It’s not hard to see why Thailand continually ranks as one of the world’s great travel destinations. From the cyberpunk energy of Bangkok to out-of-this-world food, it’s a country that offers an experience that you won’t find anywhere else on earth.
And the island, oh, the islands. If you’re a fan of crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches — and who isn’t — then you’ll find that there’s much to love about the Thai islands. There are 1,430 in total, with around 47 that are populated. Of these, most visitors stick to around five of them or so. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the ones that we consider ‘must-visit.’
Koh Chang
Koh Chang is one of the largest Thai islands, yet it remains something of an undiscovered gem among Western tourists. This island is far from jam-packed with tourists, and it’s also less commercial than some of the bigger islands, making it a perfect place for travelers looking to have an authentic Thai island experience. You’ll find plenty of awesome white-sand beaches on Koh Chang, but this is not a party island in the slightest, making it an ideal option for when you want a few days of peace.
Koh Samui
To many travelers, Koh Samui offers the perfect Thai island experience. This island is a little bit more luxurious than the rest, making it particularly recommended for travelers who are looking for a taste of the high life while they’re visiting the country. Book yourself a beachfront villa Koh Samui, and you’ll easily be able to take a gentle stroll to some of the best beaches on the planet. After you’ve had your fill of white-sand beaches, you can return to your villa and enjoy a stunning sunset. As the second largest Thai island, you’ll also find that Koh Samui offers a wide range of fun activities, including hiking to waterfalls and awesome boating trips.
Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe isn’t the most visited of the Thai islands, but it’s well worthy of a place on your Thailand itinerary. A small island, it offers everything that you think of when you think of a classic Thai island — clear waters, white sands, and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s quite a long journey to get to Koh Lipe, but it’s a fun one. The final stretch, in which a small boat transports you to the island, is deeply picturesque and will leave you in no doubt that you made the right decision. And if there are any doubts, then pay a visit to Sunrise Beach on your first morning.
Phi Phi
OK, we kind of cheated with this one, since Phi Phi is actually a collection of six islands rather than just one, but it’s so special that we thought it deserved a place on the list. You won’t find too many manmade structures in this corner of Thailand, but you will find plenty of natural beauty and marine life. If you’re looking to disconnect from everything, then Phi Phi is the place.
