Thai Islands

Phuket

The perfect place to begin your Thai island adventure

Thailand's largest island blends white-sand beaches, luxury resorts, vibrant nightlife and colourful old streets. Whether you're island hopping, relaxing by the ocean or exploring local culture, Phuket offers something for every traveller.

Must visit

Old Phuket Town

Sino-Portuguese streets and street art

James Bond Island

Phang Nga Bay by longtail boat

Big Buddha

45m white marble, hilltop views

Perfect for

Beach lovers

Patong for energy, Freedom Beach for seclusion, Kata Noi for beauty

Nightlife

Patong's beach bars run fire shows nightly — Phuket doesn't sleep

Island hopping

Speedboat to Phi Phi, Similan, or the Racha Islands all leave from Phuket

Families

Calm bays, easy day trips, and resorts built for all ages

Before you go

Stay in Kata or Karon⌄

For a quieter atmosphere than Patong.

Book island tours in advance⌄

During peak season, the best tours sell out days ahead.

Patong is busiest after sunset⌄

Plan around it if you're not there for the nightlife.

Koh Phi Phi

As iconic in person as it is in the photos

Music by: Brandon Willoughby · Captured by: Brandon Willoughby

Home to some of Thailand's most iconic scenery, Koh Phi Phi is famous for towering limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons and unforgettable nightlife. Whether you're exploring Maya Bay or watching sunset from the viewpoint, every corner feels like a postcard.

Must visit

Phi Phi Viewpoint

30-min hike, best at sunrise

Maya Bay

The Beach, restored after reef recovery

Monkey Beach

Longtail stop, bring a snorkel

Perfect for

Photography

Drone-worthy cliffs, neon-blue water, and a viewpoint that earns every step

Snorkelling

Coral reefs surrounding both Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh are still spectacular

Nightlife

Tonsai Village's beach bars run fire shows nightly; the island doesn't sleep

Island hopping

A natural stop between Phuket and Krabi's other islands

Before you go

Visit Maya Bay early⌄

To avoid the crowds that build up through the day.

Wear sturdy shoes⌄

For the Phi Phi Viewpoint hike.

Expect busy beaches⌄

During peak season, especially around Loh Dalum and Maya Bay.

Koh Samui

Island life, elevated

Blending luxury resorts, palm-fringed beaches, lively beach clubs and cultural landmarks, Koh Samui offers one of Thailand's most complete island experiences. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure or a touch of indulgence, this island delivers effortlessly.

Must visit

Silver Beach

The island's most beautiful, tucked away

Big Buddha Temple

12m golden statue, lake views

Na Muang Waterfalls

Jungle waterfall hike with a cool freshwater pool

Perfect for

Luxury escapes

Five-star pool villas, rooftop beach clubs, and private yacht charters available year-round

Beach holidays

Chaweng and Lamai for energy, Silver Beach for a quieter stretch of sand

Families

Easy resorts, calm bays, and gentle day trips for all ages

Wellness

Spa retreats, yoga studios, and healthy dining across the island

Before you go

Rent a scooter or car⌄

Makes exploring the island much easier.

Fisherman's Village on Fridays⌄

Best visited in the evening for the weekly walking market.

Book beach clubs in advance⌄

During peak season, the popular ones fill up fast.

Koh Tao

Where your first dive could become a lifelong passion

Known as Thailand's diving capital, Koh Tao is surrounded by colourful coral reefs, hidden bays and crystal-clear water. Whether you're earning your first dive certification or simply relaxing by the beach, it's an island that's hard to leave.

Must visit

Scuba Diving

Get PADI certified from $9,000

Sairee Beach

Main strip, dive shops, sunsets

John-Suwan Viewpoint

The island's best panorama

Perfect for

Diving

Learn to dive for a fraction of what it costs in Europe or Australia, coral reefs at every entry point

Marine life

Shark Bay for snorkelling, Shark Island for diving with reef sharks

Relaxation

Sairee Beach's laid-back strip of beach bars and sunset views

Photography

John-Suwan Viewpoint's panorama over twin bays

Before you go

Book dive courses ahead⌄

During peak season, popular schools fill up fast.

Visit Nang Yuan Island early⌄

To beat the day-trip crowds.

Bring water shoes⌄

Several of Koh Tao's beaches are rocky underfoot.

Koh Phangan

Full moon, quiet mornings, and everything in between

While famous for its legendary Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan offers far more than nightlife. Discover hidden beaches, jungle waterfalls, yoga retreats and peaceful bays where life moves at a completely different pace.

Must visit

Full Moon Party

Haad Rin Beach, tens of thousands gather monthly

Bottle Beach

Iconic island. Accessible only by boat.or jungle trek

Than Sadet Waterfall

Royal waterfall, jungle hike

Perfect for

Nightlife

Largest beach party in the world, every full moon

Wellness

Yoga retreats and detox resorts have made it a wellness hub

Hidden beaches

Secret Beach and Haad Yuan are only reachable by boat or jungle trail

Couples

Quiet bays on the north coast, away from the party crowds

Before you go

Avoid Full Moon Party dates⌄

If you prefer a quieter atmosphere.

Rent a scooter⌄

To reach the island's secluded beaches.

Book accommodation early⌄

During party weekends, rooms sell out fast.

Koh Lipe

Thailand's most remote tropical paradise

Often called the Maldives of Thailand, Koh Lipe is known for powder-soft beaches, crystal-clear water and colourful coral reefs. Small enough to explore on foot, it's one of Thailand's most beautiful tropical escapes.

Must visit

Sunrise Beach

The island's most beautiful, coral reef at your feet

Coral Gardens

Crystal-clear 20m+ visibility, swim with sharks and rays

Walking Street

The island's restaurant and bar strip at night

Perfect for

Tropical escapes

Powder-soft beaches and turquoise water within walking distance of each other

Snorkelling

Some of the best visibility in Thailand, whale sharks sighted seasonally

Couples

Remote, quiet, spectacular sunsets over the Andaman

Photography

Sunrise and Sunset beaches, named for exactly what they deliver

Before you go

Book accommodation early⌄

During high season.

Most attractions are walkable⌄

The island is small enough to explore entirely on foot.

Bring reef-safe sunscreen⌄

To help protect the coral reefs you'll be snorkelling over.

Choose your escape

Phuket

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Samui

Koh Tao

Koh Phangan

Koh Lipe

Ready to find your escape?

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