Thailand has two island coasts with opposite monsoon seasons. Getting this wrong is the single most common Thailand planning mistake — arriving on a beautiful beach in the middle of its rainy season.
Start with the season
| Coast | Islands | Best months | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andaman (west) | Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Lanta | Nov–Apr | May–Oct |
| Gulf (east) | Samui, Tao, Phangan | Feb–Sep | Oct–Dec |
Travelling in June? Go to the Gulf. In January? Andaman. In February–April, both work — that’s the sweet spot.
The islands themselves
| Island | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Phuket | Big, developed, everything available | First visit, families, nightlife, luxury resorts |
| Krabi / Railay | Limestone cliffs, dramatic | Scenery, climbing, couples |
| Koh Lanta | Long quiet beaches, low-key | Relaxing, families, longer stays |
| Koh Phi Phi | Stunning, extremely busy | Day trip, or young party crowd |
| Koh Samui | Developed, good resorts, airport | Comfort, short trips, families |
| Koh Tao | Small, diving-focused | Learning to dive — cheapest certification anywhere |
| Koh Phangan | Beaches plus party reputation | Mix of quiet north and busy south |
Quick answers
- First time, want it easy: Phuket or Koh Samui. Direct flights, everything on tap.
- Best scenery: Krabi and Railay. Nothing else in Thailand looks like it.
- Quiet and unhurried: Koh Lanta.
- Learning to dive: Koh Tao, comfortably.
- Honeymoon: Koh Lanta or a Krabi resort — Phuket if you want facilities.
- On a budget: Gulf islands, and avoid January.
Phi Phi deserves a warning
The scenery genuinely is extraordinary. It’s also extremely crowded, and Maya Bay operates under visitor limits after years of damage. As a day trip it’s worth it; as a base it disappoints a lot of people. More in is a Phi Phi day trip worth it.
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How many islands?
One, for six nights. Two at most.
Inter-island ferries take 2–4 hours, run to fixed schedules, and eat half a day each side. Three islands in a week means three check-ins, three ferry days, and no time anywhere.
Full route: two weeks in Thailand. Costs: what a Thailand trip costs.
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Frequently asked questions
Which coast should I visit and when?
Andaman (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi) from November to April. Gulf (Samui, Tao, Phangan) from February to September.
How many islands should I visit?
One for six nights, two at most. Inter-island ferries take 2–4 hours and eat half a day at each end.
Which island is best for a first visit?
Phuket or Koh Samui — direct flights, full facilities and the widest choice of hotels.
Where should I learn to dive?
Koh Tao. It’s among the cheapest places in the world to certify, with a huge concentration of dive schools.
About the author
Born and raised in the Middle East, I’ve spent most of my adult life travelling — more than 40 countries so far. I write these guides the way I’d explain them to a friend: real prices, honest opinions, and a straight answer when the cheaper option is the better one. I don’t sell tours or own hotels, which is why I can tell you what the operators won’t.
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