by : RJ Fisher last update: February 2022
Is your mind set on visiting one or more Islands in Thailand? Well, you’re in for a treat! But which Island in Thailand fits you? Even if you’re hopping different Islands, you will have some difficult choices.
My selection of 11 beautiful Islands in Thailand provides you with first hand information. It features only Islands that I have personally visited, most of them on multiple occasions.
Top 11 Islands in Thailand
<Jump to any Island below>
Which of the Islands in Thailand fit you?
Your aim might be to spend a few relaxing days in a hammock on an empty white beach. In that case you don’t want to find yourself on a ‘hardcore party all night’ type of Island.
Imagine you’re looking for a romantic getaway with candle lit dinners in a luxurious setting. Ending up on the ‘wrong’ Island could mean that you have to machete your way through mosquito riddled jungle. Then, you find that the only food on offer is fried crickets from a rickety old food cart.
There’s something for everyone on the Islands, but what I’m saying is, not every Island might be for you. I will introduce you to 11 beautiful Islands in Thailand so you can decide which Island fits you.
Koh Phayam
Probably the least known Island of the bunch, but that’s actually its biggest draw. This is indeed one of those Islands to relax in your hammock. Next to small hidden beach coves there are two long stretched beaches lined with mostly small scale resorts. It’s a relatively small Island (34km2) without cars, so bicycle, motorbike or motorbike taxi is the way to go.
Surfing, snorkeling and dive tours are pretty much the only things to do here, besides curling up in your hammock with a book that is. There are enough eateries to never go hungry and in the evenings small bars will open that make good places to meet other people.
Note that not all resorts have 24/7 electricity and wifi can be patchy. The Southern part of Ao Yai beach can get noisy at night as that is where sometimes beach parties are organized. The rest of the Island is pretty much party free. Also take note that some of the resorts close their doors from May to October due to the monsoon.
Island vibe: Extremely laid-back without the tourist hordes and still friendly priced. The beaches are quite pristine, but not completely undeveloped. For me the vibe here kind of reflects how Thailand was before the tourist boom.
Where to stay on Koh Phayam
Rabbit Bungalow features a range of budget accommodations from basic bamboo huts to wooden thatched bungalows just 300m from the Eastern part of Ao Khao Kwai beach. The surroundings are lush green with a small lake and hornbills visit regularly. The owner Lek is friendly and the wifi works like a charm.
JJ Beach Resort is where I spent my first stay on Koh Phayam. Situated just behind the excellent JJ’s restaurant on the wonderful Ao Yai beach. The area is well maintained and kept clean. Some of the rooms are as large as 45m2.
Phayamas Private Beach Resort for a bit more upscale experience. Seclusion, private beach, swimming pool, spacious bungalows and wonderful food are what you will find at the Northeastern Phayam shore.
Koh Yao Noi
Situated right in between tourism giants Phuket and Krabi is the Koh Yao archipelago with Koh Yao Noi as the most developed Island. Although equally as beautiful as her famous sister Islands, the small Muslim community on Koh Yao Noi has been successful in keeping over-development at bay.
There are beaches, waving palm trees, a green hillside interior and breathtaking views over the distant limestone rock formations of Phang Nga Bay. Still, the Island is authentic, laid-back and not overrun by tourists. The best way to experience Koh Yao Noi is to take your rented motorbike around the Island to see the beaches in the East and the mangroves in the West.
Island vibe: Deserted beaches are alternated with mangrove forests and traditional fishing villages. Meet the sea gypsies and witness life in the villages and on the rubber plantations as if nearby glitzy Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands don’t exist.
Where to stay on Koh Yao Noi
Most accommodations are concentrated along the Eastern coastline where the beaches are. Some of them are high end resorts, but there are also ample budget and mid range options.
Tha Khao Bay View Small bamboo and wooden bungalows that are built uphill guarantee spectacular sew views. The family running this place might not be the most professional, but they make up for it with kindness as hospitability.
