Islands and Beaches of Thailand

When you think of Thailand you conjure up images of gleaming Buddhist temples, bustling street food markets, endless beaches boasting swaying palms and powder-soft sand and the quintessential Thai image, colourful longtail boats bobbing in the turquoise waters. From the original Thai island of Koh Samui to the tranquil tropical paradises framed by jungle-clad limestone karsts on the west coast, our guide explores our favourite islands and beaches in Thailand. All of the following destinations can easily be incorporated into a tailor-made Thailand holiday or an extended tour of the region.

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With its endless white sandy beaches, sleek, tranquil resorts and a marine national park on its doorstep, Koh Lanta is a great option for couples looking for a laidback yet all-round Thai island experience. Less than an hour’s boat ride from Krabi, you will find Koh Lanta to be a refreshingly peaceful experience in comparison to other west coast destinations.

Your day may start with meditation on the beach as the sound of gentle lapping waves fill the air, and finish with a cocktail in hand as you watch the sky dance with orange and pink flames as the sun sets. In between, kayak through mangroves, float above colourful coral reefs on a snorkelling excursion and indulge in freshly caught seafood at a beachside restaurant. Koh Lanta is also home to some wonderful resorts, including our favourites Layana Resort & Spa and Pimalai.

Best for: Serene stays and laidback luxury

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Whilst the twin islands of Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi are only half an hour away by speedboat from bustling Phuket, they couldn’t be more different. Located in the emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay, these sister isles offer a wonderful glimpse of traditional Thai life where farming and fishing still reign supreme.

The Khao Yao islands are known for their luxurious yet eco-friendly resorts that tend to seamlessly blend into the surrounding scenery. It is effortless to enjoy the slow pace of these islands; cycle down the dirt tracks that pass patchworks of ride paddies and rubber plantations, explore the limestone karsts and hidden coves by kayak or take a private speedboat to colourful reefs for snorkelling.

Best for: Stylish seclusion and authentic hospitality

Koh Samui, the quintessential Thai holiday destination and all-round crowd pleaser, not only boasts palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters and lively tourist towns but also near year-round sunshine and warmth. This much-loved tropical paradise is home to some of the world’s most luxurious resorts and exclusive villas as well as family-friendly beach hotels.

There are many things to do in Koh Samui if you can tear yourself away from your hotel’s glistening pool; explore the waterfalls and jungle trails that give you a taste of Thailand’s rugged mainland or experience the island’s culture at the Big Buddha landmark or the lively markets at Fisherman’s Village. Alternatively, if it’s relaxation you are looking for, head to one of Samui’s beautiful beaches where powder-soft sands and warm, blue waters await. Lamai, Chaweng and Choeng Mon are amongst the best.

Best for: Family escapes and island excursions

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Whilst Khao Lak itself is a small coastal village on the mainland’s west coast, its name tends to encircle the surrounding area where a string of beautiful hotels are dotted along the white sand beaches of the Andaman coast.

Not only is Khao Lak a tranquil heaven for beach lovers, it is the gateway to tropical jungle adventures as well as a beautiful underwater world. Located within close proximity of Khao Sok National Park, it is easy to explore the limestone karst mountain scenery and diverse flora and fauna of this famous nature reserve. Alternatively, just one and a half hour’s speedboat ride, lies the archipelago of the Similan Islands. The aquamarine sea that surrounds these forest-topped boulder islands is home to one of the best places for marine life in the Andaman Sea and is paradise for divers and snorkellers alike.

Best for: Tranquil surroundings and jungle adventures

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This small palm-fringed island that lies in the Gulf of Thailand can be reached from Bangkok in three hours by car and speedboat, making it is a great option for those wishing to combine Bangkok and beach but not having to fly. Koh Samet is often described as an understated paradise; secluded, romantic and laidback, where you will find a slow pace of life and experience a traditional taste of Thailand.

Designated as a national park, Koh Samet boasts a tropical jungle interior, postcard-perfect beaches and is teeming with wildlife. Days are best spent lingering on the sandy-white shores, splashing in the warm waters and finishing with a colourful sunset, cocktail in hand. Koh Samet hasn’t experienced the rapid development that many other Thai islands have, and as a result has been successful in preserving its natural beauty and authentic hospitality.

Best for: Slow tourism and understated paradise

Krabi conjures up the quintessential Thai image; colourful longtail boats bobbing in turquoise waters surrounded by limestone karsts topped with emerald jungle. The province stretches along the southeast coast and consists of rainforest, mangrove, mountain and beach.

Krabi’s main hub is Ao Nang, a charming and low-key town where you can expect a collection of boutique hotels, cafes and souvenir shops. From here you can take a longtail boat to beauty spots such as Railay or Phra Nang Beach where you will be in awe of the spectacular panoramas. You may also wish to sail further afield to the small archipelagos that snake around the coastline to explore the beautiful islands such as Chicken or Poda, that dramatically jut from the blue water. There are also plenty of inland activities on offer from relaxing in the Emerald Pools or hiking to the region’s waterfalls and hot springs.

Best for: Idyllic castaway islands and inland exploration

As one of Thailand’s original beach destinations, Phuket certainly packs a punch. Whilst this emerald island has long been known for its night-time revelry and party spots, there are still some hidden gems and quieter beaches to explore including the beautiful Ao Sane, Ao Yon and Banana beaches. If you are looking for somewhere in between, Karon village provides a good mixture of beach bars, upscale restaurants and chic boutiques whilst still maintaining a tranquil vibe.

Other than lounging on the island’s picturesque beaches or exploring the archipelagos in Phang Nga Bay, take a trip to Phuket Town which is known for its colourful 19th century shophouses and Sino-Portuguese architecture. As Phuket lies on the marine-trade route between China and India, the town is made up of Thai, Chinese, Malaysian and Indian communities which has created a wonderful food scene. Take a street food tour to discover the diverse flavours and delicacies on offer in this lively town.

Best for: Bustling nightlife and bewitching beaches