There are plenty of gorgeous places in Thailand—but if you ask most travelers what they dream about, it’s the islands. Turquoise water, jungle viewpoints, longtail boats, beach BBQs, and sunsets that somehow look photoshopped in real life.

Island-hopping in Thailand is one of the best ways to experience the country, as long as you plan your route smartly. Thailand’s islands are spread across two different coastlines (with different weather seasons), and the “quick hop” you imagine can sometimes turn into a full travel day if you zig-zag too much.

Below you’ll find:

The must-visit Thai islands (plus a few underrated gems)
The easiest ways to get between islands without wasting your vacation
A 7-day Thailand island hopping itinerary that actually works
Fresh, updated travel notes (including seasonal closures and entry systems)

Why Thailand Island Hopping Works So Well

Thailand is built for island hopping. You’ve got:

Major flight hubs (Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani, Hat Yai, Koh Samui)
Frequent ferries and speedboats connecting popular islands
Every vibe imaginable: luxury escapes, diving islands, backpacker beaches, wellness retreats, and party nights

The trick is choosing one main region:

Andaman Sea (west coast): Phuket, Phi Phi, Similan Islands, Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe
Gulf of Thailand (east coast): Koh Samui, Koh Pha-ngan, Koh Tao

You can combine both in one trip (and I’ll show you how), but you’ll do best if you minimize backtracking.

Best Time to Go Island Hopping in Thailand

Thailand has two different monsoon patterns depending on coast, so timing matters.

Andaman Sea (Phuket / Phi Phi / Similan / Lipe)

Generally best: November–April
Similan Islands specifically have a strict season (more on that below)

Gulf of Thailand (Samui / Pha-ngan / Tao)

Often best: January–September
Heaviest rains tend to hit later in the year compared to the Andaman side

If you’re traveling during shoulder season, it’s still absolutely doable—just build flexibility into your plans and avoid stacking too many boat connections on one day.

The Best Islands to Visit in Thailand (Island-by-Island)

Similan Islands (Andaman Sea)

If you’re into snorkeling or diving, the Similan Islands are the kind of place that makes you blurt out “no way” into your mask. Think crystal visibility, dramatic boulders, and marine life that feels straight out of a nature documentary.

Important planning update: the Similan Islands close every year during monsoon season. For 2025, the closure was May 16–October 14. GovPR Thailand
Tip: they can also have new entry procedures (like e-ticketing), so plan ahead if Similan is a must-do.

What to expect:
This is a protected national park, so you’re not coming here for malls and nightlife—you’re coming for nature. It’s typically visited as a day trip from Khao Lak or Phuket, especially in peak season.

Koh Phayam (Andaman Sea, near Ranong)

Koh Phayam is for the “I just want a hammock and a smoothie” crowd. It’s mellow, lightly developed, and still feels like Thailand before the biggest tourist waves rolled in.

Expect: quiet roads, low-key beach bars, yoga energy, and a slower rhythm. If you want loud clubs and big resorts, this isn’t it—and that’s exactly why people love it.

Koh Lipe (Far South Andaman)

Koh Lipe is small, bright-blue, and seriously pretty. It’s also a bit more “boutique island” in pricing compared to some other Thai islands—yet many travelers happily pay the difference.

Beaches you’ll hear about the most:

Sunrise Beach (morning magic)
Sunset Beach (golden-hour perfection)
Pattaya Beach (on Lipe, it’s actually calm and scenic—nothing like the Pattaya on the mainland)

Getting there:
Most people connect via Hat Yai + Pak Bara Pier, then speedboat to Lipe. Well-known operators and routes are active and commonly used by travelers. SPC Thailand

Koh Pha-ngan (Gulf of Thailand)

Yes, it’s famous for the Full Moon Party—but Koh Pha-ngan is also packed with beautiful beaches, calm coves, viewpoints, and yoga/wellness corners.

Haad Rin is the famous party beach, but don’t miss the calmer side of the island too (especially if you want that “tropical escape” feeling during the day).

Full Moon Party

The Full Moon Party continues to operate monthly (dates can shift slightly depending on local scheduling and conditions). Full Moon Party Thailand
If it’s on your bucket list, build your itinerary around it so you’re not scrambling last-minute for ferries and rooms.

Koh Samui (Gulf of Thailand)

Koh Samui is a great “base island” because it has:

A major airport (big convenience factor)
Tons of accommodation options (from budget to luxe)
Family-friendly areas and plenty of restaurants

Lamai is a classic choice if you want something beautiful but not as chaotic as the busiest zones.

Ethical elephant visit option (verified open)

If you want a no-riding elephant experience on Samui, Samui Elephant Sanctuary is operating and offers short and longer visits. samuisanctuary

Koh Tao (Gulf of Thailand)

Koh Tao (“Turtle Island”) is one of Thailand’s best-known diving hubs—great visibility, lots of dive schools, and snorkeling spots that don’t require a long journey.