Phuket Island
The mother of all Thai Islands. Some regard the overdeveloped beaches along the West coast of Phuket as kind of a let down. However, the immense number of return visitors proves that for many it is exactly what they are looking for. The list of beaches is endless and each one has a more or less different vibe.
The overall tourism infrastructure, although a bit strained, is also well developed. From high end 5 star resorts and water parks to small guesthouses with just a rocking chair and a pool table. From haute cuisine dining experiences to street side food stalls, it’s all there.
By all means, don’t spend all of your time in the designated beach towns like Patong for party lovers or Karon and Kata for package deal visitors. There’s so much more to Phuket. Do get out and visit the Raya Islands or one of the smaller and more laid-back beach resorts like Nai Harn, Bang Tao or Rawai.
Phuket Town
Above all, do not skip Phuket town, the place that comes closest to the real Thailand on the whole of Phuket. Do rent that motorbike for some exploring of the many viewpoints, the big Buddha or Wat Chalong. Be careful though, the roads are ok, but not all Thai and other tourist drivers are.
Bars and restaurants are abundant and for entertainment there’s the Phuket Fantasea cultural theme park, the zoo, an aquarium and a bird park. For shopping go to the Jungle Ceylon and the Central Festival malls or the weekend and night market in Phuket town.
Island vibe: To categorize Phuket as lively would be an understatement. The beaches are crazy crowded in the tourist season as are the roads. If you are in for a luxurious holiday treat you can really have your fill. Budget travelers will have a hard time here, although there are a few options, but what you pay is what you get.
Where to stay on Phuket Island
Next to big 4 and 5 star resorts there are plenty of budget accommodations as well. However, ‘budget’ on Phuket, and other touristy Thai Islands for that matter, is not the same as in the rest of Thailand. Note that rates can jump by 50% in high season (Oct/Nov/Feb/Mar) and even 100% in peak season (Dec/Jan).
Baan Baan Hostel in Phuket Town provides dorm beds and private rooms. The hostel in the town center is clean with a fresh and has a very helpful owner. Either a dorm bed for THB800 or a private room for THB650, both are excellent choices.
Kata Poolside Resort is situated right in the middle of the Kata Beach hustle and bustle. Yet, it’s quiet enough to get a good night sleep. The rooms are comfortable and really spacious. Some of the rooms have pool access right from your private terrace.
Lub d Phuket Patong is definitely for the party loving crowd. The hotel is modern, hip, trendy and very lively. There is always something organized going on in this place. Nice large pool and conveniently close to the beach. I do recommend.
Sandy House in Rawai is a cozy, small scale guesthouse away from the crowds. The walk to Rawai beach just 5 minutes. The rooms here are large and they are quite adequate, not tired like typically in many Thai guesthouses. A small tasty breakfast is included in the room rate.
Phi Phi Islands
Another major tourist draw in the Southern Andaman Sea. It’s actually two Islands, Phi Phi Don the bigger Island where all the development is and Phi Phi Leh, which is only accessible for day trips. Both Islands are stunningly beautiful, but over-tourism is really taking its toll. It resulted in the 3 year closure of the famous Maya Bay to let nature restore itself. Maya Bay was reopened on 1st of January 2022.
On Phi Phi Don the small isthmus with Tonsai Bay on one and Loh Dalum Bay on the other side is a completely clogged up maze of tourism build up. We couldn’t walk 10 meters without being harassed by touts and we probably had a better chance of winning the lottery than finding a space on the beach. A good night sleep was near to impossible, because of the noisy all night parties (every night) and the boring restaurants served mediocre food at best for outrageous prices.
Did I mention the stunning beauty of the Islands, because they are gorgeous. It’s easy to understand what fuels their popularity. The picture perfect postcard vistas and convenient access to all tourist amenities is a winning combination. If party all night on flip-flops with a tropical backdrop is your thing, then the Phi Phi’s are for you. Bring money though, lot’s of money.
