
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 19–27 of 108 guides
Page 3 of 12 · island and beach guides
Island and beach guides
Best Hotels in Koh Samui for First-Time Visitors
Eight research-led Koh Samui hotel choices for a first visit, comparing Bophut, Chaweng, Choeng Mon, Mae Nam and Lamai by room layout, everyday access and holiday style.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Best Hotels in Phuket for First-Time Visitors
Find the best hotels in Phuket for a first visit. Compare eight options by beach, room wing, age rules, walkability and the holiday you actually want. Includes research-led comparisons and the...
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Best Beaches in Koh Chang
Compare the best beaches in Koh Chang for first visits, families, quiet stays and social evenings, with honest advice on tides, access and swimming. Includes research-led comparisons and the practical checks...
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Best Things to Do in Koh Chang
Discover the best things to do in Koh Chang, from waterfalls and mangroves to snorkelling, cooking and beach days, with realistic planning advice. Includes research-led comparisons and the practical checks to...
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Koh Phi Phi Itinerary 2026: A Realistic 3-Day Island Plan
A practical three-day, two-night introduction to Phi Phi Don: arrival and a conditional viewpoint walk, one properly planned boat day and an unhurried departure. Includes Maya Bay restrictions, dated ferry examples...
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
10 Best Hotels in Koh Samui for 2026: Where to Stay by Beach and Travel Style
Ten contrasting Koh Samui stays, from Choeng Mon beach resorts and Bophut convenience to private-pool retreats and simpler bases. Compare the exact shoreline, room category, family facilities and complete cost before...
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
12 Best Restaurants in Koh Samui for 2026: Local Food to Fine Dining
A research-led shortlist of twelve contrasting Samui restaurants, with local-style Thai meals, seafood, coastal views and occasion dining. Includes direct booking distinctions, dated operating information and optional culinary experiences clearly separated...
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Krabi Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors
Understand Krabi's different bases, choose useful island and inland outings, and build a first visit with clear transfers, budgets and room for weather changes.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Ao Nang Travel Guide
Plan an Ao Nang stay around the right hotel location, clear boat arrangements and a varied short itinerary, with practical tide, transfer and budget advice.
Read the guidePage 3 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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