Beyond the Tourist Trail: Thailand's Underrated Islands You Must Visit

Thailand's Secret Islands: Hidden Gems Away from the Crowds

Thailand may be famous for its island paradises like Phuket, Koh Samui, and Koh Phangan, but with over 200 islands scattered along 2,700 kilometers of coastline, there are plenty of secret escapes waiting to be discovered.

If you’re tired of battling for beach space or dodging tourist traps, it’s time to venture beyond the usual spots. From limestone giants rising from the sea to untouched tropical havens, these lesser-known islands will take your Thailand adventure to a whole new level.

Phang Nga Bay: Where Nature Went Full Drama Mode

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re in a fantasy world, Phang Nga Bay is the place. Located east of Phuket, this otherworldly landscape is home to over 100 towering limestone islands, many of which shoot straight out of the emerald-green water like ancient monoliths. The bay is famous for James Bond Island (Koh Tapu), which starred in The Man with the Golden Gun, but there’s much more to see than just this Hollywood hotspot.

Hop on a kayak or longtail boat to weave through hidden sea caves, dramatic rock formations, and secret lagoons. One of the most breathtaking stops is Koh Panak, where you’ll find tunnels leading to mystical inner chambers. Unlike Phuket’s crowded beaches, Phang Nga Bay offers serene natural beauty, making it perfect for adventure lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.

Koh Kood: Where Doing Nothing is the Best Plan

If your idea of a perfect getaway involves pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and zero stress, then Koh Kood (Koh Kut) should be on your radar. As Thailand’s fourth-largest island, it offers plenty of space to roam, yet it remains blissfully untouched by mass tourism. Located near the Cambodian border, it’s one of the country’s most peaceful and unspoiled islands.

Koh Kood is a dream for snorkelers and divers, with calm, reef-filled bays teeming with marine life. For a more laid-back adventure, rent a kayak and paddle along the Khlong Chao River, surrounded by dense jungle. The island is also home to beautiful waterfalls, like Khlong Chao Waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip. Unlike busier islands, you won’t find loud beach clubs here—just tranquil vibes, swaying coconut palms, and soft golden sands.

Mu Ko Ang Thong: The Real-Life Version of The Beach

Ever wondered where the inspiration for The Beach came from? Look no further than Mu Ko Ang Thong, a stunning 42-island archipelago located just 30 km from Koh Samui. Meaning “Golden Bowl” in Thai, this marine national park is known for its towering limestone cliffs, hidden caves, and crystal-clear lagoons—a paradise straight out of a novel (literally).

Most visitors explore Mu Ko Ang Thong on a day trip by speedboat, but for an unforgettable experience, consider an overnight LiveAboard boat tour. This allows you to enjoy the secluded beaches, breathtaking viewpoints, and snorkeling spots without the crowds. Climb up to Wua Ta Lap Viewpoint for a panoramic view of the islands, or kayak through mangrove forests. Whether you’re hiking, diving, or just soaking up the scenery, this is Thailand at its most spectacular.

Koh Chang & Koh Phayam: Books, Beer, and Beach Bliss

Not to be confused with the larger Koh Chang in the Gulf of Thailand, this tiny Andaman Sea version is a hidden paradise where you can truly disconnect from the world. With just 20 bungalows, a few palm trees, and no distractions, it’s the perfect spot for reading a book, sipping a cold beer, and letting time slow down.

Nearby, Koh Phayam offers a bit more variety while still maintaining its peaceful, rustic charm. Unlike Thailand’s busier islands, Koh Phayam has no cars, no high-rise hotels, and no neon-lit nightlife—just small bamboo bungalows, quiet beach bars, and endless stretches of golden sand. Ao Yai Beach, the island’s largest bay, is known for stunning sunsets, gentle waves, and a laid-back surfer vibe. If you’re looking for an island where the only noise comes from cicadas and rolling waves, this is it.

Koh Hong: Nature's Own Secret Lagoon

Nicknamed “The Island with a Room Inside,” Koh Hong is one of Thailand’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Located between Phuket and Krabi, this small, circular island is famous for its hidden emerald lagoon, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs that make it feel like a secret world.

The lagoon, known as Hong Lagoon, is only accessible by a narrow entrance that opens into a turquoise paradise. The best way to experience this magical spot is by kayak, allowing you to glide through the serene waters while admiring the lush jungle and dramatic cliffs. Outside the lagoon, Koh Hong also offers powdery white-sand beaches and excellent snorkeling spots, where you can swim among colorful fish. With no large resorts or tourist crowds, this island is pure, untouched beauty.

Koh Phra Thong: Whale Sharks and Solitude

If you’re looking for Thailand’s ultimate hidden gem, Koh Phra Thong should be on your list. This flat, undeveloped island in the Kuraburi District is known for its vast, empty beaches, swaying palm trees, and near-total solitude. With almost no tourists, it’s one of the best places to experience Thailand’s raw, untouched nature.

