An overview of the islands of Thailand, from the most famous to the lesser-known.
Not all of Thailand's islands are alike, far from it. Some are convenient for a quick getaway from Bangkok, others require more planning, some are very touristy, while others maintain a simpler or more tranquil atmosphere.
The idea of this page is to bring together the main and secondary islands, classified by large groups, with just enough basic information to help you get your bearings and, when available, then link to articles dedicated to each destination.
→ If you are hesitating between several destinations, I have also prepared a dedicated guide to help you choose the most suitable island according to the season, atmosphere, accessibility or type of stay you are looking for: Which island should you choose in Thailand? A guide to making the right choice
Please note:
- To make this page clearer and more practical, the islands are classified by geographical area, without necessarily respecting provincial administrative boundaries. For example, Ko Ngai is associated with the Trang islands due to its proximity, even though it administratively falls under the province of Krabi.
- The islands listed under each zone are those where you can stay overnight, as accommodation is available. Conversely, those grouped under "Islands to see on a day trip" are best visited as day trips, with little or no possibility of spending the night.
- Koh ou Ko The most common form among English speakers is Koh, which you will therefore see frequently online. Here, I use the form Ko, more common in French.
The islands of the northern Andaman Sea
The northern part of the Andaman Sea includes first PhuketThe most famous of all, with the distinction of being both an island and a province in its own right. Also included are the islands off the coast of Ranong, a still relatively underrated province bordering Myanmar, as well as those of Phang Nga, better known for its coastline around Khao Lak or for Phang Nga Bay itself.
Further south, the province of Krabi, often associated with its seaside resorts like Ao Nang or Railay, also has several well-known islands, starting with the iconic Ko Phi Phi.
Ranong
- 1. Ko Chang (Noi)
- 2. Ko Phayam
Phuket
- 4.Ko Naka Yai
- 5.Ko Maphrao
(Coconut Island) - 6.Ko Racha Yai
Phang Nga
- 11.Ko Phra Thong
- 12.Ko Kho Khao
- 13.Ko Yao Yai
- 14.Ko Yao Noi
Krabi
- 18.Ko Phi Phi
- 19.Koh Lanta
- 20.Ko Siboya
- 21.Ko Jum
Islands to see on a day trip
- 3.Ko Kam Tok
- 7.Ko Naka Noi
- 8.Ko Bon
- 9.Ko He (Coral Island)
- 10.Ko Racha Noi
- 15.Similan Islands
- 16.Suriname Islands
- 17.Khao Phing Kan
(James Bond Island)
- 22.Ko Lao Lading
- 23.Ko Hong
- 24.Ko Poda
- 25.Ko Mai Phai
(Bamboo Island)
The islands of the southern Andaman Sea
We are moving away from the main tourist area of southern Thailand. First, there are the islands off Trang, a less frequented province whose city has a certain charm, and which includes several beautiful seaside spots, including Ko Kradan, regularly cited among the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Continuing south to the Malaysian border, you arrive in the province of Satun, which includes the Tarutao archipelago and the popular Ko Lipe.
Page
- 1. Ko Ngai
- 2. Ko Mook
- 3. Ko Kradan
- 4. Ko Libong
- 5. Koh Sukon
Satun
- 6.Ko Bulon Le
- 7.Ko lipe
Islands to see on a day trip
Page
- 8.Ko Rok
- 9.Mu Ko Phetra National Park
Satun
- 10.Ko Tarutao
- 11.Ko Adang
- 12.Ko Ra Wi
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The islands of the Gulf of Thailand (south)
This is where you'll find the trio of Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, and Ko Tao, each with its own distinct identity. Ko Samui, the most developed, remains a classic Thai destination. Ko Phangan, primarily associated with the Full Moon Parties, actually has much more to offer than just this party island image. Ko Tao, for its part, has established itself as a leading diving destination.
The islands near Bangkok and east of the Gulf
This part of Thailand primarily includes the most accessible islands from Bangkok, like Ko Sichang, Ko Larn, off the coast of Pattaya, or Ko Samet, which is perfect for a weekend getaway.
Pushing further east towards the Cambodian border, we also find off the coast of Trat another interesting trio with Ko Chang, Ko Mak and Ko Kood.
Islands to see on a day trip
Reaching the islands of Thailand
Ferries, speedboats and main departure points
Depending on the area, the companies and types of vessels may differ. Some crossings are made by large ferry, others by fast catamaran or speedboat, with varying levels of comfort and stability. Here are the main points to remember.
