When planning a trip to Thailand, one question almost always comes up: which island to choose?
Because let's not kid ourselves, even if the north and its mountains also attract visitors, it is the south — and more broadly the seaside aspect — that makes people dream and encourages them to choose Thailand as a destination, with many itineraries focused primarily on the islands and a few days around Bangkok.
Beyond Phuket and Ko Samui, the two best-known and largest islands in the country, there is a plethora of options. While not an archipelago, Thailand boasts no fewer than 1,400 islands, which can quickly turn choosing a holiday destination into a real headache. However, only about forty offer proper infrastructure with on-site accommodation; the rest are made up of uninhabited islands and islets, often part of national parks.
I can't really recommend the must-see island, but we can at least identify some criteria to help you see things more clearly:
– the time of year
– the time you have available
– the atmosphere you are looking for and the activities you would like to do there
The aim of this article is not to list all the islands, but rather to give you the keys to choosing the one that suits you best.
→ For a more geographical overview, you can also consult my summary page of the islands of Thailand.
Andaman or Gulf of Thailand: the weather criterion
Among the various criteria to consider, one often dictates everything else: the season. Because depending on the time of year, the experience will differ depending on which side you choose.
In Thailand, the main tourist islands are divided between two large maritime areas: the Andaman Sea, to the west, and the Gulf of Thailand, to the east. And that's precisely where the weather can make a real difference, since the seasons are not exactly aligned the same way from one side of the country to the other.
The islands of the Andaman Sea
Andaman side, we find in particular Phuket, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lanta or, Ko lipe, But also coastline of Krabi or Khao LakIt is one of the most popular regions for a beach holiday, known for its tropical landscapes combining karst cliffs and turquoise waters, with many opportunities for boat trips.
The best period To enjoy these islands generally extends from November to Aprilwhen the sea is calmer and the days are mostly sunny.
Conversely, the rainy seasonwhich is gradually taking hold between May and October, can make the sea rougher and some excursions less enjoyable, or even unavailable (this is the case, for example, of Maya Bay, inaccessible in August and September, But also Similan marine parks or the Surin, which close every year from mid-May to mid-October).
Overall, the monsoon does not mean that it rains constantly during these months, but you should expect more unstable weather and sometimes heavy downpours, most often in the late afternoon or evening.
The islands of the Gulf of Thailand
On the other side of the peninsula, in the Gulf of Thailand, we must distinguish two very distinct zones.
The best-known one concerns the trio Koh Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao, three very popular islands located in the southern part of the gulf, on the east coast of the Thai peninsula.
The weather there is slightly different from that of the Andaman coast. The most favorable period extending from February to September, with conditions which are therefore more stable during the European summer.
The rainy season However, it is more marked between October and December, or even sometimes until the beginning of January, a period during which showers can be more frequent and more intense.
However, there is another group of islands in the Gulf of Thailand, located further northeast in the country, near the Cambodian border. It includes another "trio": Ko Chang, Ko Mak and Ko Kood.
Their weather follows more closely the climatic rhythm of central and northern Thailand, with a generally more pronounced rainy season between May and October.
A first way to sort things out
While not an absolute rule, the following major trends can be identified:
- Andaman Sea (Phuket, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lanta, Ko Lipe)
Generally the most favorable period: from November to April. - Gulf of Thailand – South (Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, Ko Tao)
Generally the most favorable period: from February to September. - Gulf of Thailand – is (Ko Chang, Ko Mak, Ko Kood)
Generally the most favorable period: from November to April.
In practice, this means that:
→ if you are leaving for winter or the family beginning of spring, the islands of the Andaman Sea are often a better choice.
→ if your trip is taking place more in summerthe islands of south of the Gulf of Thailand generally offer better conditions.
How much time do you have?
The time you have available can obviously be decisive in the choice of islandDepending on whether you have only a few days or two full weeks there, the possibilities will not be the same.
Moreover, on the map, one does not always realize the distances between destinations, which sometimes seem relatively close but often require a day of transfer.
In concrete terms, this notion of "time" actually covers two aspects:
- Reaching some islands can take several hours, or even a good part of the day between the plane, the road transfer and, finally, the boat crossing.
