It is not hard to see why visitors continue to secure their seats on ferries or small planes and flock to some of Thailand’s most paradisal islands.
There are some names, such as Phuket or Koh Phangan, that are synonymous with the large party crowds on the beach, filled with cocktail-clinkers and face-paint-covered dancers letting their hair down in pure hedonistic bliss.
While that ticks a lot of boxes for some globetrotters, other more laidback islands offer wellness-led travellers a choice of yoga retreats, while adventurous types are provided with campsites in national parks and solo tourists or couples can stay in secluded coves where they can switch off and relax on unspoilt sands.
It’s not all remote bungalows or beachside lodges, as many islands also have welcomed large resorts to their shores, fit for families or less intrepid groups.
With over 1,400 islands to sift through, finding the one that best fits your holiday vibe can be more of a mission than the 12-hour flight. Straying beyond the well-known shores of Phuket to more isolated archipelagos is well worth the step out of the tourism comfort zone.
Whether backpacking on a budget or splashing out on a luxury golf holiday, all tastes are catered to – and not just in the bustling street food markets that dot the islands. Here’s Independent Travel’s selection of the best islands to explore for every variation of holiday.
The best islands in Thailand 2026
1. Koh Phangan
If a holiday of crazy clubbing, raves and live music is on the cards for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Thailand, the wild nightlife of the otherwise idyllic Koh Phangan has a lot to offer. The popular island’s famous monthly Full Moon Party just scratches the surface of the bustling bars, fire shows, and beach clubs on Phangan, all wrapped up in heavenly sunsets and pristine white sands. Let loose and enjoy a few drinks on Haad Rin Beach or simply take to swinging in a hammock to relax the day away.
Where to stay
TropiCoco Beach Resort has direct beach access, an outdoor pool and a restaurant serving Thai dishes and waterfront cocktails. Comfy double rooms feature an en suite, balcony and view of the Haad Yao shoreline.
Price: From £48
Watch more: Discovering Thailand’s street food, temples and island life
2. Koh Lipe
The tiny island of Koh Lipe, in the Satun province near the border with Malaysia, is the only inhabited island in the Adang Archipelago. Despite its remote nature, it’s easy to catch a speedboat over from Pak Bara on the mainland to this relaxed Thai paradise, abundant in welcoming locals and child-safe resorts. Family-friendly gentle seas, soft sands and great food await on a holiday with the kids, well-deserved after a long-haul flight with little ones – there are even cheap massages on offer on the shallow shores. Travel in off-peak season from May to October for the quietest crowds and comfortable temperatures.
Where to stay
If family suites with pool access, buffet breakfasts and evening entertainment are what you look for in a hotel, Ananya Lipe Resort is the perfect stay for the whole family.
Price: From £101
Read more: This hotel allows you to experience the unspoilt side of Phuket
3. Koh Mook
Emerald caves, secluded beaches and authentic local villages make Koh Mook the dream destination for a Thai beach break. Largely untouched by tourism, Mook, a sandy haven on the Andaman Sea, is a spot for kicking back, exploring the dense jungle and basking in old town charm. The popular Emerald Cave, a hidden lagoon on the island’s west coast, is a must-visit – swim or kayak through a tunnel to spend time among the vivid greens of the hidden beach.
Where to stay
Bargain beachfront stays at Mookies Bungalows offer guests a back-to-nature experience just a five-minute walk from Charlie Beach. Think cosy accommodation wrapped up with days spent on white sand, sunbathing, snorkelling and fishing.
Price: From £13
Read more: The best luxury Bangkok hotels, from rooftop infinity pools to Michelin-starred dining
4. Koh Lanta
A honeymoon to Thailand has the long golden beaches, crystal clear waters and luxury resorts of the sought-after escapes to the Maldives and Bali, but Koh Lanta’s unforgettable tropical charm and vibrant landscape add history, culture and adventure. It’s also a more affordable option for blissful luxury. Just off the coast of Krabi, the beach paradise boasts magical sunsets, idyllic viewpoints and endless opportunities to walk the pristine shoreline hand in hand.
