This is a guide listing every island in Thailand where you can stay. From homestays, camping, bungalows, hostels, guesthouses, hotels, and resorts.
Every habitable island in Thailand
Thailand has over 1400 islands, though a better number to know is how many islands you can visit, and how many islands can you stay at.
This is a list of every island in Thailand where you can legally stay overnight at. There are about 60 islands that you can stay at. I say “about” because this is a changing number. Sometimes the national parks close for visitors, and there are some islands listed here that are just villages with homestays. Some islands that are listed have a single resort but are not open at the moment. I found some small islands with villages but no sign of visitor accommodation, so I didn’t list those.
This is not a list of every island that you can visit in Thailand, which is probably in the low hundreds. Check out this article on Thai islands to visit (this includes the day-trip islands). If you are on a quest to visit every visitable island, then subscribe to Thai Island Quest. This site has currently catalogued 800+ islands!
For the record, I’ve stayed overnight on 12 islands, and I’ve lost count of islands visited on day trips. I’m not on a quest to visit every island, but it’s good to keep track of where I’ve been.
This list helps me decide where to go next instead of returning to old favourites by default. I’ve made a Google Map for Thai islands so you can visualise where to go.
Thailand Islands
Map of Thailand islands
Eastern Thailand
Koh Si Chang
Ko Lan
Ko Samet
Ko Man Klang
Koh Munnork
Koh Chang
Ko Khlum
Koh Wai
Ko Mai Si Yai
Koh Mak
Ko Kut (Koh Kood)
Ko Mai Si
Gulf of Thailand
Ko Tao
Ko Nang Yuan
Ko Pha Ngan
Koh Samui
Ko Taen
Ko Mat Sum
Ko Phaluai
Koh Nok Phao
Northern Andaman
Ko Khon Thi
Ko Sin Hai
Ko Chang
Ko Sai Dam
Ko Phayam
Ko Phra Thong
Ko Surin Nuea
Ko Kho Khao
Ko Similan
Ko Miang
Phuket and Phang Nga Bay
Phuket
Ko Rang Yai
Koh Maphrao
Ko Lon
Ko He
Ko Racha Yai
Ko Panyi
Koh Mai Phai
Ko Mak Noi
Ko Yao Noi
Ko Yao Yai
Koh Lao Lading
Southern Andaman
Ko Poda
Ko Sriboya
Koh Jum
Ko Phi Phi Don
Ko Lanta Noi
Ko Lanta Yai
Ko Por
Ko Ngai
Ko Mook
Ko Kradan
Ko Libong
Ko Rok Yai
Ko Sukon
Ko Don
Ko Bulon Le
Ko Tarutao
Ko Adang
Ko Lipe
FAQs about Thailand islands
What is the difference between Koh and Ko?
Map of Thailand islands
[Map of Thailand islands.]
Eastern Thailand
Islands in the Gulf of Thailand, east of Bangkok. These islands are ordered from west to east (closest to furthest from Bangkok).
Koh Si Chang
Koh Si Chang has the distinction of being the closest island to Bangkok that you can stay at.
Koh Si Chang hotels
Search for Koh Si Chang hotels
Ko Lan
Ko Lan (Koh Larn) is about 7 km off the coast of Pattaya city, and it is the easiest island to get to from Bangkok. Read more about Koh Larn.
Koh Larn hotels
Search for Koh Larn hotels
Ko Samet
The “best island” is subjective, but it is generally agreed that Ko Samet is the best island near Bangkok. The definition of near is being able to reach the island by land and boat in a few hours.
Here is my review of Ko Samet
Ko Samet Hotels
Search for Koh Samet hotels.
Ko Man Klang
Ko Man Klang is a private island that is home to the Mantakiri Island Resort. The website at mantakiri.com was not working at the time of this post.
Check availability for the Mantakiri Island Resort.
Koh Munnork
Koh Munnork is a private island with a resort hotel.
Check availability for the Koh Munnork Private Island.
