Thailand's Quiet Islands: 10 Alternatives to Phuket and Koh Samui

Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi are famous for good reason – but they can also be crowded and developed. Thailand has hundreds of islands, and many are still peaceful places of palm-fringed beaches, small bungalows and clear water. These ten islands are for travellers who love quiet and hate crowds.

The Andaman Sea

1. Koh Yao Noi

Between Phuket and Krabi, Koh Yao Noi has rice fields, fishing villages and spectacular views of the limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay. Life moves slowly, and the island's Muslim community has kept development low-key. See also our luxury Phuket guide.

Water buffalo graze in rice fields, the limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay rise from the sea and the only sounds in the evening are the call to prayer and the crickets.

2. Koh Lanta

Larger and more developed than some, but still laid-back, with long beaches, a national park in the south and an old town on stilts. Great for families.

Long, quiet beaches, wooden bungalows under palm trees and sunsets over the Andaman Sea – the old town's stilt houses lean over the water.

3. Koh Mook

Famous for the Emerald Cave, a sea cave you swim through to reach a hidden lagoon. The island has a handful of simple resorts and a strong local community.

Swim through the dark tunnel of the Emerald Cave and emerge on a hidden beach surrounded by cliffs – an unforgettable moment. Go early, before the day boats.

4. Koh Kradan

A tiny, almost undeveloped island with white sand and coral reefs right off the beach – ideal for snorkelling.

White sand, crystal-clear water and coral reefs just off the beach – one of the quietest and most beautiful islands in the south.

5. Koh Lipe

Near the Malaysian border, in Tarutao Marine National Park, Koh Lipe has turquoise water and good diving. It's busier than it used to be, but the surrounding park is wild and beautiful.

A walking street of restaurants and bars, but the beaches are still lovely, and the snorkelling around the nearby islands is excellent.

6. Koh Phayam

On the northern Andaman coast near Ranong, Koh Phayam has no cars, long empty beaches and a hippie-ish, back-to-basics vibe.

No cars, just scooters on narrow concrete paths, cashew trees and wide, empty beaches – it feels like Thailand thirty years ago.

The Gulf of Thailand

7. Koh Kood

Near the Cambodian border, Koh Kood has jungle waterfalls, clear rivers and some of Thailand's most beautiful beaches – with very little development.

Waterfalls in the jungle, turquoise water and long, empty beaches – quiet, green and relaxing.

8. Koh Mak

Flat, small and family-friendly, with coconut plantations and quiet beaches – perfect for cycling.

Coconut plantations, flat roads for cycling and calm beaches – a peaceful island for families.

9. Koh Tao's quieter side

Koh Tao is famous for dive courses, but its east-coast bays are still peaceful and accessible by boat.

On the east coast, small bays with clear water and coral are reached by steep, bumpy roads – the reward is peace and great snorkelling.

10. Koh Phangan's north coast

Away from the Full Moon parties in Haad Rin, the north coast has calm beaches and wellness retreats.

Away from the Full Moon Party, the north coast is all quiet bays, yoga retreats and sunsets.

Planning tips

• Check the season: the Andaman and Gulf coasts have different weather patterns.
• Book boats in advance in high season, and check whether routes run in the monsoon.
• Bring cash: ATMs are scarce on small islands.
• Respect marine parks: don't touch coral and use reef-safe sunscreen.
• Comparing beach escapes? See our guides to Nusa Dua, Bali and the Seychelles.