Posted on 10 November 2023

Thailand remains one of the world's favourite travel destinations.

From its stunning temples to its much-loved cuisine, from elephant treks to scuba diving, this small South East Asian country offers all manner of experiences for people of all ages. 

Perhaps Thailand's biggest draw is its glorious islands – offering palm-fringed beaches, seas brimming with colourful sea creatures and legendary nightlife.

But each island has its own flavour and may be best suited to a certain type of holidaymaker.

Here's a guide to each major island – and who it might appeal to most.

Koh Chang

Located about five hour's drive from Bangkok, Koh Chang is easier to reach than many of the more famous southern islands.

Compared to the likes of Samui it is less developed, but with a number of resorts along its coast it still offers something for all tastes and ages.

Russian and Chinese package tourists are common on the White Beach, while Western backpackers can party into the early hours at Lonely Beach.

For those who don't fall into either category, Kai Bai Beach offers something in-between.

Great for: Families, couples and backpackers

Koh Samet

Koh Samet, Thailand (Jorg Hackemann/Bigstock.com)

The small island of Koh Samet is popular with locals from Bangkok on weekends, since it is just a few hours' drive from the capital. There are plenty of Europeans, Russians and non-Thai Asians too, attracted by the silky white sands and the relaxed atmosphere.

Four-star hotels and £10-a-night guest houses ensure all budgets are met.

Great for: Those seeking a low-key nightlife; families

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe, Thailand (Kannapon/Bigstock.com)

Found in the Adang-Rawi Archipelago in southwest Thailand, Koh Lipe is famous for being settled by sea gypsies. T

he whole island can be explored in about an hour – such is its diminutive size.

Choose from bamboo huts and air-con bungalows.

Koh Lipe is the perfect Thai Island destination if you're looking for a quieter island paradise.

Great for: Those seeking peace and quiet

Koh Lanta

As well as being a mecca for snorkelers and scuba divers, the Koh Lanta group of islands offers the classic beach experience.

Koh Lanta Yai – often just called Koh Lanta – is the biggest island of the archipelago, providing low-cost bamboo accommodation, as well as more costly air-con establishments.

A great place to do some whale- or manta ray-spotting.

Great for: Snorkelling, scuba diving, families

Koh Tarutao

One of 51 islands that belong to Tarutao National Marine Park in the south of Thailand, Koh Tarutao offers good quality campsite and bungalow accommodation.

With a pristine, rugged interior and dramatic limestone cliffs, it's perfect for a quiet beachside break where nature still dominates.

Great for: Adventurous families, couples seeking quiet

Koh Samui

Befitting its long-standing popularity, a number of festivals have either popped up or gained significance over the years on Samui. The Buffalo Fighting Festival, the Ten Stars Samui Art Party and the Samui Regatta are just a few.

High-end villas, hotels and backpacker accommodation provide something for every pocket.

Great for: Backpackers, party seekers, beach lovers, families

Koh Phangan

Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan, Thailand (olegd/Bigstock.com)

Best known for its hedonistic Full Moon Party (every month), Ko Phangan is located between the much larger Samui and the smaller Koh Tao.

Even if partying isn't your thing, there's a wealth of natural beauty to enjoy here, from golden beaches to unspoilt rainforest. There are also numerous spas and meditation retreats for those seeking physical or spiritual renewal.

Great for: Backpackers, trance music lovers, nature lovers

Phuket

Phuket, Thailand (ivanmateev/Bigstock.com)

Something of a 'Marmite' island, you either love Phuket or you don't – at least if you stay exclusively on Patong Beach with its (very) colourful night life.

But this large island offers a lot more than just partying: explore the Old Town for a taste of a bygone Thailand, or find a quieter resort away from the Patong mayhem.

Phuket is a little pricier than most Thai resorts, but you can get some good hotel deals outside the peak periods and cut down on food bills by eating like the locals.

There's a fantastic vegetarian festival here every October.

Great for: Partying, water sports, classic beach holidays

Koh Tao

If you're in to scuba diving, hiking or rock-climbing, then Koh Tao is the place for you. Diving in particular is big business, with about 7,000 divers obtaining their Padi diver's licence here annually.

Fishing lovers can get their fix here too – with plenty of marlin, snapper and barracuda swimming in the azure blue waters.

Party animals will also find much to recommend a trip to Koh Tao.

Great for: Diving, hiking, climbing, fishing, partying

Koh Phi Phi

The Phi Phi archipelago includes the larger Ko Phi Phi Don and the smaller Ko Phi Phi Leh – as well as a number of smaller islands.

Phi Phi Leh is famed as a setting for the 2000 hit film The Beach. It was severely struck by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, but has bounced back to become one of Thailand's premier island destinations.

Great for: Beaches, snorkelling, nightlife

Escaping to Thailand this winter?

Don't forget to take out adequate insurance for your Thailand holiday before you fly out.

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