The Thai islands are just about as close to paradise as it gets – you’ve got jaw dropping scenery and wildlife, crystal clear waters, pristine beaches, rich cultural experiences and all of the delicious Thai dishes you could ever want. Talk about #islandgoals.
And when it comes to the islands, it’s best to treat them like cookies – having one is great but it’s never enough. You’ve gotta experience at least a few at a time; it’s just the right way to do it. We’d take any of them in a heartbeat – and there are virtually hundreds to choose from – but here are just a few of our very favourites:
Ko Samui
If you want a bit of everything, this is the place to go in Thailand. Beach parties, awesome local food spots, gorgeous temples, clean beaches, nice waterfalls to climb – it’s all in Ko Samui. Plus, this isn’t just a tourist island; the residential parts are just as awesome to explore.
Ko Phi Phi
If you’re looking for an unforgettable party experience, Ko Phi Phi is your girl. There’s epic fire shows at night, lots of buckets to drink out of, cool places to get tattoos and some of the best food in the country. Plus – if you’re awake during the day – there’s an epic lookout point that you can climb up to, as well as some awesome rock climbing and cool day trips to take as well.
Ko Tao
If you’re into underwater adventures, Ko Tao is the place to be. There’s stellar snorkeling and scuba diving, plus some of the nicest secluded beaches in the country. The coral and sea life are amongst some of the best in Thailand, and there’s plenty of cool places to hang out at night as well.
Phuket
Thailand’s version of Sin City is definitely the island of Phuket. It’s pretty touristy, but that’s the appeal. It’s a great place to let loose with casinos, bars and great beaches, but there’s a lot of other stuff to see as well. There are awesome waves to surf, great sightseeing in Phuket Town, and the big Buddha statue is a definite must-see.
Ko Lanta
Ko Lanta isn’t as busy as some of the other islands, and it’s perfect for low-key beach time and diving. The atmosphere is very laid back, and the beaches are gorgeous. Beach hopping is highly recommended, and the Old Town has some pretty great shopping and dining. The southern part of the island is also a great spot to check out wildlife, and the drive around the island is a pretty epic adventure on its own.
Ko Pha-Ngan
If you’ve heard of the infamous and legendary moon parties, you know why Ko Pha-Ngan is the place to be. Every month there are Full Moon Parties, Half Moon Parties, Quarter Moon Parties – basically any excuse to have the best beach party in the world – and it’s definitely something you’ve gotta do if you’re in Thailand. And like the rest of the islands, the beaches are to-die-for as well.
