Thailand has over 3,200km of coastline and hundreds of islands — but not all are equal. Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Lanta, Koh Tao, Krabi, Koh Chang: each has its own personality. This guide helps you pick the right one for your travel style.
Thailand’s Main Beaches and Islands Compared
| Destination | Type | Best For | Hotel/Night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phuket | Large island | Comfort, nightlife, families | €40–200 |
| Koh Samui | Medium island | Honeymoons, resorts, snorkelling | €50–250 |
| Koh Lanta | Quiet island | Relaxing, nature, no crowds | €25–100 |
| Koh Tao | Small island | Diving, backpackers, parties | €15–60 |
| Krabi / Railay | Mainland coast | Rock climbing, kayaking, postcard beaches | €30–150 |
| Koh Phangan | Medium island | Full Moon Party, yoga, retreats | €20–80 |
Phuket vs Koh Samui — Which to Choose?
Choose Phuket if…
- You want direct international flights (Phuket airport has connections from across Europe)
- You prefer more activities, restaurants and nightlife options
- You’re travelling with children (Kamala and Surin beaches are calmer than Patong)
- You want a base for day trips to Phi Phi Islands and Phang Nga Bay
Choose Koh Samui if…
- You want an island with more character and less mass tourism than Phuket
- You prefer luxury resorts with good value for money
- You’re travelling as a couple or on honeymoon — more romantic than Phuket
- You want a base to visit Koh Tao (diving) and Koh Phangan (Full Moon)
Best Time to Visit Thailand’s Beaches
| Region | Best Season | Monsoon (avoid) |
|---|---|---|
| Andaman Sea (Phuket, Krabi) | November–April | May–October |
| Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Tao) | January–September | October–December |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most beautiful beach in Thailand?
Railay Beach (Krabi) is consistently voted the most photogenic — accessible only by boat, surrounded by limestone cliffs. Maya Bay (Koh Phi Phi) is iconic but very crowded. For genuine tranquillity: Koh Lanta or the lesser-known beaches of Koh Chang in the northeast.
How much does a flight from Europe to Thailand cost?
With a stopover (Bangkok or Phuket): €450–750 return from Lisbon or London, with stops in Doha, Dubai, Istanbul or Kuala Lumpur. Best fares come 3–5 months in advance. Use Kiwi.com to compare all airline/stopover combinations.
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Do I need a visa for Thailand?
No — EU citizens can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days (extended to 60 days in 2024, previously 30). For longer stays, you can get a tourist visa at a Thai consulate before departure.
🏖️ Plan Thailand: Flights to Thailand | Hotels in Phuket | Tours & Activities
For more, see Asia destination guides.
Sobre o autor — Rui Carreiro
Born in the Azores — literally in the middle of the Atlantic — Rui Carreiro spent 11 years working in the travel industry before turning that experience into a mission: making extraordinary travel accessible for everyone. He has visited 50+ countries, personally tested hundreds of deals, and researched 500+ destinations. Every guide, comparison and recommendation on this site is written, tested and signed by him. We earn affiliate commissions when you book through our links — at no extra cost to you.---Nascido nos Açores, Rui Carreiro acumulou 11 anos de experiência na indústria de viagens antes de criar o Traveler Whisper. Já visitou 50+ países e testou centenas de deals. Todos os guias e recomendações são escritos, testados e assinados por ele. Ganhamos comissões de afiliado quando reservas pelos nossos links — sem custo adicional para ti.