Island vibe: Lively and at times even raunchy. There’s a neverending party atmosphere that will appeal to many. Combined with the gorgeous beaches and fantastic views it makes you never wanting to leave.
Where to stay
It’s incredible how many accommodations there are on this relatively small Island. Still, come peak season, chances are that you will have difficulties finding a vacant room, so make sure to book ahead.
Paradise Pearl Bungalow After a hit and miss in the built-up area of the Isthmus we found this stunning location at a quiet part of Ao Tonsai (Long Beach). The resort has an excellent restaurant, but if you want to visit the main area on the Island you can use the shuttle boat. Of course the resort is still overpriced, but that seems to be the norm here. Suck it up and enjoy the party.
Visit Krabi for some of the best beaches on the Thai mainland and the most convenient jump-off point for many of the famous Islands in Thailand.
Our free Krabi travel guide will point you in the right direction for the best places to stay and eat plus endless tips on fun things to do in Krabi.
Koh Lanta
Fairly well known with seasoned tourists, but pretty much low key is how I describe Koh Lanta Yai, the larger of two Islands that make up Lanta. The 10 or so beaches along the Western coast might not be as spectacular as those on Phuket or Krabi, but they are beautiful nonetheless. There is also a more authentic feel to Lanta and the subdued holiday atmosphere makes it a very agreeable Island.
There’s ample exploring to do here should you need a break from the beach. For a nature experience head for the Mu Ko national park at the Southern tip or at the Khao Mai Kaew Caves near the center of the Island. More nature can be found in Koh Lanta Noi, the smaller sister Island to the North. Both Islands are connected through a bridge for easy access.
If you’re culturally curious then “old town” is a must visit. This settlement has been here since the 1600’s and still has some century old Chinese stilted houses on display.
Island vibe: Empty beaches in some parts, chic resorts and world class dining in other parts. Holiday makers in the West, mangroves and fishing villages in the East. Lanta has many faces so it really matters which part of the Island you are staying at. Or, you could move around and get the best of all worlds, sounds like a plan?
Where to stay
Lanta Mermaid Beachfront Resort on the most developed beach of Khlong Dao. While this beach is not the prettiest, it is the most lively, because of the largest concentration of hotel, bars and restaurants. Rooms come with wifi, safe, small refrigerator and a coffee/tea maker. Strangely enough, there is no aircon, but the stiff sea breeze will cool you down.
Lanta Sea House is located beach front on Khlong Dao, but it comes with a swimming pool as well. There is a wide range of rooms to choose from, such as apartments in the main building or 40m2 luxury garden bungalows.
The Narima Great location on a nice patch of Khlong Nin beach. Dreamy, well maintained bungalows made of natural materials with a spacious deck. If you don’t like children, stay away as the resort is very popular with families.
La Laanta Hideaway Resort We kept moving South where it became more and more remote. We ended up on Ba Kan Tiang, which is the most beautiful beach of the twin Island in my opinion. There aren’t too many accommodation options here, so we were really happy to find this wonderful getaway.
Koh Lipe
Oh wow! This Island is gorgeous! It may not have the dramatic limestone rock formations that Phi Phi has, but wow! The water has that fresh aqua color and it’s so unbelievably clear. And what about the sand? The most soft and pearly white sand I have ever seen! This must truly be one of the most beautiful Islands in Thailand.
It’s not a perfect Island though, there’s trouble in paradise. It got too built up in too short a time and now it’s paying the price. Waste management is being tackled, but still relies too much on volunteer organization ‘Trash Heroes’. Peak season from December through February is incredibly crowded and the Island suffers from water shortage. There’s also a lot of irreversible damage to the coral, due to irresponsible tour operators and ignorant tourists.
