Thailand has two very different island worlds: the dramatic limestone Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Lanta) and the palm-fringed Gulf islands (Samui, Phangan, Tao). Ferries and short flights link them, so you can build a route around beaches, diving or full-moon nights. Here's how the pieces fit together.
Andaman vs Gulf: which to choose
Pick one side per trip to avoid long transfers. The Andaman (Nov–Apr) is best for scenery and diving; the Gulf (year-round, best Mar–Sep) is best for the Samui–Phangan–Tao triangle. Our trip planner maps the ferries and flight legs so your islands connect logically.
Best destinations
Top experiences
Koh Phi Phi
- Maya Bay — The legendary cliff-ringed beach from 'The Beach', now beautifully recovered.
- Bamboo Island snorkelling — Powder sand and shallow reefs full of fish.
- Phi Phi Viewpoint — Steep climb to the postcard shot of the twin bays.
- Pileh Lagoon — Swim in a glowing emerald cove enclosed by limestone walls.
- Dive with reef sharks — Blacktip reef sharks and turtles at Bida Nok and Shark Point.
- Sunset longtail tour — Monkey Beach, plankton snorkelling and a fire show to finish.
Koh Lanta
- Long Beach & Kantiang Bay — Laid-back west-coast sand with dreamy sunsets.
- Mu Ko Lanta National Park — Lighthouse headland, jungle trail and resident monkeys.
- Koh Rok & Koh Haa — Some of the Andaman's clearest snorkelling and diving water.
- Hin Daeng & Hin Muang diving — Deep pinnacle dives famous for manta rays and whale sharks.
- Beach-bar sunset hopping — Driftwood bars and fire shows along Long Beach and Klong Nin.
Koh Samui
- Chaweng & Lamai beaches — The island's liveliest sands with clear swimming water.
- Ang Thong Marine Park — 42 islands, a hidden lagoon and kayaking on a full-day boat trip.
- Na Muang waterfalls — Jungle falls you can swim beneath, plus a viewpoint zipline.
- Secret Buddha Garden — Mystical hilltop statues in the jungle interior.
- Hin Ta & Hin Yai rocks — The cheeky 'grandfather & grandmother' rock formations at Lamai.
- Koh Tao & Nang Yuan day trip — Speedboat snorkelling at the gulf's clearest reefs.
Koh Phangan
- Full Moon Party (Haad Rin) — The world-famous beach party under the full moon.
- Than Sadet & Phaeng waterfalls — Royal-inscribed jungle cascades with swim pools.
- Koh Ma snorkelling — Swim the sandbar reef at Mae Haad on the northwest tip.
- Viewpoints & secret beaches — Domsila and Guanyin viewpoints over turquoise bays.
- Half Moon & Jungle parties — The island's famous forest and half-moon events between full moons.
- Thong Nai Pan beaches — Two dreamy northeast bays with calm, clear water.
Koh Tao
- PADI diving course — Koh Tao certifies more divers than almost anywhere on earth - warm, cheap, easy.
- Koh Nang Yuan — The iconic triple-island sandbar and its viewpoint.
- John-Suwan viewpoint sunset — Twin-bay panorama from the island's southern headland.
- Shark Bay — Snorkel with harmless blacktip reef sharks off the beach.
- Mango Bay & Aow Leuk — Sheltered coral coves ideal for easy snorkelling.
- Sairee Beach sunset — The island's long west-coast strip of bars and beach fire shows.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best islands to hop in Thailand?
On the Andaman side: Phuket, Phi Phi, Krabi and Koh Lanta. On the Gulf side: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Can you island-hop by ferry in Thailand?
Yes — frequent ferries link the islands within each region; between the Andaman and Gulf you'll usually take a short domestic flight.
How many islands can you visit in two weeks?
Comfortably two or three within one region, plus a mainland stop — chasing more means spending your holiday in transit.
Explore more
