Thailand EDITOR'S PICKS
Top Islands and Beaches You Should Visit in Thailand
Synonymous to tropical beaches and pockets of paradise, Thailand entices with idyllic clear, blue waters and white powdery sands fringed with palm trees bringing honeymooners and vacationers to its shores. The country is made of hundreds upon hundreds of islands (locally called kos or kohs) within the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea.
With so many to choose - from popular holiday getaways to lesser-known vacation spots - we round up some of the best islands Thailand has to offer handpicked by VELTRA's Thai expert to help you plan your next island-hopping trip. These islands are easily reachable from top destinations like Phuket and Samui. Get your swimming and snorkeling gear ready!
1. Similan Islands - Open only for half a year, the Similan Islands stun with their white sand beaches especially those at Princess Bay and Donald Duck Bay.
2. Phi Phi Islands - Home to the famous Maya Bay, the Phi Phi Islands are easily the most frequently-visited island group. Visit nearby Bamboo Island.
3. James Bond Island - Located in Ao Phang Nga National Park (Phang Nga Bay), Ko Tapu got its nickname from the Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun.
4. Ang Thong National Marine Park - Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park is a protected wetland area within the Gulf of Thailand covering over 40 islands.
5. Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao - Two picturesque islands, Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao are linked together by a sand strip that you can walk on during low-tide.
6. Maithon Island - Enjoy the private island experience on Maithon (Maiton) Island also known as Honeymoon Island, once off-limits to the public.
7. Khai Nok and Khai Nui Islands - The remote Khai islands are small but also magnificent. No need for goggles to see its waters teeming with marine life.
8. Ko Hae - Koh Hae (Ko He) is a coral island south of Phuket with two popular beaches, Long Beach and Banana Beach, both belonging to a marine reserve.
9. Ko Racha Yai - One part of the twin Racha islands with Racha Noi, Racha Yai boasts one of the bluest waters near Phuket, perfect for cruising, snorkeling and diving.
10. Ko Larn - The hilly Ko Larn (Ko Lan) island is a coral island located near Pattaya and home to eight beaches.