Koh Chang
[White Sand Beach, Koh Chang.]
Koh Chang is the third-largest island in Thailand and the main island of the Koh Chang archipelago. It’s big enough to have something for everyone, from hostels to luxury resorts. It’s too small to have an airport, and it’s just far enough away from Bangkok to be a convenient weekend getaway. These factors have kept it from being overdeveloped.
The island is reached by car ferry from Trat province. Buses from Bangkok go as far as the ferry terminal, and then you cross as a foot passenger. The nearest airport is Trat, and there are bus transfers available from the airport to the ferry terminal.
There are plans to build a bridge to Koh Chang in the future, if at all.
Koh Chang hotels
Search for Koh Chang hotels.
Read my review of a bungalow hotel in Koh Chang.
Ko Khlum
Ko Khlum is an island south of Koh Chang. It was possible to stay on this island at Koom Nang Phaya Resort, but it has since closed.
Koh Wai
Ko Wai is a small island in Ko Chang Archipelago. The island is 3 km long and 1 km wide at the widest point.
Koh Wai hotels
Search for Koh Wai hotels
Ko Mai Si Yai
Ko Mai Si Yai is an island to the Southeast of Koh Chang. It’s possible to stay overnight here by staying at a fisherman’s homestay. Book via Facebook.
Here is a vlog of a Thai vlogger who stayed overnight at the Koh Mai Si Yai fisherman’s homestay (English subtitles).
Koh Mak
Ko Mak is the third largest island in Trat Province, after Ko Chang and Ko Kut. The island has an area of 16 square km and 27 km of coastline.
Koh Mak hotels
Search for Koh Mak hotels.
Koh Mak articles
Thai island makes a virtue of simplicity
“Koh Mak may be a model for sustainable tourism.”
Amid the rush for more tourist arrivals, Thai island Koh Mak is deliberately taking it slow
Ko Kut (Koh Kood)
Ko Kut (also Koh Kood) is the easternmost island before Cambodia. The island’s remoteness has kept it relatively underdeveloped. Here are some things to do on Koh Kood Island.
Koh Kood hotels
Search for Koh Kood hotels.
Ko Mai Si
Ko Mai Si is a small island off the Northwest coast of Koh Kood (not to be confused with Ko Mai Si Yai).
Ko Mai Si is the location of Koh Kud Airport, the private airstrip for Soneva Resort on Koh Kood.
There are a few houses in the north of the island, though I haven’t found any reference if visitors can stay here.
Gulf of Thailand
Ko Tao
Ko Tao (Turtle Island), is an island of approximately 21 km² and forms part of the Chumphon Archipelago. The island is geared towards diving tourists, and accommodation ranges from basic hostels to luxury hotels.
Ko Tao hotels
Ko Tao hotels
Ko Tao articles
The Tao of island travel
“Koh Tao is open for business, but as its name suggests, at a slow, leisurely and thoughtful pace.”
Ko Nang Yuan
Ko Nang Yuan is a small island off the northeast coast of Ko Tao. Even if you’ve never heard of it, you’ve probably seen images of it on Instagram. Look up #konangyuan to see the famous sandbar that connects it to Ko Tao.
Here is a complete Koh Nang Yuan travel guide.
Ko Nang Yuan hotels
The island has one hotel: Nangyuan Island Dive Resort.
Ko Pha Ngan
Ko Pha Ngan is located between the islands of Ko Samui and Ko Tao. It is best known for the full moon parties, though it is big enough to avoid if that isn’t your thing.
Ko Pha Ngan hotels
Ko Pha Ngan hotels
Koh Samui
Ko Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island, and thus it’s probably the second-most developed island (after Phuket). The Koh Samui beaches are among the best in Thailand, with a full variety of accommodation styles. People complain that Samui is overdeveloped, but there are still many villages along the coast, and plenty of natural beauty in the interior as well. Here is a sample itinerary for Koh Samui to get started.
There is a plan to build a bridge from the mainland.
