Thai Islands#

Off Ranong, Ko Phayam keeps a low profile with long beaches, sparse roads and a backpacker scene centred on bungalows, scooter hires and simple dive operators.

Off Thailand’s Andaman coast, Mu Ko Surin National Park comprises five main islands with fringing coral reefs and clear snorkeling and diving sites; visitors come for day trips or liveaboards, small Moken communities and protected marine life.

A protected archipelago in the Andaman Sea, the Similans are prized for scuba diving, clear water, granite rock formations and seasonal boat trips from Phang Nga and Phuket (usually November-April).

Island in Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi, noted for small fishing villages, rubber plantations, kayaking and island‑hopping tours.

Phuket island off Thailand’s Andaman coast, known for sandy beaches, seafood and lively beachfront towns such as Patong; travelers use it as a base for diving, island boat trips and exploring Old Phuket Town’s Sino‑Portuguese architecture.

Raya Yai Island southeast of Phuket, visited on day trips for snorkeling and diving at nearby reefs, with short boat transfers from Phuket.

Ko Phi Phi Don-the inhabited hub of the Phi Phi group-draws beachgoers and nightlife crowds with Tonsai Bay ferries, viewpoint hikes, dive schools and boat trips to Phi Phi Leh.

Ko Lanta Yai in Krabi offers long beaches, dive trips to nearby reefs, seafood restaurants and a low‑key town atmosphere.

South of Trang, Ko Ngai attracts snorkelers and small-resort visitors with white-sand beaches, nearby coral reefs and limestone silhouettes; most travel via boat from Trang pier.

Trang island famous for the Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot), sea caves and coral snorkeling; tourists arrive by longtail boat for the cave, beaches and island seafood.

Ko Kradan in Trang province centers on a single crescent beach and clear water; tourists snorkel over coral, sunbathe and join island-hopping trips.

Island in Tarutao National Marine Park with remote beaches, jungle trails and historical prison ruins; accessed by boat from Satun for camping and snorkeling.

Ko Lipe in Satun province sits within the Andaman marine area and attracts snorkelers and divers for nearshore coral reefs, beachside bars along Walking Street and boat trips to Tarutao and nearby islands.

A tiny island with more dive shops than traffic lights, Ko Tao pulls scuba students and reef junkies to sites like Chumphon Pinnacle and Shark Bay.

Island in the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Pha‑ngan combines rocky headlands, coconut beaches and waterfalls with a party circuit centered on Haad Rin’s Full Moon Party; visitors also come for diving, snorkeling and yoga retreats.

Ko Samui’s palm-lined beaches, Chaweng nightlife and the 12-metre Big Buddha temple draw sun-seekers and divers; boat trips run to Ang Thong Marine Park and nearby islands.

Small island off Si Racha, Ko Si Chang draws day-trippers for King Chulalongkorn’s 19th-century summer palace, quiet beaches, fishing villages and seafood restaurants; visitors cycle between temples and viewpoints reached by short ferry from Si Racha and Pattaya.

Ko Lan (Koh Larn) sits off Pattaya in Chon Buri, popular for day trips to sandy beaches, snorkeling over coral, boat transfers from the mainland and simple seaside restaurants.

Ko Samet, a protected island in Rayong province, is a popular weekend escape from Bangkok for sandy beaches, seafood shacks, snorkeling and simple beachfront bars.

Thailand’s Ko Chang island off Trat province offers mangrove-fringed bays, white-sand beaches, jungle trails and coral snorkeling; visitors come for diving, waterfalls like Klong Plu and a slower island pace than Phuket.

Small and flat, Ko Mak in Trat province is known for coconut plantations, quiet beaches and cycling; visitors rent bikes, kayak between coves and stay in low-density bungalows.

Ko Kut (Koh Kood) in Trat province offers palm-fringed beaches, waterfalls and small fishing communities; travelers come for snorkeling, longtail-boat trips and low-density island stays.