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Lipe drone by Ha Jing Jing

10 Most Beautiful Islands in Thailand – Travel Video

With excellent weather, warm ocean water, and palm-fringed beaches, Thailand is island living at its very best. Pair that with top-notch accommodation and a pleasing exchange rate, and you have the ultimate holiday destination. An abundance of islands each offers their own unique personality, from bustling markets and extraordinary temples to enchanting swimming spots, beach bars, and coral…

The islands off the coast of Thailand are some of the most popular places for tourists in Southeast Asia to visit. But the best islands in Thailand offer numerous opportunities for spiritual exploration, recreation, and relaxation. Some of the best Thailand Islands are:

1. Koh Lipe: Ko Lipe is located in the Adang-Rawi Archipelago in southwest Thailand and settled by sea gypsies. It is a small island and visitors can walk around and explore the island in less than an hour. This island is let off the hook from certain laws prohibiting development as it is just outside the jurisdiction of Tarutao National Park. Its three main beaches have many accommodations ranging from air-conditioned bungalows to grass huts.

2. Koh Lanta is made up of a group of islands off the coast of Thailand in the Krabi province. This is the largest island of the group and called Ko Lanta Yai or simply Ko Lanta. This is an important destination for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, who come to the islands to view the coral reefs and the ocean life including whales and manta rays.

3. Koh Samet: It is a favourite relief from the bustle of Bangkok. Majority of the island is a National Park. You can find multiple vacation spots here with different amenities depending on the type of experience you seek. The white sand beaches of this island are one of the great attractions. Ao Phutsa, Ao Noina, Au Nuan, and Ao Wai are known for being serene featuring cozy accommodations and stunning sunset views. Ao Hin Khok and Hat Sai Kaeo are much busy and more frequented by tourists.

4. Koh Tarutao is just one of the 51 islands that belong to the Tarutao National Marine Park archipelago in southern Thailand. This island offers rented accommodations including bungalows and campsites. Tourists can view the limestone cliffs for which this part of Thailand is famous for and also enjoy the quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Exotic wildlife can be witnessed especially in the western part of the island, which is frequented by large turtles.

5. Koh Samui: One of the most frequently visited Thailand islands is Koh Samui. There are abundant accommodations available ranging from exclusive villas to small bungalows on the island. The Ten Stars Samui Art Party, the Buffalo Fighting Festival, etc. are several festivals that take place each year. Several street fairs with vendors selling clothing, local delicacies, and souvenirs. The yearly Samui Regatta sees sailing enthusiasts get together for this event. Triathletes and their supporters flock to Samui for the annual Triathlon Event.

6. Koh Phangan is an island in the Gulf of Thailand and it is halfway between the islands of Ko Tao and Koh Samui. It is a famous destination for the backpacking community. The Full Moon Party is an electronic dance festival which is held every year. For a more peaceful getaway visit Koh Pha Ngan's numerous Buddhist temples. The island is also renowned for its meditation retreats and beaches.

7. Phuket: It is the most popular tourist area in Thailand. Most of its scenic beaches feature numerous resort accommodations for tourists. Tourists will find shopping areas and thriving nightclubs close to this beach. Some of the other attractions on Phuket include historical museums, golf courses, and monuments.

8. Koh Chang:  Ko Chang is located near the border of Cambodia. It is the third largest island in Thailand and the biggest in the Ko Chang Marine Park archipelago. This mountainous island is known for thriving coral reefs, several waterfalls, rainforests, and long white sandy beaches. Ko Chang is gaining popularity and in less than 10 years has become a major tourist destination in Thailand. The White Sand Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island.

9. Koh Tao: For recreational purposes, this island is fast becoming one of the favourite destinations in Thailand. The islands cater especially to scuba divers, rock climbers, and hikers. It is one of the most popular destinations in the world to learn to dive. Fishing enthusiasts also visit the island hoping to catch a specimen of the abundant marlin, snapper or barracuda.

10. Koh Phi Phi: A small archipelago in the Krabi Province in Southern Thailand, it is the largest island in the group. Severely affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004, nearly all of Ko Phi Phi's infrastructure was destroyed. Redevelopment has, however, been swift, and services are back.