Thailand’s Islands: A Sustainable Travel Guide

As I floated just above the water in a three-person sea canoe, I couldn’t help but grin at every ripple and splash of the Andaman Sea. Around us rose clusters of towering karst islands with soft, sandy beaches and dense jungle on their cliffs. Each island was ringed by sapphire water that served as our passage on John Gray’s Sea Canoe guided tour through Thailand’s most celebrated islands.

The scene felt cinematic, the rugged rock formations calling to mind classic action films. I nearly drifted into a daydream of shootouts and pirate chases when my guide yelled, “Get down!”

The quick command jolted me awake just in time. We were approaching a crevice no larger than a manhole cover. I collapsed backward in the canoe seconds before the bow entered the narrow opening. My breath echoed off jagged rocks only inches above my face as we slid through the passage and into a tiny shaft of emerald light. The passage opened into a hidden lagoon where I spent the day swimming in chest-deep water, warming myself on a private beach and drifting back into island reveries.

No wonder this landscape inspired so many thrillers and adventure films. The islands are full of secret lagoons, hidden caves and remote beaches waiting to be explored. Environmentalist and entrepreneur John Gray discovered many of these tidal hongs and napes in 1989, and today he leads eco-friendly tours that showcase the islands’ best-kept secrets. Many departures start from Phuket, one of Thailand’s largest and most famous islands, just miles from the luxury Sri Panwa resort.

Sri Panwa is itself a private island haven. Though it has 52 villas, the resort’s hillside setting and discreet white-glove service make guests feel like the only residents perched above the Andaman Sea. The resort sprawls across 40 acres, and most villas offer uninterrupted sunrise or sunset views. A 40-foot infinity-edge pool wraps around glass-enclosed bedrooms with sliding doors that open directly to the water.

Dining options are plentiful, with 10 restaurant experiences on site. Guests can sample traditional Thai dishes at Baba Soul Food, enjoy hibachi-style Japanese cuisine at Baba Iki or learn Southern Thai recipes at the Baba Cooking School. The resort’s crown jewel is the exclusive Baba Nest rooftop bar, which provides 360-degree panoramic views and an infinity pool that enhances the sunset spectacle. With top-shelf spirits, wines and Champagnes on offer and just a dozen tables each night, reservations are recommended well in advance.

Phuket is the ideal base for yachters and island explorers, offering top resorts, lively nightlife and plenty of boats ready to ferry visitors to nearby islands like Racha, Maiton, Phi Phi, Coral and Lone in 15–40 minutes. The island’s harbors are a gateway to countless day trips and overnight escapes.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand emphasizes social and environmental sustainability as part of long-term tourism planning nationwide. In the south, the Green Island Project brings together tourism stakeholders to preserve the natural beauty and resources of this tropical paradise.

Thailand has more than 500 islands, each offering distinct adventures and local flavors. Koh Samui, lined with coconut palms, is known for coconut curries and cocktails made with local rum from small distilleries, while the Phi Phi Islands supply the freshest fish for dishes like gaeng som pla, a tangy, spicy fish soup made with the day’s catch.

Freshness defines island dining: many ingredients are grown locally or pulled from the sea hours before hitting the plate. Tropical fruits abound—rambutan, custard apples, langsat and mangosteen—and mango season, from January through June, showcases the fruit in everything from smoothies to the beloved mango sticky rice dessert.

Debate may continue about which island serves the best tom yam gung, but all the islands share a passion for spicy food. Southern Thai cuisine is known for its fiery curries and aromatic seafood dishes. Warm coastal waters teem with fish, giant lobsters, crabs, mussels, squid, prawns and scallops, each starring in the region’s bold, fragrant recipes.

Fishing is an important industry across the islands. Big-game charters regularly depart from Phuket, and anglers enjoy rich fishing grounds around Koh Samui, where record catches have included massive Mekong catfish and arapaima. Koh Samui also features Fisherman’s Village in Bophut and impressive waterfalls like Na Muang and Hin Lad.

Koh Chang, Thailand’s second-largest island, includes more than 48 smaller islands off the east coast in the Gulf of Thailand’s Trat province. Visitors often gather on the western side for shops, nightlife and restaurants, but the island’s true charm lies on the eastern shores—pristine beaches and secluded coves. Yet few shorelines rival the Phi Phi Islands, a dramatic chain that inspired films and features legendary spots like Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh. Phi Phi is also home to remarkable caves, including Viking Cave, known for swiftlet nests used in bird’s nest soup and for ancient wall paintings that resemble a Viking ship.

For a more secluded, immersive escape, smaller islands like Ko Yao Noi offer peaceful luxury. Six Senses Yao Noi blends sustainability with comfort: the resort treats and re-mineralizes its own water, grows produce for its restaurants and villas, and pursues ambitious zero-waste goals.

The warmth of the Thai islands extends beyond sunny beaches. Spicy cuisine, lively nightlife and the genuine hospitality of locals make these islands ideal for a relaxing getaway or a productive workation.

Thailand Info to Go

International and domestic flights arrive at Krabi International Airport (KBV), Phuket International Airport (HKT) and Samui International Airport (USM). From there, travelers can continue to smaller islands by domestic charter plane, private boat or resort shuttle.

Where to Stay in Thailand

FOUR SEASONS RESORT KOH SAMUI THAILAND Overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, this resort combines ocean views with a restorative spa experience. 219 Moo 5, Angthong, Koh Samui $$$$$

SIX SENSES YAO NOI An eco-conscious luxury retreat on Ko Yao Noi with farm-fresh dining and strong sustainability practices. 56 Moo 5 Tambol, Koh Yao Noi, Phang Nga $$$$$

SRI PANWA A family-owned resort with private villas and the famous Baba Nest rooftop bar. 88 Moo 8, Sakdidej Road, Vichit, Muang, Phuket $$$$

Restaurants in Thailand

ACQUA RESTAURANT A refined spot on Ko Phi Phi Don blending European and Thai flavors—try salmon with lemongrass sauce. 125/18 Moo 7, Ao Nang, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi Don $$

BABA SOUL FOOD Traditional home-style Thai dishes served family-style at Sri Panwa, perfect for sampling regional flavors. Sri Panwa, 88 Moo 8, Sakdidej Road, Vichit, Muang, Phuket $$$

SILK RESTAURANT & BAR An award-winning restaurant at Andara Resort and Villas offering classic Thai dishes and modern Western cuisine in an elegant setting. Andara Resort and Villas, 15 Moo 6, Kamala Beach, Kathu, Phuket $$$