooden stilt houses and seafront cafés

Kantiang Bay

A laid-back bay framed by jungle hills

Mangrove Forest

Kayak through quiet tidal channels

Koh Rok

Day-trip island with some of the clearest water nearby

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

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

The island's most beautiful, coral reef at your feet

Koh Adang

A short longtail ride to jungle trails and a viewpoint

Coral Gardens

Clear water, colourful reefs and excellent snorkelling

Pattaya Beach

The main strip of restaurants and beach bars

Sunset Beach

Quiet stretch of sand facing the Andaman sunset

Walking Street

The island's restaurant and bar strip at night

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

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 day trip through 42 limestone islands

Overlap Stone

A striking rock formation over the sea

Silver Beach

The island's most beautiful, tucked away

Na Muang Waterfalls

Jungle waterfall hike with a cool freshwater pool

The Giant Hand

A quirky sculpture rising from the ocean

Pig Island

Swim with the famous swimming pigs

Big Buddha Temple

12m golden statue, lake views

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 byNothing 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

Sweeping views over the bay below

Bottle Beach

Iconic island beach, accessible only by boat or jungle trek

Ko Ma Beach

A sandbar connecting to a tiny offshore islet

Secret Beach

A secluded bay reached by boat or jungle trail

Haad Rin

Home to the legendary Full Moon Party

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 Willoughby&Tobi Reissinger

Music byInky

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

Sairee Beach

Main strip, dive shops, sunsets

Nang Yuan Island

Three islets joined by a sandbar

John-Suwan Viewpoint

The island's best panorama

Shark Bay

Snorkel with blacktip reef sharks

Ao Leuk Bay

A quiet cove with easy snorkelling

Japanese Gardens

Shallow coral garden, great for beginners

Tanote Bay

Rocky cove with calm, clear water

Mango Viewpoint

A short hike for sweeping island views

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 byBrush 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