7 Underrated Thai Islands That Are Better Than Phuket (And Way Less Crowded)

Tired of the Phuket crowds and overpriced beach bars?
You’re not alone—and luckily, Thailand is bursting with tropical treasures that offer everything Phuket does (and more), without the crowds, chaos, or cliché.

From car-free islands with hammock-lined beaches to crystal-clear waters that barely show up on Instagram, we’re taking you on a journey through 7 stunning Thai islands you’ve probably never heard of—but absolutely need to visit.

These are the hidden gems where locals go to escape, backpackers whisper about in hammocks, and seasoned travelers return to again and again. And trust us, by the end of this list, Phuket will feel like a distant memory.

Koh Phayam – Thailand’s Hippie Hideaway

Where: Ranong Province (Andaman Sea)

If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to a Thai island where the roads are made of sand, the sunsets are soul-stirring, and the soundtrack is swaying palm trees—not car horns—Koh Phayam is your paradise.

Known as Thailand’s last true hippie island, Koh Phayam is as raw and real as it gets. There are no cars, no ATMs, and no high-rise hotels. Instead, you’ll find motorbike paths, treehouse-style bungalows, and golden beaches that seem to stretch on forever.

Must-Do Experiences:

• Catch the sunset at Ao Yai Beach, a wide, dreamy stretch of sand on the west coast.
  
• Unplug and unwind in a beachfront bungalow, many built from natural materials with eco-friendly charm.
  
• Explore the island by scooter—there’s just one main road and it’s pure scenic serenity.
  
• Try cashew nut curry—Koh Phayam is famous for its cashew plantations.
  

How to Get There:

Take a boat from Ranong Pier (about 30–40 minutes by speedboat). Flights from Bangkok to Ranong run daily, or you can take a bus for a more budget-conscious route.

Book transport to Koh Phayam

Koh Kradan – Thailand’s Postcard Paradise

Where: Trang Province

Koh Kradan feels like it was designed by a daydreamer. With soft, white sand that squeaks underfoot and water so clear it looks airbrushed, this island is a visual feast and a soul-soother. Unlike some of its busier neighbors, Koh Kradan remains low-key, romantic, and refreshingly underdeveloped.

It’s also home to one of Thailand’s most unique traditions—the annual underwater wedding ceremony, where couples dive into the sea to say “I do.”

Must-Do Experiences:

• Snorkel right off the beach—the coral reef lies just meters from shore.
  
• Watch the sunrise on Paradise Beach, where the morning light glows over the Andaman Sea.
  
• Take a longtail boat to nearby islands, like Koh Mook and the Emerald Cave, for added adventure.
  
• Enjoy a beachfront dinner under the stars—many resorts line the shore with candlelit tables.
  

How to Get There:

Catch a boat from Trang’s Pak Meng Pier or take a connecting ferry via Koh Lanta or Koh Mook. The island is typically open to tourists from November to April, with limited accommodation during the rainy season.

Book transport to Koh Kradan

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Koh Mak – Eco-Friendly Escape in the Gulf of Thailand

Where: Trat Province (near Koh Chang)
Vibe: Peaceful, sustainable, and perfect for slow travel

Koh Mak is one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets—a quiet, eco-conscious island where time slows down and mass tourism hasn’t taken hold. Owned largely by local families, the island has made a name for itself with its commitment to sustainability, clean beaches, and relaxed atmosphere.

It’s small enough to explore by bicycle, yet big enough to find hidden coves, coconut groves, and your own private stretch of sand.

Must-Do Experiences:

• Cycle around the island, passing rubber plantations and beachfront cafes.
  
• Chill at Ao Kao or Ao Suan Yai beaches, two long, peaceful stretches of sand ideal for swimming and relaxing.
  
• Try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking, with clear, calm waters perfect for beginners.
  
• Visit the Koh Mak Museum, run by locals and filled with the island’s family-run history.
  

How to Get There:

Ferries to Koh Mak leave from Laem Ngop Pier (Trat) and nearby Koh Chang. During high season, speedboats also connect the island with Koh Kood and Koh Wai, making it an ideal stop on an island-hopping adventure.

Book transport to Koh Mak

Koh Yao Noi – Serenity Between Phuket and Krabi

Where: Phang Nga Bay
Vibe: Quiet luxury, local culture, and scenic beauty

Koh Yao Noi sits gracefully between two tourism powerhouses—Phuket and Krabi—but feels worlds apart. While jet skis and beach clubs dominate the nearby coasts, this island offers peaceful rice paddies, traditional fishing villages, and postcard views of the bay’s famous limestone karsts.

Popular with artists, writers, and wellness seekers, Koh Yao Noi offers a perfect blend of authentic Thai life and low-key luxury.

Must-Do Experiences:

• Wake up to sunrise views over the karst-studded Phang Nga Bay from a beachfront bungalow.
  
• Take a guided longtail boat tour, hopping between nearby islets and lagoons.
  
• Join a local cooking class or batik workshop, and immerse yourself in the island’s cultural rhythm.
  
