When planning a trip to Thailand, there are hundreds of islands to select from off its two coasts. There is also something to suit almost every kind of traveler; the challenge is in discerning between the wild isles ready for adventure and the well-manicured locations that may accommodate idyllic nuptials. This is an overview of the Thai islands for all kinds of tourists.
Ko Samui
It's difficult to blame anyone for hiding from the rest of civilization here, between the Four Seasons' broad array of expertly crafted experiences and the Six Senses' unparalleled infinity pool. These experiences range from a private beach picnic to excellent rum flights coupled with luscious seasonal fruit. Before you return to reality, though, go check out Wat Plai Laem; it's as colorful and campy as Thai temples get.
Best for: Honeymooners who don’t want to leave their beach
Ko Pha Ngan
This is the island that made "Full Moon Parties," also known as wild, all-night raves, popular and gave rise to similar love-or-hate events in far-flung places like Goa, Zanzibar, and Zadar. Arrive for the visually arresting white sands of Haad Rin beach; stay for the examples of social faux pas driven by Red Bull and rum. ideal for spectators.
Best for: Unapologetic partiers
Phuket
Since the 1980s, one of Thailand's main attractions has been the country's largest island, thanks to persistent marketing campaigns touting it as the "Pearl of the Andaman Sea" and a multitude of flights from Bangkok that take less than 90 minutes. This implies that it's a microcosm of everything that's wonderful and cringe-worthy about travel. Go to a more sedate area like Cape Panwa to experience the former (and avoid the latter), avoiding the long, congested west coast and its filthy leanings at Patong Beach. Private oceanfront penthouses and pool villas at Sri Panwa are among the opulent lodging options available in this area. If you're searching for something truly local, a rum distillery that is highly regarded in the nation is just 30 minutes' drive away.
Best for: Tourists with limited vacation time
Ko Lanta
The majority of Ko Lanta is flat, so you can ride a motorcycle throughout the island without worrying about getting lost. Numerous short-term lodging options on the west side cater to families and couples seeking a weeklong getaway with all the facilities they need, with both luxury and mid-range options available. (Altanta Villa, next to Khlong Khong Beach, is one spotlessly clean location that receives great reviews from all sources.) Skip the opulent hotels and go for a homestay in the Old Town region on the east coast for a more authentic experience. Old Town is a fishing town without pushy salespeople or headaches from haggling.
Best for: Intrepid first-timers
Ko Phra Thong
Golden Buddha Island offers an all too uncommon respite from the visitors and touts vying for your attention elsewhere, even down to the underdeveloped beaches. Not to mention that it's the perfect place for peaceful sea turtle nesting. The arid terrain farther interior is nearly identical to savannah, with lonely sand dunes and eye-catching birds that require an extensive field guide to identify. This isn't the most opulent beach landing, unless you want to greet guests with a two-liter bottle of water that you bought yourself, but if you enjoy spending hours riding a bike alone and not seeing anybody else, then this is the spot for you.
Best for: Nature lovers
Ko Tao
With its captivating and beautiful waters that are home to everything from secretive moray eels to territorial trigger fish, this is one of the most well-liked dive destinations in Southeast Asia for both experienced and recently qualified divers. The best time to go is in July and September, but June is even better if you want to avoid the crowds, have nicer weather, and have a better chance of seeing whale sharks. However, avoid crossing these waters in November, when monsoon season arrives, since you could end up stranded a la Robinson Crusoe.
Best for: Deep-sea divers
Ko Kut
Many people believe that Ko Kut is Thailand's most naturally beautiful island. It satisfies many tropical getaway clichés, including silky white sand on its western and southern beaches, towering coconut trees, lush jungles deeper inland, and resorts named after Peter Pan characters like Tinkerbell and Captain Hook. More significantly, hedonists are not welcome there. Perhaps hammock enthusiasts might find it ideal, but don't expect to spend all day crushing buckets of Chang beer.
Best for: Postcard views and Insta-ops
Ko Lipe
Spend some time at Sunrise or Pattaya, two of Ko Lipe's most well-liked beaches, and then venture out to one of the neighboring national park islands (Ko Adang, Ko Rawi, or Ko Tarutao) to find a balance between a leisurely stay and making the most of the day. They offer calm areas of white sand and lush scenery that will appeal to thrill-seekers who want to do more than simply laze about and eat. Put another way, this is an illustration of Thai development that has managed to preserve some of that untamed charm.
Best for: Trendspotters
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