Islands near Bangkok and the East Coast
In this area, departures are mainly from Pattaya, Sri Racha, Ban Phe, Laem Ngop, and Laem Sok. For regular crossings, Boonsiri is among the best-known names, with connections to Ko Chang, Ko Mak, Ko Kood and Ko Samet, as well as combined journeys from Bangkok.
For Ko Kood, we also often encounter Koh Kood Express ou Seudam Go who operate from Laem Sok.
- Pattaya → Ko Larn / Ko Phai
- Sri Racha → Ko Sichang
- Ban Phe → Ko Samet
- Laem Ngop → Ko Chang
- Laem Sok → Ko Mak / Ko Kood
Gulf of Thailand (south)
For Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao, the big names to remember are primarily Lomprayahknown for its fast catamarans, but also Raja ferry et Seatran, more associated with ferries departing from Donsak to Samui and Phangan.
Depending on your starting point, you will either go through Donsak, Chumphon, or a combined route via Surat Thani.
- Surat Thani → Frequent hub for combined journeys to Ko Samui / Ko Phangan / Ko Tao
- Donsak → Ko Samui / Ko Phangan
- Chumphon → Chumphon archipelago and main access point for Ko Tao
For day trips, such as Mu Ko Ang Thong, Ko Nang Yuan or the small islands around Samui, we more often use local companies, booked on site or via the agencies of the islands.
Andaman Sea
On the Andaman coast (yes, that's the right term!), departures vary greatly depending on the area: Ranong, Phuket, Ao Nang, Krabi, Trang, or Pak Bara. For the Ko Lipe area and the southern islands, Bundhaya Speed Boat is among the best-known companies with Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club (which has a better reputation).
Elsewhere, especially around Phuket, Krabi, or for trips to Phi Phi, Hong Islands, or James Bond Island, you'll often find a mix of regular ferries, speedboats, and local operators, depending on the season. Always read reviews before booking with a company (this will help you avoid, for example, using Tiger Line, which I don't particularly recommend).
- Ranong → Ko Phayam / Ko Chang
- Phuket → Ko Bon / Ko Racha Yai / Ko He and various excursions in Phang Nga Bay
- Ao Nang / Krabi → Ko Phi Phi / Ko Lanta / Ko Hong / Ko Poda
- Page → Ko Mook / Ko Kradan / Ko Libong / Ko Sukon
- Pak Bara → Ko Lipe / Ko Tarutao / Ko Adang / Ko Bulon Le
→ On the most popular routes, booking in advance can avoid unpleasant surprises, especially in high season.
→ While a speedboat saves time, it can also make the crossing more challenging, even downright unpleasant or risky, when the sea is rough. In principle, a reputable operator should not maintain a trip in these conditions.
Depending on the circumstances, it may be advantageous to book only the crossing, or a combined journey also including the land transfer.
If you wish to compare available connections, schedules and journey times, you can also use the booking tool that I usually use.
The main national parks linked to the islands of Thailand
Several Thai islands and archipelagos are located within marine national parks. This often entails entrance fees, sometimes specific opening hours or access conditions, as well as seasonal closures depending on the area. It's therefore best to be aware of these factors before booking a trip or stay on one of these protected islands.
One important point: Depending on the excursions or boat trips booked, national park entrance fees are not always included in the displayed price. It's best to check this when booking, otherwise you may have to pay on site (and therefore have the necessary cash).
Gulf of Thailand
Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park
Established in 1981, this park covers approximately 131 km² and encompasses Ko Samet, several small offshore islets, and part of the Rayong coastline around Khao Laem Ya. It is the most important case to know in the East Gulf, as it explains why arrival on Ko Samet incurs separate entrance fees, in addition to other charges sometimes levied locally.
Indicative prices: 200 ฿ foreign adult / 100 ฿ foreign child.
access: The park covers both Ko Samet, several small offshore islets and a mainland area around Khao Laem Ya, in Rayong province.
Islands concerned: primarily Ko Samet, which is of interest to us here.
Good to know: On Ko Samet, it's important to distinguish between the small local tax of 20 ฿ required upon arrival on the island and the national park entrance fee, which is paid separately. The latter is usually paid further along the island, towards the main beach of Sai Kaew Beach.
