Top 10 Islands to Visit in Thailand (2026)
Editor's selection based on public information. Not sponsored.
Quick answer
Our top picks are Phuket, Ko Samui and Ko Phi Phi. Phuket and Ko Samui suit families and first-time visitors who want easy flights and plenty of hotels, while Ko Phi Phi suits travellers who want dramatic limestone scenery and island-hopping by boat.
- Thailand's islands sit on two coasts: the Andaman Sea (Phuket, Phi Phi, Lanta, Lipe) and the Gulf of Thailand (Samui, Pha Ngan, Tao, Chang, Samet, Kut).
- The two coasts have different rainy seasons, so the best island for your trip depends on the month you travel.
- Several picks, including Ko Samet, Ko Chang, Ko Lipe and Ko Phi Phi, sit within or next to national parks, where park entry fees and conservation rules can apply.
The ranking at a glance
| # | Name | Best for | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phuket | Families and first-time visitors | Phuket, Thailand |
| 2 | Ko Samui | Couples and comfortable resort stays | Ko Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand |
| 3 | Ko Phi Phi | Scenery, snorkelling and island-hopping | Ko Phi Phi Don, Krabi, Thailand |
| 4 | Ko Lanta | Families and slow, longer stays | Ko Lanta, Krabi, Thailand |
| 5 | Ko Pha Ngan | Party nights or wellness retreats | Ko Pha Ngan, Surat Thani, Thailand |
| 6 | Ko Tao | Divers and snorkellers | Ko Tao, Surat Thani, Thailand |
| 7 | Ko Lipe | Snorkelling and a remote, laid-back feel | Ko Lipe, Satun, Thailand |
| 8 | Ko Chang | Nature, waterfalls and a road trip from Bangkok | Ko Chang, Trat, Thailand |
| 9 | Ko Samet | Short weekend escapes from Bangkok | Ko Samet, Rayong, Thailand |
| 10 | Ko Kut | Quiet, unhurried beach time | Ko Kut, Trat, Thailand |
Thailand has hundreds of islands, but a handful stand out for their mix of beaches, access and things to do. This list picks ten islands across the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, covering busy resort islands, diving bases and quieter escapes.
Plan around the weather: the Andaman coast is generally driest from about November to April, while the lower Gulf islands such as Ko Samui tend to see their heaviest rain later in the year, around October to December. Ferry and speedboat schedules shrink in the low season, some national park areas close seasonally, and park entry fees may apply, so check current timetables and rules before you go.
The full ranking
Phuket
Phuket is Thailand's largest island and its own province, linked to the mainland by road and served by an international airport. It offers the widest choice of beaches, hotels and dining, and is a common base for boat trips to Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi islands.
Best for
Families and first-time visitors
- Location:
- Phuket, Thailand
Ko Samui
Ko Samui is the main island of its Gulf of Thailand archipelago and has its own airport, making it easy to reach. It combines resort beaches with sights such as the Big Buddha temple and boat trips to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park.
Best for
Couples and comfortable resort stays
- Location:
- Ko Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand
Ko Phi Phi
The Phi Phi islands are known for steep limestone cliffs and clear water, with Ko Phi Phi Don as the inhabited main island and Ko Phi Phi Le home to Maya Bay. The area is part of a national park, and visitor rules at sensitive sites can change to protect the environment.
Best for
Scenery, snorkelling and island-hopping
- Location:
- Ko Phi Phi Don, Krabi, Thailand
Ko Lanta
Ko Lanta has a long west coast lined with beaches and a slower pace than Phuket or Phi Phi. Its southern tip falls within Mu Ko Lanta National Park, and the island is a popular choice for longer, relaxed stays.
Best for
Families and slow, longer stays
- Location:
- Ko Lanta, Krabi, Thailand
Ko Pha Ngan
Ko Pha Ngan sits between Ko Samui and Ko Tao and is famous for the Full Moon Party at Haad Rin. Away from the party beaches, it has quiet bays, jungle interior and a well-known wellness and yoga scene.
Best for
Party nights or wellness retreats
- Location:
- Ko Pha Ngan, Surat Thani, Thailand
Ko Tao
Ko Tao is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand best known as a base for learning to scuba dive, with many dive schools and nearby dive sites. Snorkelling trips and short hikes to viewpoints make it rewarding even for non-divers.
Best for
Divers and snorkellers
- Location:
- Ko Tao, Surat Thani, Thailand
Ko Lipe
Ko Lipe is a small island in the far south of the Andaman Sea, close to the Malaysian border and surrounded by Tarutao National Marine Park. It is known for clear water, coral reefs and walkable beaches, and boat access is more limited in the low season.
Best for
Snorkelling and a remote, laid-back feel
- Location:
- Ko Lipe, Satun, Thailand
Ko Chang
Ko Chang in the eastern Gulf is one of Thailand's largest islands, with forested hills, waterfalls and west-coast beaches. Much of the island and its surrounding islets fall within Mu Ko Chang National Park.
Best for
Nature, waterfalls and a road trip from Bangkok
- Location:
- Ko Chang, Trat, Thailand
Ko Samet
Ko Samet is one of the closest beach islands to Bangkok, reached by road to Ban Phe pier in Rayong and a short boat ride. The island is part of a national park, with fine white-sand beaches popular for weekend breaks.
Best for
Short weekend escapes from Bangkok
- Location:
- Ko Samet, Rayong, Thailand
Ko Kut
Ko Kut, also spelled Ko Kood, lies near the Cambodian border in Trat province and is known for clear water, quiet beaches and waterfalls such as Khlong Chao. It has a slower, less developed feel than the bigger islands.
Best for
Quiet, unhurried beach time
- Location:
- Ko Kut, Trat, Thailand
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