Thailand’s lesser-known islands

While Thailand’s larger, big-name islands such as Phuket and Koh Samui often steal the spotlight, there’s another side to the country’s islands that are smaller, quieter and often more authentic. Most islands are also easy to visit as part of a Thailand Multi Centre holiday.

Whether it’s the secluded beaches of Koh Lanta, the serene, paradise-like stretches of sand on Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai, or the dramatic cliffs and hidden coves of Koh Phi Phi, these islands offer an alternative island experience and a more peaceful escape from the crowds. Let’s explore some of these more under-the-radar treasures…

 

In a nutshell: Thailand’s lesser-known islands

Phi Phi Islands: Turquoise waters, limestone cliffs, lively nightlife, and pockets of serene beaches.

Koh Lanta: Laid-back vibes with soft sands, hidden beaches, and a lush national park.

Koh Yao Noi & Koh Yao Yai: Peaceful islands with mangrove forests, culture, and untouched beauty.

Koh Phangan: Home to the Full Moon Party but equally blessed with tranquil beaches and lush jungles.

Koh Samet: Quick getaway from Bangkok offering year-round weather and idyllic beaches.

Koh Tao: Hotspot for divers and snorkellers with breathtaking marine life.

Koh Lipe: Natural beauty with pristine shores and nearby uninhabited islands.

Koh Adang: A nature lover’s heaven with walking trails and lots of outdoor activities.

Surin Islands: Remote tropical islands with protected reefs and stunning marine life.

Koh Chang: Authentic charm with jungle treks, waterfalls, and quiet beaches.

Koh Phayam: Off-the-beaten-track with uncrowded beaches and lush forests.

 

Phi Phi islands:  Stunning beaches & lively atmosphere.

The Phi Phi Islands may be one of the better-known destinations in this guide, however, the archipelago’s only inhabited island, Koh Phi Phi Don, is relatively small, measuring just 5 miles by 2 miles at its widest point. Despite its size, though, it packs a big punch when it comes to scenery and atmosphere.

The south side of the island around Ton Sai Village is the buzzing tourist hub where the boats dock and many restaurants and hotels are centred. This area comes alive at night with beach parties and fire shows, making it the go-to spot for soaking up the nighttime energy.

However, if you’re looking for serenity, quieter spots such as Long Beach to the south of Ton Sai and Loh Moo Dee Beach in the north, are the place to be. These offer perfectly clear waters with fewer crowds where you can enjoy the island’s natural beauty. On the nearby uninhabited island of Koh Phi Phi Leh, accessible on boat trips, you’ll find Maya Bay, where ‘The Beach’ was filmed and has now re-opened under strict tourism and conservation restrictions to maintain its pristine beauty.

For the perfect photo opportunity and stunning views, head to the Koh Phi Phi viewpoint, one of the most popular attractions on the island, where you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of the entire island and surrounding glistening waters.

Snorkellers and divers are spoilt for choice with must-visit spots in the archipelago including the Loh Samah Bay and the emerald-green Pileh Lagoon.

 

Koh Lanta: Relaxed Vibe & Hidden Beaches.

Koh Lanta is the ultimate island destination if you’re looking for a laid-back vibe without the crowds. Just a quick boat ride from Krabi, this place is all about relaxation. It’s actually made up of two main islands – Koh Lanta Yai, the livelier of the two with plenty of activities, and Koh Lanta Noi, the more peaceful escape for those looking for complete tranquillity.

While beaches such as Klong Dao and Long Beach on Koh Lanta Yai are popular with their wide stretches of sand and buzzing atmosphere, there are also plenty of hidden beaches to explore. Kantiang Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, offers a stunning backdrop with clear turquoise waters, while Bamboo Bay, tucked away at the southern tip of the island, has soft sands and crystal-clear waters. For a real off-the-beaten-path experience, head to Nui Bay, which is surrounded by lush greenery and feels like your own slice of private paradise.

The stunning Mu Koh Lanta National Park, with its dense jungle, dramatic cliffs, and hidden beaches, offers some great trails and also has a lighthouse with fabulous views.

On Koh Lanta Noi, you can enjoy the quieter charm of Klong Jark Beach, with its shallow waters, ideal for kayaking. The island is also home to Lanta Old Town, a historic village with wooden houses, waterfront views, and local restaurants.

 

Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai: Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Vibes

The islands of Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai are nestled between the larger islands of Phuket and Krabi. Between the two islands lies the breathtaking Phang Nga Bay, famous for its huge limestone karsts and emerald waters that featured in James Bond film ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’. You can explore this stunning bay from either island, either by boat or kayak, to get up close to the rock formations, explore the hidden caves, and visit the iconic James Bond Island (Koh Tapu).  You’ll also find plenty of tours from the two islands that take you paddling through sea caves and to explore the incredible floating village of Koh Panyi which is home to a community of Muslim fishermen who built the village entirely on stilts over the water.

