Thailand rightfully holds the crown as the most popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia, and its popularity continues to rise. The tropical country is located on both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand and borders Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.
If you want to combine exoticism and adventure with endless white beaches, palm forests, turquoise blue sea and low prices, Thailand is the right place for you. But while the mainland also attracts with numerous attractions and is always worth a visit, the real charm of Thailand lies in its extensive island world. Thailand has a wide range of islands in all sizes and shapes in both seas, some of which are much more touristy than others.
How to get there
If you want to visit one of Thailand’s islands, there are several options. Especially the larger, very touristy islands such as Koh Samui or Phuket have large airports and can be reached very easily, for example from the capital Bangkok . Unfortunately, direct flights from Germany are not offered. If you want to visit lesser-known or smaller islands, you can travel by boat. There are many such ferry connections, which also makes the journey relatively uncomplicated and inexpensive.
Let yourself be convinced and enchanted by the 5 most beautiful holiday islands in Thailand.
Phuket – the big island for beginners
Phuket – The largest of all Thai islands is also the most popular with tourists. The main town of Patong is therefore very well developed for tourism and those who like to move on safe paths are in good hands here. The city also offers a debauched colorful nightlife and an excellent infrastructure. If you explore the rest of the island, however, you can still find and enjoy peace and quiet and beautiful scenery and beaches very quickly. Particularly recommended is the Sirinat National Park, which has relatively empty beaches and beautiful forests.
Koh Samui – Thailand as you imagine it
Koh Samui is Thailand’s third largest island and has an area of 233 square kilometers. It is generally considered the most versatile island and, together with Phuket, is the clear leader in terms of tourist numbers. Of course, there are good reasons for this, because on Koh Samui you will find everything a holidaymaker’s heart desires in Thailand. Here you will find the right offer for every price range and for every area of interest. Whether it’s a luxury holiday with lots of culture and nightlife or a family holiday in a holiday apartment right on the beach – everything is possible on Koh Samui. The northeast is particularly known for its parties, while in the south of the island you can also marvel at quiet little fishing villages and untouched nature.
Koh Phangan – the hip party island
Koh Phangan is particularly popular with younger tourists and backpackers looking for alternative entertainment. Particularly well-known and popular are the so-called “Moon Parties”, which are a great attraction in themselves. Koh Phangan is also very popular with yoga lovers and offers plenty of offers for interested parties and professionals. But nature is not neglected here either: numerous temples and waterfalls characterize this island and an ascent of the 627-meter-high mountain Khao Ra is definitely worth the effort.
Koh Tao – perfect for diving
This small island is also called Turtle Island due to its shape and is geographically the little sister of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. It is famous as one of the best diving areas in the world and that is exactly the main attraction of Koh Tao – the beautiful underwater world. The diving industry here offers affordable diving courses for every level and even if you just want to go snorkeling, you will hardly find a better place to do so. Another special feature is the frequent opportunity to encounter wild whale sharks, which form a fantastic climax to the dazzling schools of fish and coral banks. The island is also one of the most beautiful in Thailand and offers beautiful beaches and other recommended attractions, such as the natural John Suwan viewpoint.
Koh Phi Phi – the backpacker stronghold
Koh Phi Phi is best known for the Hollywood film “The Beach” with Leonardo Di Caprio, which was released in 2000. And even though the island is no longer a lonely paradise, it still offers all kinds of attractions. Here, too, there is a lot to find for both party-goers and nature lovers, including Long Beach or Viking Cave. The many bays, which are best explored by boat from the sea, are also particularly recommended. Due to the high number of backpackers from all over the world, it is also very easy to make new friends here. Koh Phi Phi is therefore very attractive, especially for solo travelers. The prices are cheap and even for diving, Koh Phi Phi is ideal. A true all-rounder.