However, aside from peak season when the infrastructure is stretched beyond its limits, this Island is a great holiday destination. I love the mellow vibe with multicultural visitors from Europe, Australia and the US, as well as China, Japan, Korea and domestic Thai tourists. There are parties, but there’s no real party scene. Instead, expect small atmospheric cocktail bars, rasta inspired beach shanties and a surprisingly creative food scene.
Island vibe: Crowded and lively during the peak season. Mellow and friendly for the rest of the year. This is the kind of place that you imagine when daydreaming about the perfect tropical Island.
Where to stay
Accommodations are abundant on the three major beaches with some additional options in “walking street”, the Island’s commercial thoroughfare.
A Plus Lipe Hotel The best deals are on or around Walking Street, although they won’t be the most idyllic. If you’re ok with that then the dorm beds and private rooms here are going for some of the lowest rates on the Island. Most important: the hostel is clean. Second most important is that you are pretty much centrally located to all the main beaches.
Castaway Resort On Sunrise Beach you can release your inner Robinson. There is no reason why you shouldn’t survive here since you don’t have to hunt/gather your food. Just lay around in your hammock and order from the excellent restaurant. The bungalows are a bit rustic, but it all adds to the castaway feel.
Charming Lipe Villa Lovely renovated bungalows just behind the resorts also newly renovated beachfront restaurant on Pattaya Beach. The charming owner and her staff really try their best to make you feel welcome. Breakfast is included, but Walking Street is just 50m away should you crave something different.
The Cliff Lipe Resort Allow yourself to be pampered in this luxury resort on Sunset Beach. Perched on a small cliff with beach access and stunning views over Koh Adang and Koh Ra Wi. The rooms are huge (90m2) with a jacuzzi on your deck. There is a great pool area as well, a free shuttle service and a private beach. I was lucky enough to stay here for one night for a wedding (not mine ;-)). Just wish more of my friends would marry.
Koh Samui
There are more than a thousand accommodations on this Island of ~40,000 residents. That says it all with regards to popularity doesn’t it? Beach at the front and coconuts in the back as they say here, although tourism has not completely displaced the coconut industry. The hills are covered in virgin rain-forest and fringed with palm trees, which in turn are lined with white sandy beaches and surrounded by a turquoise sea. Tourists are drawn by the millions to experience a piece of this paradise and frankly, I can only agree.
If you want to explore the Island then the big Buddha shrine and the Wat Plai Laem temple, both at Bophut are recommended. Furthermore, you can venture out to the Namuang waterfall near Nathon. While you’re at it visit the secret Buddha garden and the mummy monk at Wat Khunaram temple. Both are not far from the waterfall.
For the most spectacular sights you will have to venture off Island to the Ang Thong national marine park. The park boasts 42 Islands in a 100 km2 area and is home to a rich variety of exotic wild- and marine life. Towering lime stone rocks, green lush forests and white sandy beaches await you. Day trips to the park offer activities such as snorkeling, hiking, sea kayaking and diving.
Island vibe: Lot’s to see and do here, but the main draw is of course the beach. Life here revolves around the beaches and fortunately there are a lot of them. It’s definitely a luxury destination with chic resorts, boasting world-class dining options and top of the bill spas.
Where to stay
As expected, accommodation rates are high compared to the Thai mainland. Even if you’re not staying in one of the numerous upscale posh resorts you will have a hard time finding a bed under THB1000. When on a budget, best stay away from popular Chaweng and Lamai beach.
Chaweng beach is the most developed and busiest beach with numerous accommodations along the beach and in town. Bophut and Mae Nam on the Northern shore are well developed, but a tad more subdued and traditionally attract more families (but not only).
Montien House in Chaweng Beach has a convenient central location and right on the beach. Choices range from comfortable rooms in the main building to villas around the nice swimming pool area.
Lamai Coconut Beach Resort is situated on a quiet part of the Lamai Beach, but just a 5min walk from bars and restaurants. The rooms in the building overlook the pool area and there are also spacious garden villas available.