Of the two islands, Koh Yao Noi is the quieter, with stunning beaches and a relaxed pace that is all about slowing down and enjoying the natural beauty.  Some of the best beaches on the island include Ao Muang, a tranquil, hidden bay surrounded by lush greenery and Pasai Beach, with its soft white sand and shallow waters.  Koh Nok, a small island off Koh Yao Noi, is also a must-visit and perfect for a day trip, with clear waters and ideal conditions for snorkelling.  While the island’s nightlife is on the quiet side, you can still find plenty of great places to eat including beachside restaurants offering fresh, locally caught seafood.
Just a short boat trip away, Koh Yao Yai is the larger and more diverse island of the two, offering more variety in terms of activities while still maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.  Laem Had Beach is a secluded stretch of sand with spectacular views of Phang Nga Bay or head to Ao Yai for a relaxing day on the beach. The Koh Yao Yai Viewpoint boasts some of the island’s best views and to explore the island’s cultural heart, visit Ban Tha Khao village, where you can walk through coconut plantations and learn about the traditional products made from the island’s natural resources.

 

Koh Phangan: Full Moon Parties & Hidden Coves

 Just a short ferry ride from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan ticks all the boxes when it comes to stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and a lively atmosphere that’s balanced by serene, less crowded areas.   Its famous Full Moon Party in Haad Rid draws thousands of visitors each month.  This is the ultimate beach party,  kicking off around sunset and going on until the early hours of the morning. With music, dancing, glow-in-the dark body paint, fire shows and cocktails, it’s an all-night affair and an experience that’s not to be missed!

As one of the larger islands featured in our guide, Koh Phangan is still only 57 square miles, making it easy to explore, and you’ll soon discover that it’s far more than just its famous party scene – in fact, far from it. While Haad Rid is the epicentre of the nightlife, there is a quieter side to be found, with serene beaches and hidden coves such as Bottle Beach, Thong Nai Pan Noi and Haad Yuan. There are also plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature with lush jungles and hiking trails to explore, including a trek to Phaeng Waterfall.  For a dose of culture, visit the Kuan Yin Temple or Wat Phu Khao Noi.  Koh Phangan is also a haven for wellness, with a range of retreats offering yoga, detoxing and meditation.

 

Koh Samet: Bangkok Escape & All-Year Climate

Just 140 miles from Bangkok, Koh Samet is the perfect island destination if you’re after a quick escape from the craziness of the capital city.  Just a few hours’ drive and a short boat ride away, you can easily make the most of a short trip without spending too much time getting there – ideal if you don’t like too much travelling or you’re on a tight schedule.  Koh Samet’s other big draw is its location in a ‘rain shadow’ created by mainland Thailand, meaning it enjoys less rainfall than many other Thai islands during the monsoon season, so it’s more reliable weather-wise during this time of year than other Thai island destinations.

Its convenience doesn’t take away from its charm though, and Koh Samet still delivers some of the finest powdery white beaches, turquoise waters, and luxury resorts. The island’s most popular beach, Sai Kaew (Diamond Beach), is buzzing by day with water sports and comes alive at night with fire shows and beachside fun. If you’re after something more peaceful, make your way to Ao Prao or Ao Tubtim, where you’ll find pretty bays tucked away framed by lush greenery, and away from the crowds.

The adventures don’t end with the beaches though – Koh Samet offers coastal trails, coral reefs, and more hidden beaches waiting to be discovered. Along the way, keep an eye out for bronze mermaid statues placed at various key spots around the island, each inspired by a legendary Thai poem by Sunthorn Phu. The most iconic of these statues is at Na Dan Pier, where the grand bronze mermaid, known as the Butterfly of the Sea, welcomes you as you step foot on the island.

 

Koh Tao: Diving Paradise & Relaxed Vibes

A diver’s paradise, Koh Tao is located north of Koh Phangan and is known for its incredible underwater life and beautiful coastline – making it one of the top spots for scuba diving in Thailand. The island’s most popular beach is Sairee Beach, which has a lively atmosphere and plenty of accommodation. For a more tranquil experience, head to the serene Ao Leuk Bay, where you’ll find a crescent-shaped bay and peaceful atmosphere, or Chalok Baan Kao Bay, known for its laid-back vibe. Alternatively, Tanote Bay offers a quieter escape with excellent snorkelling.

