How to Choose the Right Thai Island

Boasting more than 1,400 islands, Thailand is one of the world’s best destinations for an island holiday. Thanks to its stunning scenery, turquoise waters, excellent value accommodation options and diverse activities, there’s something for every type of client. From the dramatic cliffs of the western Andaman Coast to the idyllic beaches of the eastern Gulf of Thailand, here are the best matches for all travelers.

Phuket

Best for: Clients seeking luxury and convenience

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, and thanks to its international airport, visitors can jet in and slide into a sun lounger with the most ease. Phuket's accessibility has made it Thailand’s most-visited island, leading to a high concentration of premier hotels and world-class restaurants. When they’re not basking on balmy beaches, travelers can take boat tours, explore charming Phuket Old Town, visit Bang Pae Waterfall or watch Muay Thai boxing.

Where to stay: For the ultimate Phuket stay, splurge on Aman Group’s Amanpuri, where 80 one- to nine-bedroom pavilions and villas with private pools crown a verdant private peninsula.

Koh Phi Phi Don

Best for: First-timer Thailand visitors and natural beauty lovers

It’s hard not to fall under the spell of postcard perfect Koh Phi Phi Don. A 45- to 90-minute ferry trip from Phuket or Krabi, the H-shaped island wows visitors with its towering karst cliffs, aquamarine lagoons and gorgeous beaches. One of the Andaman Coast’s most popular day-trip options, Koh Phi Phi Don offers those staying on the island beauty all to themselves once the swarms of speedboats depart. Clients can also take in its splendor from the Phi Phi viewpoint or during boat tours to neighboring smaller islands, such as Koh Phi Phi Le, the setting of 2001 film “The Beach."

Where to stay: Enjoy a tranquil oasis a short walk from bustling Phi Phi town at Viking Natures Resort, a traditional Thai beachfront resort with beautiful views of Phi Phi and Maya bays.

Koh Yao Nao and Koh Yao Yai

Best for: Fans of local experiences or sensational views

Although they are a mere 30-minute ferry ride from Phuket or Krabi, these twin islands have been spared from mass tourism. With a combined population of 18,000, the islands offer a taste of local life, whether clients are on a bike or scooter ride or enjoying a meal at a casual beachfront restaurant. While the ambience is laid-back, the views over the craggy islands of Phang Nga Bay are nothing less than stupendous. Travelers can get a closer look during boat excursions, which usually stop at what’s known as James Bond Island, made famous by its appearance in the 007 movie “The Man with the Golden Gun.” Other activities include walking the sandbar on Lam Haed Beach, kayaking through mangroves or watching the sunset on Loh Jark Beach.

Where to stay: Nestled within a tropical hillside, Six Senses Yao Noi has 56 teak villas with outdoor living areas, infinity pools and sweeping views of Phang Nga Bay.

Koh Lipe

Best for: Couples, or clients looking for a remote escape 

Located in the very south of Thailand’s Andaman Coast, Koh Lipe may be harder to reach, but it offers many rewards. Accessed by flying to Hat Yai and taking a 90-minute ferry (or longer ferries from Krabi), Koh Lipe is an island paradise of crystal-clear waters and powdery white sands. In between romantic strolls on the island’s three main beach areas, visitors can snorkel in Tarutao National Marine Park, seek out phosphorescent plankton or trek up to the Chado Cliff viewpoint.

Where to stay: With a prize location on Koh Lipe’s northwest coast, Irene Luxury Beach Resort offers 16 villas and romantic offerings such as in-villa breakfasts and magical dinners under the stars.

Koh Samui

Best for: Families and pampering

An hour flight from Bangkok or Phuket, pretty Koh Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island. Well-suited for families, it has safe waters and lovely sandy beaches perfect for building sandcastles. All ages will enjoy visiting the Big Buddha Temple, Fisherman's Village in Bophut, Ang Thong National Marine Park — an archipelago of 42 islands — and Koh Mudsum, home to friendly swimming pigs. The island also has an impressive collection of luxury hotels and spas that are ideal for unwinding.

RELATED: Review: Kimpton Kitalay Samui, Koh Samui, Thailand

Where to stay: Built into a southwestern hillside, Conrad Koh Samui provides 81 sleek one- to three-bedroom pool villas, an award-winning spa, three restaurants and in-villa dining.

Koh Pha-Ngan

Best for: Single travelers, nature fans and wellness seekers

It might be best-known for its monthly Full Moon Party, but Thailand’s fifth largest island — located only 30 minutes by ferry from Koh Samui — has much more to offer than wild parties. Clients can rent a scooter to discover its pristine beaches, hike through the interior’s dense rainforest, go kitesurfing in Chaloklum Bay or spend some time doing yoga or guided meditation.

Where to stay: Found in a secret location within a tropical forest, the boutique luxury Somewhere Only We Know Resort has three uniquely designed villas, three private beaches and tailor-made wellness and cultural experiences led by some 60 handpicked local experts.

Koh Tao 

Best for: Divers, snorkelers and budget travelers

A two-hour ferry ride from Koh Samui, the small, lush island of Koh Tao — which means “Turtle Island" in Thai — has a substantial sea turtle population, making it one of the leading (and most economical) places to do PADI scuba diving courses. But clients need not don an oxygen tank to appreciate the area’s underwater depths; they can snorkel right off its rugged beaches or during guided boat trips, which usually visit the nearby beguiling Nang Yuan island. Spectacular panoramas can also be admired from land at Mango and John Suwan viewpoints.

Where to stay: Located on buzzing Sairee beach, Ban’s Diving Resort offers accommodations ranging from budget rooms to deluxe villas, offered at discounted rates for guests taking diving courses.