Thailand Island Comparison
Which Island is Right for You?
8 islands. 10 attributes. One table. Find your perfect Thai island based on beach quality, diving, budget, party scene, and crowd level.
Thailand has two coastlines with opposite weather patterns — the Gulf of Thailand (east coast: Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui) and the Andaman Sea (west coast: Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lipe). When one coast is in monsoon season, the other is usually sunny. Knowing which region you're visiting — and when — is the single most important planning decision for any Thai island trip.
Use the comparison below to find the island that matches your travel style. Prices are in Thai Baht (B). As of 2026, approximately 35B = $1 USD.
Jake has spent 3 years living in Thailand, earned his PADI Divemaster on Koh Tao, and has visited every province in the country. He writes about diving, adventure activities, and island life.
Last verified: February 22, 2026
| Island | Region | Best For | Dorm | Guesthouse | Best Months | Crowds | Party | Diving | Beach | WiFi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf |
| 250-450B | 500-800B | March-October | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | |||
| Gulf |
| 300-500B | 500-1000B | April-October | High | Very High | Moderate | |||
| Gulf |
| 400-600B | 800-2000B | December-September | Very High | Moderate | Fast | |||
| Andaman |
| 350-500B | 600-1200B | November-April | Moderate | Low | Moderate | |||
| Andaman |
| 500-800B | 1000-3000B | November-April | Very High | High | Slow | |||
| Andaman |
| 400-600B | 700-1500B | November-April | Low | Low | Slow | |||
| Eastern Gulf |
| 300-500B | 500-900B | November-May | Moderate | Low | Moderate | |||
| Eastern Gulf |
| 400-700B | 700-1500B | Year-round (busy on Thai tourist weekends) | High | Moderate | Moderate |
Diving mecca + backpacker party
Dorm
250-450B
Guesthouse
500-800B
Diving
Beaches
Party island with hidden quiet beaches
Dorm
300-500B
Guesthouse
500-1000B
Diving
Beaches
Mainstream resort island
Dorm
400-600B
Guesthouse
800-2000B
Diving
Beaches
Relaxed long-beach vibe
Dorm
350-500B
Guesthouse
600-1200B
Diving
Beaches
Stunning scenery but overcrowded
Dorm
500-800B
Guesthouse
1000-3000B
Diving
Beaches
Hidden gem — Maldives quality beaches
Dorm
400-600B
Guesthouse
700-1500B
Diving
Beaches
Large forested island
Dorm
300-500B
Guesthouse
500-900B
Diving
Beaches
Bangkok's weekend beach escape
Dorm
400-700B
Guesthouse
700-1500B
Diving
Beaches
Getting There: At a Glance
Koh Tao
Bus+ferry from Bangkok (~13h, 800-1200B) or fly to Koh Samui then ferry
Koh Phangan
Ferry from Surat Thani (2h, 300-350B) or via Koh Samui (30min, 200B)
Koh Samui
Fly from Bangkok (1h, 1500-3000B) or bus+ferry via Surat Thani
Koh Lanta
Ferry from Krabi (1.5h, 350-450B) or minibus from Phuket
Koh Phi Phi
Ferry from Phuket (2h, 350-500B) or Krabi (1.5h, 250-350B)
Koh Lipe
Ferry from Pakbara (1.5h, 750B) or Langkawi, Malaysia
Koh Chang
Bus from Bangkok Eastern Terminal to Trat, then ferry (4h total, 350-500B)
Koh Samet
Bus from Bangkok Ekamai (3h, 180B) + ferry (30min, 50B)
Our Picks by Traveler Type
Best for divers
Koh Tao
It's the cheapest place in the world to get PADI certified, with 25+ dive sites, crystal visibility, and a vibrant underwater scene. Whale sharks pass through March-October.
Best beaches
Koh Lanta or Koh Lipe
Koh Lanta has long, uncrowded white-sand beaches perfect for lazy days. Koh Lipe is a step further — genuinely Maldives-quality water with far fewer tourists than Phi Phi.
Full Moon Party
Koh Phangan
One of the world's biggest monthly beach parties draws 20,000+ people to Haad Rin. Even if you skip the party, the island has beautiful quiet beaches and yoga retreats away from the chaos.
Avoiding crowds
Koh Lipe or Koh Chang
Koh Lipe requires real effort to reach — that effort filters out day-trippers. Koh Chang is massive (Thailand's second largest island) so crowds spread out over waterfalls and jungle trails.
Closest to Bangkok
Koh Samet
Only 4 hours from Bangkok, Koh Samet is the obvious choice for a long weekend trip when you don't have time to travel south. It's busy on weekends but peaceful mid-week.
Budget travelers
Koh Tao or Koh Chang
Koh Tao has the cheapest dorms in the Gulf islands (from 250B) and free beach access. Koh Chang offers dorms from 300B with waterfalls and nature hikes that cost nothing.
Planning your route? Our island itinerary guide covers which islands to combine and in what order.