Where to stay
The romantic Pimalai Resort, overlooking the Andaman Sea, is rich in Thai decor, leisure facilities and exclusive accommodations. A stay includes airport transfers, dining at the three restaurants and two pools.
Price: From £112
Read more: The best budget-friendly hotels in Bangkok, from cheap skyscraper rooms to family-run B&Bs
5. Koh Yao Noi
One of the most popular yoga destinations in the world, Thailand’s spiritual shores offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity to rejuvenate in Buddhist temples, on dramatic mountain tops and beside blissful beaches. Steer away from the crowds of Chiang Mai in the north and take a retreat on Koh Yao Noi. The picturesque island in Phang Nga Bay offers a serene environment, with a pristine natural landscape just 30 minutes by speed boat from Phuket. Eco-friendly accommodation makes the ideal base for fans of yoga workshops and days of meditation practice.
Where to stay
Island Yoga, a retreat found on Khao Beach on the east side of the island, offers sunrise Tai Chi, meditation, yoga classes, vegetarian food and Thai massages all among a serene beachside backdrop. Workshops and treatments can be booked by the session, and the retreat provides accommodation from single and double rooms to mixed and female dormitories.
Price: Contact retreat
Read more: The best hotels in Bangkok from sky-high rooms to kitschy boutiques
6. Koh Phi Phi
Popular backpacker spot Koh Phi Phi has a lot to offer solo, seasoned and group travellers exploring Thailand on a budget. Safe and sociable hostels, lively bars and endless clusters of natural beauty are right on the doorstep of Phi Phi Don. Indulge in local cuisine and experience the party scene with other tourists, and spend slower days partaking in a range of activities, including cooking classes that will help you master the art of pad Thai.
Where to stay
Sweed Dee Hostel is the ultimate backpacker’s stop on Phi Phi Don. Budget mixed dormitory rooms are fitted with a balcony, shared bathroom and free wifi, less than 800 metres from Ton Sai Beach and nearby bars.
Price: From £21
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7. Koh Tao
Thailand’s defining scuba island, Koh Tao, has underwater scenery and lively marine life that rivals some of the most spectacular reefs and shipwrecks in the world. Diving off the Chumphon Archipelago island attracts travellers from around the globe for half-day experiences and week-long open water certifications – diving schools such as Black Turtle Dive can be found in the area. Everyone from beginners to professionals can head under water to spot stingrays, barracudas and turtles, or explore the remains of the former US Navy ship HTMS Sattakut.
Where to stay
Boutique hotel Big Tree boasts chic interiors, lush outdoor areas and spacious balconies just a few minutes’ drive from dive sites, such as Sunken Ship and Chalok Viewpoint.
Price: From £65
Read more: Ditch Phuket’s crowds for these beautiful Thailand islands instead
8. Koh Tarutao
The largest island in the Tarutao National Marine Park, Tarutao is an adventurer’s unspoiled paradise. As the 2002 setting of the US reality TV show Survivor and home to the remains of Koh Tarutao Prison, the terrain is tough and the landscape exquisitely dramatic. A largely hidden gem, Tarutao offers ample opportunities for outdoor thrillseekers to mountain bike, hike waterfalls and kayak to Crocodile Cave. Keen campers can pitch up to take in the wildlife – and could even encounter some monkeys by the campfire. Entrance to the national park costs around 200 baht (£5) for foreign visitors.
Where to stay
There are no hotels or resorts on Koh Tarutao – that wouldn’t be true to the full adventure experience. However, as Tarutao is a National Marine Park, there are park accommodations to rent at three ranger stations and two campsites with tents available for hire.
