The Best Thai Islands for Your Next Holiday

You’re thinking about hitting the islands of Thailand, but which ones should you choose? Well, the good news is that they’re all stunning – there’s more to Thailand than Phuket! Surrounded by the Andaman Sea, the islands have crystal-clear waters perfect for bathing and paddling, and the marine life occupying the corals beneath is so rich that the diving is spectacular. The beaches are so good that the islands are often used as movie sets, and the vast jungle is full of possibilities. If you like hiking, there are mountains, and the bumper tourist trade means there are so many ways to see and do everything, too. Here are a few of the islands well worth exploring.

No Thai island list can miss the king of all Aussie destinations: Phuket. It’s so such a favourite that it’s a rite of passage for most of us. With some of the world’s most inspiring beaches, epic landscapes, full-on water sports and a thriving nightlife scene, it’s one of the best Thai islands to visit, and there are tonne of activities on Phuket to choose from. If you’re looking to take in some local culture, a live show at Siam Niramit is quite a night out, and being ringside for a Muay Thai boxing at Bangla Boxing Stadium is a visceral experience not to be missed.

The jade waters around here are so beautiful and clear, and the snorkelling and diving opportunities are incredible. Take a speedboat tour to Racha Island to experience the best of the reefs. Getting out into the jungle is a popular pastime in these parts, too, and it’s here you can ride the zip line at Flying Hanuman, go off-road on quad bikes with Phuket Paradise ATV, or hang out with majestic elephants at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. And, to finish off a memorable day of zip lining and meeting elephants, a Thai massage at Let’s Relax Spa is bliss.

It’s all about what happens on, in and next to the clear waters on Koh Samui. The white-sand beaches are among the very best in Asia, the underwater life is a hive of activity, and there’s no shortage of water sports to get involved in. Explore some of the island’s many natural wonders on a boat tour to Ang Thong National Marine Park, where you can snorkel the corals and underwater caves. The marine park is home to waterfalls, exotic sea creatures and plenty of hidden coves, so you can spend hours exploring here. Or if you fancy taking it easy, a private beach picnic experience gives you the chance to swim, snorkel, dine and take in the area.

If you like fishing, there’s a trip that will take you out into the waters of South Samui, where you can enjoy lunch or dinner. If you’re on the daytime tour, you’ll have time for swimming and relaxing, too.

Picture lush forests, hot springs and azure-blue waters, and you’ll be imagining Krabi. It’s all going on here, and there are some great ways to explore it all. The Speedboat Tour to James Bond Island is an incredible trip, or the Krabi Mangrove Kayak Trip is laid-back and unique – these underwater jungles are waiting to be discovered!

If you’re looking for some time to relax, there are Let’s Relax Spa packages, ideal for rest and rejuvenation. The Thai massages are a must-do while you’re on the island of Krabi. From aromatherapy to reflexology and back massages, there are plenty of spa package options to suit everyone.

Come the evening, the Blue Dragon Cabaret Show is a great night out. This unique show has an energetic, Vegas-style quality, and features all kinds of performances, including one inspired by the viral sensation of Gangnam Style.

Blessed with a wealth of natural wonders, the large island of Koh Chang has plenty to keep you occupied. There are waterfalls, white-sand beaches, turquoise seas, jungle adventures and a grand mountain, perfect for hiking or even an afternoon stroll up to the top to take in the views.

Tree Top Adventures offer the ideal vistas to experience the best of the island. Jungle trekking is a brilliant way to see the land, as is a wander over to the Klong Plu Waterfall. The Kon Tiki Snorkelling Cruise makes for a pretty special day, too. Hiking up the island’s highest peak – Salak Phet Mountain – is another popular pursuit. It’s a great way to see the sights while getting active and exploring on foot.

For a more sedate but fun experience, Napalai Thai Cuisine School offers the chance to create your own Thai cooking menu, and taste the results! Learn some new culinary skills while socialising, as well as sampling new foods.

The location for movie The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Koh Phi Phi is home to striking stretches of white sand, and the shimmering waters offer a world of fun. The views are immense, the marine life is thriving, and touring the local islands is a must.

You’ve got to try the snorkelling here – the Phi Phi Snorkelling and Maya Bay Speedboat Tour is epic. You’ll explore hundreds of different species that call the Andaman Sea home, enjoy some lunch and even visit up to 10 of the island’s famous sites. If you want to hang out with some reef sharks, the Snorkelling Eco Tour will introduce you, taking you out on a lovely long-tail boat to two of Phi Phi’s finest diving spots. If you want to try and get your PADI membership, the Diving Course will guide you to becoming a licensed scuba diver in just a couple of days.

