
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 37–45 of 108 guides
Page 5 of 12 · island and beach guides
Island and beach guides
Koh Samui to Koh Phangan: Ferry Guide
A pier-by-pier Samui-to-Phangan guide with dated operator examples, airport connections, baggage, check-in, arrival transfers and disruption planning.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Koh Tao 4-Day Itinerary
A realistic three-night Koh Tao route with a guided water day, Nang Yuan rules, a single-bay outing and clear alternatives for diving and onward travel.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Best Areas to Stay in Koh Tao
Choose a Koh Tao base by your daily routine: social Sairee, practical Mae Haad, quieter Chalok or a deliberate coastal retreat. Includes dive-course planning, scooter-free options and room-access checks.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Koh Samui vs Koh Tao
Choose between Koh Samui and Koh Tao with a practical comparison of beaches, diving, hotel locations, complete-trip costs and ferry planning. Includes scooter-free advice and sample stays.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Koh Phangan vs Koh Tao: Beaches, Diving and Time
Choose between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao using your main activity, accommodation routine and available time, with guidance for mixed-interest groups, ferries and travel after diving.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Koh Samui vs Koh Phangan: Which Island Fits Your Trip?
A practical Koh Samui versus Koh Phangan comparison covering airport and ferry access, beach bases, full-trip costs, activities, families and realistic split-stay plans.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Best Beaches in Koh Tao: 9 Bays + Koh Nang Yuan
A practical guide to nine Koh Tao beaches and bays, plus nearby Koh Nang Yuan, with access advice, snorkelling considerations, base choices and a realistic three-day beach plan.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Best Beaches in Koh Phangan: 10 Bays and the Trade-offs That Matter
Compare ten Koh Phangan beaches by access, atmosphere and holiday style, with separate advice for sandbars, swimming, remote-cove transfers and choosing a comfortable base.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Best Beaches in Koh Samui: 10 Choices for Your Kind of Holiday
Choose the right Samui beach for your holiday: ten contrasting shores, swimming and access caveats, relaxed day routes, accommodation trade-offs and a dated transport-cost example.
Read the guidePage 5 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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