Thailand is home to more than 1,400 islands, yet most travelers know only the big names. Elia Weinberg, who lived in the country for eight years and explored every corner of it, has selected ten enchanting islands that are well worth a visit.
Of the 1,430 islands scattered across Thailand, only about 300 are inhabited or have basic infrastructure. The most famous ones: Phuket, Koh Samui, and Koh Phangan, draw visitors year-round. But beyond these hotspots lie dozens of small, idyllic islands where even in peak season you can find quiet beaches, unspoiled nature, and true serenity. From hundreds of options, here are ten islands that offer exactly that, especially during the dry season.
Welcome to Thailand's Koh Lipe
(Video: Elia Weinberg)
1. Koh Mak
A small, pastoral island in eastern Thailand’s Trat province, about 35 kilometers from the mainland. Koh Mak is lush and green, with quiet beaches and a laid-back rural feel. Cars are rare here; instead, visitors explore by scooter or on foot along natural trails.
Though it’s not exactly a “secret island”, with tourism attempts dating back to 1974, Koh Mak still sees relatively few visitors, even in high season. With no shopping malls or 7-Eleven branches, the main attraction here is to stop, breathe, and simply enjoy life by the sea.
My recommendations:
• Ao Kao Beach: A wide, peaceful stretch ideal for swimming and evening walks.
• Ao Suan Yai Beach: A scenic spot with stunning sunsets and views of nearby islands.
How to get there: The easiest way is via Trat city. From Bangkok, Bangkok Airways operates a daily one-hour flight to Trat. From there, a taxi to Laem Sok Pier connects to Koh Mak by speedboat (45 minutes) or ferry (90 minutes). Boats also run from Koh Chang (40 minutes) and Koh Kood (30 minutes).
Best time to visit: November to April, when the seas are calm and the weather perfect for beach life and boat trips.
2. Koh Kood (Ko Kut)
The second-largest island in Trat province, south of Koh Mak and close to the Cambodian border. It’s a paradise of waterfalls, secluded beaches, and traditional fishing villages that have preserved their authenticity.
Though more accommodation has opened in recent years, Koh Kood remains remarkably quiet and far from overdeveloped. With no malls or international chains, the beaches are often nearly empty, even in peak season. It’s the perfect balance of relaxed beach time and adventurous hikes to waterfalls, forests, and hidden bays.
My recommendations:
• Klong Chao Beach: The island’s main beach, with soft white sand, clear waters, and easy access to resorts and restaurants.
• Ao Tapao Beach: A quieter, pastoral beach with secluded corners for privacy.
How to get there: Similar to Koh Mak, via Trat city and Laem Sok Pier. Speedboats take about 75 minutes; ferries, about two hours. Boats also run from Koh Chang (50 minutes) and Koh Mak (30 minutes).
Best time to visit: November to April, with calm seas and pleasant weather.
3. Koh Samet
A small yet distinctive island in the Gulf of Thailand, just off the coast of Rayong province and only about 220 kilometers from Bangkok. Koh Samet is one of the most famous islands on Thailand’s eastern seaboard, thanks to its powdery white sands, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere.
Unlike many other small islands, Koh Samet is relatively developed. Here you’ll find temples, a variety of hotels, lively markets, and plenty of restaurants. Still, the real attraction remains the natural beauty and beaches. Despite its proximity to the bustling capital, the island manages to stay relatively quiet during the dry season, making it a perfect destination for a short vacation or a relaxing weekend escape. Whether strolling along the shore, swimming, or simply sitting back and soaking in the view, Koh Samet offers a chance to disconnect from it all.
My recommendations:
• Sai Kaew Beach – The island’s main and most popular stretch, offering water sports, evening fire shows, restaurants, and shops.
• Ao Tien Beach – A quiet, pastoral spot with a mix of sand and rocks, ideal for those seeking privacy and a peaceful sunset view.
