The islands I recommend visiting in Thailand are Koh Lanta, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao. Many people have heard about Koh Phi Phi, however, I would not recommend it. Phi Phi is more of a party island. It was nice at one point, and is still fun if you’re looking for a party, but it’s very dirty and crowded. If you’re just doing day trips to the islands, I would tell you to do a 1 day boat trip checking out all the surrounding islands and the next day doing a day trip to your favorite one. Overall, the top things to do in the islands: take a boat ride, go scuba diving or snorkeling, get a massage, and eat all the food.
Weather
The islands on the West side of Thailand (Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta), have rainy season April through October. On the Eastern side, (Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan) it is considered rainy season from September through December. The average temperature is in the mid to high 80’s.
Getting to the Islands
From Krabi or Phuket you can take a ferry to most islands and get there in just an hour or two. To get to Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan you can take a ferry from Surat Thani.
Recommendations
Koh Phi Phi
Tonsai is the area where most restaurants and beach bars are. You can take a tour from Phi Phi (just book from one of the tourist offices all over the island) to see Monkey Island, Maya Bay, etc. and it is definitely worth it. It’s an all day thing so just be aware of that.
Hotels
To Do
Bamboo Island: Nice beach, most Phi Phi cruises will take you here.
Bob’s Booze Cruise: Famous all day booze cruise.
Maya Bay: Iconic spot you can visit on a day trip or by long-tail boat. Go in the morning.
Monkey Beach (Ao Ling): Lots of monkeys walking around, don’t feed them!
Phi Phi Viewpoint: Nice spot to see the island.
Restaurants
Grand PP Arcade: Great breakfast and dinner options.
Papaya: No alcohol but great curry and papaya salad.
Tonsai Seafood: Good sunset spot.
Unni’s Restaurant: Sit on the patio, great chicken and stir fry.
Cafes
Aroy Kaffeine: Great spot with good food.
Phi Phi Bakery: Best coffee here.
Bars
Banana Rooftop Bar: Rooftop bar.
Slinky Bar: Beach party bar, fire dancers, etc.
Sunflower Bar: Relaxed spot.
Be careful drinking the buckets of alcohol, had multiple friends get food poisoning from the ice in them.
Koh Lanta
Much more relaxed and low key than Phi Phi. This island is beautiful. It’s also pretty big, so getting a moped is the best way to explore, and there isn’t much traffic. The best area to stay in Koh Lanta is Long Beach.
Hotels
To Do
Hin Daeng: Scuba spot.
Kantiang Bay: Nice beach.
Khlong Chak Waterfall: Pretty waterfalls.
Ko Haa: Collapsed volcano island.
Koh Lanta Noi: Mangroves.
Koh Rok: Cool island for snorkeling.
Koh Talabeng: Kayak to these caves.
Old Town: Cute downtown with street market.
Trang Islands & Emerald Cave: Day trip through Freedom Adventures.
Restaurants
Drunken Sailors: Great Thai and Western options.
Pad Thai Rock n Roll: Best Pad Thai.
Red Snapper: Best restaurant in Koh Lanta, tapas spot.
The Table: No menu, just a great meal.
Cafes
Fruit Tree Coffee Shop: Cool vibe, lots of sweets.
Monkey Biziness Cafe: Cute spot, good breakfast and coffee.
Peak Cafe: Good breakfast and lunch.
Pure Koh Lanta: Healthy, central spot, lots of options.
Shanti Old Town: Good breakfast, views of the surrounding islands.
Bars
Pangea: Fun spot with friendly staff.
Same Same But Different: Good sunset spot.
Why Not: Better bar for later nights.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is on the Eastern side of Thailand, and a little tougher to get to. You’ll take a ferry from Surat Thani or can book a flight into the airport there. The main areas to stay are Chaweng (most central), Lamai (more relaxed), Choneng Mon (quieter) and Maenam (also quiet).
Hotels
Dara Samui (Chaweng)
Novotel (Chaweng)
The Library (Chaweng)
Vana Belle (Chaweng)
Banyan Tree (Lamai)
Renaissance Koh Samui Resort (Lamai)
Silavadee Pool Spa Resort (Lamai)
To Do
Angthong National Park: Can take a day trip here.
Big Buddha: Free entry.
Chaweng Beach: Hub of everything, most popular beach.
Elephant Rock: Good hiking spot.
Lamai Beach: More laidback beach.
Namuang Waterfall: Good swimming spot.
Secret Buddha Garden: Nice gardens with lots of buddha statues.
Restaurants
Baitong: Beachside vibe, good views.
Full Moon: Great food, some of the dishes are prepared at your table.
Jahn: Well-known higher end restaurant.
Kiree Restaurant: Lobster and champagne brunch.
Poppies Restaurant: Run by a top chef in Thailand.
The Height: Panoramic views in Silavadee Resort.
Zazen Restaurant: Thai dance performances Thursdays and Sundays.
Cafes
About Cafe: Big menu and lots of cute art.
Coffee Gecko: Good spot to hang out, cool views.
Sweet Sisters: Great iced coffee and omelets.
Tanya’s Cafe: Best breakfast.
Bars
Air Bar: Cocktail bar on the cliffs, good sunset spot.
Ark Bar: Crazy nightlife.
Green Mango: Lots of bars near here.
The Jungle Club: Best views, chill spot.
Koh Tao
The only way to get to Koh Tao is by boat. You can take a ferry from the mainland leaving Chumphon and Surat Thani, and from the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Some of the best diving is here at Sail Rock.
Hotels
To Do
John Suwan Viewpoint: Amazing views.
Koh Nang Yuan: Named one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
Mae Haad to Chalok: Really nice hike.
Sairee Beach: Top bars and restaurants are here.
Tanote Bay: Great place to go snorkeling.
Restaurants
Barracuda: Surf ‘n turf.
Breeze: Mediterranean food.
Fizz: Nicer dinner.
P. Oy’s Place: Best Thai on the island.
Su Chili: Chicken Cashew Nut.
Cafes
Beer Masons: Nitro cold brew and good craft beer selection.
Big Bite Cafe: Coconut Latte, home brewed Kombucha.
Cafe Culture: Coffee, juices, sweets.
Coconut Monkey: Good coffee and wraps.
The Factory Cafe: Smoothie bowls, good coffee.
Bars
AC Bar & Beach Club: Day parties and DJs.
BND Beach Club: Rooftop terrace.
Fishbowl Beach Bar: Good happy hour, popular spot.
Maya Beach Club: Low key, good happy hour.
Natural High: Open air treehouse.
