10 Best Thai Islands to Visit in 2026 (Local's Pick)

The Best Thai Islands for 2026

Thailand has over 1,400 islands. We've narrowed it down to the 10 that deliver the best mix of beauty, value and vibe this year.

1. Koh Lipe 🏝️

Often called the "Maldives of Thailand," Koh Lipe offers crystal-clear waters and laid-back beach bars without the hefty price tag. It's best for snorkelling, diving, and pure relaxation. To get there, fly to Hat Yai and then take a speedboat across. Peak season runs from November through April when the seas are calm and visibility is at its best.

2. Koh Phangan 🌙

Famous for its Full Moon Parties, but the northern beaches are surprisingly serene. Koh Phangan is perfect for travellers who want both party energy and wellness retreat vibes in one destination. Reach the island by ferry from Koh Samui or Surat Thani.

3. Koh Lanta 🌿

Long stretches of uncrowded beach, mangrove forests, and a genuinely slower pace of life make Koh Lanta ideal for families and digital nomads looking for a peaceful island base. Regular ferries connect the island to Krabi and Phuket throughout the high season.

4. Koh Tao 🐢

The diving capital of Southeast Asia, Koh Tao offers some of the world's most affordable PADI certification courses. Even if you don't dive, the snorkelling around the island is world-class.

5. Koh Yao Noi 🛶

A peaceful Muslim fishing island nestled between Phuket and Krabi, Koh Yao Noi offers stunning Phang Nga Bay views without the crowds. It feels like stepping back in time to a Thailand that tourism hasn't yet transformed.

6. Koh Chang 🐘

Thailand's third-largest island combines jungle waterfalls with quiet east-coast beaches. It's far enough from Bangkok to keep the day-trippers away, but close enough for a weekend escape.

7. Koh Mak 🌺

Car-free, resort-light, and genuinely peaceful — Koh Mak is the anti-Phuket. If you want an island where the biggest decision is which hammock to read in, this is it.

8. Koh Kood 💎

Widely considered the most beautiful island in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Kood combines lush jungle interior with crystal-clear water and virtually zero crowds. It's the ultimate escape.

9. Similan Islands 🤿

Open only from November to May, the Similan Islands offer world-class diving with visibility exceeding 30 metres. Day trips depart from Khao Lak on the mainland.

10. Koh Samui ☀️

The all-rounder island has something for everyone — luxury resorts, vibrant street food scenes, ancient temples, and lively nightlife. It's the most developed island in the Gulf but still has hidden quiet corners.

Getting Between Islands

Book ferries, speedboats and combined bus-plus-boat tickets through our booking portal.