Thailand’s islands are some of the most beautiful places on Earth. But with so many options, it’s easy to end up somewhere overcrowded or overdeveloped.
These five islands are different. They offer stunning beaches, incredible snorkeling, and that authentic Thai island feeling that’s getting harder to find.
Each one is also a fantastic place to base yourself for a few nights, not just a quick day trip.
Ready to discover your next island escape? Here are the five you should have on your radar. 😊
1. Koh Kood
a. Why This Island Is Special
Koh Kood feels like stepping back in time. While other Thai islands have grown busy with tourists, this one has stayed refreshingly quiet.
The secret? There is no car ferry here. That single detail keeps the crowds away and preserves a laid-back atmosphere that most Thai islands lost years ago.
b. What This Island Is Best Known For
- Secluded beaches and crystal-clear water. Koh Kood’s coastline is dotted with soft white sand and calm bays perfect for swimming.
- Waterfalls and jungle. Unusually for an island, Koh Kood has multiple waterfalls hidden in its dense rainforest interior.
- A slow, simple pace. Days here revolve around seafood dinners at family-run spots, sunset boat rides, and exploring on your own schedule.
The overall vibe is local and rustic. Think bamboo huts, friendly fishermen, and zero crowds.
c. Top Things to Do
- Swim at Klong Chao Waterfall. A three-tiered cascade with a large swimming pool at the bottom. Free to visit.
- Visit the ancient Makka trees. Giant banyan trees estimated to be over 500 years old. Locals consider them sacred.
- Kayak the estuaries. Paddle from mangroves out to open ocean at Klong Chao or Klong Yai Ki.
- Explore Ao Salat fishing village. Walk the rickety boardwalks, watch the day’s catch come in, and try ultra-fresh grilled squid.
- Watch sunset at The Deck Bar or Good View Cafe. Both offer stunning views as the sun goes down.
d. Best Beaches to Explore
- Klong Chao Beach is the main hub with powdery sand and calm, shallow water. Great for families.
- Klong Hin Beach is a peaceful stretch with a mix of soft sand and scattered rocks along the shoreline. It sees very few visitors, making it ideal for travelers who want a quiet spot away from the main beaches.
- Bang Bao Beach is quieter, with turquoise water and only a handful of places to stay. Many say it’s the most beautiful bay on the island.
- Ao Phrao Beach at the far south requires extra effort to reach but rewards you with total seclusion and spectacular sunsets.
e. Top Nearby Islands You Can Visit from Here
- Koh Mak (30 to 45 minutes by speedboat). A laid-back island known for bicycle trails and coconut plantations. Perfect for a peaceful day trip.
- Koh Rang (30 minutes). A snorkeling paradise with no village, just fringing reefs in crystal water.
- Koh Kradat (30 minutes). Famous for hundreds of wild deer roaming freely. A unique mix of safari and beach trip.
- Koh Chang (1 to 1.5 hours). The largest island in the region, with more restaurants, waterfalls, and a bit of nightlife.
f. How to Get to Koh Kood
From Trat Airport
- Fly from Bangkok to Trat Airport (TDX) (1 hour)
- Take a minivan to Laem Sok Pier (฿1,000 including ferry)
- Board the Boonsiri Catamaran or Koh Kood Express to Ao Salad Pier
- Total travel time from Trat Airport to Ao Salad Pier is around 2–2.5 hours
From Koh Chang
- Boonsiri High Speed Ferries – Catamaran service departing from Bang Bao Pier to Ao Salad Pier, around 1.5 hours, ฿900
- Koh Kood Express – Speedboat route from Bang Bao Pier to Ao Salad Pier, roughly 1 hour, ฿1,000
2. Koh Lipe
a. Why This Island Is Special
Often called the “Maldives of Thailand”, Koh Lipe delivers sugar-white sands and gin-clear turquoise water that looks almost unreal.
But unlike an empty atoll, Lipe also has a fun, cosmopolitan vibe with a lively walking street of cafes and reggae bars.
What makes Lipe truly special is this blend: world-class marine beauty surrounding a bustling, friendly community.
b. What This Island Is Best Known For
- Stunning beaches. Pattaya Beach and Sunrise Beach are both world-class, with powdery sand and crystal-clear water.
- Incredible snorkeling and diving. Healthy coral reefs ring the island. Swim out 50 meters from the beach and you’ll find clownfish and parrotfish.
- Vibrant yet chill nightlife. Walking Street comes alive after dark with reggae bars, beach fires, and street food stalls.
