Have you ever looked at a travel brochure and thought everything looked like a dream, only to show up and realize you’re sharing that private beach with three hundred other people? Been there, done that!
During my travels in Thailand, I was in for a rude awakening. I trusted those travel influencers too much and ended up on crowded beaches and neon-lit tourist traps that were far from what the pictures and videos claimed.
Now, after spending months island hopping in Thailand, navigating the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, I feel confident that I can help you avoid the same mistakes I made as a rookie.
Here’s my honest take on the islands I’d hop back on a boat for in a heartbeat, and the ones I’m happy to leave in my rearview mirror.
The Islands I’d Revisit
Koh Kood
Tucked away near the Cambodian border, Koh Kood is blissfully quiet. Being there felt like experiencing the Thailand that was thirty years ago. What I loved most was the absence of high-rise hotels and loud jet skis, and the gorgeous roads that are mostly jungle paths.
I spent my days there kayaking through mangroves and swimming in waterfalls that I had all to myself. It’s the kind of place where you actually hear the birds instead of the bass from a beach club.
So, if you are burnt out and looking for a place perfect for a digital detox, Koh Kood is the answer.
Koh Yao Noi (Local Life at Its Best!)
Located right between the busy hubs of Phuket and Krabi, Koh Yao Noi is a mystery. Mostly because people keep passing it by. I’d go back here just for the views of the limestone karsts in Phang Nga Bay. It’s an island where you see water buffaloes grazing in rice paddies right next to eco-luxury resorts. It feels authentic. You can rent a scooter and drive around the entire island in an hour, stopping at local piers to watch fishermen bring in their daily catch. It’s quiet and incredibly beautiful.
Koh Lipe
I know crystal clear water is a cliché, but Koh Lipe really earns it. Located in the far south, it’s tiny enough to walk across in about twenty minutes, and the snorkeling here is to-die-for! You don’t need a boat if you can swim. Simply swim out from the shore and see colorful reefs.
Besides snorkeling, I’d go back for their Walking Street, where I’ve tasted the best grilled seafood ever.
The Islands I Probably Wouldn’t Revisit
Koh Phi Phi (Too loud!)
Don’t get me wrong, the scenery at Phi Phi is legendary. The towering cliffs and Maya Bay are stunning. However, the experience of being there was quite exhausting. The main island, Phi Phi Don, felt like one giant party that just didn’t end. The narrow streets were packed with people, and the prices were very steep. Sure, there’s a lot of natural beauty to be discovered, but that felt hidden behind the rows of loud bars and souvenir shops.
However, I would recommend that you visit there once. Who knows, you might enjoy the loud parties, but I don’t feel the need to go back.
Koh Samui
This one might be controversial because so many people love Samui. For me, it has just become too developed. When I go to an island, I want to feel like I’ve escaped the city, but Samui has traffic jams, big shopping malls, and a lot of concrete.
While yes, the luxury villa scene is booming, but I felt the beaches were too crowded and less wild than the smaller islands.
If you love high-end dining and nightlife, you’ll love it, but for a nature lover like me, it just doesn’t hit the mark anymore.
Phuket (Patong Area)
Phuket is huge, and some parts (like the Old Town) are lovely. But Patong? I’d happily skip it forever. It is the very definition of a tourist trap!
Between the aggressive touts and the noisy streets, I found it extremely hard to find a moment’s peace. Also, the beaches were unimpressive. In this specific area, they aren’t the cleanest, and everything felt designed to separate me from my money as quickly as possible.
Final Thoughts
Thailand continues to have my heart, and I haven’t been able to explore all 60 of its islands open to tourists, but from the 10 I did, these 6 left an indelible mark on me. Although I wouldn’t want to visit Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, and the Patong Area of Phuket again, I urge you to experience it yourself at least once.
So, have you extensively traveled in Thailand? Which islands have made their way to your revisit-in-a-heartbeat and never-again list? Share with us.
