Thailand's Islands: Which Coast, Which Island
19 August 2026 · TravelJar
The single most useful thing to know about Thailand's islands is that the country has two coastlines, and they do not share a season.
The Andaman coast in the west and the Gulf coast in the east peak at different times of year. Choosing the island before checking the coast is how trips go wrong.
Two coasts, opposite weather
The Andaman side — Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Koh Lanta — is the one with the limestone cliffs rising out of the water. The Gulf side — Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao — is gentler in shape.
Because their wet seasons fall at different times, there is almost always one coast in good conditions. Pick the coast from your dates, then the island from the coast.
- Andaman coast: dramatic karst scenery, best in the drier northern-winter months
- Gulf coast: calmer beaches, better through the middle of the year
- Always check the coast, not just the country, for your travel month
Matching the island to the trip
Phuket has the most infrastructure and the easiest arrival, which makes it the default for first trips. Krabi trades some of that convenience for better scenery and quieter beaches.
On the Gulf side, Samui is the developed option, Phangan is known for its full-moon crowd and quiet north, and Koh Tao is the diving island.
Common questions
How many islands can you do in one trip?
Two is comfortable on a week-long trip; three is possible but transfer-heavy. Island hopping within one coast is far easier than crossing between coasts.
Do Indians need a visa for Thailand?
Thailand's entry requirements for Indian passport holders have changed several times in recent years. We confirm the current position at the time of booking rather than relying on older guidance.