- Gateway to Tarutao National Park. Lipe is the base for exploring uninhabited islands like Koh Adang and Koh Rawi.
c. Top Things to Do
- Snorkel the archipelago. Join a longtail boat tour to Koh Hin Ngam (beach of black pebbles), Koh Rawi (pristine coral), and more.
- Hike Koh Adang viewpoint. A 40-minute trek through rainforest rewards you with a jaw-dropping view of Koh Lipe below.
- Stroll Walking Street. Sample roti pancakes, barbecued fish, and Thai iced tea. Browse shops selling tie-dye sarongs and carved coconuts.
d. Best Beaches to Explore
- Pattaya Beach is the main hub. Gorgeous white sand, calm water, and beach bars at night.
- Sunrise Beach is equally spectacular, with stunning morning views and great snorkeling right offshore.
- Sunset Beach is tiny and quiet, perfect for those seeking tranquility and incredible sunsets.
e. Top Nearby Islands You Can Visit from Here
- Koh Kla (5 to 10 minutes). A small rocky island surrounded by healthy coral reefs. Popular with snorkelers for its colorful marine life and clear shallow waters.
- Koh Adang (10 to 15 minutes). Jungle-clad with hiking trails and panoramic views back at Lipe.
- Koh Rawi (30 minutes). Pristine beaches and excellent snorkeling. Often completely deserted.
- Koh Hin Ngam (15 minutes). A unique beach of smooth black stones instead of sand.
- Koh Tarutao (45 to 60 minutes). A wild, historic island with ruins and rugged nature.
f. How to Get to Koh Lipe
From Hat Yai Airport:
- Fly from Bangkok to Hat Yai Airport (HDY) (1.5 hours)
- Take a van and ferry to Koh Lipe with Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club
- You can book this through 12go.asia
- Total travel time from Hat Yai Airport to Koh Lipe Pier is around 3.5 hours and costs about ฿700
From Krabi:
- Bundhaya Speed Boat – Speedboat service from Nopparat Thara Pier to Bundhaya Pier, roughly 5 hours 20 minutes, ฿2,300
- Bundhaya Speed Boat – Speedboat service from Floating Pier East Railay to Bundhaya Pier, roughly 5 hours, ฿2,300
- Tiger Line Ferry – Speedboat service from Floating Pier East Railay to Pattaya Beach (Koh Lipe), roughly 4 hours 45 minutes, ฿1,950
From Koh Lanta:
- Bundhaya Speed Boat – Speedboat service from Saladan Pier to Bundhaya Pier, roughly 3 hours, ฿1,700
- Awaycation Trip – Speedboat service from Saladan Pier to Bundhaya Pier, roughly 3 hours, ฿1,700
- Tiger Line Ferry – Speedboat service from Saladan Pier to Pattaya Beach (Koh Lipe), roughly 2 hours 30 minutes, ฿1,694
3. Koh Yao Noi & Koh Yao Yai
a. Why This Island Is Special
These twin islands sit in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. While Phuket and Krabi get crowded, Koh Yao feels like a quiet escape that time forgot.
The islands are predominantly Muslim, giving them a peaceful, conservative character. You will hear the call to prayer drifting across rubber plantations instead of thumping bass from beach bars.
b. What This Island Is Best Known For
Koh Yao Noi is smaller but has more tourist infrastructure. Think boutique resorts, cozy cafes, yoga retreats, and a “barefoot luxury” vibe.
Koh Yao Yai is bigger, wilder, and much less developed. Rubber plantations, water buffalo in rice paddies, and long stretches of empty coastline.
c. Top Things to Do
- Island-hopping longtail tour. Explore Phang Nga Bay gems like Koh Hong with its hidden lagoon, or Koh Pak Bia with its deserted beaches.
- Watch sunrise over the karsts. Head to Hin Kad Pier or Tha Khao Village on the east coast for one of Thailand’s most magical views.
- Bike around the islands. Rent a bicycle and pedal through shady rubber plantations, bright green rice fields, and quiet villages.
- Kayak through mangroves. The calm waters on the west coast are perfect for bird-watching.
- Try a batik painting class. Local women will show you how they wax and dye traditional cloth.
d. Best Beaches to Explore
- Laem Haad on Koh Yao Yai is the crown jewel. A curved sandbank stretches into the ocean, fully visible at low tide. This is the “Maldives moment” of the archipelago. Trust me, the photos practically take themselves.
