Sandy beaches. Vibrant local cuisine. Rich history and culture. Travelers who pick a tropical destination often feel forced to choose between sun, food or culture—but not in Thailand. Here, lush, rocky islands rise from a turquoise sea and reveal long stretches of coastline, fresh seafood grilled or wok-seared with colorful vegetables and fragrant herbs, and centuries-old temples, golden Buddhas and ornate palaces. Thailand’s islands deliver great beaches and plenty to discover beyond the shore.
Phuket, the country’s most developed island, still offers quieter, laid-back corners alongside its livelier hubs. In the north you can relax at tucked-away Banana Beach, where a simple beach shack serves grilled skewers and cold bottles of Singha and palms provide the perfect nap spot. For a leisurely evening, enjoy a multicourse meal at Dee Plee, which highlights ingredients from its own spice garden while you watch the sunset. If you prefer more energy, head south to Patong Beach on the west coast, known for bars, nightclubs, hotels and restaurants, or explore Phuket Old Town to the east. Old Town is home to celebrated restaurants serving royal-style Thai cuisine and a bustling night market filled with souvenirs—flowy elephant pants, silk scarves and handcrafted soaps—plus plenty of places to stop for a foot massage.
PHOTO: © TELNYAWKA | DREAMSTIME.COM
Koh Samui, Thailand’s second-largest island, sits in the Gulf and provides a mix of gentle beaches and rural landscapes. Hop a songthaew to wind through coconut plantations and rice paddies, or take a long-tail boat to visit a fishing village. After a fresh seafood lunch, head to one of the island’s top beaches: Chaweng features powdery white sand and a broad bay; Lamai’s deeper water is ideal for snorkeling; and Mae Nam offers calm surf and a relaxed atmosphere. For a more adventurous day, sea-kayak through caves carved into the region’s signature limestone formations—dramatic scenery that’s also a great backdrop for photos.
LODGING
Kimpton Kitalay Samui
This modern resort overlooks Choeng Mon Beach and honors Thailand’s seafaring traditions. Many rooms include private pools, fat-tire bicycles encourage exploration, and five on-site restaurants focus on local seafood and a relaxed atmosphere.
10/79 Moo 5, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
$$$$
Trisara Resort
Named for a “garden in the third heaven,” this oceanfront property offers 60 spacious villas with private pools across three tiers. The resort features a palm-dotted beach, a saltwater infinity pool and a signature six-hand massage, along with refined dining including the Michelin-recognized PRU.
60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket
$$$$$
V Villas Phuket
Nineteen luxurious villas sit above Ao Yon Bay, each with private pools and 24-hour butler service. Spa treatments incorporate regional ingredients like Andaman pearl powder, and Yon | Ocean House serves inventive European-Thai coastal cuisine.
39/39 Moo 8 Wichit, Ao Yon Road, Amphoe Muang Phuket
$$$$$
DINING
Dining Room & Chef’s Table
At Six Senses Yao Noi, sweeping views of Phang Nga Bay accompany fixed-price dining that highlights classic, modern, southern and royal Thai dishes. Expect items like star anise–braised pork belly, red-curry grilled Wagyu and herb-steamed sea bass.
Six Senses Yao Noi, 56 Moo 5 Tambol Koh Yao Noi, Amphur Koh Yao, Phang Nga
$$$$$
Juumpo
This Phang Nga restaurant honors the owner’s grandfather with recipes rooted in Baba (Chinese-Thai) cuisine. The menu features dishes such as coconut-milk soup with Thai herbs and fried fish with sweet-and-sour sauce.
1/96 Mu 5, Petchkasem Road, Khuk Khak, Phang Nga
$$
PRU
Phuket’s Michelin-recognized restaurant focuses on Plant. Raise. Understand., using locally sourced and garden-grown ingredients for five- and seven-course tasting menus. Signature preparations include black crab with lemongrass, vanilla-scented lobster and aged duck with tamarind.
Trisara Resort, 60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket
$$$$$
INFO TO GO
Most international visitors connect through Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is served by many global carriers. From Bangkok, short flights of about 90 minutes reach Phuket (HKT) or Krabi (KBV) on a mix of international and regional airlines; ferries and private speedboats serve Koh Samui. On the islands, taxis, tuk-tuks and local transport like songthaews make it easy to get around.