- The size of the island itself can also influence the length of stayTo give a concrete example, it takes no less than 60 km to travel from Phuket from north to south, which is not negligible if you hope to see everything in two days.
Some islands are therefore well suited to a short stay, while others require more time to fully enjoy them.
Otherwise, The starting point or the planned route also mattersWhether it's from BangkokIf your itinerary includes the north, Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai may have different options and travel times. The same applies depending on your arrival or departure point in the country; some people arrive via Bangkok but depart from Phuket, for example.
Before choosing a specific destination, it is therefore useful to think about how much time you actually want to spend on your beach holiday and, if necessary, to avoid making multiple trips between different coasts.
3 to 4 days: choose an easily accessible island
If you only have a few days to spend in the islands, it is best to choose a destination that is easy to access in order to avoid spending too much time in transport.
Only two islands have an airport: Phuket et Ko SamuiEasily accessible by plane, they allow you to quickly enjoy the beaches while offering numerous opportunities for nearby excursions. Furthermore, Phuket is also connected to the mainland by a bridge, and while it's currently in the planning stages, a bridge could also open up Ko Samui in the coming years.
This remains the simplest choice for a first visit to Thailand.
If your trip is mainly limited to Bangkok and its surroundings, but if seeing an island is still important to you, you can also look at those closer to the capital: Koh Larn, off the coast of Pattaya, or Ko samet, on the Rayong side.
5 to 7 days: more possibilities
With almost a week there, the choice widens. This is typically the classic scenario where your itinerary mixes a northern or central part, before ending with a beach stay.
You can then consider islands that require a bit more travel, such as Koh Lanta, Koh Tao or even Ko chang depending on your starting point and the overall travel arrangements.
This duration allows you to enjoy the beaches, include some excursions and take the time to discover the chosen island without rushing.
10 days or more: combining several islands
If your trip is long enough or mainly focused on the sea, this leaves the possibility of discovering several.
If you want to limit travel, the ideal solution is to concentrate your stay on a single coast, either the Andaman or the Gulf of Thailand. In this case, you can combine two nearby islands, such as Ko Samui and Ko Tao ou Ko Chang and Ko Kood in the Gulf of Thailand, or even Phuket and Ko Phi Phi Andaman side.
However, some travellers prefer to get a taste of both regions by combining a Gulf island and an Andaman Sea destination, for example Ko Samui or Ko Phangan with Krabi or Ko Lanta.
This allows for a variety of atmospheres and landscapes while limiting travel time as much as possible.
What type of stay are you looking for?
Beyond the weather or the time you have available, choosing an island also depends on the type of stay you have in mind. Because not all islands offer the same atmosphere, the same level of comfort, or the same opportunities once you arrive.
Some are very suitable for a first discovery of Thailand, others are more suited to a few days of rest in a more relaxed setting, while some are particularly attractive for their energy, nightlife or very specific activities.
For a simple and versatile first trip
If this is your first trip to Thailand and you're organizing everything yourself, it's often best to avoid complicating things from the start. With this in mind, Phuket et Ko Samui the most obvious choices remain.
These are not necessarily the most “authentic” islands, if we want to use that grand word, but they have a real advantage: they are practicalBoth have an airport, offer a wide range of accommodation, and make it easy to find a balance between beaches, excursions, restaurants, some sightseeing, and more lively areas.
PhuketIn particular, it makes a lot of sense for a first trip. The island is large, its main city, Phuket Town, is charming, and the atmosphere varies depending on the beaches you choose. There are plenty of excursions to choose from, and it's very easy to get there and back. Just, if partying isn't your thing, avoid the area around Patong.
Ko Samui It plays a similar role on the Gulf of Thailand side, with a slightly more tropical setting, marked by coconut palms along the beach and rocks scattered along its shores. It also allows you to combine comfort, easy access, excursions, viewpoints and some inland visits.
In other words, if you're looking for an easy island to start with, without wanting to spend your time calculating transfers or optimizing every trip, these are probably the two simplest choices. It's no wonder they remain the most visited islands in Thailand.
