I’ve Lived in Thailand for 12 Years and Those Are My 6 Favourite Islands within the Nation

Koh Samui and Phuket would possibly get probably the most consideration, however the seashores on those lesser-known islands are simply as dreamy — and you will have all of them to your self. Right here, find out about my favourite islands to consult with in Thailand.

Koh Lipe

This modest diving mecca within the south, the place the Andaman Sea meets the Strait of Malacca, is made the entire extra particular by way of the attempt it takes to get there: a gliding to Hat Yai, a force to the town of Pak Bara, and from there, a 90-minute ferry. The island is composed of 3 primary seashores hooked up by way of a couple of idyllic streets containing eating places, bars, and seafood joints; you’ll go round the entire playground in about half-hour. Don’t omit Elephant, a café serving dishes like khao soi, a northern coconut curry, in addition to vegan choices. For lodging, my pick out is Irene Resort, the island’s first luxurious providing, with its jungle-facing villas with non-public swimming pools. 

Koh Tao

From Koh Samui it’s a two-hour ferry trip to Koh Tao, or “Turtle Island,” which is composed of simply 8 sq. miles of hilly ground. It’s Thailand’s diving capital, because of view through waters brimming with colourful marine presen and an profusion of scuba faculties. I like to recommend Jamahkiri for its guard, two-students-per-instructor rule and direct get entry to to the most efficient dive websites. Then a generation within the ocean, retreat to View Level Lodge, at the southern headland, the place the rooms glance out onto otherworldly sunsets. For a style of new-wave wellness, consult with Baan Talay Lodge & Yoga for its ice baths, glide tanks, and moon ceremonies. Within the west, Sairee Seashore and the order branch are house to superb eating places, from Burmese to Szechuan. It’s additionally the place you’ll in finding Charcoal Bay Wine & Grill, some of the absolute best wine bars on any Thai island.

Koh Mook and Koh Kradan

Fly in to Trang to fix to those two islands within the southwest. Each are car-free and less than 3 miles in diameter — and nonetheless under-visited. Koh Mook is understood for Emerald Cave, a herbal tunnel that connects the ocean to an inland seashore surrounded by way of tall karst on each side, absolute best reached by way of boat with a information. Koh Mook Sivalai Seashore Lodge is a selection of comfortable wood-frame bungalows simply steps from the ocean. Neighboring Koh Kradan is a narrow isle recognized for its lush herbal soil. Its jap aspect is flanked by way of Paradise Seashore, house to crystal-clear waters very best for snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding.

Koh Kood and Koh Chang

The Trat Archipelago, which hugs the Cambodian border, has been referred to as “the Maldives of Thailand” because of its aquamarine waters. Probably the most highlights is Koh Kood, the place Soneva Kiri supplies a serene jungle escape. To get there, the lodge can organize a 90-minute gliding from Bangkok to its non-public airstrip. Each and every of the 32 villas has its personal butler and golfing cart; there’s additionally a customery “treepod dining” possibility, the place you consume in a nestlike bamboo pod and meals is delivered by the use of zipline. A two-hour boat trip away is the mountainous Koh Chang, or “Elephant Island,” some of the greatest islands within the Gulf of Thailand. Mountaineering trails throughout the woodland top to picturesque waterfalls, past at the western coast you’ll in finding the customery White Sand Seashore and Kai Bae Seashore. The Kai Bae district has finest eating places — my favorites, each female-owned, are El Barrio, for Mexican, and its neighbor, Khao Kwan, a fine-dining spot serving Thai dishes embellished with tropical plant life.

A model of this tale first gave the impression within the December 2024 / January 2025 factor of Move + Relief below the headline “Island Time.”