A quick, practical note: Like anywhere with boats, nightlife, and scooters, use normal travel caution and choose reputable operators. For broader safety guidance, many governments advise travelers to exercise increased caution in Thailand overall. Travel.gov

Phi Phi Islands (Andaman Sea)

Phi Phi is iconic for a reason: dramatic limestone cliffs, postcard bays, and viewpoints you’ll remember forever.

Do not skip the viewpoint hike on Phi Phi Don (go early or near sunset for the best light and cooler temps).

Nightlife + Muay Thai show (verified open)

A well-known evening activity on Phi Phi is the Muay Thai “Reggae Bar”—it’s still operating based on current listings and activity.

Phuket (Andaman Sea)

Phuket is the “big hub” island: beaches, nightlife, day tours, shopping, and easy transport connections to other islands. It’s also one of the easiest places to start island hopping because it’s so well-connected by air and sea.

Ethical elephant experience option (verified open)

If you want an ethical, no-riding sanctuary visit in Phuket, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is active and running tours. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

How to Get Around Thailand’s Islands (Without Losing a Whole Day)

The golden rules

Pick a region first (Andaman or Gulf), then add one “cross-coast jump” at most.
Fly the long legs, ferry the short legs.
In choppy seasons, avoid stacking multiple boats in one day.

Best flight strategy (updated airlines note)

Older guides still mention Thai Smile—but Thai Smile ended operations and was integrated into Thai Airways (effective January 2024).
For common domestic routes, travelers often use carriers like AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, VietJet/Thai VietJet routes via VietJet’s network, and Thai Airways depending on route and budget.

A Realistic 7-Day Thailand Island Hopping Itinerary (Phuket + Phi Phi + Samui + Pha-ngan + Tao)

This itinerary is designed for travelers who want:

A taste of both coasts
Minimal wasted time
A mix of scenery + beaches + a little nightlife

Day 1: Arrive Bangkok → Fly to Phuket

Yes, you can overnight in Bangkok, but if your trip is only 7 days, heading straight to Phuket often makes the whole journey feel smoother. Phuket is a strong launch point for the Andaman side.

Night idea: beach dinner, explore night markets, or a relaxed first evening to recover from jet lag.

Day 2: Phuket beach day + one signature experience

Keep this day flexible. Great choices:

A calmer beach day away from the busiest strips
Old Town wandering + cafés
An ethical elephant visit (if it fits your style) Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Sleep early-ish—tomorrow is boat day.

Day 3: Ferry or speedboat to Phi Phi + viewpoint sunset

Take a morning ferry/speedboat from Phuket and get settled on Phi Phi Don.

Do:

Viewpoint hike (sunset is amazing)
Snorkel or kayak in the afternoon
Optional: Muay Thai night at Reggae Bar

Day 4: Phi Phi → Phuket → Fly to Koh Samui

This is your biggest logistics day, so start early. You’ll return to Phuket, then fly to Samui.

Once on Samui, keep it simple: dinner, beach stroll, sleep.

Day 5: Koh Samui → Koh Pha-ngan (Full Moon Party night if timing works)

Quick ferry hop over to Koh Pha-ngan.

If you’re here for the Full Moon Party, align your schedule with published dates. Full Moon Party Thailand
If not, still enjoy Pha-ngan for its beaches and sunsets—it’s more than a party island.

Day 6: Day trip (or overnight) to Koh Tao for snorkeling/diving

Hop the ferry to Koh Tao for a water day:

Dive trip
Snorkeling
Chill beach afternoon

This is a perfect “reset day” after a bigger night on Pha-ngan.

Day 7: Return to Samui → Fly back to Bangkok

Ferry back to Samui, then fly onward. Keep a little buffer for boat schedules—Thailand is usually efficient, but weather happens.

Want to Swap Islands? Easy Upgrades and Alternatives

If you want more nature (less party)

Replace Full Moon night with extra Samui beach time + a sanctuary visit samuisanctuary
Or add a quieter island (like Koh Phayam) on a future trip

If you want world-class snorkeling/diving

Add Similan Islands as a day tour during open season GovPR Thailand

If Koh Lipe is your dream

Do a separate far-south itinerary (Lipe pairs best with itself + nearby Trang islands), since it’s a long haul from Phuket/Samui. Speedboat routes and services operate seasonally and require planning. Ferry Lipe

Practical Island Hopping Tips (The Stuff You’ll Be Glad You Knew)

Pack light (boats + sand + stairs + hot docks = no fun with giant luggage)
Bring seasickness tablets if you’re even slightly prone
Protect reefs: reef-safe sunscreen, don’t touch coral, don’t feed fish
Keep cash for smaller islands (ATMs can be limited or empty on busy weekends)
Build buffer time before flights when coming from ferries
Check marine park entry rules before tours—e-ticketing/advance registration may apply in some parks

Thailand Island Hopping Guide (2026 Update): Best Islands, Routes, and a Perfect 7-Day Itinerary