With excellent weather, warm ocean
water, and palm-fringed beaches, Thailand is island living at its very best.
Pair that with top-notch accommodation and a pleasing exchange rate, and you
have the ultimate holiday destination. An abundance of islands each offers
their own unique personality, from bustling markets and extraordinary temples
to enchanting swimming spots, beach bars, and coral reefs. Whether you’re looking to
keep busy kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling, or simply want to relax with a cocktail in
hand – you’ll find a Thai island to suit you. Number 10. Ko Muk. Ko Muk, also known as Koh Mook, is a quiet island
in the Andaman sea. Nearly half of it is made up of national park and the rest of it by
fishing villages home to unusual stilted houses perched above the sea. Ko Muk, which means Pearl
Island, is as far from touristy as it gets, reached with a 45-minute ferry ride from the town
of Trang. The island boasts two sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful mountains
along with the famous Emerald Cave. Number 9. Ko Lanta. Nestled within mangroves, coral-fringed beaches,
and rainforests, the Ko Lanta archipelago is the perfect mix of developed and uncrowded. The
largest island of the group, called Ko Lanta Yai, is where all the tourist action is. It’s
popular with a significantly older crowd than nearby Ko Phi Phi and its attract mostly
tourists seeking a holiday away from the parties although there are plenty of bars on the island.
The southern part of the island is less developed, but there are pretty coves and beach
to discover in the south as well. Number 8. Similan Islands. Made up of nine primary islands and two far-flung
ones, the Similan Islands archipelago is one of the most popular diving destinations in
the country. Situated in the Andaman Sea, the waters surrounding the islands boast
gorgeous coral reefs and underwater rock formations that take on many unique
shapes. If diving isn’t your hobby, you can still have an amazing time on the
Similan Islands. Camp in paradise, relax on the white-sand beach of Horseshoe Bay and swim
in the warm waters of this tropical destination. Number 7. Ko Samui. The second largest island in Thailand,
home to its own international airport, Ko Samui is a tourist favorite. Heralded for
its palm-dotted beaches, wild rainforest, and coconut groves, it’s also one of Thailand’s
most beautiful islands. But this natural beauty hasn’t escaped the eyes of tourists – you’ll find
endless luxury resorts and spas on the island too. Many travelers come here to take advantage
of the hedonistic spa treatments available, from traditional Thai massage to yoga retreats,
tai-chi camps, and chakra-balancing treatments. Number 6. Phuket. Located in the Andaman Sea, Phuket
is one of the most popular islands in all of Thailand. Once an undeveloped jewel,
Phuket is now a hub for tourism. While the increase in infrastructure and nightlife makes
it an appealing spot for millions of travelers, this isn’t the island for those looking for
solitude. The island boasts luxury resort after luxury resort as well as some gorgeous
casuarina-dotted tropical beaches. If you’re excited for the nightlife, then Patong is the
must-see spot with the largest resort atmosphere. Number 5. Ko Phangan. The island of Ko Phangan is found in the Gulf
of Thailand, and it is best known for hosting huge parties in honor of the full moon. These
infamous beach festivals are popular with young backpackers from around the world, and the
revelry is unparalleled in Asia. However, that’s not all the island has to offer.
Besides ideal beaches, you can also hike through the jungle and along the coast, go
scuba diving or try out some sea kayaking. Number 4. Ko Chang. Located near the border with Cambodia, Ko Chang
is the third largest island in Thailand and the biggest in the Ko Chang Marine Park archipelago.
It is a mountainous island known for several waterfalls, thriving coral reefs, rainforests and
long white sandy beaches. In less than ten years, Ko Chang has become a major tourist destination in
Thailand although still far quieter than islands like Phuket or Ko Samui. White Sand Beach is
one of the most popular beaches on the island. Located on the island’s northwestern
corner, it’s the longest beach on Ko Chang. Number 3. Ko Lipe. The island of Ko Lipe is just outside
the jurisdiction of Tarutao National Park and as such is exempt from certain laws
prohibiting development. The island has some of the best reefs in Thailand, which makes for really
great snorkeling and diving. If you’re looking for a deserted Thai island, Koh Lipe is not the
place to go. However, if you go in low season, which is May to October, you might enjoy the
beautiful sandy beaches without the crowds, though some hotels may be closed.
Any time of the year, however, you’ll find great snorkeling as well
as gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Number 2. Ko Tao. Ko Tao is an island in the Gulf of Thailand,
and it is accessible by a high-speed ferry from the mainland city of Chumphon. For travelers who
enjoy diving, the island of Ko Tao is the perfect vacation destination. Around 7000 new divers get
certified on Ko Tao each year making it one of the most popular destinations in the world to learn
to dive. Diving allows you to see bull sharks, underwater evolutionary sculptures at Ocean
Utopia and plenty of turtles, among many other marine species. Other popular activities include
cycling and sailing around the beautiful island. Number 1. Ko Phi Phi. Ko Phi Phi is possibly one of Thailand’s most
famous archipelagos. It is most notable for a stunning natural bay that was filmed in the movie
The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. But while many come here and have this renowned bay at
the top of their to-do list, there are many more reasons to tempt you to Phi Phi beyond Maya
Bay. The six islands of Phi Phi are jaw-droppingly beautiful, with pearl-white sand beaches and
emerald waters. Spend your days swimming and snorkeling among extraordinary marine life or
hire a longtail boat. The surrounding islets like Monkey Beach are worth a visit, home to
a plethora of cheeky tree-swinging monkeys. Video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycMPXockKn0
