The Most Breathtaking Islands in Thailand That Will Make Your Dream Beach Vacation Come True

For years now, people have been travelling from all over the world to see the wonderful Kingdom of Thailand. With its beautiful nature and scenery, spectacular food, and genuinely kind people, Thailand is a must-see destination for anyone looking for the vacation of a lifetime. While the busy city of Bangkok offers more than enough excitement, many visit the Land of Smiles to see the world renowned beaches and islands. Thailand has hundreds of islands in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea which were mostly uninhabited until they were recently developed for tourism. These islands all have their own personality and charm, so choosing one may be the hardest part.

Phuket Island, Phuket

Phuket is an island, and also contains one of the most famous cities in Thailand. Any traveler will get a great taste of the Thai city life while also being close to beaches and resorts. Phuket has been a tourism center in Thailand for some time now, so there is plenty to do and see including water sports, snorkling, first-class restaurants, and night clubs.

Koh Pha Ngan, Surat Thani Province

Okay party goers, this one is for you. Home and birthplace to the original Full Moon Parties, Koh Pha Ngan is a party goers dream. Parties that last until sunset and featuring some of the best electronic acts in Asia, this island has gained quite a reputation all over the world for being a place you can truly let go and be yourself. The island is beautiful during the day, allowing travelers the opportunity to get away from the party when they want and see some beautiful nature on this large and diverse island.

Koh Tao, Surat Thani Province

Koh Tao is one of the islands that, until 30 years ago was nothing but sand and a few locals. Now Koh Tao boasts some of the best scuba diving in the world. Beautiful coral reefs and tropical fish draw scuba divers from all corners of the earth. Not certified to scuba dive? No problem! There are many outfitters that you can do your scuba certification with for a fraction of the cost of the same certification in the west.

Koh Samui, Surat Thani Province

Koh Samui has something for every budget. Beach-side bungalows for as little as $10 per night or spring for some of the best five star resorts in the country. No matter what your budget, there is plenty to do and see on this island which is the second largest in Thailand after Phuket.

Koh Phi Phi, Krabi Province

The island paradise you thought didn’t exist anymore. No motorised vehicles are allowed on this small, beautiful island that is accessible by boat from Phuket or Krabi on the mainland. Cheap bungalows as well as resorts lining the pristine beaches, with tourism driven nightlife that you might find on the larger party islands.

Koh Samet, Rayong Province

This island gem is located about 140 miles away from Bangkok, making it one of the easiest islands to get to from the bustling capital. A vacation secret among Thais for years, Samet is becoming more popular with foreigners. It is a little more low key than some of the party islands and the Samet archipelago is protected as a National Forest, allowing it to maintain its beauty.

Koh Chang, Trat Province

Koh Chang is located in the Gulf of Thailand located near the border of Cambodia. The third largest island behind Phuket and Koh Samui, 85% of the island is a protected National Park making this island great for exploring rainforests and waterfalls.

Koh Lanta Yai, Krabi Province

Located between Koh Phi Phi and the mainland, this island is quiet, serene and offers travelers empty beaches and affordable resorts. Not as well known as the other large Thai islands, Lanta Yai (Big Lanta) is less developed and less overrun by tourism.

Koh Lanta Noi, Krabi Province

In the same archipelago as its sister island Koh Lanta Yai, Koh Lanta Noi (Small Lanta) is another top destination for travelers looking for a relaxing beach vacation in a secluded setting. A popular activity here is renting a motorbike (usually about $5 a day plus gas) and exploring the island which can be circumnavigated in about an hour.

Koh Lipe, Satun Province

A small and preserved island near the Malaysian border, this island borders a National Marine Park and offers excellent scuba diving and snorkeling. The island features three main beaches that have everything from Air-conditioned bungalows to grass-roof huts. For the explorers out there, a walk around the entire island may take little more than an hour.