Koh Samui hotels
Koh Samui hotels
Ko Taen (Ko Tan)
Ko Taen (Coral Island) is approximately 5 km south of Ko Samui and 15 km off the mainland. The island is accessible by boat from Thong Krut on the south coast of Samui.
Most visitors are day trippers that are touring the islands of the Samui archipelago. It is possible to stay here at Tan Marina Bay Resort & Restaurant and Koh Taen Village Bungalows.
Ko Mat Sum (Ko Madsum)
Ko Mat Sum is about a kilometre to the east of Ko Taen. It has become known as Pig Island for its resident pigs that swim in the water like the swimming pigs in the Bahamas.
There is one hotel on this island: The Treasure Koh Madsum – Samui.
Ko Phaluai
Ko Phaluai (Koh Paluay) is the largest island in the Ang Thong archipelago. The island is inhabited by sea gypsies, and fishing is still the primary source of income.
Ko Phaluai hotels
Accommodation here is mainly homestays and bungalows.
Articles about Ko Phaluai
A place where time moves slow
“Close to world-famous tourism juggernauts, Koh Phaluai remains a low-profile destination as it paves the way for eco-conscious travellers.”
Koh Nok Phao
Koh Nok Phao is an island inhabited by fishing communities, and there are some home stays on this island.
Koh Nok Phao accommodation
Ao Tien Homestay at Koh Nok Phao
Northern Andaman
Ko Khon Thi
Ko Khon Thi is an island in Ranong City at the mouth of the Kraburi River. It has the Andaman Sea on one side, and a river on the other. There is a village here with some homestays listed on Google Maps.
Ko Sin Hai
Ko Sin Hai is little more than a fishing village with a mosque clinging to the side of an island. Unconfirmed if there are homestays here.
Ko Chang
Ko Chang in Ranong province is much smaller and less developed than Koh Chang in Trat province. The lack of white sand beaches has probably helped keep developers and large crowds at bay. This is the appeal for those who want a simple island life without crowds.
Ko Chang hotels
Ko Chang hotels
Ko Sai Dam
Ko Sai Dam is a peninsula in Mueang Ranong District (Ranong City) that is separated from the mainland by a river, so it’s technically an island (as the name suggests). The island is a mangrove forest and it includes the Mangrove Arboretum. If you truly are on a mission to stay on every habitable island in Thailand, then there are some homestays listed on Google Maps.
Ko Phayam
Ko Phayam is off the coast of Ranong, and it’s known for being a carfree island. The roads are only suitable for motorbikes, and electricity is intermittent, so it has a slower and carefree island vibe than islands with cars. It had a hippy vibe even before Thailand legalised cannabis, and it’s described as like Pai, with a beach.
Ko Phayam hotels
Search for Ko Phayam hotels, and here is my review of the Phayam Sport Bungalow.
Ko Phra Thong
Ko Phra Thong is an island off the coast of Phang Nga Province, separated from the mainland by a natural canal. The island is famous for its inland savanna. There are uninhabited beaches on the Andaman Sea side of the island, with a handful of hotels ranging from bungalows to resorts.
Articles about Ko Phra Thong
Ko Phra Thong: An Island Escape
“Everyone has heard of the Similan Islands, Surin Islands, and James Bond Island, but when it comes to enchanting islands in the Andaman Sea, Phang-nga Province has more to offer than usual headline acts.”
Ko Surin Nuea
Ko Surin Nuea (Surin North Island) is one of five islands that make up the Surin Islands group, 60 km from the mainland. Mu Ko surin is a national park, and the drawcard here is the diving and experiencing a true wilderness. Camping and bungalow accommodation is available.
Articles about the Surin Islands
Where sea gypsies settle
Located 60km off the Thai coast, the tiny isolated Surin Islands are home to the Moken, a tribe of former nomads experiencing a shifting way of life.
Ko Kho Khao
Ko Kho Khao is an island that is formed off the coast of Phang Nga province by a sea canal. There is a small variety of accommodations from bungalows to resort hotels.
