
Find your stretch of coast.
Thailand Islands and Beaches
Compare island and beach regions by weather, transport, accommodation style and the type of trip you want.
Trailblazing Travels
Original editorial illustration from Taylor's Trailblazing Travels; not a photograph of a specific location.
The guide collection
Island and beach guides
Showing 82–90 of 108 guides
Page 10 of 12 · island and beach guides
Island and beach guides
10 Best Hotels in Krabi for First-Time Visitors in 2026
Compare ten useful Krabi hotels across Ao Nang, Railay, Klong Muang, Tubkaek and inland Ao Nang, with honest guidance on rooms, families, transfers, prices and the base that makes a first...
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Koh Chang Itinerary 2026: A Realistic 5-Day Island Plan
A realistic five-day Koh Chang plan covering west-coast beaches, Koh Rang, Khlong Phlu, ferry timing, transport, budgets and weather-smart alternatives.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Best Areas to Stay in Koh Phangan 2026: Which Beach Fits Your Trip?
Compare eight Koh Phangan bases for beaches, Full Moon access, wellness, families, ferries, prices and transport, with a clear 2026 recommendation.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
20 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui in 2026: Boat Trips, Beaches and Local Experiences
Compare 20 of the best things to do in Koh Samui, including Ang Thong, Koh Tao, beaches, temples, food, waterfalls, costs, weather alternatives and realistic booking choices.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Krabi to Koh Lanta 2026: Shared Van, Ferry or Private Taxi?
Compare Krabi to Koh Lanta by shared van, private transfer, seasonal boat or self-drive, with realistic 2026 costs, hotel-zone details, luggage checks and airport buffers.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Koh Tao Itinerary 2026: A Realistic 5-Day Plan for Diving, Snorkelling and Beaches
A realistic five-day Koh Tao itinerary balancing diving, snorkelling, quieter bays, ferry recovery and a sensible no-dive buffer before onward travel.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Koh Samui Itinerary 2026: A Realistic 5-Day Plan for First-Time Visitors
A practical five-day Koh Samui route with the right base, a realistic island loop, an Ang Thong day, weather alternatives, complete transfer planning and honest 2026 budget ranges.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Koh Lanta Itinerary 2026: A Realistic 5-Day Plan for Beaches, Old Town and Island Trips
A realistic five-day Koh Lanta route covering the west coast, a flexible sea day, Old Town, mangroves, the far south, transport, costs and weather backups.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
10 Best Family Hotels in Phuket for 2026: Honest Room, Pool and Location Guide
Compare ten of the best family hotels in Phuket for room layouts, pools, kids clubs, beach areas, airport access and current 2026 facility changes before choosing the right family base.
Read the guidePage 10 of 12 · island and beach guides
A little context before you go
Planning notes for this collection
Thailand’s island and beach destinations are not interchangeable. The right choice depends on travel month, arrival airport, ferry or road connections, nightlife, family needs, trip length and how much flexibility you want around sea conditions.
Phuket
Phuket has the broadest selection of flights, hotels, restaurants and organised activities. It suits travellers who value convenience and choice, but the island is large and road journeys can take longer than expected.
Use the Phuket Itinerary for a realistic five-day plan. The site also includes guides to beaches, accommodation areas, restaurants and day trips in the latest articles below.
Krabi
Krabi combines mainland bases, limestone scenery, Railay and island excursions. Ao Nang is the easiest base for many first visits, while Railay, Krabi Town, Klong Muang and Tubkaak suit different priorities.
The Krabi Itinerary balances one base, Railay, one major island day, inland scenery and a weather buffer. Use Things to Do in Krabi when comparing activities by time, effort and location.
Island routes and transfer days
A transfer to an island can involve several stages. Before booking separate tickets, check:
- The arrival airport or station.
- Road time to the pier.
- Ferry check-in and baggage arrangements.
- The final transfer from the island pier.
- Seasonal timetable changes.
- A backup plan when sea conditions affect departures.
Avoid scheduling a fragile separate-ticket ferry connection immediately before an international flight.
Weather and marine conditions
The Andaman coast and Gulf islands can have different seasonal patterns. A monthly climate chart is only the starting point. Short-range wind, rain and marine forecasts decide whether a particular boat day operates comfortably.
Keep at least one weather-sensitive activity movable and understand the cancellation terms before paying.
Choose the base by travel style
Consider:
- Convenience versus seclusion.
- Evening restaurants within walking distance.
- Family facilities and beach conditions.
- Nightlife and noise.
- Airport or pier access.
- The pickup area for organised trips.
- Whether the beach is the main purpose or only one part of the route.
Planning with Taylor's Trailblazing Travels
Research-led guides by Karen Taylor. Read the full articles for sources, image credits and the checks that matter before you book.
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