• Rent a scooter and explore inland farms, rubber plantations, and coastal trails.
  

How to Get There:

Regular speedboats depart from Bang Rong Pier (Phuket) and Tha Len Pier (Krabi). The ride takes about 30–45 minutes and gives you your first taste of the region’s dramatic seascapes.

Book transport to Koh Yao Noi

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Koh Bulon Lae – Tiny, Tranquil, and Totally Off-Grid

Where: Satun Province (Andaman Sea)
Vibe: Barefoot paradise, rustic charm, and pure serenity

Koh Bulon Lae is one of those rare places where time stands still. Tucked away in southern Thailand near the Malaysian border, this tiny island is blissfully untouched by mass tourism. With no cars, very little internet, and only a handful of family-run bungalows, it’s a retreat for those looking to disconnect and just be.

Its beaches are sugar-soft, the water is crystal clear, and the jungle interior hums with peaceful stillness.

Must-Do Experiences:

• Swim and snorkel off Ao Panka Yai Beach, where calm waters and coral reefs await.
  
• Stargaze at night with zero light pollution, surrounded by nothing but the sound of waves.
  
• Take a jungle walk across the island, spotting monitor lizards and colorful birds.
  
• Support local businesses, from simple beachfront restaurants to tiny eco-resorts.
  

How to Get There:

Access is via boat from Pakbara Pier in Satun. It’s also a stop on the ferry route between Koh Lipe and the mainland during high season. Travel here is seasonal, with the island mostly closing down during the monsoon months (May–October).

Book Transport to Koh Bulon

Koh Jum – The Laid-Back Island You’ve Never Heard Of

Where: Krabi Province
Vibe: Under-the-radar, unhurried, and effortlessly charming

Koh Jum, also known as Koh Pu (on its northern end), is the kind of island where you’ll hear the ocean more than motorbikes—and where shoes are optional almost everywhere. It’s nestled between Krabi and Koh Lanta, yet somehow still flies blissfully under the radar.

This is the perfect place for travelers who want to escape the buzz without sacrificing beauty. With long, empty beaches, jungle-covered hills, and small-scale resorts, Koh Jum is all about easygoing island life.

Must-Do Experiences:

• Stroll along Golden Pearl Beach, one of the island’s longest, most peaceful stretches.
  
• Catch sunset drinks at a beachfront reggae bar, where hammocks and fire shows often make appearances.
  
• Take a hike to Koh Pu peak, the island’s northern high point, for panoramic sea views.
  
• Connect with the local Muslim fishing community, known for their warm hospitality.
  

How to Get There:

Hop on a ferry or speedboat from Krabi, Koh Lanta, or Ao Nang. It’s often a stop on the Krabi–Koh Lanta ferry route, making it easy to squeeze into an island-hopping itinerary.

Book transport to Koh Jum

Koh Lao Lading – The Hidden Cove Straight Out of a Movie

Where: Near Ao Nang, Krabi (Phang Nga Bay)
Vibe: Dramatic, untouched, and wildly photogenic

Koh Lao Lading, often nicknamed “Paradise Island,” is a tiny treasure tucked within the famous limestone-studded seascape of Phang Nga Bay. Though it’s more of a day-trip destination than a place to overnight, it packs serious punch with its secluded beach coves, towering cliffs, and turquoise lagoons.

Often included in tours from Krabi or Ao Nang, it’s less crowded than its neighbor Hong Island, and often leaves visitors speechless from the sheer natural beauty packed into such a small area.

Must-Do Experiences:

• Swim in the cove’s emerald waters, surrounded by vertical cliffs and jungle.
  
• Explore hidden corners of the beach, where the scenery feels like a movie set.
  
• Bring a camera, as every angle is an Instagram dream.
  
• Visit as part of a longtail boat tour, usually grouped with Hong and Pakbia islands.
  

How to Get There:

Book a longtail or speedboat tour from Ao Nang, Krabi Town, or Railay Beach. Early morning trips will give you the most serene experience before the larger group tours arrive.

Book Koh Lao Lading day trips

Ready to Discover Even More of Thailand’s Hidden Gems?

These 7 underrated islands are just the beginning. If you’re dreaming of the ultimate island-hopping escape or want to uncover Thailand’s best-kept secrets, our guide is your passport to paradise.

Grab your copy of the Thailand ULTIMATE Travel Guide—a beautifully crafted, info-packed resource with:

• 160+ pages of detailed travel tips, hidden gems, and expert recommendations
  
• 17 of Thailand’s most incredible islands, from popular hotspots to off-the-radar wonders
  
• Custom itineraries, packing lists, budget tips, eco-travel advice, and more
  

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned explorer, this guide will help you plan smarter, explore deeper, and fall in love with Thailand all over again.➡️ Buy the Thailand ULTIMATE Travel Guide now and start your dream trip today!

📸 Photo Credits

• Ao Yai Beach image by slapers on Flickr, used under CC BY 2.0
• Palm trees on the beach, Koh Mak — image via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
• Koh Lao Lading Island photo via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

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