Ko Similan
Similan Islands are an archipelago of islands 70 km off the coast of Phang Nga Province. There are 11 islands that form part of the Mu Ko Similan National Park.
Camping used to be allowed, but accommodation is now limited to liveaboard boats, such as those on organised diving tours.
Ko Miang
Ko Miang is one of the islands of the Similan archipelago. There was bungalow accommodation available on the island, but the government has since closed accommodation to the public.
Phuket and Phang Nga Bay
Phuket
Phuket is known as the largest island in Thailand and it is a province unto itself. It has the second-busiest international airport, and accommodation for all budgets. You can easily fill a a 1 week itinerary of things to do, which is why Phuket gets so many repeat visitors.
Here is my report on my most recent stay.
Phuket hotels
Search for Phuket hotels.
Ko Rang Yai
Ko Rang Yai is a small island about 5km east of Phuket. There is previous mention of basic bungalow accommodation, though it isn’t bookable online.
Koh Maphrao (Coconut Island)
Koh Maphrao (Coconut Island) is like a holiday island when you need a holiday from the holiday island of Phuket. This small island is less than a kilometre off the coast of Phuket, and it has resort-style accommodations.
Koh Maphrao hotels
Search for Koh Maphrao hotels.
Koh Maphrao articles
Just minutes from Phuket, Koh Maphrao feels a million miles away – [24/03/18]
Ko Lon (Ko Lone)
Ko Lon is about 1.5km south of Phuket that has some resort accommodations.
Ko Lon hotels
Search for Ko Lon hotels.
Ko He (Coral Island)
South of Ko Lon is Ko He (Coral Island). This island features the Coral Island Resort, but it is currently closed.
Ko Racha Yai
Ko Racha Yai hotels
Search for Ko Racha Yai hotels.
Ko Panyi
Ko Panyi (or Koh Panyee), is a fishing village built on stilts by Malay fishermen. The “island” is famous for its floating football field, and there is a great short film about the football club.
There aren’t any places listed to stay here, but here is an account of someone who stayed overnight.
Koh Mai Phai (Bamboo Island)
Ko Mai Phai is a small island between the Krabi coast and the Phi Phi Islands. It is a popular stop for daytripping snorkellers. There is mention of being able to camp on Banboo Island.
Ko Mak Noi
Small island with one accommodation listed on Google Maps.
Ko Yao Noi
Ko Yao Noi is the smaller island of the Ko Yao group, and the island with the most accommodation options.
Koh Yao Noi hotels
Koh Yao Noi hotels
Ko Yao Yai
Ko Yao Yai is the larger and least developed of the two islands. Here is a guide for things to do on Koh Yao Yai.
Koh Yao Yai hotels
Search for Koh Yao Yai hotels
Koh Lao Lading
Koh Lao Lading is a speck of an island between Ko Yao Noi and the Krabi mainland. Camp tents are available on this island.
Southern Andaman
Ko Poda
Ko Poda is a small island to the south of Ao Nang Beach in Krabi. Poda Hotel shows up on Google Maps, though it doesn’t appear to have a website or feature on booking sites.
Here is a report for Koh Poda.
Ko Sriboya
Ko Sriboya (or Ko Si Boya) is a small island 20 kilometers south of Krabi in Krabi Province. It’s mostly rural, with a few bungalow and resort hotels.
Koh Jum (Koh Pu)
Koh Jum (or Koh Pu) is a small island between Ko Lanta and Krabi Town. The attraction here is to see island village life rather than beaches, though there are some beach resorts here.
Ko Phi Phi Don hotels
Hotels in Koh Jum / Koh Pu
Ko Phi Phi Don
Ko Phi Phi Don is perhaps the most (in)famous island in Thailand. This little island has been transformed into a backpacker party town, complete with a McDonald’s and Burger King at the main pier. Near Phi Phi Don is Phi Phi Le, which includes Maya Bay (filming location of “The Beach”). It is not possible to stay on Phi Phi Le.
