Top Islands in Thailand — Phuket, Krabi, Samui, Phi Phi & Koh Tao
Confused between Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, Phi Phi and Koh Tao? Use this guide like a local friend explaining which island fits families, honeymoon trips, nightlife, diving or quiet escapes.
Thailand has dozens of islands — but most travellers start with the “big five”: Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, Phi Phi and Koh Tao. Each one has a different rhythm. This page gives you a simple, honest overview and links to deeper guides for each place.
Start here if you’re asking questions like “Phuket vs Krabi?”, “Phi Phi or Koh Tao?” or “Which island is best for my first time in Thailand?”
Main Thailand Islands Most Travellers Start With
These are the core islands and coastal hubs that fit into most Thailand plans:
Thailand’s largest island, with busy beaches (Patong), calmer bays (Karon, Kata, Kamala) and easy flight connections. Good mix of nightlife, beaches and day trips.
Mainland coast with island feel — Railay cliffs, Hong Island, 4-island tours. Feels more “natural” and scenic, perfect for photos and calm stays.
Palm-fringed island with a softer vibe than Phuket. Lively Chaweng, romantic Lamai, boutique Bophut and quiet Maenam / Choeng Mon areas.
Famous for Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and twin bays on Phi Phi Don. Feels dramatic and compact — popular for both day trips and overnight stays.
Small island known for diving schools, snorkelling bays (Shark Bay, Ao Leuk, Tanote) and viewpoints towards Koh Nang Yuan.
From these hubs, you can explore places like Hong Island, 4-Island tour, Koh Nang Yuan, Bamboo Island and more as day trips.
Which Thailand Island Is Right for You?
Use this comparison as a quick shortcut before you open detailed guides:
| Trip Type | Best Island Choices | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First Time in Thailand | Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui | Easy connections, many hotels, mix of beaches, tours and local food — good introduction to island life. |
| Honeymoon / Couples | Koh Samui, Krabi (Railay / Klong Muang), Phi Phi | Look for sea-view resorts, quieter bays and romantic viewpoints — plan 2–3 island nights in each main stop. |
| Nightlife & Social Trips | Phuket (Patong / Kata), Koh Samui (Chaweng), Phi Phi Don | Best if you like bars, beach clubs and meeting other travellers. You can still schedule calm beach days in between. |
| Diving & Snorkelling Focus | Koh Tao, Phi Phi, parts of Krabi & Phuket | Koh Tao is ideal for courses; Phi Phi and Krabi have dramatic sites and lagoons; join reputable dive schools or tours. |
| Quiet & Relaxed | Krabi (Klong Muang / Railay at night), Koh Samui (Lamai / Choeng Mon), Koh Tao south/east bays | Pick villas or smaller resorts away from main party streets, and use taxis/boats when you want activity. |
| Short Holiday (5–7 Days) | Phuket + Phi Phi, or Krabi + Phi Phi, or Samui + Koh Tao | Choose one “big base” plus one smaller island to avoid too many boat/flight changes. |
How to Combine Islands in One Thailand Trip
Here are some simple sample routes based on how long you’re staying:
-
5–7 days:
• Phuket → Phi Phi
• Krabi (Ao Nang / Railay) → Phi Phi
• Koh Samui → Koh Tao -
8–12 days:
• Phuket → Phi Phi → Krabi
• Koh Samui → Koh Tao → (optional) back via Samui -
2 weeks or more:
• Bangkok → Phuket → Phi Phi → Krabi
• Or Bangkok → Koh Samui → Koh Tao → (optional) another area like Krabi or Phuket
Practical Tips for Choosing Thai Islands
- Check the season: some islands have different rainy patterns (for example, Samui side vs Phuket / Krabi side).
- Avoid over-packing: 2–3 bases are enough — too many island changes means more time on ferries than on the beach.
- Book key nights early: first and last nights, plus any special resort or honeymoon stay.
- Keep one flexible day: weather can change; having a “buffer day” helps if a boat or tour needs to move.
Need Help Picking Your Thailand Islands?
Tell VisaTrip how many days you have, your month of travel and who you’re travelling with. We’ll suggest the best island combo (Phuket, Krabi, Samui, Phi Phi, Koh Tao) and a simple step-by-step route with stays and boat ideas.
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