10 Most Beautiful Islands in Thailand - Travel Video - YouTube

With excellent weather, warm ocean  water, and palm-fringed beaches,  

Thailand is island living at its very best.  Pair that with top-notch accommodation  

and a pleasing exchange rate, and you  have the ultimate holiday destination.  

An abundance of islands each offers  their own unique personality,  

from bustling markets and extraordinary temples  to enchanting swimming spots, beach bars,  

and coral reefs. Whether you’re looking to  keep busy kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling,  

or simply want to relax with a cocktail in  hand – you’ll find a Thai island to suit you.

Number 10. Ko Muk.

Ko Muk,  

also known as Koh Mook, is a quiet island  in the Andaman sea. Nearly half of it is  

made up of national park and the rest of it by  fishing villages home to unusual stilted houses  

perched above the sea. Ko Muk, which means Pearl  Island, is as far from touristy as it gets,  

reached with a 45-minute ferry ride from the town  of Trang. The island boasts two sandy beaches,  

dramatic cliffs, and beautiful mountains  along with the famous Emerald Cave.

Number 9. Ko Lanta.

Nestled within mangroves, coral-fringed beaches,  and rainforests, the Ko Lanta archipelago is  

the perfect mix of developed and uncrowded. The  largest island of the group, called Ko Lanta Yai,  

is where all the tourist action is. It’s  popular with a significantly older crowd  

than nearby Ko Phi Phi and its attract mostly  tourists seeking a holiday away from the parties  

although there are plenty of bars on the island.  The southern part of the island is less developed,  

but there are pretty coves and beach  to discover in the south as well.

Number 8. Similan Islands.

Made up of nine primary islands and two far-flung  ones, the Similan Islands archipelago is one of  

the most popular diving destinations in  the country. Situated in the Andaman Sea,  

the waters surrounding the islands boast  gorgeous coral reefs and underwater rock  

formations that take on many unique  shapes. If diving isn’t your hobby,  

you can still have an amazing time on the  Similan Islands. Camp in paradise, relax on  

the white-sand beach of Horseshoe Bay and swim  in the warm waters of this tropical destination.

Number 7. Ko Samui.

The second largest island in Thailand,  home to its own international airport,  

Ko Samui is a tourist favorite. Heralded for  its palm-dotted beaches, wild rainforest,  

and coconut groves, it’s also one of Thailand’s  most beautiful islands. But this natural beauty  

hasn’t escaped the eyes of tourists – you’ll find  endless luxury resorts and spas on the island too.  

Many travelers come here to take advantage  of the hedonistic spa treatments available,  

from traditional Thai massage to yoga retreats,  tai-chi camps, and chakra-balancing treatments.

Number 6. Phuket.

Located in the Andaman Sea, Phuket  is one of the most popular islands in  

all of Thailand. Once an undeveloped jewel,  Phuket is now a hub for tourism. While the  

increase in infrastructure and nightlife makes  it an appealing spot for millions of travelers,  

this isn’t the island for those looking for  solitude. The island boasts luxury resort  

after luxury resort as well as some gorgeous  casuarina-dotted tropical beaches. If you’re  

excited for the nightlife, then Patong is the  must-see spot with the largest resort atmosphere.

Number 5. Ko Phangan.

The island of Ko Phangan is found in the Gulf  of Thailand, and it is best known for hosting  

huge parties in honor of the full moon. These  infamous beach festivals are popular with young  

backpackers from around the world, and the  revelry is unparalleled in Asia. However,  

that’s not all the island has to offer.  Besides ideal beaches, you can also hike  

through the jungle and along the coast, go  scuba diving or try out some sea kayaking.

Number 4. Ko Chang.

Located near the border with Cambodia, Ko Chang  is the third largest island in Thailand and the  

biggest in the Ko Chang Marine Park archipelago.  It is a mountainous island known for several  

waterfalls, thriving coral reefs, rainforests and  long white sandy beaches. In less than ten years,  

Ko Chang has become a major tourist destination in  Thailand although still far quieter than islands  

like Phuket or Ko Samui. White Sand Beach is  one of the most popular beaches on the island.  

Located on the island’s northwestern  corner, it’s the longest beach on Ko Chang.

Number 3. Ko Lipe.

The island of Ko Lipe is just outside  the jurisdiction of Tarutao National Park  

and as such is exempt from certain laws  prohibiting development. The island has some of  

the best reefs in Thailand, which makes for really  great snorkeling and diving. If you’re looking  

for a deserted Thai island, Koh Lipe is not the  place to go. However, if you go in low season,  

which is May to October, you might enjoy the  beautiful sandy beaches without the crowds,  

though some hotels may be closed.  Any time of the year, however,  

you’ll find great snorkeling as well  as gorgeous sunrises and sunsets.

Number 2. Ko Tao.

Ko Tao is an island in the Gulf of Thailand,  and it is accessible by a high-speed ferry from  

the mainland city of Chumphon. For travelers who  enjoy diving, the island of Ko Tao is the perfect  

vacation destination. Around 7000 new divers get  certified on Ko Tao each year making it one of the  

most popular destinations in the world to learn  to dive. Diving allows you to see bull sharks,  

underwater evolutionary sculptures at Ocean  Utopia and plenty of turtles, among many other  

marine species. Other popular activities include  cycling and sailing around the beautiful island.

Number 1. Ko Phi Phi.

Ko Phi Phi is possibly one of Thailand’s most  famous archipelagos. It is most notable for a  

stunning natural bay that was filmed in the movie  The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. But while  

many come here and have this renowned bay at  the top of their to-do list, there are many  

more reasons to tempt you to Phi Phi beyond Maya  Bay. The six islands of Phi Phi are jaw-droppingly  

beautiful, with pearl-white sand beaches and  emerald waters. Spend your days swimming and  

snorkeling among extraordinary marine life or  hire a longtail boat. The surrounding islets  

like Monkey Beach are worth a visit, home to  a plethora of cheeky tree-swinging monkeys.