With over 1,400 islands, Thailand's hardest travel decision isn't where to go — it's which ones to skip.
Phuket — the all-rounder
Thailand's largest island has it all: international flight access, five-star resorts, family hotels, great food and day trips to everywhere else. It's busy, but it's busy because it works. Perfect first stop for couples and families. Choose your area carefully: Patong is the lively heart, Kata and Karon are better for families, and the southern and western headlands have the luxury resorts.
Krabi (Railay & Ao Nang) — the scenery king
Technically mainland, but it lives like an island. The limestone cliffs of Railay are among the most beautiful coastlines on Earth, and Ao Nang is the gateway. This is where the postcard shots come from. Our Phuket & Krabi package pairs the two for exactly this reason.
Phi Phi — the superstar
The bay that made Maya famous is genuinely remarkable — and genuinely busy. Go by day trip from Phuket or Krabi, early, to see it at its best. Staying overnight gets you the quieter evenings when the day boats leave.
Koh Samui & the Gulf islands
When the Andaman coast is wet (May–October), the Gulf side shines. Samui is the big resort island; Koh Phangan has the beaches and the famous full-moon energy; tiny Koh Tao is for divers. This is your summer-holiday fallback.
Koh Lanta & the quieter Andaman
For a slower, less developed island, Koh Lanta is the pick — long beaches, family-friendly and unhurried. Khao Lak, north of Phuket, is another quieter base with excellent resorts and easy access to the Similan Islands' diving.
Which island for you?
- Honeymooners — Krabi's cliffs, or a private Phuket clifftop resort.
- Families — Phuket for ease, or Samui in summer; Koh Lanta for calm.
- Snorkellers & divers — Koh Tao, or a Phi Phi day trip.
- Photographers — Railay at golden hour, no contest.
Rather than piece it together yourself, take a look at our island package — the islands, the boat days and the transfers are already stitched together. Call 020 7946 0958 to match it to your dates.
Quick questions, answered
Which island is best for a honeymoon?
Krabi and Railay for the dramatic cliffs, or a private clifftop resort on Phuket for full-on pampering. A Phi Phi day trip completes the postcard.
Which island is the quietest?
Koh Lanta and Khao Lak are the calm options — long beaches, fewer people and a slower pace, without sacrificing comfort.
Which island is best for diving and snorkelling?
Koh Tao is the diving centre, while a Phi Phi day trip gives casual snorkellers the reef-and-lagoon experience from a convenient base.
Can I island-hop easily?
Yes — day trips and ferries run daily from Phuket and Krabi, and our packages build the boat days in for you.
