Anyone heading over to Thailand on holiday will almost certainly be taking in some of the islands while they are there. World famous for their beauty and unspoiled beaches there is a different island for you to visit almost every day of the week and you could keep doing that for a month (and still have more to explore). However, when planning your holiday or travels, it is often difficult to know where to start and which islands to plan on visiting. There are three clusters of islands to choose from and each of those clusters has three or four extremely well-known and popular islands which most tourists and travellers head to. One island cluster, in the Andaman Sea (just off the Thai western coast) has the islands of Phuket and Ko Phi Phi; the islands between Bangkok and the Cambodian border include the popular Ko Samet and Ko Chang and in the southern Gulf of Thailand there are Ko Samui, Ko Tao and Ko Pha Ngnan. The reason that these main islands are so famous is because of how stunningly beautiful they are; unfortunately that has also meant they have been significantly developed over the last few years. If it’s full moon parties at night and lazy days on the beaches you’re after then many of these will do the job and all of them are worth seeing at least once. Similarly if you want to see them but have a bit of peace and quiet there are still areas that are un-developed. The following list of islands will help you decide where to go for the perfect Thai Island holiday.
Old Favorites
Ko Samet – A popular spot both for Thais escaping Bangkok for the weekend and travellers and tourists from abroad. Consequently the beaches are packed at the weekends and the island has been very heavily developed.
Ko Pha Ngan – Famous for the legendary full moon parties and the ten to fifteen beautiful beaches with some of the best priced and funkiest hostels and guest houses in all of Thailand. No backpacking tour is complete without a stop in Ko Pha Ngan, although if you are looking for peace and quiet this might not be the island for you.
Ko Samui – Another place to avoid if you’re looking for an island away from it all. So developed they’ve even got a Tescos. Massive development including everything from backpacker hostels through to five star resorts.
Phuket – Mass market, mass developed island with its own international airport. Only go here if you are on a package holiday. Expensive and very busy, although still has some wonderful beaches and is a lot of fun.
Ko Muk – Popular with tourists and travellers who head there in their thousands to see the famous Emerald Cove. A wonderful holiday atmosphere and despite a large number of tourists, there is accommodation to suit all budgets here.
Ko Tao – Formerly a pirate hideaway, a fishing boat home from home and a backpacker legend, Ko Tao is now world famous for its diving, attracting diving fanatics from all over the world. The second most popular spot in the world for giving out PADI certificates and for good reason. The diving here is absolutely incredible.
Ko Phi Phi – With the most incredible scenery in all of Thailand and (what were formerly) some of the most unspoiled caves, walking trails, beaches and diving in all of the world Ko Phi Phi is a beautiful island. Slowlybeing over-developed like everywhere else; a good place to go party, but for peace and quiet look elsewhere.
Up And Coming
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Ko Kut – a glorious island with crystal clear water, gorgeous mountains and endless sandy beaches, Ko Kut has yet to be discovered by backpackers and tourists, although is popular with Thai tourists.
Ko Chang – an island on the move, Ko Chang is Thailand’s ‘next big thing.’ With the prerequisite beautiful beaches, snorkelling, (as well as elephant rides and jungle treks) and a range of accommodation from hostels all the way up to fancy resorts the time to see it is now before it gets too popular.
Ko Lipe – Tranquil, with options to suit all budgets and some of the best marine life in Thailand for snorkelling. Busy enough to be fun but not so busy that it ruins that fun.
Get Away From It All
Ko Maak – Small island with budget bungalows, gentle waters and unsullied beaches. A delightful getaway.
Ko Phra Thong – The perfect escape. An island with only one resort and one backpacker option as well as the most incredible 11km long beach which you’ll have almost to yourself. While you’re there check out the turtles and monkeys. Go now!
Ko Kho Khao – Slightly busier than Ko Phra Thong (though still undeveloped) with massive all-engulfing sunsets and an old Japanese WWII runway.
Alex is a travel writer and journalist. He loves writing about exotic places whilst lying on the beach but he is actually stuck in England writing about cheap fares and on the beach discount codes.