Enjoying water-based fun and hiking up the peak of Koh Adang are the big highlights here. A nice way to get to the island from nearby Hat Yai is via a speedboat transfer from Pak Bara Pier. Once you arrive, there are opportunities for snorkelling and full-day scuba diving trips, ideal for exploring what lies under the waves. After learning how to dive, guided by professional PADI instructors, you’ll be able to dive around the island and discover all of the stunning reefs and sea life.

You can also combine both land and sea exploration in the Jungle Trekking and Snorkelling Eco Tour, which will take you through the mountains and jungle, basking in idyllic views of Koh Lipe and Koh Adang. You’ll lap up the sights, smells and sounds of the rainforest before dropping down to the South Andaman Sea for a dip and a snorkel.

For a chilled-out island vibe offering a rare, secluded feel, look no further than the two connected islands of Koh Lanta: Lanta Yai and Lanta Noi. This is a pleasant alternative to the busier spots around this part of the world, with no motorised water sports. Instead, you can laze around, paddle in perfect waters and enjoy being surrounded by idyllic resorts and some wonderful snorkelling and diving opportunities.

If you want a break from relaxing, things to do include sea kayaking and cave exploring with Talabeng Kayaking, where you’ll be part of a small group sampling the best of the local area, including the hollowed caves of Koh Phee and a unique kayaking experience around the Talabeng islands.

Another fun, rewarding thing to experience is walking stray dogs at Lanta Animal Welfare, an animal protection organisation. Or if you want to do your bit for the planet, help to clean up the beach with Trash Hero. Old Town Koh Lanta is also a lovely place to wander around, and has some wonderfully quaint shops and eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, people-watch and soak up the friendly atmosphere.

What would a trip to Thailand be without a once-in-a-lifetime Full Moon Party? If you’re looking to fulfil this rite of passage, Koh Pha Ngan is where you can dance away your weight in cocktail buckets. Popular with backpackers, these parties happen every month and are all you need to to up your Thai island experience with DJ sets, live performances and beach-based hedonism.

The diving is also great here as the deep waters are so clear, and hiking up to nearby beaches and forested areas for epic views, natural pools and waterfalls is a must. In particular, take a walk up Khao Ra Mountain. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that sees you up in the clouds taking in incredible views of the treetops and bustling jungle below. Balance the party life with a wholesome visit to Ang Thong National Marine Park for a day of swimming and snorkelling. The Thong Sala Night Market is worth a look, too. You’ll discover lots of delicious, fresh food that you can sample.

An island of outstanding natural beauty that’s close enough to Bangkok to take a speedboat from, Koh Samet is the ideal place to spend time relaxing and exploring. Take a break from the smog of Bangkok and spend a day or two lazing on white sands. The National Park makes for a breathtaking wander around.

The vibe is laid-back, so it’s perfect for chilling out on a sun lounger with a book, but there are also super-fun places to explore if you can tear yourself away. Ao Phrao, on the western shore, is beautifully quiet and upmarket, while Ao Hin Khok, with its 200m stretch of white sand, is very popular with backpackers. The sunrises and sunsets are spectacular over Ao Kiu Na Nok, and the remote Ao Wai has some wonderfully relaxed beach bars, if you fancy a drink or two. For top water-sports action, head to Sai Kaew Beach as there are lots of opportunities for parasailing, boat rides and more.

Because they are a little off the beaten track, the natural beauty of these islands remains unspoilt and unique. They are the biggest of the many islands within the bay, with all of the others still uninhabited. Boutique hotels are the order of the day here, and the essence of cool and effortless beauty is definitely in the air. Being surrounded by such idyllic islands, boat trips are an ideal way to explore the area, and there are a number of providers offering trips over to Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga.

On Koh Yao Yai, the bigger of the islands, the main village has some amazing scenery, local markets, beaches and eateries. There’s also the Ayurvana Spa, great for a traditional Thai massage after a busy day of exploring. You can get involved in the ATV Tour Package here, too, which will see you travelling through beaches and forests. It’s the perfect way to discover more of the locality.

There are so many picture-perfect islands around here it’s difficult to know where to start. The waters are clear, the beaches white, and the people so welcoming – you simply can’t not visit one of the world’s most incredible vistas and landscapes.

Flake and recharge, party and dance until dawn, dive, snorkel or sail the days away – whatever floats your boat when you travel, you’re definitely in the right place on one of the Thai islands.