The Best Thai Islands for Luxury Travel

The Thai islands are world famous for their stunning natural beauty, and thus a must-visit location for any luxury traveler. The only problem? There are just so many to choose from! Each island has its own unique vibe, which means some are better suited to luxury travelers than others. I’ve listed the five best Thai islands for luxury travel so that you can enjoy the Land of Smiles in the utmost decadence. 

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Phuket 

Admittedly, a lot of partying goes on in Phuket, but there’s a lot more to the island than just the backpacker scene. The island’s popularity means that there’s a plethora of incredible luxury resorts to enjoy. You really couldn’t ask for a better tropical getaway than the Surin, which is located on a secluded private beach. 

There’s lots to do in Phuket, too, from visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary to enjoying rooftop cocktails at Baba’s Nest, one of the premium luxury cocktail bars in the world. 

Ko Lipe

Ko Lipe is a quiet, romantic island that boasts some of the best beaches in Thailand. It’s the epitome of an island paradise, and undoubtedly one of the best Thai islands for luxury travel. This island is a very popular choice for honeymooners because it’s so serene and picturesque.

There are plenty of fantastic places to stay on Ko Lipe, such as the Akira Beach resort. In terms of activities, snorkelling and diving are popular things to do. However, a stay on Ko Lipe is more about relaxing than sightseeing, so if you’re the type of traveler who loves nothing more than to laze on the beach, Ko Lipe is the place for you. 

Koh Samui 

Koh Samui has a solid reputation as one of the best Thai islands for luxury travel. It’s fairly developed but the backpacker scene here died out years ago, leaving more room for luxury resorts and Michelin star restaurants. Even the beach bars have a cosmopolitan vibe.

Koh Samui is also a fantastic destination for a wellness trip or yoga retreat. The secluded Samahita yoga and wellness resort is a perfect place to discover mind-body balance. 

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta isn’t actually an island but an island district. There’s something for every type of traveler in laid back Koh Lanta, including luxury travelers, of course. What I love about Koh Lanta – in addition to the exclusive resorts – is the variety of landscapes the islands have to offer. From mountains and mangroves to limestone cliffs and coral reefs, every corner of Koh Lanta is as pretty as a picture.

Koh Tao 

Last but not least we have Koh Tao, which is world renowned for its incredible marine life. This chilled out island attracts diving enthusiasts from far and wide, but it’s also one of the best Thai islands for luxury travel. It’s a fairly quiet island so accommodation-wise, it’s more about luxury villas than sprawling resorts. The Naroua Villas are particularly gorgeous, and will make you feel like you’re in your own little world. 

For more about Thailand, make sure you give my Bangkok luxury travel guide a read. Or if you’re all about beaches, check out my list of the best beach destinations around the world.