Beyond the beaches and dive sites, Koh Tao offers stunning scenery, with some of the best views in the country, including the John-Suwan viewpoint. The walk to the top is steep, but rewarding, with breathtaking views of Ao Leuk Bay, Sairee Beach, and the surrounding islands. It’s a great spot for watching the sunset too.  For a day trip, take the short boat ride to the small island of Koh Nang Yuan, famous for its unique shape consisting of three smaller islands connected by a sandbar and with more fabulous snorkelling and diving opportunities to be found.

 

Koh Lipe: Laid-back Atmosphere & Pristine Beaches

Koh Lipe used to be somewhat under the radar but has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its stunning beauty and tropical soft white sandy beaches.  Despite its surge in popularity, it has still retained a more relaxed, low-key vibe compared to the more tourist-heavy islands.  Of its main beaches, Sunrise Beach is one of the most beautiful, with powdery sand and crystal-clear water.

Pattaya Beach is the most popular beach and has a great selection of beach bars and a fairly lively nightlife along Walking Street.  The island’s small size (you can walk from one end to the other in less than 30 minutes) makes it perfect for exploring, while its lack of large-scale development ensures a peaceful, low-key atmosphere.

 

Koh Adang: Nature & Seclusion

If you’re a nature lover, Koh Adang is a must-visit with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities including walking, trekking, snorkelling, and diving.  Just a 10-minute boat ride from Koh Lipe, Koh Adang is located in the Tarutao National Marine Park.  It also boasts breathtaking beaches such as Ao Son Beach and waterfalls such as Ao Klong Jark Waterfall and Pirate’s falls whose name is thought to stem from the island being a popular stopping point for pirates who roamed the Andaman Sea in the 17th and 18th centuries.

For a spectacular view, head to the top of Chadoe Cliff. Although the walk to the top is quite challenging, especially in the heat, the reward at the top is well worth it where you’ll be treated to a panoramic spectacle of turquoise waters and islands.

 

Koh Chang: Waterfalls & Serene Beaches

Despite being only a six-hour drive from Bangkok and close to the Cambodian border, Koh Chang is still one of Thailand’s lesser-known islands. But that’s part of its charm, as it offers an authentic experience without the huge crowds. The west side of the island is where most of the popular beaches are located. It’s home to Kai Bae Beach, which has a relaxed vibe and stunning views of nearby islands, and White Sand Beach, the most popular and busiest area, which has lots of lower-rise beachfront hotels and restaurants.

For a quieter experience, head to the north of the island where you’ll find beaches such as Klong Prao Beach and Chang Noi beach in Klong Son Bay which offer a peaceful retreat with golden sands and incredibly calm waters. Klong Plu Waterfall is also in the north, a beautiful jungle waterfall that is accessible by a short walk. For those who like a bit of adventure, head to the inner part of the island to explore Koh Chang National Park. Here you can enjoy jungle treks, walk to waterfalls, take mangrove tours and spot wildlife.

 

Surin Islands: Incredible Snorkelling & Marine Life

Getting to the Surin Islands is no easy feat, located a 1 ½  to 2-hour boat trip from the mainland of Khao Lak or Phang Nga, but the effort is more than worth it.  Offering an off-the-beaten-track island destination, this group of five islands are still relatively untouched and have had minimal development.

The islands are part of a protected national park, offering stunning beaches and colourful coral reefs with some incredible marine life to be discovered, including turtles.  Popular activities include snorkelling, kayaking and exploring the lush forests. The accommodation is quite limited due to the islands’ protected status but if you are willing to make the sacrifices, you will be rewarded with authentic island paradise.

 

Koh Phayam: Quiet & Remote

If you’re looking for a truly off-the-beaten-path spot, Koh Phayam is the perfect getaway. This little island still manages to keep its ‘undiscovered’ charm, making it feel like a real hidden gem.

The beaches here are as beautiful as they come, with clear blue waters and plenty of space to relax without the crowds. There are two main bays to check out: Aow Yai (Sunset Bay) is named for its wide expanse and stunning views of the sunset over the Andaman Sea. Aow Khao Kwai (Buffalo Bay) gets its name from the buffaloes that were once commonly seen grazing nearby and is now a beautiful spot to enjoy calm waters, peaceful surroundings, and picturesque views.

If you’re ready for a bit of adventure after all that relaxation, there are some great walks through the island’s jungle and forest where you can discover waterfalls such as Noh Pa Yung Waterfall. Also take a boat trip to nearby islands for snorkelling, diving, and exploring hidden coves or a bike ride around the island to explore the small fishing villages and local coconut plantations.

 

While the bigger, more popular islands in Thailand undoubtedly have their appeal, exploring these lesser-known islands offers a chance to uncover something truly unique, from serene beaches and untouched landscapes to a more authentic slice of the country.  If you’d like to visit any of these islands yourself, please get in touch with our team – we’d love to design a tailored itinerary for your Thailand adventure or take a look at our Thailand Multi Centre holidays for inspiration.