The beautiful islands of Thailand

The hard decision in planning a trip to Thailand is almost always the same decision: which island. There are many, they look alike in photos, and they are very different in reality.

This guide does not rank them. It explains what to choose by, and points to each island's full page on the site.

Two days, not one

This is the first difference you need to understand. Thailand has two coasts: the Andaman Sea in the west — where Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Khao Lak are — and the Gulf of Thailand in the east, where Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are.

The practical meaning: switching between the sides in the middle of a short trip costs a day of travel. It is better to choose one side and do it well.

The large islands: Phuket and Koh Samui

Phuket is the large island, with the widest range: beaches, attractions, hotels at every level and a departure point for boat trips in the area. On the site we describe it as "a tropical paradise with spectacular beaches and varied attractions".

Koh Samui is "a perfect island, nightlife, scenery, beaches and everything you need in one place": in other words, the same idea on the other side of the country, on a smaller scale.

Both suit a first trip, families and anyone who wants there to be something to do on a rainy day too.

The small islands: for quiet and the sea

Koh Tao is "a haven for divers with a spectacular underwater world, colourful reefs and intimate bays". Koh Phi Phi is "beaches that became an icon, dramatic cliffs and snorkelling among clownfish".

Koh Lanta is quiet and long, Koh Chang in the east offers "endless white-sand beaches, jungle waterfalls and an authentic atmosphere", and Koh Yao Yai in Phang Nga Bay is "luxury and scenery" far from the bustle.

By who you are

• A first trip: Phuket or Koh Samui — the easiest to reach, the most back-up options.
• Families with small children: a large island with a hotel that has plenty to do, and short transfers between points.
• Divers and snorkellers: Koh Tao, and the Koh Phi Phi area and the Similan Islands for day cruises.
• Couples who want quiet: Koh Lanta, Koh Yao Yai, or Khao Lak on the mainland, which serves as the gateway to the Similan Islands.
• Parties: Koh Phangan, with "famous full moon parties alongside hidden bays".

How many islands in one trip

The temptation is to squeeze in three. In practice, every transfer between islands eats at least half a day between check-out, ferry and check-in.

The rule that works: one island for every five or six nights. Less than that, and you spend more time on the road than in the sea.

And you do not have to sleep on an island to see it

Many of the most beautiful islands are not islands to stay on at all: Koh Nang Yuan near Koh Tao, Koh Phi Phi Leh, the Similan Islands and the Phang Nga islands — you reach all of them on a day cruise and come back.

This is the way to add islands to the route without adding transfers, and it is what we recommend in most routes.

Want us to put it together for you?

Tell us when you plan to fly, with whom, and how much time you have, and we will come back with an itinerary, hotels and attractions that fit exactly that — in Hebrew.