Price: Doubles from £12 and tents £5
Read more: Chiang Mai city guide – where to stay, eat drink and shop in Thailand’s northern creative hub
9. Similan Islands
For a unique perspective on everything Thailand has to offer, why not take to the sea and cruise through geological landmarks? Explore the azure waters of the isolated Similan Islands from the comfort of a liveaboard yacht at scenic moorings, peering overboard to glimpse the teeming marine life. Don a snorkel and take the plunge by the granite boulders and spectacular scenery of the Thai treasures in Mu Ko Similan National Park. Just remember that the islands are closed to the public from May until October in order to safeguard marine life and encourage regeneration of the ecosystem. Entrance to the Similan Islands costs around 500 baht (£11.60) for foreign visitors.
Where to stay
It is possible to stay on three of the eleven Similan Islands in a choice of a bungalow, hotel and campsite accommodation once the daytrippers disappear, all run by National Park staff.
Price: From £11
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10. Koh Bulon Lae
No trip to Thailand is complete without indulging in incredible street food, and Koh Bulon Lae is full of culinary surprises. Seafood lovers will be in paradise at the fisherman’s village as they feast on the fresh catch of the day, and beach restaurants dot the quiet coast. Bulon is home to a Muslim community, so halal Thai food and Western delights are on the menu.
Where to stay
Pansand Resort is one of the few accommodation options on the island, and Koh Bulon Lae fishing village and Mango Bay are just a 15-minute walk away from the quiet bungalows.
Price: From £48
Read more: The best hotels in Chiang Mai for boutique stays and luxury getaways
11. Koh Samui
When you think of Thailand’s second-largest island, golf may not be the first activity that springs to mind. But Koh Samui, known for its lush rainforest and palm beaches, is an oasis for exciting play. Famous courses, such as Santiburi Samui Country Club on the north coast and Royal Samui Golf in the Lamai mountains, serve up views out to Koh Phangan and mild breezes, making it easy for guests to tee off among palm-fringed terrain.
Where to stay
On Mae Nam Beach, Santiburi Koh Samui offers luxury villas, suites, tropical outdoor pools and an 18-hole championship golf course just a five-minute drive away.
Price: From £159
Read more: I travelled to Thailand’s White Lotus hotels
12. Koh Chang
Thailand’s third largest island, Koh Chang, translates to Elephant Island due to the the shape of its headland resembling an elephant. Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, east of Bangkok, the island is ideal for those looking for a spot of adventure and a stay in boutique hotels rather than overcrowded spots and luxury resorts. Less developed than other islands, Koh Chang offers a more laidback experience, with opportunities to trek to waterfalls and undisturbed coastal areas such as palm-fringed Long Beach. On the south coast is where you will find most fishing villages, which include small hotels and restaurants selling noodles and freshly caught seafood.
Where to stay
There are plenty of cheap beachside boutiques in Koh Chang, including Oasis on Lonely Beach, offering bungalows with wooden verandas surrounded by a jungle garden. The hotel features an infinity pool and staff serve Thai and Western food all day long at the pool and in its restaurant.
Price: From £21
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13. Koh Phayam
If you are looking for an underrated island overlooked by most tourists, Koh Phayam is the place to head. Located off the coast of southwestern Thailand near the Myanmar border, the island is famous for its white sandy beaches and abundance of cashew nuts that grow on the island. This quiet island has plenty of bays and beaches along its shoreline, including Ao Kaho Khwai for sunset watching, while at the end of Ao Mae Mai beach is the golden Wat Ko Phayam Buddhist shrine and temple. The largest and longest bay on the island is the four kilometre-long Ao Yai, where tourists come to enjoy in watersports such as surfing.
Where to stay
Located near Ao Mae Mai, the seafront Sabai Sabai Beach Bungalows are pared-back and budget-friendly. Choose from beachfront villas, large bungalows with sea views and private terraces complete with hammocks, or bungalows situated directly on the beach.
Price: From £10
Read more: Why you need to take the slow boat from Thailand to Laos