The island’s name, which means “Golden Buddha Island,” comes from an old legend about a lost Buddha statue buried in the sand. But the real treasure here is underwater—Koh Phra Thong is one of the closest access points to Richelieu Rock, one of Thailand’s most famous dive sites. Here, you have a high chance of spotting massive whale sharks, along with manta rays, sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs. If you’re looking for an off-the-grid paradise with world-class diving, this is it.

Koh Lao Liang: For Hardcore Off-the-Grid Escapists

Ever dreamed of a private island with no Wi-Fi, no crowds, and only 40 visitors at a time? Koh Lao Liang is just that. Tucked away in Mu Ko Petra National Park, these two tiny islands remain almost completely untouched by tourism, offering a secluded retreat like no other.

There are no resorts here—only comfortable beachfront tents, where you’ll fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake up to uninterrupted ocean views. During the day, you can snorkel in crystal-clear waters, kayak along limestone cliffs, or try rock climbing on the island’s dramatic cliffs. With no distractions and no tourist crowds, Koh Lao Liang is the ultimate escape for nature lovers. This is Thailand at its wildest and most peaceful—just you, the beach, and the endless horizon.

Koh Similan & Koh Surin: Diving Paradise with a Side of Sea Gypsies

If you love scuba diving and marine life, Koh Similan and Koh Surin should be at the top of your Thailand itinerary. These protected national parks, located northwest of Phuket, are home to some of the best diving spots in the world.

The Similan Islands, made up of nine stunning islands, feature crystal-clear waters, massive granite boulders, and coral reefs teeming with marine life. Divers can swim with manta rays, whale sharks, giant grouper fish, and even elusive tiger sharks. Further north, the Surin Islands offer an even more remote experience, where you can meet the Moken sea gypsies, a unique nomadic community that has lived off the sea for generations. Whether you’re diving, snorkeling, or simply enjoying the pristine beaches, these islands are a true underwater paradise.

Koh Mook: Home of the Magical Emerald Cave

If you’re looking for a truly magical experience, Koh Mook is the place to be. This charming island, located in Hat Chao Mai Marine National Park, is famous for Morakot Cave, better known as the Emerald Cave—one of Thailand’s most spectacular hidden gems.

To reach this secluded paradise, you must swim or kayak through an 80-meter-long tunnel, which is completely dark except for the glow of your flashlight. As you emerge on the other side, you’ll find yourself in a hidden lagoon with crystal-clear water, a secret beach, and lush jungle cliffs towering above you. It feels like a real-life adventure movie!

Outside the cave, Koh Mook also offers relaxed beaches, snorkeling, and a laid-back local atmosphere, making it the perfect place to unwind after your cave exploration.

Koh Yao Noi & Koh Yao Yai: The Peaceful Side of Thailand

Sitting between Phuket and Krabi, the twin islands of Koh Yao Noi (“Little Long Island”) and Koh Yao Yai (“Big Long Island”) feel like a completely different world from their tourist-heavy neighbors. If you want a slow-paced island experience with no beach vendors, no loud parties, and no crowds, these islands are for you.

Koh Yao Noi is known for its luxury eco-resorts, peaceful beaches, and scenic rice paddies, while Koh Yao Yai offers a more rustic experience with sleepy fishing villages and hidden coves. Instead of nightlife, you’ll find rubber plantations, quiet cycling paths, and a true glimpse into traditional Thai island life. Whether you’re staying in a beachfront villa or a cozy wooden bungalow, these islands offer a completely different side of Thailand—one that’s rooted in nature, culture, and pure relaxation.

Tarutao, Adang & Rawi: Where Nature Rules

For the ultimate off-the-grid adventure, head to the Tarutao-Adang-Rawi Archipelago, located in Thailand’s southernmost waters near Malaysia. This remote group of islands is home to untouched beaches, dense jungles, and some of the clearest waters in Thailand.

The most famous island, Koh Tarutao, was once used as a prison camp in the 1930s and 40s, but today it’s a protected national park filled with hiking trails, deserted beaches, and diverse wildlife. If you’re looking for a true island escape with no modern distractions, this is the place.

For those who want a mix of solitude and comfort, Koh Lipe is nearby, offering everything from budget dive huts to luxury beachfront resorts. While Tarutao is for the adventurers, Koh Lipe has just enough modern amenities to make your stay both comfortable and memorable.

Thailand's Hidden Islands: The Ultimate Adventure

Thailand’s best-kept secrets aren’t found in Phuket or Koh Samui—they’re tucked away in hidden lagoons, deserted beaches, and off-the-grid paradise islands. Whether you’re looking for secluded relaxation, world-class diving, epic kayaking, or untouched natural beauty, these lesser-known islands offer the perfect alternative to the tourist crowds.