The Cosy Beach Resort This excellent and no nonsense resort can be found on a relatively quiet patch of the Mae Nam beach. Next to the rooms in the main building it might be worth to take a look at the spacious garden villas. Two of them are beachfront.
Sans Souci Samui Maybe not the most luxurious option, but hey, I did tell you that Koh Samui is a lot more pricey than the rest of Thailand. So, for the money this hotel is pretty decent and what’s more, it’s right on the beach! Added bonus is that this part of Chaweng Beach gets the least crowds and is kept very clean.
Koh Pha Ngan
It’s true that Koh Pha Ngan is infamous for its full moon parties, but to say that it’s only about partying would really be selling the Island short. Because there is so much more to Koh Pha Ngan. First of all, it has a really good laid-back feel with that typical charm that Thailand’s Islands like Phuket had some 20+ years ago. Secondly, if you take a good look at the Island, the natural beauty of the dozen or so beaches and many more secret bays is simply stunning.
A good way to explore is to rent a motorbike and just drive away. The ring road is in mint condition and the Island is small enough to visit all beaches in one day. Just be careful since not all tourist drivers may be as skilled as you are. Don’t forget to catch a sunrise and/or sunset at one of the many viewpoints. The best viewpoint however, at Khao Ra, requires you to get off your bike and trek your way up for a few hours.
As far as the full moon parties go, they’re not what they were used to be. They are reduced to main stream parties with mediocre music and basically just a whole lot of people getting high or drunk on buckets of booze. In my opinion you’re better off joining the half moon or dark moon parties. Less crowds, better music and a much better vibe.
Island vibe: Come full moon the Island is overrun by often very loud partygoers, which can be a lot of fun if your in to it. For the rest of the month the Island shows a different, more calm and almost bohemian feel. To relax is the credo.
Where to stay on Koh Pha Ngan
If you come for the full moon party you might want to stay in or near Haad Rin, because that’s where the party is. Note that in the days around the party the whole of Koh Pha Ngan is often fully booked. Accommodation rates are doubled and many accommodations require a minimum stay of 5 nights. Haad Rin and surrounding beaches are most developed and also the busiest. The further North or West you go the more secluded it gets.
Haad Salad Resort Just a one minute walk from the Haad Salad beach. Basic bungalows with a fan in a garden setting. The resort has a swimming pool and as said, the beach is not far. The staff is very friendly and personable. It’s the kind of place where you stay for a week and end up with a whole bunch of new friends.
Moonstone Studio Cozy resort in the popular Haad Rin area that offers small and larger studios equipped with aircon, fridge, coffee/tea maker, televison and dvd player. The whole place is decorated with typical Thai ornaments to liven things up. Not far from the beach in a luscious green enviroment with a swimming pool.
Chantaramas Resort Excellent luxury resort on the Ban Tai beach. Has all the amenities that you would expect from a resort of this level. Huge 70m2 rooms and a good sized balcony. The pool area is amazing and well organized.
Read: Here’s a funny story about how I almost got mauled by a huge Thai dog. A terrifying experience!
Koh Tao
A tiny speck in the Gulf of Thailand, this little Island has a short name, but a large reputation. It’s notably the most popular place in Thailand to learn scuba diving. Don’t worry, if you’re not into diving it’s still a good place to visit. Due to its size the Island feels kind of cozy, although in high season (December to February and July/August) the strain on the limited infrastructure is obvious. There’s beach, there’s clear water, there’s jungle with hiking paths and above all there’s plenty of sunshine.
Koh Tao is one of the cheapest places in the world to obtain a PADI license. Combined with the presence of about 20 dive sites and the chance of whale shark sightings it’s no wonder that the bulk of visitors are into diving one way or another. Next to scuba diving there are also free diving and snorkeling possibilities.
The Island is also beautiful above water and a good way to see it is to take your rental motorbike across the different beaches and viewpoints. Other land activities are rock climbing, abseiling, muay thai boxing camp, mountain biking and yoga.