Honorable mention for Ko changWhile it does require a bus and ferry combination, it remains quite accessible from Bangkok or Pattaya. It's especially an interesting alternative if you want to get away from the famous Phuket/Samui duopoly.
To slow down in a more relaxed setting
Some islands are particularly appealing because they allow you to slow down. People come less to cram in activities or go out every night than to enjoy the beaches, take their time, and treat themselves to a few more relaxed days.
In this category, Koh Lanta It comes up very often, and for good reason. The island retains a more laid-back atmosphere, with long beaches and real but less dense and less bustling tourism than other well-known destinations. It's a good choice for those who want to relax for a few days while still having the option to explore a bit.
In this same region, I can also mention Ko Yao Yai, which offers a fairly similar atmosphere, halfway between Phuket and Krabi.
If we go back up into the gulf, Ko Kood It plays the tranquility card even more. More unspoiled, greener, and less developed, it particularly attracts travelers looking to slow down in a natural setting that, in my experience, is among the most beautiful in the country. However, I wouldn't call it a "boring" island, as you can still alternate between beaches, relaxation, and walks in the villages or inland.
It's simply important to keep in mind that this type of island sometimes requires a bit more organization and therefore more time, if only to get around once you're there. Ko Kood For example, public transport options may be limited. If your stay is very short, travel time can quickly diminish its appeal.
In this case, we can also look at... Ko sametMuch closer to Bangkok, it offers a more relaxed atmosphere for a 2 or 3 day stay. However, its proximity to the capital can also make it more crowded, especially on weekends.
For a more vibrant/lively island
Here, we enter a category that appeals more to "young travelers," although it would be an oversimplification to think that only young people are looking to have a good time in Thailand. In any case, some islands are clearly attractive for their energy, nightlife, and festive atmosphere.
I must quote again Phuket et Ko Samui, because these are fairly obvious choices. But as they are larger, this festive atmosphere is not present everywhere and remains concentrated in very specific areas: Bangla Road / Patong for one, Chaweng for the other.
Ko Phangan is obviously the first name that comes to mind. The island remains world-renowned for its famous "Full Moon Party"which attract crowds of travelers every month. While this festive image is mainly associated with certain areas in the south, it is enough to make Ko Phangan one of the most obvious examples when talking about a lively island in Thailand.
Ko Phi Phi This also fits this profile very well. The island is spectacular, very photogenic, and therefore very popular. Its main village concentrates accommodations, bars, excursions, and travelers in a small area, making it a good choice for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere. Conversely, it will be less suitable for those primarily seeking peace and quiet.
I must also mention Koh Tao which, although it is best known for its diving spots, also attracts a rather young clientele and offers enough options for partying.
In any case, you have to accept a certain tourist density and a sometimes quite intense atmosphere, especially in high season. These islands can leave you with wonderful memories if that's precisely what you're looking for, but they might also disappoint if you're not in that mood.
For those who like to move, explore and vary their activities
Beyond the general atmosphere, some destinations will be better suited if you like to alternate between swimming, walks, visits and small discoveries, rather than staying several days in a setting that is certainly superb, but more limited.
I'm not going to be original, but again, Phuket It still holds a lot of interest. Yes, the island is touristy, sometimes very touristy even, but it's also large enough to offer more than just a string of beaches. You can spend time... Phuket town, visit some temples like the Wat Chalong, go up to Big Buddha, easily change the atmosphere depending on the area and have access to many excursions in the region such as the superb Phang Nga Bay.
Ko Samui It also fares rather well if you like to vary your days a bit. There are a few temples, the most famous of which is the Wat plai laem, a few waterfalls, and several viewpoints thanks to the heights in the middle of the island.
In a slightly different vein, Ko chang It can also be very suitable for those who like to be a little active. Its terrain, its hillier roads, its waterfalls and its wilder character compared to many other islands give it a real added appeal for those who like to explore the surroundings a bit instead of staying on a single beach from beginning to end.
This is also why coastal bases like Krabi ou Khao Lak can be very relevant. If sleeping on an island is not an absolute obsession, it sometimes offers flexibility, while still providing easy access to beautiful beaches, boat trips, and visits to natural sites such as national parks or caves.