How to get there:
From Bangkok, it’s about a three-hour drive to Ban Phe Pier, followed by a 30-minute speedboat ride or a 45-minute ferry crossing to Koh Samet.
Best time to visit:
November to May, when the seas are calm and the weather is ideal for enjoying the island.
The Ko Yao Archipelago:
In Phang Nga Bay, east of Phuket, lie two main islands: Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai. Both offer pristine beaches, green landscapes, and genuine tranquility- each with its own character.
4. Koh Yao Noi
In Phang Nga Bay, east of Phuket, lies Koh Yao Noi, a quiet, authentic island that feels worlds away from Thailand’s busier tourist hubs. With its pristine beaches, traditional fishing villages, and lush greenery, this island is ideal if you’re looking for true peace and space to breathe. Many of the accommodations here are boutique resorts, some adults-only, which makes it especially popular for couples seeking a romantic, low-key escape.
My recommendations:
• Six Senses Beach – A tranquil stretch framed by the crystal-clear waters of Phang Nga Bay, with sweeping views of its dramatic limestone islands. At high tide the beach all but disappears, while at low tide it opens up as an inviting spot for swimming and quiet relaxation. The shoreline belongs to Six Senses Yao Noi, a private retreat reserved exclusively for guests in residence, ensuring an atmosphere of seclusion and serenity.
• Tha Khao Beach – Wide, calm, and extra magical at low tide, when a sandbar appears and leads across to a tiny islet just offshore.
How to get there: Reachable by boat from Phuket (around 30 minutes) or Krabi (about 45 minutes).
Best time to visit: November to April, during the dry season, when the seas are calm and the weather is perfect.
5. Koh Yao Yai
Just south of Koh Yao Noi sits its bigger sibling, Koh Yao Yai. Larger and more spread out, this island offers a mix of tropical jungle, wide beaches, and accommodation ranging from simple beachfront bungalows to boutique hotels. It’s a great choice if you want both tranquility and comfort, while still being close enough to Phuket or Krabi for easy access.
My recommendations:
• Loh Pared Beach – Often considered the most beautiful beach on the island, with powdery white sand stretching along a crescent-shaped bay lined with palms. Perfect for swimming, romantic walks, and unforgettable sunsets.
• Laem Had Beach – Known as “Sandbank Beach,” this secluded spot reveals a long sandbar at low tide, connecting the island to a nearby islet. White sand, crystal-clear waters, and panoramic views make it truly special.
How to get there: Like Koh Yao Noi, boats depart from Phuket (30 minutes) or Krabi (45 minutes).
Best time to visit: November to April is the most reliable season. The Andaman Sea can be rough in other months, so winter and spring are best for calm, comfortable travel.
6. Ko Jum (Ko Pu)
Set in the Andaman Sea, opposite Krabi and just north of Koh Lanta, Ko Jum is a quiet, secluded island with dreamy beaches, authentic villages, and a rare chance to experience local culture. Unlike busy destinations such as Koh Lanta or Krabi, this island has kept its rustic charm and minimal development—giving you a true sense of connection with nature.
The vibe here is relaxed and easygoing, almost like the Bob Marley soundtrack playing softly in the background. It’s the perfect island if you’re after lazy days on the beach, gentle hikes, and a real escape from the noise.
My recommendations:
• Coconut Beach – A wide, palm-fringed beach with soft white sand and clear water. Perfect for relaxing, swimming, and long barefoot walks.
• Sunset Beach – A small, peaceful stretch that truly lives up to its name, the ultimate spot to watch the sun melt into the horizon.
How to get there: About a 50-minute boat ride from Ao Nang in Krabi.
Best time to visit: Like the Ko Yao archipelago, the ideal season for beach time and boat trips is the dry season, from November to April.
7. Koh Mook (Ko Muk) – “The Pearl Island”
A small gem in southern Thailand, located in Trang province on the Andaman coast, Koh Mook combines wild jungle landscapes with serene beaches and a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere. Its crown jewel is the Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot), accessible only by swimming through a narrow, dark tunnel that suddenly opens up into a hidden lagoon straight out of a dream.
