Islands in Thailand: choose from the 5 most popular

There are many islands in Thailand and when planning a trip it can be difficult to choose, so here is a short guide to help you.

There is no one best island in Thailand, it will depend on your taste, your budget and whether you are a party animal, a family, a luxury or a budget lover.

But of course, these are just tips, Phuket for example attracts both the rich and the budget conscious, there are accommodations and restaurants to suit both.

1. Thai party island: Koh Pha Ngan

If you like to party on beaches, crowds, techno music and drink your cocktails from buckets, theKoh Pha Ngan island is an island for you.

It is the site of the famous full moon party in Thailand.

During the high season, the island can accommodate 20,000 visitors who come to dance and drink on the beach.

But if you don't travel during the right moon phase, fear not - the island also holds half-moon and black moon festivals in the intervening weeks.

After the party, which often ends in the morning for the bravest, Koh Pha Ngan offers many places to recover, such as Bottle Beach, a quiet beach to sleep in the shade under a palm tree.

To avoid a hangover, try eating a Khao Tom, rice soup before you go to bed or if you feel ill the next day, treat yourself to a Thai massage.

Some masseuses, experts in vital points, can really get you back on track after a big night out.

2. Thai island for families: Koh Samui

Kho Samui Lamai beach

L'Koh Samui IslandOnce a backpacker's paradise, it has grown up a bit and offers a wide range of accommodation for all budgets.

As one of the most popular holiday destinations in southern Thailand, it has everything you need for a family-friendly holiday.

The island is full of places that cater to families, offering fun courses and kids' clubs.

The Four Seasons Resort is known for its many free activities for children, such as coconut painting, cooking classes and traditional Thai games scheduled every day.

Once on Koh Samui, there's no shortage of things to do: go to the beach, visit the Big Buddha or go on an island adventure.

And if you have picky children who are not particularly fond of local cuisine, which is rare, you will have no problem finding basic Western dishes.

3. Thailand's luxury island: Phuket

Amanpuri resort in Phuket

L'Phuket Island no shortage of luxury offers, such as the exclusive Amanpuri Resort.

A favourite of royalty, rock stars and celebrities.

His list of famous visitors includes Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in happier times, Beyonce and Jay-Z, Kate Moss, Leonard DiCaprio, Mick Jagger and Bill Gates.

With 30 private villas overlooking Pansea beach and architecture reminiscent of the Royal Palace, BangkokNothing beats its luxury.

Once you're settled in Phuket, anything is possible - wander the island's temples, dine in a celebrity chef's restaurant, shop in designer boutiques, or take a helicopter tour to get some height.

The island is also known for medical tourism, mainly plastic and dental surgery.

See also :

What to do in Phuket? 10 activities not to be missed

The ten most beautiful beaches in Phuket

4. Island in Thailand for the budget: Koh Chang

White Sand Beach on Koh Chang

With a beautiful coastline, palm trees and jungle-covered mountains in the interior, it's the perfect place for nature lovers to get off the beaten track.

Koh Chang offers many accommodation options that won't hurt your wallet, including charming hostels and cheaper beach bungalows.

There is a beach to suit every mood on the island.

If you want to party, head to the nightlife of Lonely Beach or White Sand Beach.

Try Bang Bao for diving trips and excellent seafood and for a quieter atmosphere, opt for Long Prao Beach, which attracts an older crowd.

5. The island for all tastes: Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is not only the island where the contestants of the famous reality TV show suffer, it is a versatile place that allows you to choose when you can't decide.

Koh Lanta is made up of 52 small islands, Koh Lanta Yai being the most visited.

Blessed with wilderness reserves and pristine, deserted beaches, the island group is also a protected area, making it the perfect place to snorkel or dive.

All tastes and budgets are catered for on Koh Lanta, from 250 baht accommodation to luxury hotels and the atmosphere is much more relaxed than on most other islands.

To find a hotel at the best price see : Booking.com

To get an idea of prices or to book transport to one of these islands: 12go.asia

Photo samui : rmac8oppo ; wikimedia.org