Mu Ko Chang National Park
Established in 1982, this marine park covers approximately 650 km² and spans 52 islands in the Ko Chang archipelago, in Trat province. Beyond Ko Chang itself, it also includes several neighboring islands and helps to better understand why certain protected areas, waterfalls, or natural sites in the archipelago may be subject to separate entrance fees.
Indicative prices: 200 ฿ foreign adult / 100 ฿ foreign child.
access: mainly concerns the archipelago reached via Laem Ngop for Ko Chang, with other protected islands in the Trat sector.
Islands concerned: Ko Chang, Ko Wai, Ko Rang and several other islands in the archipelago.
Good to know: There is no tax like for Ko Samet, but entrance fees are charged for certain sites managed by the park (mainly the waterfalls of Ko Chang) or certain nature/snorkeling trips.
Mu Ko Chumphon National Park
Much less publicized than Mu Ko Ang Thong, this national park nevertheless offers a better understanding of the appeal of the Chumphon area. It encompasses several islands and marine zones in the gulf, with excursions primarily focused on snorkeling, diving, or day trips, generally in a more relaxed atmosphere than on Samui or Phangan.
Indicative prices: 200 ฿ foreign adult / 100 ฿ foreign child.
access: excursions and boat trips from the Chumphon coast.
Islands concerned: several islands and marine spots off the coast of Chumphon, notably around Ko Ngam Yai, Ko Ngam Noi, Ko Mattra or Ko Langka Jew depending on the outings.
Good to know: In this area, the focus is mainly on day trips for snorkeling or diving. Chumphon is more than just a transit point to Ko Tao, and the province itself deserves to be explored further.
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park
Established on November 12, 1980, this marine park covers approximately 102 km² and encompasses 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand, off the coast of Surat Thani. It is a popular destination for excursions departing from Ko Samui and Ko Phangan, with its scenic viewpoints, inland lake, and limestone cliff landscapes.
Indicative prices: 300 ฿ foreign adult / 150 ฿ foreign child.
access: Excursions mainly from Ko Samui and Ko Phangan.
Islands concerned: the 42 islands of the Ang Thong Marine Park.
Good to know: Entrance fees are not always included in the tour price. They may be collected before departure by the tour operator or directly on site. The park is generally closed every year from November 1st to December 15th for the monsoon season.
Andaman Sea
Mu Ko Similan National Park
Established in 1982, this marine park covers approximately 140 km² in the province of Phang Nga. The Similan Islands remain best known for diving and speedboat excursions, with a much more regulated seasonal opening than on other southern islands.
Indicative prices: 500 ฿ foreign adult / 250 ฿ foreign child.
access: mainly by speedboat from the Khao Lak / Thap Lamu Pier area, in Phang Nga province.
Islands concerned: The Similan Islands are the main attraction, along with Ko Bon (Ko Talu), a small, secluded island to the north that is included within the park's boundaries. The park also encompasses another, more isolated island to the north, Ko Tachai.
Good to know: The park is not open all year round. It usually opens from October 15 to May 15with the possibility of early closure if the weather deteriorates. It is no longer possible to sleep on site as before.
The case of Ko Tachai is somewhat unique. : access to the island itself still seems to be suspended since 2016, but some diving spots around it have recently become accessible again.
Mu Ko Surin National Park
This marine park in Phang Nga province covers approximately 141 km², the vast majority of which is marine. The archipelago is best known for its seabed, clear beaches, and a more pristine atmosphere than other, more frequented areas of the Andaman Sea.
Indicative prices: 500 ฿ foreign adult / 250 ฿ foreign child.
access: usually from Khura Buri / Kuraburi Pier, in Phang Nga province, most often as an organized excursion or with an overnight stay depending on the season.
Islands concerned: the Surin Islands.
Good to know: Like the Similan Islands, the park operates on a limited opening season, generally from October 15 to May 15, then closes during the monsoon.
Ao Phang Nga National Park
Located between Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi, this marine park protects a large part of the famous Phang Nga Bayknown for its limestone peaks, mangroves, and rocky islets. He is the one who leads several very popular excursions to Khao Phing Kan, better known as James Bond Island.
Indicative prices: 300 ฿ foreign adult / 150 ฿ foreign child.
access: mainly as excursions from Phuket, Phang Nga or Krabi.
Islands concerned: Ao Phang Nga Bay, but more specifically Khao Phing Kan, best known to many visitors for its rocky peak Ko Tapu (aka James Bond Island).
Good to know: In practice, only landing on Khao Phing Kan implies payment of the park entrance fee.
Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park
Established in 1983, this park covers approximately 388 km² in Krabi province. It notably includes the Phi Phi Islands and explains some of the entrance fees or controls found on certain very popular excursions, particularly around Maya Bay and Ko Phi Phi Leh.
Indicative prices: 400 ฿ foreign adult / 200 ฿ foreign child.
access: Excursions or crossings from Krabi / Ao Nang / Phuket to Phi Phi and Maya Bay.
Islands concerned: essentially Phi Phi Leh / Maya Bay / Ko Mai Phai (Bamboo Island) as part of the park entrance fees; for Phi Phi Don, a local tax of 20 baht, collected upon arrival at the pier, must also be distinguished.
Good to know: Maya Bay is subject to access rules and seasonal closures, typically from August 1st to September 30th.
Hat Chao Mai National Park
Located in Trang province, this marine park covers approximately 231 km². Created in 1981 according to several sources, it protects part of the Trang coastline as well as several nearby islands and marine areas, notably around Ko Mook, Ko Kradan, Ko Chueak and Ko Waen.
Indicative prices: 200 ฿ foreign adult / 100 ฿ foreign child.
access: Excursions and coastal departures in Trang province.
Islands concerned: notably Ko Mook, Ko Kradan, Ko Chueak and Ko Waen.
Good to know: In this area, the most frequent seasonal closure concerns Ko Mook, generally from June 1st to September 30th. Depending on the conditions, other islands or areas of the park may also be subject to temporary restrictions.
Mu Ko Phetra National Park
Established in 1984, this park covers approximately 494 km² between southern Trang and northern Satun. It protects around thirty islands as well as a large marine and coastal area, making it a good setting to discuss more secluded islands or areas less known to the general public.
Indicative prices: 200 ฿ foreign adult / 100 ฿ foreign child.
access: sector between south of Trang and north of Satun.
Islands concerned: several islands and marine areas in the sector, including Ko Petra, Ko Khao Yai, Ko Bulon, Ko Lao Liang and other protected islets depending on the excursions.
Good to know: Less known to the general public than Tarutao or the Similan Islands, this park allows several small islands in southwestern Thailand to be included in a larger protected area.
Mu Ko Tarutao National Park
Located in Satun province, this park is Thailand's first marine national park and encompasses a vast archipelago of 51 islands, including Ko Tarutao, Ko Adang, Ko Rawi, and Ko Lipe. It's important to mention Ko Lipe here, as it helps explain why certain excursions or landings in the Lipe area are subject to entrance fees or specific regulations.
Indicative prices: 200 ฿ foreign adult / 100 ฿ foreign child.
access: mainly from Pak Bara Pier.
Islands concerned: the Tarutao archipelago, including Ko Tarutao, Ko Adang, Ko Ra Wi and other islands in the area.
Good to know: All the park's attractions are generally closed from June 1st to September 30th. Even when staying on Ko Lipe, some excursions to Ko Adang, Ko Ra Wi, or Ko Tarutao fall under the national park's jurisdiction and may therefore incur specific entrance fees.
When is the best time to visit the islands of Thailand?
There isn't one single best season that applies to all the Thai islands. This map already highlights the major differences between the Andaman Islands, the Gulf of Thailand, and the islands near Bangkok.
As always in Thailand, the actual weather can vary slightly depending on the year, the islands, and the monsoon seasons.
Gulf of Thailand
Best time: generally from January to September.
This mainly concerns Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, Ko Tao, and Ko Nang Yuan. The wettest period is generally between October and December.
Andaman Sea
Best time: generally from November to April.
This applies to Phuket, Krabi, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lanta, the Similan Islands, the Surin Islands, Ko Lipe, Trang, and Ko Phayam. Between May and October, this coastline is more affected by the monsoon, with annual closures of some sites (e.g., Maya Bay, Similan Islands).
East Coast and islands near Bangkok
Best time: generally from November to April.
We are mainly talking about Pattaya, Ko Larn, Ko Samet, Ko Chang, Ko Mak and Ko Kood. The rainy season is then more pronounced between May and October.
West Coastline
Best time: generally from November to April.
This area mainly concerns Cha-am, Hua Hin, and Prachuap Khiri Khan. It's not directly part of the islands, but I'm including the information as it can still serve as a useful reference point if you plan to stay along the mainland coast and opt for an island holiday.
To learn more, you can also consult my month-by-month weather guide for Thailand.
→ When to go to Thailand? Climate, seasons and weather month by month