Here is my review of the Phi Phi Islands.
Ko Phi Phi Don hotels
Search for Ko Phi Phi Don hotels.
Ko Lanta Noi
Ko Lanta is a group of islands that form a district in Krabi Province. The main island is made up of two islands, with Ko Lanta Noi being the northern part of the island. This island is mostly rural and undeveloped, but if you are on the quest to stay on every habitable island, then here are the hotels in Ko Lanta Noi.
Ko Lanta Yai
Ko Lanta Yai is the main island that most visitors stay at, and it’s usually just referred to as Ko Lanta.
Ko Lanta Yai is the seventh-largest island in Thailand. It has all kinds of accommodation, from hostels to resorts. It has proper towns and cars to go with it, and there is also a historic fishing village. There is no airport or bridge (yet), which has kept developers at bay.
Here is my report on Koh Lanta.
Ko Lanta hotels
Search for Ko Lanta hotels. If you are unfamiliar with the island, read this guide on where to stay on Koh Lanta.
Ko Por
Ko Por is an island about 2km to the east of Lanta Old Town. The islands has some homestays listed on Google Maps.
Ko Ngai
Ko Ngai marks the start of a group of far southern islands in the Andaman Sea. It is the first island after Ko Lanta that the island-hopping speed boats call at on the way to Ko Lipe. This island measures just 4 km long and 2 km wide, and it has no cars. There is a trend among blogs that insist on labeling it as a “couples island”, though of course anyone can go. Here is my review of Ko Ngai.
Ko Ngai hotels
Search for Ko Ngai hotels.
Ko Mook
Ko Mook (or Ko Muk) is an island with a population of around 1000 people. It is a working fishing island, yet it has enough hotels and tourist amenities to feel like being on a tropical holiday.
Read my review of Ko Mook.
Ko Mook hotels
Search for Ko Mook hotels.
Ko Kradan
I called Ko Kradan the tropical island paradise in Thailand you’ve been dreaming of. I stayed here overnight, and after watching tour boats come and go I was glad to not just visit Koh Kradan on a day trip.
Ko Kradan hotels
Search for Koh Kradan hotels.
Here is my review of the Kradan Beach Resort.
Ko Libong
Koh Libong is the largest of the Trang province islands, though it is not as popular as the smaller southern Andaman islands. Here is a Koh Libong travel guide.
Ko Libong hotels
Search for Koh Libong hotels.
Ko Rok Yai
Ko Rok Yai and Ko Rok Noi are part of the Mu Ko Lanta National Park and are the most westerly of the southern Andaman islands. It is possible to camp on Ko Rok Yai.
Ko Sukon
Ko Sukon is an island near the Trang mainland, and it is better known for agriculture and fishing than for tourism. There are two resorts listed on the west coast of the island.
Ko Don
Ko Don is a small island with a village. Google Maps shows a camp site called Bu Bu Stay.
Ko Bulon Le
Ko Bulon Leh is a small island with little development. Search for Koh Bulon hotels.
Ko Tarutao
Ko Tarutao is a national park, so no hotels and resorts here. There are some bungalows and campgrounds provided by National Park. Try emailing or checking a website that doesn’t seem to work. Details at kohtarutaoisland.com.
Ko Adang
Ko Adang is a national park with limited accommodation from the park office. There is also the Adang Island Resort.
Ko Lipe
Ko Lipe is the most southerly Thai island with accommodation. It’s surprisingly busy considering how long it takes to get there, but when you see the beaches you will understand the appeal. There are international ferries to Langkawi in Malaysia.
Ko Lipe hotels
Search for Ko Lipe hotels.
FAQs about Thailand islands
What is the difference between Koh and Ko?
Ko or Koh is the Thai word for island. They are used interchangeably and it doesn’t matter which one you use. Ko/Koh is the most used transliteration, but sometimes “Go” or GoH” is written. The sound is somewhere between G and K, but the K spelling has stuck.
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