Generally speaking, you can also find more occasional activities that are important to some travelers. I'm thinking, for example, of hiking, which is possible on Ko chang, or even to the famous ethical elephant sanctuariesI must mention one: Following Giants to Ko Lanta, a real favorite for those who wish to get close to these animals in good conditions without having to visit the north of the country, where this type of activity is more widespread.
Finally, if diving or snorkeling is really important to you, it's best to look first at... Koh Tao et Ko lipeAnd it's important to remember that some of the most beautiful spots in the country don't necessarily require sleeping on a specific island: since Khao LakFor example, one can reach the archipelagos of Similar to Surin, which are among the benchmarks in Thailand.
Finally, a quick note if you're traveling with family: many of the islands mentioned here could be a great fit. The real differences will mainly come down to ease of access, simpler local transportation, the type of beaches, and the level of entertainment you're looking for.
A quick reminder about scooters in Thailand
Since I am now discussing ease of movement, while renting a scooter is very common in Thailand, I want to emphasize that just because it is easily accessible and “everyone does it” does not mean it is legal or risk-free.
To be in compliance, you need a international permit accompanied by corresponding motorcycle license, therefore the category A (and not simply the A1(contrary to what many people think).
In reality, many rental companies don't check anything and let people go without asking any questions. But this kind of tolerance doesn't change the underlying problem: in the event of an accident, if you don't have the appropriate license, there's no reason why insurance should properly cover the costs of someone who doesn't respect the law.
Before renting, also keep in mind the reality on the ground: sometimes steep roads, heavy traffic depending on the islands, driving on the left, different customs and frequent checks, it is clearly not a subject to be taken lightly, even less so with children.
→ To learn more, you can read my dedicated article: Driving in Thailand: what you need to know!
Key points to remember island by island
If you've made it this far, you'll have gathered that there's a wealth of choice, often requiring a compromise between a very convenient but generally more touristy island, or a quieter but potentially more isolated one. Each option has its advantages, disadvantages, and a distinct character.
Here is a simple summary of the main islands to consider depending on the type of stay you have in mind.
The large islands
Phuket & Samui
You can say what you want about these two popular destinations, but it remains two reliable choices for a first trip. Easy to access, well-equipped and simple to organize, Phuket et Ko Samui allow you to combine beaches, excursions, varied accommodations, restaurants and some sightseeing, with more flexibility than on smaller islands.
Ko Phangan
The festive island, but one of contrasts. World-renowned for its "Full Moon Party"Ko Phangan remains one of the most obvious choices if you are looking for a lively island, while still having some more laid-back areas depending on the zone chosen.
Koh Lanta
To slow down without getting bored. More relaxed, Ko Lanta appeals to those who want to spend a few days in a gentler atmosphere, while still having opportunities to get around a bit.
Ko chang
A larger, wilder island. More hilly, greener and a little less formatted than the big stars of the south, Ko Chang will suit those who like to explore and are looking for a slightly less “mass tourism” atmosphere.
The small islands
Ko Phi Phi
The spectacular postcard. Very photogenic, very busy and very lively, Ko Phi Phi will suit especially those who like lively places and sea excursions, less so those who are looking for peace and quiet.
Koh Tao
The benchmark for diving. Ko Tao is best known for its diving spots and numerous schools, with the added bonus of a fairly young and lively atmosphere.
Ko lipe
The picture-postcard tropical setting. Ko Lipe is appealing because of the beauty of its marine setting and its snorkeling potential, with its main drawback being its isolation in the far south of the country.
Other options to keep in mind
Generally speaking, islands are often associated with the “south”, while the north of the Gulf of Thailand also has some very beautiful options, in a much less frequented region.
- Ko Kood : a very nice option if you are primarily looking for peace and quiet, nature and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Ko samet : convenient for a short beach break from Bangkok, with a more relaxed atmosphere, although the island can be busier on weekends.
Similarly, an island is not necessarily a necessary stop to enjoy the south of the country:
- Krabi : an excellent base for enjoying beautiful beaches, karst landscapes and numerous sea excursions.
- Khao Lak : something to consider especially if diving, snorkeling or access to the Similan and Surin islands really matter in your choice.
