Best islands in Thailand
Best islands in Thailand
Thailand is usually the first place that comes to mind when thinking of a trip to Asia. The quintessential exotic destination fits all budgets – perfect for both backpackers and Asian luxury lovers. After spending a few days touring Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the so-called Golden Triangle, among other wonders, you surely want to relax on one of its islands of paradisiacal beaches and crystal clear waters.
And it is that the country is home to hundreds of hundreds of islands where you can practice all kinds of water activities such as diving, swimming, riding jet skis or windsurfing, or simply lying down to sunbathe while enjoying a good cocktail. Do not miss our tour of the 7 best islands in Thailand.
What islands are a must see in Thailand?
Koh Samet, the perfect island in Thailand to disconnect.
This island, which is located very close to Bangkok, is the perfect destination to disconnect from the bustle of the capital of Thailand without having to travel too far. Most of the island is a national park, but there are a number of places for tourism.
One of the main attractions of Koh Samet are its white sandy beaches and translucent blue waters. You can choose between beaches with a calm atmosphere, such as Ao Phutsa, Ao Nuan or Ao Wai, or very lively beaches with a thousand activities to do, such as Hat Sai or Ao Hin Khok, that yes, more crowded.
If you like to party, this is your place, because when night falls, you will find it. When Bangkok residents want to party, they come to Koh Samet.
Koh Tao, one of the best islands in Thailand and a paradise for divers.
Surrounded by islets and reefs, Koh Tao or Turtle Island, is one of the best islands in Thailand for its beauty and for being a paradise for divers. As its name suggests, here you will find sea turtles, but, in addition, if you go scuba diving or snorkeling, you will get to see gray sharks, whales, all kinds of exotic fish and incredible corals.
In the on the beach of Sairee you will find bungalow complexes, beach bars, bars and diving schools. It is loud and busy, but very fun. If you are looking for something more exclusive, opt for the complexes located to the south of the jetty or take a trip to the mountains to breathe fresh air and enjoy the views.
Similan Islands, a chain of postcard tropical paradises
The Similan Islands are nine small islands (similan comes from the Malay sembila which means nine), just an hour and a half from Khao Lak and not far from Phuket, which form a chain of postcard tropical paradises.
These islands are part of the Mu Ko Similan National Park and only six are visited, since the first three are fully protected because their beaches are often used by turtles to lay eggs.
In the remaining six, it is allowed to snorkel and dive in the surroundings, but only in the two largest we can stay for the night: Koh Meang and Koh Similan. The latter only has an accessible beach, but it certainly deserves to be visited, as it is one of the most beautiful in the entire Park.
Koh Chang, the second largest island in Thailand
Although it rains frequently and is somewhat mountainous, the country’s second largest island is also one of the best islands in Thailand. Kilometric beaches, jungle, forests, and a deserted and wild island environment.
The pick-ups that are swarming everywhere are in charge of transporting travelers while they travel on the only road on the island, which, with an inverted U-shape, largely runs along the coastline.
Lonely Beach is the place where globetrotters end up, although some in the end never leave. It is the backpacker area par excellence, where the good atmosphere abounds, the bars with live music, the barbecues at dusk and the beachside cabins at only 6 euros a night.
Ko Phi Phi, one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in the world.
Ko Phi Phi Island is located right next to the Koh Lanta archipelago and we find one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in the world: Maya Bay, one of the most photographed places in all of Thailand.
On the island you can find a lot of backpacking atmosphere, with a wide variety of places to eat and party from 18:00 in the afternoon. In addition, you can hire day trips to visit the most impressive places in the archipelago, with countless coves accessible only by boat.
Apart from the typical excursions to get to know the rest of the islands, the Phi Phi Islands are also recognized for their good diving, being visited every year by thousands of divers.
Koh Samui, one of the most visited islands in Thailand.
One of the most visited islands in Thailand that even has its own airport. This island offers a little bit of everything, from white sandy beaches, to jungles with waterfalls. The atmosphere is relaxed, although you have many places to go out for a drink at night.
“Samui” is said to mean “safe paradise” in Chinese and the island certainly lives up to its name. And it has everything. If you want to party, go to the northeast of the island. There the northern beaches are as cosmopolitan and exclusive as those of Phuket. If you prefer to delve into Thai life, head south, you will find small fishing villages, palm groves and hidden paths that lead to secret beaches.
Koh Yai Yai, the long and great Thai island
Koh Yao Yai means “the long and great island”, and is that this island, one of the best islands in Thailand, just 20 minutes from Phuket and 15 from Krabi by boat, is about 30 km long. Despite its size and easy access, it is very little known among travelers, which has allowed it to retain an air of authenticity, of being in an island island but rural Thailand.
The jewel in the crown is, without a doubt, Laem Had Beach, a long and virgin beach of coconut palms that on one side creates an incredible sandbank and that, when the tide is high, borders on perfection. The waters surrounding the sandbank tend to be more greenish than bluish, but it’s still a place worthy of a travel magazine cover.