
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 73–81 of 108 guides
Page 9 of 12 · island and beach guides
Island and beach guides
Best Thailand Islands for Snorkelling
Compare the best Thailand islands for snorkelling by shore access, boat trips, seasons and swimming confidence, including Tao, Lipe, Kradan and marine parks.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Best Quiet Islands in Thailand
Find the best quiet islands in Thailand, from Koh Yao Noi and Koh Jum to Koh Mak and Koh Kood, with honest checks on beaches, meals and transfers.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Bangkok to Koh Chang: Bus, Flight or Private Transfer?
Compare Bangkok to Koh Chang by bus, Trat flight and private transfer, including ferry stages, hotel drop-offs, booking checks and realistic time buffers.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Best Areas to Stay in Koh Chang
Compare the best areas to stay in Koh Chang, from White Sand Beach and Klong Prao to Kai Bae, Bang Bao and quieter bays, with practical hotel checks.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Koh Phangan Travel Guide: Beaches, Areas, Transport and Costs
Plan a practical Koh Phangan trip with clear advice on the best areas and beaches, ferry routes, island transport, Full Moon dates, costs, safety and a realistic five-day itinerary.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
Koh Samui Travel Guide: Beaches, Areas, Transport and Costs
Plan a first Koh Samui trip with practical advice on beaches, where to stay, Gulf weather, flights, ferries, island transport, realistic costs, day trips and a balanced five-day itinerary.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
10 Best Beach Resorts in Thailand for 2026
Compare ten standout Thailand beach resorts by setting, transfer, room type, family fit and final trip cost before choosing the right stay.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
12 Best Restaurants in Krabi for 2026
Compare 12 researched Krabi restaurants across Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Railay, Klong Muang and Tubkaek, with practical 2026 price ranges, transport details, booking advice and a realistic three-night food plan.
Read the guideIsland and beach guides
10 Best Hotels in Koh Lanta for 2026: Where to Stay by Beach and Travel Style
Compare ten Koh Lanta hotels by beach, room type, traveller fit, transfer time and the practical details that can change the value of the stay.
Read the guidePage 9 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.
About Karen Taylor →












