Phuket, Thailand's largest island
Thailand's largest island combines vibrant beach towns, luxury resorts, rich culture, and easy access to some of the country's most spectacular islands. Whether you're exploring Old Phuket Town, relaxing on a secluded beach, or setting off on a speedboat adventure, Phuket offers something for every traveller.
Perfect for
Island hoppers
Speedboat to Phi Phi, Similan, or the Racha Islands all leave from Phuket
Beach lovers
Patong for energy, Freedom Beach for seclusion, Kata Noi for beauty
Foodies
Old Town's Sunday Walking Street is one of Thailand's best food markets
Rent a scooter to escape the tourist bubble — the north of the island has quiet beaches and real Thai villages.
Patong is loud by design — if you want quiet, base yourself in Kata, Rawai, or Kamala instead.
Book island day trips early — the best boats to Similan and Phi Phi sell out days ahead in high season.
Maya Bay — Koh Phi Phi Leh
Surrounded by turquoise waters and towering limestone cliffs, Koh Phi Phi is one of Thailand's most iconic island destinations. Spend your days exploring hidden coves, snorkelling among colourful marine life, and hiking to breathtaking viewpoints before experiencing the island's lively nightlife.
Perfect for
Photographers
Drone-worthy cliffs, neon-blue water, and a viewpoint that earns every step
Snorkellers
Coral reefs surrounding both Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh are still spectacular
Night owls
Tonsai Village's beach bars run fire shows nightly; the island doesn't sleep
Stay on Phi Phi Don, not Phi Phi Leh — Leh is uninhabited; the resorts, restaurants, and nightlife are all on Don.
Maya Bay is now restricted entry — no overnight boats can anchor; arrive early with a small group boat for the clearest water.
The viewpoint closes at dark — start the climb at least 90 minutes before sunset to make it up and back safely.
Railay West Beach, Krabi Province
Accessible only by boat, Railay feels like an island despite being connected to the mainland. Towering limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and some of Thailand's most beautiful beaches create a destination that is equal parts adventure and relaxation. Climbers come for the rock faces. Everyone else comes for Phra Nang.
Perfect for
Rock climbers
Over 200 established routes on limestone karst — from beginner slabs to expert overhangs
Couples
No roads, no noise — just beach, cliffs, and each other
Nature seekers
Mangroves, bat caves, and cliff-top jungle just minutes from the beach
Longtail from Ao Nang is the standard way in — about 15 minutes and $100–150 per person, leaves when full.
Phra Nang is tidal — check tide times before you go; at low tide the cave beach expands dramatically.
No ATMs on Railay — bring enough cash for your entire stay; resorts charge a heavy premium for card payments.
Koh Samui, Gulf of Thailand
Blending luxury resorts, palm-fringed beaches, lively beach clubs, and cultural landmarks, Koh Samui offers one of Thailand's most complete island experiences. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a touch of indulgence, this island delivers it effortlessly — with its own airport to match.
Perfect for
Luxury travellers
Five-star pool villas, rooftop beach clubs, and private yacht charters available year-round
Couples
Sunset dinners on the beach, couples spas, and Na Muang waterfall hiking
Foodies
Fisherman's Village Friday market and a world-class international dining scene
Samui has its own airport — direct flights from Bangkok take 1hr 20min; it's faster and easier than the ferry route.
The east coast catches monsoon from October–December — during that period, the west coast (Lipa Noi, Taling Ngam) stays calmer.
Rent a car, not a scooter — Samui's ring road is 51km and traffic can be heavy; a car gives you the flexibility and safety to explore.
Koh Tao, Surat Thani Province — Gulf of Thailand
Known as one of the world's best places to learn scuba diving, Koh Tao is a small island surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and secluded bays. Even if diving isn't on your itinerary, stunning viewpoints, relaxed cafés, and crystal-clear beaches make it well worth the journey.
Perfect for
Scuba divers
Learn to dive for a fraction of what it costs in Europe or Australia — coral reefs at every entry point
Budget travellers
Excellent value for money — quality guesthouses from $500/night and great beach food from $80
Adventure seekers
Shark Bay for snorkelling, Shark Island for diving, rope swings at Freedom Beach
Night diving is otherworldly — bioluminescent plankton and sleeping turtles; book with any dive school on Sairee for around $1,500.
Getting here takes effort — overnight ferry from Chumphon or Surat Thani, or a quick hop from Koh Samui; that's exactly why it still feels real.
Avoid peak season for diving — March–May has the best underwater visibility with fewer divers in the water.
Koh Phangan, Surat Thani Province
Famous worldwide for its Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan has evolved far beyond it. Stunning beaches like Haad Rin and Bottle Beach, yoga retreats, and a growing food scene make it worth visiting any time of the month.
Perfect for
Party-goers
Largest beach party in the world, every full moon
Wellness seekers
Yoga retreats and detox resorts have made it a wellness hub
Budget travellers
Great value, excellent hostels and guesthouses from $8/night
Check the full moon calendar before booking — prices triple the week around it.
The Half Moon and Black Moon parties happen throughout the month for a more intimate version.
Haad Rin is the party beach — stay on the north coast if you want quiet.
Koh Lipe, Satun Province
Nicknamed the "Maldives of Thailand", Koh Lipe sits near the Malaysian border surrounded by some of the clearest water in the country. Three stunning beaches — Sunrise, Sunset, and Pattaya — and world-class snorkelling make it worth the journey to get there.
Perfect for
Snorkellers & divers
Some of the best visibility in Thailand, whale sharks sighted seasonally
Couples
Remote, quiet, spectacular sunsets over the Andaman
Digital detoxers
Limited ATMs, weak signal — a feature not a bug
No ATMs on the island — bring enough cash.
Only reachable by speedboat from Pak Bara or Langkawi (Malaysia).
High season November–May only — the island basically closes May–October.
Krabi Province, Andaman Coast
Krabi Town is the mainland gateway to Railay, Koh Phi Phi, and the four islands of Koh Lanta. But it's more than a transit hub — Tiger Cave Temple, Emerald Pool, and the hot springs reward those who stay. Ao Nang Beach is the main tourist strip; venture further for the real Krabi.
Perfect for
Rock climbers
Railay's walls are famous worldwide; Krabi Town has beginner walls too
Nature lovers
Mangroves, jungle, hot springs, and sea all within 30 minutes of each other
Island-hoppers
Best base for day trips to Phi Phi, Railay, Koh Lanta, and the four islands
Stay in Krabi Town not Ao Nang if you want local restaurants and better value.
Rent a scooter to reach Emerald Pool and Tiger Cave independently.
Boats to Railay leave from Ao Nang Beach — longtails run until around 6pm.
