Paradise islands in Thailand, dream beaches, postcard settings. Are you planning a trip to South East Asia and you don't know how to choose among the most beautiful islands?
Indeed, just like in the Philippines , Thailand has many beautiful islands. And it's true that it's difficult to know which are the most beautiful paradise islands, those with dream beaches and the most stunning scenery.
But before choosing a paradise island, you have to ask yourself 2 essential questions:
- Choose an island in the Gulf of Thailand or in the Andaman Sea?
- Which are the easiest paradise islands to access?
Indeed, the best choice will depend not only on the beauty of the island but also on the season in which you will leave and the type of stay envisaged.
And, if like me, you like trips that combine beautiful landscapes and a seaside stay on paradisiacal beaches, here is how I chose the most beautiful island in Thailand for my last vacation in Thailand.
How to choose an island in Thailand?
Before choosing an island in Thailand for its paradisiacal beaches, everything must be ensured that the island is easily accessible. Indeed, if you only have a week or two, it would be a shame to spend too much time in transport and transfers when there are paradise islands easily accessible.
On the other hand, you must also choose an island in Thailand according to the period of your vacation. Indeed, to make the right choice, the climate must be taken into consideration.
In fact, all of southern Thailand has a generally warm tropical climate but with periods of monsoons. But the climate is not quite the same on the east side (archipelago of the Gulf of Thailand) and the west side (archipelago of the Andaman Sea).
On the East coast, rainfall is significant between September and December, while on the West coast, typhoons and other heavy rains are more frequent between April and October.
Which island to choose in Thailand in summer?
If you are planning a stay on a Thai island for your summer vacation, I recommend choosing an island in the Gulf of Thailand on the East coast (see my favorites below).
Indeed, the best time to visit an island in the Gulf of Thailand is from June to September . The least favorable period, due to more frequent rainfall, is from October to December.
Which island to choose in Thailand in winter?
For those who want to go to an island in Thailand in winter, it is recommended to choose an island in the Andaman Sea on the West coast (see my recommendation below).
Indeed, for the islands of the Andaman Sea, the best time is from November to April because it is during these 6 months that they receive the least rainfall.
paradise islands in thailand
As soon as I chose to leave for a seaside holiday in Southeast Asia, I searched the internet for the most beautiful islands in Thailand. However, the list of paradise islands that I found is far too long and did not help me to know which one to choose: Koh Phi Phi – Ko Kood – Koh Poda – Koh Tao – Koh Chang – Koh Phangan – Koh Samui – Koh Wua Ta Lap – Koh Tapu – Koh Lanta – Koh Lipe – Koh Nang Yuan – Koh Samet
Yes, all these islands have dream landscapes and beaches, but how do you know which archipelago they are on and how to choose only 1 of them?
Paradise Islands in Thailand – Where are they located?
Thailand has 2 main archipelagos on both sides of Thailand where the most beautiful islands are located:
- The archipelago to the east in the China Sea which constitute the islands of Gulf of Thailand also called Gulf of Siam;
- The archipelago to the west on the Andaman Sea in the Indian Ocean where there are many islands, the best known of which is Phuket.
See below the most beautiful islands of these 2 large archipelagos of Thailand:
The most beautiful islands of Thailand in the Andaman Sea
The Andaman Sea has many islands and islets, the majority of which are wild and uninhabited (see in particular the most splendid: the Similan Islands ).
The main islands of the Andaman Sea are : Phuket – Khao Phing Kan – Ko Yao Yai – Koh Yao Noi –
Phi Phi Islands – Koh Lanta – Ko Lipe – Koh Ngai – Koh Muk – Koh Laoliang – Koh Bulon – Koh Turatao – Koh Kradan
The landscapes of these islands are the dream of all tourists: clear turquoise sea, white sand, coconut palms and lush jungle.
Phuket is the most famous island of all, with its magnificent Bang Tao Beach . But even though Phuket has become overcrowded and touristy, it has the advantage of being the easiest to reach! Phuket can therefore be a good option for those looking for a Thai island to party or find plenty of entertainment.
Otherwise, see below the 2 most beautiful islands in Thailand for their heavenly beaches:
The two most beautiful paradise islands in the Andaman Sea are the Phi Phi Islands and Koh Ngai.
Koh Phi Phi among the most beautiful islands in Thailand
Located about 50 kilometers southeast of Phuket, the Phi Phi islands are of unparalleled beauty, especially the uninhabited islet of Phi Phi Leh where Maya Bay is located, made famous by the film The Beach.
The Phi Phi Islands have postcard settings with huge karst cliffs and white sandy beaches with crystal clear turquoise waters. They are surrounded by rich and well-preserved seabed as they are classified as a protected national reserve.