- Pasai Beach on Koh Yao Noi is the main beach. Golden sand, stunning karst views, and a few cafes nearby.
- Little Long Beach & Big Long Beach on Koh Yao Noi are often completely empty. Bring water and enjoy having a wild beach to yourself.
- Loh Paret Beach on Koh Yao Yai has a long sweep of sand and gorgeous sunset views over Phuket in the distance.
e. Top Nearby Islands You Can Visit from Here
- Koh Hong (15 to 30 minutes). Famous for a hidden sea lagoon inside the island’s cliffs. Kayak in and snorkel the limestone walls.
- Koh Khai Nok & Koh Khai Nai (30 minutes). Tiny powder-sand islets with bright coral reefs and incredibly clear water.
- Koh Panyi (40 to 50 minutes). A fascinating floating Muslim fishing village built entirely over water.
- Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi (10 minutes). Easily hop between the twins to enjoy both islands.
f. How to Get to Koh Yao Noi & Koh Yao Yai
From Phuket to Koh Yao Noi:
- Green Planet – Speedboat service from Laem Hin Pier to Manoh Pier, roughly 50 minutes, ฿400
- Green Planet – Speedboat service from Bang Rong Pier to Manoh Pier, roughly 40 minutes, ฿400
- Supaporn Speed Boat – Ferry service from Bang Rong Pier to Manoh Pier, roughly 40 minutes, ฿400
- Koh Yao King Marine – Speedboat service from Bang Rong Pier to Manoh Pier, roughly 30 minutes, ฿500
From Krabi to Koh Yao Noi:
- Green Planet – Speedboat service from Nopparat Thara Pier to Manoh Pier, roughly 30 minutes, ฿650
- Bundhaya Speed Boat – Speedboat service from Nopparat Thara Pier to Manoh Pier, roughly 1 hour, ฿744
- Koh Yao Sun Smile – Speedboat service from Nopparat Thara Pier to Manoh Pier, roughly 40 minutes, ฿650
- Bundhaya Speed Boat – Speedboat service from Nopparat Thara Pier to Manoh Pier, roughly 40 minutes, ฿686
- Green Planet – Speedboat service from Floating Pier East Railay to Manoh Pier, roughly 1 hour 10 minutes, ฿650
- Bundhaya Speed Boat – Speedboat service from Floating Pier East Railay to Manoh Pier, roughly 1 hour, ฿744
From Phuket to Koh Yao Yai:
- Green Planet – Speedboat service from Laem Hin Pier to Klong Hia Pier, roughly 40 minutes, ฿400
- Green Planet – Speedboat service from Bang Rong Pier to Klong Hia Pier, roughly 30 minutes, ฿400
- Suwimol Speedboat – Speedboat service from Bang Rong Pier to Klong Hia Pier, roughly 30 minutes, ฿410
- Suwimol Speedboat – Speedboat service from Bang Rong Pier to Chong Lard Pier, roughly 40 minutes, ฿410
- Solomon Speedboat – Speedboat service from Bang Rong Pier to Klong Hia Pier, roughly 30 minutes, ฿390
- Solomon Speedboat – Speedboat service from Bang Rong Pier to Chong Lard Pier, roughly 40 minutes, ฿390
- Koh Yao Sun Smile – Speedboat service from Bang Rong Pier to Chong Lard Pier, roughly 30 minutes, ฿400
From Krabi to Koh Yao Yai:
- Bundhaya Speed Boat – Speedboat service from Nopparat Thara Pier to Klong Hia Pier, roughly 50 minutes, ฿596
- Bundhaya Speed Boat – Speedboat service from Floating Pier East Railay to Klong Hia Pier, roughly 70 minutes, ฿634
- Green Planet – Speedboat service from Nopparat Thara Pier to Klong Hia Pier, roughly 40 minutes, ฿650
- Green Planet – Speedboat service from Floating Pier East Railay to Klong Hia Pier, roughly 80 minutes, ฿650
- Koh Yao Sun Smile – Speedboat service from Railay East to Chong Lard Pier, roughly 60 minutes, ฿650
4. Koh Tao
a. Why This Island Is Special
Koh Tao sits in the Gulf of Thailand, running on a completely different weather system. When Andaman islands get monsoon rains (May to October), Koh Tao is often at its best.
This island is the “diver factory” of the world, issuing more PADI certifications than almost anywhere else. But you do not need to be a diver to love it here.
b. What This Island Is Best Known For
- World-class diving. One of the cheapest and best places in the world to get PADI certified.
