Thailand’s Most Underrated Islands (You Need to Visit Before Everyone Else Does)
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🌴 Why Thailand’s Hidden Islands Are 2025’s Smartest Travel Choice
By now, most travellers have heard of Phuket, Koh Samui, and Phi Phi — and so have the crowds. But beyond these postcard destinations lies another side of Thailand: quiet islands, where hammocks swing undisturbed, coral reefs flourish, and the only soundtrack is the lapping tide.
This is your chance to experience Thailand’s islands before everyone else does — perfect for honeymooners, solo travellers, divers, and digital detoxers.
🛶 Fun Fact: Thailand has over 1,430 islands — but fewer than 100 are regularly visited by international tourists.
🏝️ 1. Koh Mak (Trat Province) — The Eco Island with No ATMs
Located near Koh Chang but with none of its party scene, Koh Mak is privately owned, solar-powered, and sustainability-focused. It’s flat, bicycle-friendly, and famously laid-back.
Why Go:
- Peaceful beaches and shallow turquoise waters
- No jet skis, no traffic, no crowds
- Incredible views of nearby Koh Kham (a tiny white-sand gem)
Best Time to Visit:
November–April
How to Get There:
Minivan or flight to Trat → ferry from Laem Ngop Pier
🧘 Travel Tip: Bring enough cash — there are no ATMs on Koh Mak!
🌊 2. Koh Phayam (Ranong) — The Boho Hideaway
Near the Myanmar border, Koh Phayam feels like Thailand 30 years ago. No cars, only scooters and bicycles. Think driftwood beach bars, reggae cafés, and hornbills in the trees.
Why Go:
- Aow Yai beach: the perfect sunset surfer’s bay
- Wild jungle meets golden sand
- Super chill backpacker and yogi scene
Best Time to Visit:
December–March
How to Get There:
Fly to Ranong or take the VIP bus → 45-minute speedboat to Phayam Pier
🌿 Eco Note: Most bungalows here use solar or generator power, and Wi-Fi is limited — unplug and reset.
🐠 3. Koh Lao Liang (Trang) — Cliffs, Tents, and Reef Life
A national park island open only part of the year, Koh Lao Liang is the wild child of the Trang Archipelago. You sleep in safari tents on the beach under towering limestone cliffs.
Why Go:
- Epic snorkelling right off the shore
- No shops, no bikes — just nature
- Rock climbing paradise
Best Time to Visit:
Open November to April only (closed in monsoon)
How to Get There:
Fly/train to Trang → van + boat via Had Yao Pier
⛺ Stay Tip: Only one eco-camp runs on the island — book early!
🦞 4. Koh Yao Noi (Phang Nga) — Seclusion Between Phuket and Krabi
Tucked right between tourist hubs, Koh Yao Noi remains blissfully low-key. It’s perfect for digital nomads, couples, and long-stay travellers looking for authentic Thai island life.
Why Go:
- Karst views like Phang Nga Bay, minus the crowds
- Friendly Muslim fishing villages and rice fields
- Great mid-range villas and boutique stays
Best Time to Visit:
November–March
How to Get There:
Fly to Phuket or Krabi → boat to Manoh Pier
🍛 Food Tip: Don’t miss fresh roti and massaman curry from local family-run cafés.
🐚 5. Koh Bulon Lae (Satun) — Your Private Island Fantasy
Tucked in the far south near the Malaysia border, Koh Bulon Lae has no nightlife, no cars, and very few visitors. But what it does have? Sugar-fine sand, clear snorkelling, and a soundtrack of birds and waves.
Why Go:
- Unspoiled beaches and calm waters
- One of Thailand’s most underrated snorkelling spots
- Family-run bungalows on the beach
Best Time to Visit:
Late November–March
How to Get There:
Fly to Hat Yai → van to Pak Bara Pier → boat to Koh Bulon
🌺 Vibe Check: Think hammocks, reef fish, and books — no beach parties here.
🛥️ Bonus: 3 More Hidden Island Gems
- Koh Taen (near Koh Samui): tiny, uninhabited, and snorkel-ready
- Koh Kood (Trat): the greenest, cleanest Thai island with waterfalls and romantic resorts
- Koh Jum (Krabi): low-key paradise halfway between Krabi and Lanta — ideal for writing your novel
🌦️ Weather Tip: All these islands are best visited Nov–April, when seas are calmer and skies are clear.
Island-Hopping Without the Crowds Starts Now
Thailand still holds real secrets — and now is the time to find them before they change.
Whether you’re after a romantic escape, a rustic beach shack, or a digital detox under palm trees, these islands will give you that old-school Thai magic.
So pack light. Leave the expectations. And get ready to say,
“I went before the crowds ever did.”
→ Discover more hidden spots in our cultural travel eBooks at NavigateThailand.com
