Islands in Thailand
Thailand has more than 1,400 islands, most of them are in the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea. However, some of the islands are difficult to access or uninhabited.
But most of the better known islands are easily accessible. Many of Thailand’s islands have airports serving Bangkok and other major cities including Phuket, Koh Samui and Krabi. Other islands can be reached by boat from nearby coastal towns such as Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lanta and Ko Chang. Ko Samui can also be reached by boat from Surat Thani.
There are several ways to travel between the islands. Most of the larger islands have ferry and speedboat services that run regularly. However, some smaller islands can only be reached by private boats or charter ships. There are also organized island hopping tours that allow travelers to visit multiple islands in a single trip. An example of such a trip are the popular islands of Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao, all of which belong to the Samui Archipelago and are sometimes 2-3 hours away from each other by speedboat.
It’s important to note that some of the more remote islands aren’t as well developed as the more well-known Thai islands, and traveling around these islands can be a little more difficult and at times a little more expensive. It’s a good idea to do some research before you decide to travel to the lesser-known islands.
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- Boat trip from Ko Samui to Ko Tao
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- Dream beach on Koh Phangan Haad Rin Beach
The most famous islands are Phuket, Ko Samui, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Chang and Ko Tao. These Thai islands alone are visited by several million foreign tourists every year and are known for their beautiful beaches, crystal clear water and impressive landscapes. Tourists can enjoy a variety of activities including island tours, scuba diving, snorkeling, boat trips, water sports and more. Or, of course, simply relax for a few days on the beach under the palm trees.
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and a popular tourist spot with many luxurious resorts and accommodations. Of course, Phuket has an international airport, so tourists from all over the world arrive on Phuket island every day. Ko Samui is famous for its relaxed atmosphere and is a popular destination for families. Ko Phi Phi is known for its spectacular cliffs and coves, which were also featured in the movie “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Ko Chang is less touristy than Phuket or Samui, but still a hugely popular destination for backpackers and nature lovers. Ko Tao is a diver’s paradise and offers perfect conditions for water sports with rich marine life.
List of popular Thai islands
Of the well over 1,000 Thai islands, many are very small and many are uninhabited. Below is a list of the 50 largest and most famous islands in Thailand.
- Phuket
- Ko Samui
- Ko Chang
- Ko Tao
- Ko Phangan
- Ko Phi Phi
- Ko Lanta
- Ko Kood
- Ko Mak
- Ko Samet
- Ko Yao Noi
- Ko Yao Yai
- Ko Nang Yuan
- Ko Bulon Lae
- Ko Jum
- Ko Tarutao
- Ko Adang
- Ko Lipe
- Ko Rawi
- Ko Muk
- Ko Ngai
- Ko Libong
- Ko Sichang
- Ko Si Chang
- Ko Phayam
- Ko Lao Liang
- Ko Racha
- Ko Kret
- Ko Similan
- Ko Rok
- Ko Lao Ya
- Ko Makham
- Ko Tachai
- Ko Prathong
- Ko Phra Thong
- Ko Pitak
- Ko Taphao Noi
- Ko Taphao Yai
- Ko Kho Khao
- Ko Klang
- Ko Laoliang
- Ko Khai
- Ko Panyee
- Ko Bon
- Ko Poda
- Ko Tup
- Ko Mor
- Ko Kai
- Ko Mook
- Ko Hong
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Images of Thailand’s island worlds