- Turtle conservation. The island actively protects its marine life, and you might spot turtles while snorkeling.
- Backpacker energy and sunset spots. Lively beach bars, rooftop viewpoints, and a social atmosphere.
c. Top Things to Do
- Get scuba certified. Dozens of dive schools make it easy and affordable.
- Snorkel at Ao Leuk or Tanote Bay. Clear water and abundant marine life, no boat needed.
- Hike to John Suwan Viewpoint. A steep 15-minute climb to a 180-degree panorama.
- Catch sunset at a beach bar. The west coast offers spectacular views.
d. Best Beaches to Explore
- Sairee Beach is the main stretch, with restaurants, bars, and a lively atmosphere.
- Tanote Bay is quieter, with clear water and good snorkeling.
e. Top Nearby Island You Can Visit from Here
- Koh Nang Yuan (10 minutes). Three tiny islands connected by sandbars. Incredible views and snorkeling.
f. How to Get to Koh Tao
From Koh Phangan:
- Lomlahkkhirin – Speedboat service from Thong Sala Pier to Mae Haad Pier, roughly 45 minutes, ฿700
- Lomprayah – Catamaran service from Thong Sala Pier to Mae Haad Pier, roughly 1 hour, ฿600
- Songserm – Ferry service from from Thong Sala Pier to Mae Haad Pier, roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes, ฿500
From Surat Thani Airport:
- Lomprayah – Bus + high-speed catamaran service to Mae Haad Pier, roughly 4 hours 45 minutes, ฿1,100
- Lomlahkkhirin – Van + ferry service to Mae Haad Pier, roughly 4–5 hours, ฿1,200
From Chumphon Airport:
- Boonsiri – Van + ferry service to Mae Haad Pier, roughly 3.5 hours, ฿900
5. Koh Kradan
a. Why This Island Is Special
Koh Kradan is the ultimate castaway island. In 2023, its beach was ranked among the best in the world, and one visit explains why.
There’s no village here, just a handful of resorts, turquoise water, and pristine reefs right offshore.
b. What This Island Is Best Known For
- World-class beach. Soft white sand and water so clear it looks unreal.
- Incredible snorkeling. Vibrant coral reefs start just meters from shore.
- Total peace and quiet. No cars, no nightlife, no distractions. Just nature.
c. Top Things to Do
- Snorkel right off the beach. Some of the best coral in Thailand without needing a boat.
- Walk to Sunset Beach. A short trek through the jungle leads to a secluded western cove.
- Simply relax. This is an island for doing nothing but enjoying the beauty around you.
d. Best Beaches to Explore
- Main Beach (Paradise Beach) faces east with stunning morning light and excellent snorkeling.
- Sunset Beach is smaller and more secluded, perfect for golden hour.
e. Top Nearby Island You Can Visit from Here
- Koh Mook (5 to 15 minutes). Home to the famous Emerald Cave.
- Koh Ngai (20 minutes). Another quiet island with beautiful beaches and snorkeling.
f. How to Get to Koh Kradan
From Trang Airport:
- Fly from Bangkok to Trang Airport (TST) (1.5 hours)
- Take a van and local longtail boat to Koh Kradan Pier with King Travel Company
- You can book this through 12go.asia
- Total travel time from Trang Airport to Koh Kradan Pier is about 3 hours and costs around ฿650
From Phuket:
- Bundhaya Speed Boat – Speedboat service from Rassada Pier to Koh Kradan Beach, roughly 3 hours 40 minutes, ฿1,952
From Krabi:
- Bundhaya Speed Boat – Speedboat service from Nopparat Thara Pier to Koh Kradan Beach, roughly 3 hours 30 minutes, ฿1,959
- Bundhaya Speed Boat – Speedboat service from Floating Pier East Railay to Koh Kradan Beach, roughly 3 hours 10 minutes, ฿1,970
From Koh Lanta:
- Bundhaya Speed Boat – Speedboat service from Saladan Pier to Koh Kradan Beach, roughly 1 hours 10 minutes, ฿1,120
- Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club – Speedboat service from Saladan Pier to The beach infront of Nation Park Koh Kradan, roughly 1 hours 10 minutes, ฿950
- Lanta Petpailin – Ferry service from Koh Lanta Old Town Pier to Koh Kradan Beach, roughly 1 hours 20 minutes, ฿651
- Tiger Line Ferry – Speedboat service from Saladan Pier to Koh Kradan Beach, roughly 45 minutes, ฿939