Island vibe: Anticipation lingers in the air. Dive students frantically trying to absorb the Padi study material. A mostly younger crowd, attracted by the combination of affordable diving rates and a lively nightlife scene. All of this on a tropical holiday Island. Who can resist?
Where to stay
There are hundreds of accommodations to choose from. The best area for you to stay depends on why you are here. If you’re here to dive then it makes sense to stay near your diving school as you need to visit there multiple times during your stay. If you’re here to party then stay near Mae Haad or Sairee where most of the nightlife is concentrated. There are also some more secluded beach areas with less crowds.
Sairee Cottage Resort on Sairee Beach is a popular resort boasting two swimming pools, as well as the beach at arm’s length. Rooms in the main building are poolside while the cottages are spread out over the well maintained garden. Considering the more than reasonable rate this resort offers great value.
Chintakiri Resort You should consider staying here if only for the views. This small scale resort (20 rooms) in Chalok Baan Kao is extremely well maintained. If you appreciate contemporary Thai style design then this is the resort for you. Take in the wonderful views from the pool, the restaurant area or from your room. Beware, you have to overcome a fairly steep hill to get to the resort.
Montalay Beach Resort is a very decent resort in Tanote Bay. You will never be completely secluded on tiny Thai Island since the Island measures only 21km2, but Tanote Bay is as remote as it gets. The resort’s cottages are situated on a hillside, but there is easy access to the beach with good snorkel options. Breakfast is included, so you won’t have to worry about early morning food quests.
Koh Chang
Tucked away in the Eastern part of the Gulf of Thailand is a 52 Island archipelago with its name giver Koh Chang as the largest of them all. Off the mainstream tourist radar until the early 1990’s, hi-speed development took off resulting in an uninspired concrete coastline at the main beach Haad Sai Khao.
However, even with development at full speed there is still a long way to go before it can measure up to its peer Islands in the West. Large parts of the Island are still untouched offering ample opportunities to disconnect and release our inner Robinson.
The interior is made up of towering hills, clad in endless rain-forest, inviting you for jungle treks. The Western coast is lined with beaches while the East coast is predominantly rocks and mangroves with a few small hidden beach coves.
If your as fond of motorbiking in Thailand as I am then this is paradise for you. Be careful though, since roads are not always in the best condition and some parts can be steep and winding. Cruising on your bike enables you to check out the beaches and sunsets on the Western side, as well as the mangroves on the Eastern side and the authentic fishing village Salak Phet in the South.
Other activities are jungle trekking from waterfall to waterfall, diving, snorkeling, boat trips, Muay Thai camp, yoga and cooking class.
Island vibe: It’s a mix of fine beaches and resorts with untouched, mountainous and wild jungle interior. Some nightlife in the Western coastal area, but nothing fancy, what a relief!
Where to stay
From busy Haad Sai Khao down to family friendly Khlong Prao in the Northwest. Kai Bae is lively and Khlong Kloi beach in the far Southwest has a mellow vibe with reggae inspired beach bars while party people can have their fill at Lonely beach.
Fine Times Resort If you want to stay a little longer and you need a budget place to stay then check out this resort in Khlong Prao. Situated in the middle of nature, but still close to the shops and restaurants of Chai Chet village. Also, the beach is just a short walk.
Grand View Resort Right on the sea front of White Sand Beach allowing you to catch the wonderful sunsets. Nice pool area and some of the rooms even come with a small private pool. Bars and restaurants are plenty within walking distance from the quiet resort area.
The Erawan Also on White Sand Beach the Erawan offers the best value for money in the luxury segment. Not beach front, but right accross the road from the beach. The rooftop pool and bar ensure that you won’t have to miss out on sea views. Unfortunately I never actually stayed here myself, yeah exceeding my budget by far. The staff however was nice enough to give me an extended tour of the resort with lot’s of information.