But the cave is just the beginning. The island also offers longtail boat rides, visits to traditional fishing villages, and plenty of quiet, soul-soothing moments.
My recommendations:
• Sivalai Beach – A striking arrowhead-shaped beach crowned by the famous Sivalai Resort. A dream spot for drone photos, especially at the tip of the sandbar.
• Charlie Beach (Haad Farang) – A smaller, relaxed beach lined with simple restaurants and bars, and best of all, breathtaking sunsets you’ll never forget.
How to get there: Fly into Trang airport, then take a transfer to Hat Yao Pier. From there, it’s a 20–30 minute ride by speedboat or traditional longtail.
Best time to visit: November to April is ideal, though it’s wise to check sea conditions before setting off.
8. Ko Kradan
Southwest of Koh Mook lies one of the most pastoral islands in all of Thailand, a place with no roads, no shops, and no banks. What you will find here are powdery white beaches, crystal-clear waters, excellent snorkeling spots, and a sense of peace and disconnection that’s hard to match.
Electricity is limited during the day and mainly supports the resorts’ public facilities. In the evenings, generators kick in to provide steady power for the rooms, especially the air conditioning. If you’re searching for total simplicity and absolute quiet, this is your island.
How to get there: As with Koh Mook, fly into Trang airport and continue with a combined car-and-boat transfer, which takes about 40–50 minutes. Alternatively, head directly to Hat Yao Pier and catch a boat from there.
Best time to visit: The dry season, from November to April, offers the calmest seas and the most pleasant weather.
9. Ko Phayam
In southern Thailand’s Ranong province, on the Andaman coast near the border with Myanmar, lies one of the country’s most unique and peaceful islands, Ko Phayam. It’s a small, quiet island with secluded beaches, lush tropical jungles, and endless palm trees.
Although tourism has existed here for decades, the long journey to reach the island has preserved its authentic, laid-back character. The vibe feels like a throwback to Thailand’s backpacker scene of the 1990s untouched charm and an island with an old-school soul.
My recommendations:
• Ao Yai Beach – The island’s most popular beach, wide and inviting.
• Ao Kwang Peeb (Monkey Beach) – A secluded, magical spot reached by hiking through the jungle, where you can spot wildlife along the way and experience raw nature.
How to get there: The journey begins in Ranong town. From the bus terminal, head to the pier, then continue by boat. Travel time depends on the vessel and weather: about two hours by regular ferry or 40 minutes by speedboat.
Best time to visit: Especially in this region, sea conditions are a key factor; the trip can be either blissful or quite challenging. The best season is from November to April, but it’s wise to check the weather and sea conditions if you’re visiting at the edges of the season.
10. Koh Lipe
In southern Thailand’s Satun province, close to the Malaysian border, lies Koh Lipe, a small, enchanting island known for its soft white sand, turquoise waters, and colorful coral reefs. With almost no cars on the island, the best way to get around is simply on foot.
Beyond its beaches, the real treasure here is the vibrant underwater world, making Koh Lipe a dream for snorkeling and diving. But there’s more. This little island also offers a culinary twist: alongside traditional Thai food, you’ll find a strong Malaysian influence, especially in the dozens of roti stalls that serve up over a hundred different fillings.
My recommendations:
• Sunrise Beach – The go-to spot for snorkeling, and as the name suggests, a magical place to catch the sunrise.
• Pattaya Beach – The island’s main hub, where boats arrive. Here you’ll find lively nightlife, restaurants, and plenty of beachside bars.
How to get there: Koh Lipe can be reached by boat from Phuket or Krabi, with travel times depending on the type of boat and weather conditions. Another option is a direct two-hour boat ride from Pak Bara Pier in Satun province.
Best time to visit: Like other islands in this region, the dry season—from November to April—is the most pleasant and reliable for both sea conditions and weather.