What are the BEST Islands in Thailand? 🇹🇭 (Ranking the Top 20)

How the Ranking Works (Tiers)

• Uses five tiers: S tier (best) down to D tier (worst) (all islands are still described as beautiful).
• Ranking criteria:
  • Ease of getting there
  • Cost once you’re on the island
  • General vibe (things to do + overall feel)

Top “Big Hitters” (Most Visited)

Pukhet → D tier

• Pros
  • Convenient airport
  • Some nice areas (e.g., Old Town, north/south parts)
• Cons
  • Overpriced (taxis/food/hotels)
  • Overcrowded/overdeveloped
  • Expensive and tiring to travel across the island

Ko Samui → S–E tier

• Notes a decline from its “magic” due to overcrowding/overdevelopment
• Still loved—especially on a return trip to rediscover the vibe
• Ranked lower now compared to earlier impressions

Krabi / Phi Phi region vibe (Maya Bay + baby sharks) → B tier

• When timed right (right season/time of day), can be gorgeous
  • Mentions Maya Bay, filming beach area, baby sharks
• When poorly timed, becomes overrun by day-trippers (especially from Phukhet/Ko Lanta area trips)
• Mentions rebuilding after a tsunami
• Calls out cramped/dirty conditions when crowded

Ko Phangan → A tier

• Strong reputation as a hub for the Full Moon Party
  • Can feel non-Thai or crowded if that’s not what you’re there for
• Other island strengths:
  • Nature, waterfalls, quiet beaches
  • Strong ecosystem
  • Generally more peaceful vibes in quieter areas

Ko Lanta → SE tier

• Plenty to do, with a loyal following
• Personal visit was affected by quieter conditions during COVID
• Wants to return for a fairer try

More Islands Ranked (Highlights of What Matters)

Ko Tao → A tier

• Strengths
  • Sunsets
  • Bars
  • Scuba diving
• Downsides
  • Speed ferry can be awful in bad weather
  • Limited exploration options (small island)
  • Can be expensive and sometimes overcrowded

Ko Chang → C tier

• “Two halves”:
  • More developed/touristy side
  • Quieter nature side (waterfalls/interior)
• Road system isn’t ideal for exploring the whole island easily
  • Motorbike travel can require backtracking

Ko Koh / Sam (?) → S tier

(called out as the first S-tier; likely “Ko(s)” name variants)

• Rustic/traditional feel
• Some quiet beaches and wooden bungalows (cheap)
• Larger resorts with private bays
• Strong snorkeling; incredible views and sunsets
• Daytime crowds exist due to Bangkok day trips, but they cluster in one area

Koh Mak / K(u)manuk (subtitles: “Kom Nook”) → S tier

• Feels like a private island with small crowds
• Activities mentioned:
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking
  • Fishing
  • Relaxation
• Affordable range noted (~$150–$300/night)
• Free transfer by vessel

Ko Yao Noi → S tier

• Still captures Thailand’s essence
• Less built-up than neighboring Phukhet and Phi Phi (as stated)
• Family trip highlights:
  • Villa on a private beach
  • Cycling around
  • Villages/fishing towns, mountains, small waterfalls
  • Many beaches and a friendly atmosphere

Koh Phi Phi / Koh Yipe / “Kipe” → B tier

• Described as arguably most beautiful (Maldives-like), but:
  • Hard to get to (long, bumpy speedboat; bad weather makes it miserable)
  • Fewer activities—mostly relaxing, snorkeling/boat trips, plus sunrises & sunsets

Ko Kradan → A tier

• Extremely beautiful white-sand/turquoise-water beach vibe
• Main drawback: fewer activities beyond beach relaxation (possible fishing/boat trips to nearby islands)

Ko Kook → A tier

• Highlights
  • Emerald Cave (major natural wonder)
  • Spearhead-shaped beach (as described)
  • Local fishing-village atmosphere
  • Sea grass attracts dugongs (manatee-like animals)
    • Notes you can’t swim with them, but you can take trips to see them
  • Viewpoint hike, fishing, snorkeling trips
• Also noted as local and affordable, with “reasonably easy to get to”

Ko Nang (spelled “co n”) → solid B tier

• Few places to stay → limited infrastructure
• Island-hopping boats can be noisy around lunch time, briefly disrupting the quiet
• Plans to make a dedicated video later

Ko Larn / “colan” near Pattaya → low ranking

• Best times: mornings, afternoons, and sunsets can be amazing
• Main downside: daytime becomes overrun because speedboats from Pattaya come over

Ko Payam → strong A tier (near S)

• “Hidden gem” in Rayong Province
  • Described as north of Phukhet via a “Panga” route
• Very laidback:
  • Cashew nut trees
  • Quirky little bars (seasonal)
• Closures:
  • Gets battered by monsoon and shuts for ~6 months/year
  • When open, it’s very underrated

Ko Kud (“cud”) → B tier

• Many beautiful beaches and many resorts
• Not many restaurants
• Not much to do, but still described as paradise—ranked lower than the best

Ko Mak (“comac”) → A tier

• “Definition of tropical paradise” with incredible beaches/experiences
• Main complaint: can feel boring/quiet/lonely, especially compared to nearby islands people often visit right before/after
• Works well if you want enough to do for a few hours a day plus relaxation

Silan Islands (Andaman Sea) → D tier

• Extremely beautiful, but very difficult to reach
• Can’t stay unless camping
  • Most visits are day trips or snorkeling/national-park visits
• Personal notes:
  • Only did a fishing trip and stayed on board for two nights
  • Best sunset mentioned as “most beautiful”
• Ranked low due to logistics (can’t base a whole trip around it easily)

Ko Yai (“coai”) → solid B tier

• Very small/low-infrastructure:
  • Only 2–3 places to stay and 2–3 restaurants
• Stayed in a wooden cabin with blue doors
• Disconnected experience:
  • Wi‑Fi only at restaurant for a few hours/day
  • Very little to do → “switch off” vibe

Overall Wrap-up

• The ranking is based on personal experience/opinion and may vary depending on:
  • Weather
  • Mood
  • What else is happening during your visit
• Likely controversy called out:
  • D tier includes: Pukhet, Ko Larn, Silan Islands (as summarized at the end)
  • S tier includes: Ko K(u)manuk and Ko Yao Noi (as summarized at the end)

Notable Locations / Products / Speakers Mentioned

Locations

• Phuket (Old Town)
• Ko Samui
• Krabi / Maya Bay
• Ko Phangan (Full Moon Party)
• Ko Lanta
• Ko Tao
• Ko Chang
• Ko K(s) / Ko(s) (first S-tier island)
• Ko Mak
• Ko Yao Noi
• Ko Kradan
• Ko Kood
• Ko Nang
• Ko Larn (near Pattaya)
• Ko Payam
• Ko Kud
• Silan Islands (Andaman Sea)
• Ko Yai

Product / sponsor

• Cluk(e): travel-planning platform/scheduling and bookings (including cruises/longtail boats/speedboats), with mention of affiliate discounts