Koh Kood / Koh Kut
Yup, the cat is out of the bag. Travelers are starting to discover Koh Kood for the gem that it is. Situated in the far East of the Thai Kingdom, Koh Kood is relatively difficult to reach. Up to now this has delayed serious development. However, as said the Island appears increasingly on the radar of potential visitors that have outgrown the tacky and overcrowded tourist magnets like Phuket, Samui.
Like other Islands in Thailand, Koh Kood has a hilly jungle interior with mangrove and rocks bordering its coastline. Predominantly on the Western and Southern side the rocky coast is alternated with the most beautiful beaches that Thailand has to offer. Some of the 20+ pristine beaches have only one resort present, which makes for wonderful secluded beach holidays. As a result Koh Kood has virtually no party scene.
Water activities on Koh Kood include snorkeling, scuba diving, mangrove kayaking and fishing trips. On land you can do various jungle treks including waterfall spotting and visiting the Khao Rearub cave or the ancient Makka trees. The very authentic fishing village Ao Yai in the Southeast is really worth a few hours of your time. But actually, the best thing to do here is to find a good beach and just relax.
Island vibe: Stunning scenery, picture perfect beaches and tranquility. This is the secluded getaway Island if ever there was one with the exact amount of rough edges to remind you of its authencity.
Where to stay on Koh Kood
About 20 beaches await you with some of them only accessible by boat. Note that weekends and Thai holidays can see an influx of domestic tourists so you might want to pre-book your accommodation. Also, during the rainy season from May to October about 50% of the accommodations are closed. The ferry stays operational all year round.
Klong Chao Beach is more or less the touristic hub of the Island. Fortunately without , but no massage shops, tour operators or anything. Just a few luxurious resorts and a few more affordable bungalow resorts along the river.
Baan Klong Jao Resort The bungalows are simple and basic, but on an Island where accommodation is rather expensive, these is a real find. Breakfast is included and you can use their kayaks for free. Also, the resort is locally owned, which should count for something. A 5 minute walk will take you to Klong Chao beach where you can indulge on cocktails in one of the posh resorts.
Dusita Koh Kood Not exactly a luxurious place, but it proves hard to find a bit of beach front comfort for a decent price on Koh Kood. Still, this small scale resort delivers on service, cleanliness and good vibes. The pretty garden and the small beach make staying here really worthwhile.
How to get to the Islands in Thailand
Traveling to the Thai Islands?
Check the up-to-date entry requirements here!
Air
There are several international, airports in Thailand. Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok serves as a main hub for intercontinental flights into South East Asia. Other major international airports include Don Muang (also in Bangkok), Phuket and Chiang Mai.
From the international airports, onward travel to one of Thailand’s many domestic airports can get you closer to your Island of choice. Smaller airlines frequent the domestic routes and fierce competition helps to keep the ticket rates low. Use the Skyscanner website to find flight schedules and the best prices from different airlines.
Bus/Train/Ferry
It is also possible to travel to Thailand from the neighboring countries by bus or train.
Once you’re in Thailand, to get to the Islands usually involves bus/train and probably ferry transport. Especially during high season and public holidays it makes sense to book ahead and secure your seat(s).The most efficient way of booking tickets is through transport planning tool 12Go.com. They are able to provide schedules of most routes into and within Thailand.
The tool is incredibly easy to use, just fill out your place of departure, your destination and travel date. It will show the complete schedule and ticket price of all related transport. Make your choice and book your transport instantly.
Travel Insurance
Do not skimp on travel insurance. You’ll probably take part in a whole bunch of adventurous activities like scuba diving, snorkeling and maybe touring the Island on a rental motorbike. You know what they say. If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel!
Is there any other Island in Thailand you think should also be in this list? Let us know in the comments below. I wouldn’t mind an excuse to research another beautiful Island at all.
Safe travels,
RJ
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