Thailand is famous for many reasons, its islands are just one example of its beauty. Most people will instantly think of Koh Samui or Phuket, however there are so many other stunning places to visit. Here are my suggestions of the top beautiful Thailand islands you should visit.
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Koh Kham
Literally no-one has heard of this island as its partially finished…..the hotel time forgot. The idea was to build a hotel where each room had an infinity pool! Wow! How do I know this? Because I have visited this top beautiful island to snorkel and have a few cocktails. Whilst waiting for our room to be ready we kayaked over to Koh Kham from Koh Mak – it is that close! Powder white beaches with lava rocks jutting out of the sea, simply stunning.
Koh Mak
Possibly my favourite of all the islands we have been fortunate enough to visit, is Koh Mak. Only 12km square there are no cars on the island, just mopeds and songthews for transport. The beaches are beautiful and at one point not a sole wander past me reading my book for a whole hour! From rubber tree plantations, gardens full of artwork and bars on wooden walkways over the sea, Koh Mak has everything you need.
Koh Kood
Across the sea from Koh Mak is Koh Kood, an island of waterfalls, jungle, beautiful beaches and amazing food. We stayed at an amazing hotel called High Season Pool Villa Resort & Spa, a truly special experience. I had never had a private pool before, I felt like a celebrity!
As you can see, the sea is crystal clear, the sand is pure white and the scenery is just gorgeous! Why would you not want to visit? We took a snorkelling trip, and island tour and eat is some amazing family run restaurant’s – chilli Thai style! I would return in a heartbeat.
Koh Cham
Phuket
One of the most famous of Thailands islands is Phuket and there is something for everyone here. There are long lush beaches, pretty coves and fantastic places to watch sunsets around the island. You can party here or just take it easy! From the famous walking streets of Patong to the beautiful Portuguese style buildings of Phuket Old Town, this is an island of extremes. Visit temples, take a Thai cookery lesson or simply chill out on your sun lounger. There are some amazing sights to see and fantastic things to do on this island.
Similan Islands
This archipelago is closed to visitors for 6 months of the year in order to let the coral and fish get over the previous 6 months! This is fantastic for the wildlife! However, if you are fortunate enough to be able to visit here you will be rewarded in bucket fulls! Not only are the parrot fish over a metre long you will feel as though you are in an aquarium with the volume of fish around you. The beaches are pure white and the rock formations are really unique. One has been labelled Donald Duck due to its beaky look.
Phi Phi Don
People often thing Phi Phi is just one island, however there are two. I have been fortunate enough to visit both and stay on Phi Phi Don. The beaches are little town are stunning, you would have no idea it was completely destroyed in the tsunami nearly twenty years ago. If you have time then head to the viewpoint for a view over both bays. In the evening head down to the beach bars and watch a fire show with the sea as the backdrop!
Phi Phi Ley
Home to Maya Bay this stunning island is a place of sheer natural beauty. (If you pretend that literally 100 other boats are trying not to land alongside you!). Around the other side of the island in another cove we were lucky enough to snorkel with reef sharks. A little piece of paradise in a jewelled ocean. Monkeys climb all over the rocks as you sail past, if you get the chance pay a visit, but be respectful of the environment so all can enjoy for years.
Koh Rang Yai
Just off of the coast of Phuket lies Koh Rang Yai, a little island which has yet another amazing beach. We stopped here on the way back from Phang Nga Bay for a few hours. The island has bars and restaurants for all your refreshments (unknown if hotels on the island or not). Most people stayed in the main area where there are deck chairs. We took our towels further around the beach and had it all to ourselves as you can see!
Koh Kho Khao – Khao Lak
We took our motorbike on a boat trip to this cute island whilst we were staying in Khao Lak, it was a little more deserted than we imagined. Covid had not been kind to this community as we drove past bars and hotels which had not survived. There are still places to stay and eat however, and hopefully the island will be rejuvenated now restrictions are lifted.
We drove past a quirky sign which tells you to beware of buffalo crashing in to your car. We stopped on the bike to have some water and heard a rustling in the bushes and out came a massive buffalo! The bike would not start and obviously I began to feel a bit panicky as it came closer. Thankfully we spluttered in to life and carefully went on our way as to not startle the creature any further! The wildlife quickly take over, nature will always win.
Where can you hire a moped in Khao Lak? We hired (and have booked for already for our next trip) our bike from Five Star Motorbike Khao Lak. Excellent bike, service and would highly recommend.
