The 9 best islands to visit in Thailand

For many people, Phuket is the default island to visit - understandably so, when it offers beaches, water activities and a vibrant Old Town - but this also means it's always one of the busiest islands. For a more off the beaten track experience, why not consider Koh Chang, instead? Situated in the northeast of the Gulf of Thailand, some 120km south of Trat province, Koh Chang strikes a vast contrast from the likes of Phuket and Koh Samui.

You can go on jungle treks through the dense national park or kayak alongside mangrove forests, passing a traditional fishing village as you go. You're also within easy reach of more secluded islands in the archipelago, too. Of course, we include the option to visit Phuket on our Simply Thailand tour so that the choice is truly yours!

Koh Lipe is one of the southernmost Thai islands, close to the border of Malaysia. You could easily spend up to four days here, and it's a diver's dream destination, with whale sharks, seahorses and rich corals to be wowed by. Back on land, there are busier areas - such as Walking Street - but on the whole Koh Lipe retains a chilled-out vibe, making it well worth a visit.

Koh Phi Phi is an island group located between Phuket and Krabi in the Andaman Sea; it's best-known for Maya Bay, which found worldwide fame in Hollywood blockbuster The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Koh Phi Phi Don is the biggest island, but it's also the most developed, meaning most visitors make a beeline for a slice of the action - see it for yourself on our Simply Thailand tour. 
 
Alternatively, you can visit Bamboo Island as a day trip - with white-sand beaches and clear shallow water, it's like stepping into a postcard. For a different take on a Thai island stay, you can camp overnight - just imagine waking up to those picture-perfect scenes! Koh Yao Yai is another small island that's less than two hours away from Koh Phi Phi Don, but its tranquil atmosphere will make you feel as if you're a million miles away.

Koh Tao is a little slice of paradise. This small island sits off the east coast of Thailand, north of Koh Pha Ngan. It's an affordable place to visit, providing just as many striking views as its better-known counterparts.

Koh Tao translates as 'turtle island' and is one of the best scuba diving destinations in Thailand. Even if you don't spot one of these beautiful marine creatures, you'll still see plenty of colourful fish and coral.