How to get to the Phi Phi Islands?
To get to the Phi Phi Islands, you need to take a boat from Phuket Island departing from Rassada Pier Phuket which will drop you off at Ton Sai port on the south coast of Phi Phi Don.
Where to stay in Koh Phi Phi?
You won't have any trouble finding good accommodation on the Phi Phi Islands. The one I can recommend for its sublime beach and amenities is the Phi Phi Holiday Resort-SHA Extra Plus.
Paradise Islands in Thailand – Koh Ngai Island
Koh Ngai is located south of Koh Lanta. This island is famous for its dream beaches with turquoise waters with huge rocks resting on the water. This is where we find the whitest sand in the world! The island is also ideal for snorkeling in turquoise and unspoiled water.
How to get to Koh Ngai Island?
To get to Koh Ngai Island, you need to take a ferry from Phuket ( Satun Pakbara Speed Boat ) which departs from Rassada Pier Phuket and makes the crossing in less than 3 hours. Alternatively, you can also take a flight from Bangkok to Trang and then a boat to Koh Ngai.
Where to stay in Koh Ngai?
One of the best-located and highest-rated hotels according to online users is the Coco Cottage – SHA Plus
Indeed, its splendid beach offers postcard views and its location is perfect for exploring the surroundings and all the riches of this paradise island!
Paradise islands in the Gulf of Thailand
The Gulf of Thailand or Gulf of Siam which borders the coasts of Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia also has some of the most beautiful islands in Thailand.
The main islands in the Gulf of Thailand are : Ko Tao – Ko Sichang – Ko Lan – Ko Phai – Ko Samet – Ko Chang – Ko Mak – Ko Kut – Ko Samui – Ko Pha Ngan
Of all these islands, the 3 most beautiful islands in the Gulf of Thailand are Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao.
The island of Koh Samui for its lively beaches
The island of Koh Samui or Ko Samui is the second largest island in Thailand and is Kate Moss' favorite island. It has many luxury hotels, lively seaside resorts but also a few nice and isolated places.
As a reminder, the best time to go on vacation to Koh Samui is from June to September.
And if you are looking for heavenly beaches, you will be spoiled for choice in Koh Samui:
- Silver Beach (Haad Thong Ta-Khian)
- Thongson Bay
- Lipa Noi Beach
- Choeng mon beach
- Maenam beach
- Chaweng beach
- Taling Ngam
- Bophut beach
- Lamaï Beach
Another advantage of choosing Koh Samui is its easy accessibility . The island has an airport, allowing you to easily and quickly reach it by plane from Bangkok, Krabi, Chiang Mai, or Phuket.
How to go to the island of Koh Samui?
To get to Koh Samui Island, simply take a flight to Bangkok and then a domestic flight Bangkok-Koh Samui which will take you to the island in less than 1 hour 30 minutes.
And if you are already in Thailand, you can go to Donsak Pier to take a ferry that will take you to Koh Samui in just 45 minutes.
Where to stay in Koh Samui?
If you are looking for the most beautiful hotel in Koh Samui, I can recommend that you choose the Banyan Tree Samui – SHA Extra Plus.
And if you want to enjoy the most beautiful beaches and sightseeing, here is my itinerary for visiting Koh Samui in 2 weeks , with information on accommodation.
The island of Koh Tao for its diving spots
If you are looking for the best island in Thailand for diving and snorkeling, then you can choose Koh Tao. Indeed, with its magnificent corals and the diversity and abundance of its aquatic fauna, the island has some of the best spots in Thailand: Wreck of the HTMS Sattakut, Japanese gardens and sunken statues of Ocean Utopia.
This island is also called Turtle Island because it's home to many sea turtles that come to breed. The best spots to see turtles in Koh Tao are White Rock, Hin Pee Wee, Hin Wong, Shark Island, and Aow Leuk.
The beaches there of Koh Tao are less crowded and lively than in Koh Samui but just as beautiful!
How to get to Koh Tao Island?
To go to the island of Koh Tao, the easiest way will be to take a flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui and then take a ferry that will take you to the island in 2 or 3 hours.
You will also find ferries departing from Bangrak in Koh Samui that will drop you off at Mae Haad Pier in Koh Tao.
Where to stay in Koh Tao?
Here's a great place to stay for a holiday in paradise: Koh Tao Relax Freedom Beach Resort
Which island to choose in Thailand?
You still hesitate to choose among the most beautiful islands that I have just presented to you?
So, here are some tips for choosing a paradise island in Thailand according to your tastes and desires:
- Koh Samui for its ease of access and its offer of luxury hotels
- Koh Ngai for its white sand beaches and its tranquility
- Koh Tao for lovers of diving and snorkeling
- Koh Phi Phi for his postcard decorations