Craving a beach that feels like it’s yours alone? Think clear, warm water, powdery sand, and the sound of palms in the wind. Thailand’s hidden islands still offer that feeling, with simple bungalows, light infrastructure, and plenty of wild nature.
This guide highlights 10 lesser-known islands grouped by region to simplify planning. You’ll see how hard each one is to reach, who it fits, and the best ways to enjoy it. Details reflect the 2025 travel scene, but boats, hours, and prices can change with seasons, so double-check before you go.
Andaman Sea secrets in Trang and Satun: 4 quiet islands with crystal water
Trang and Satun sit on Thailand’s Andaman coast, south of Krabi. The area stays calm thanks to sheltered bays, small communities, and national park zones. Expect soft beaches, clear water, and a slow, kind rhythm. Dry season is best, roughly November to May, when seas are smooth. Travel light and bring cash, since ATMs and card machines are rare.
Koh Kradan: award-winning beach and easy snorkelling in Trang
Koh Kradan keeps winning praise for its soft, white sand and lagoon-clear water. Reefs sit just off the shore, so you can snorkel right from the beach. There are no roads or cars, only a handful of small resorts and beachfront cafes.
How to get there: boats run in high season from Trang or Koh Lanta. Best for couples and photo lovers. Bring cash and reef-safe sunscreen, since power and Wi-Fi can be limited.
What to do:
- Float over shallow coral gardens and spot colorful fish close to shore.
- Catch sunrise light for calm water and fewer boats.
- Walk to quieter pockets along the coast when day tours arrive.
Koh Mook (Koh Muk): swim the Emerald Cave to a secret lagoon
Morakot, or Emerald Cave, is the showstopper. You swim through a dark tunnel to a hidden lagoon, with midday sun lighting the water a bright green. It feels like a natural amphitheater.
Safety basics: wear a life jacket, go with a guide, and check tides and sea conditions. Simple scooter rides lead to mellow beaches and small eateries. Good for families and first-time explorers who want a taste of adventure without long hikes or big waves.
What to do:
- Time the cave visit near midday for that emerald glow.
- Laze on Charlie Beach and watch local boats in the evening.
- Kayak along the coast for calm water paddles.
Koh Libong: spot dugongs and wander long, empty beaches
Koh Libong’s seagrass meadows support Thailand’s best chance to see wild dugongs. If you go, do it right: book a local guide, keep distance, and never chase them. The island also has mangroves, birdlife, and quiet village homestays.
Services are simple, ATMs are rare, and life moves slow. Bring cash and patience. Good for nature fans who like slow travel and quiet walks.
What to do:
- Join ethical dugong-watching trips with community guides.
- Kayak mangrove channels and watch for kingfishers at low tide.
- Stay in a homestay for fresh seafood and local stories.
Koh Bulon Lae: tiny island village with postcard-clear water
Koh Bulon Lae feels like a small, friendly neighborhood in the sea. Colorful bungalows front a curved, white beach, and snorkeling starts right off the sand. Nights are quiet and starry, with few shops and no loud bars.
Access is by boat in season from Satun and nearby hubs. Best for digital detox and easy swims. Pack essentials, since supplies are limited.
What to do:
- Snorkel the house reef where visibility is often excellent.
- Walk footpaths to hidden coves in under an hour.
- Enjoy simple, home-cooked meals in family-run stays.
Wild islands of Tarutao Marine Park: real nature, few crowds
This national park in Thailand’s far south protects reefs, jungle, and wildlife. Rules keep development low, so you get basic stays and big nature. There are no big resorts or nightlife. Book park lodging early, follow ranger guidance, and keep your bag light.
Koh Adang: jungle hikes and viewpoints near Koh Lipe
Just a short longtail hop from busy Lipe, Koh Adang trades buzz for quiet beaches and dense forest. Hike to the Chado Cliff viewpoint for wide sea views and sunrise colors. Snorkeling is solid, and waterfalls flow after rains.
Best for hikers, snorkelers, and sunrise lovers. There are a few park bungalows and campsites, plus limited shops, so bring snacks and cash.
What to do:
- Climb to the viewpoint in the cool morning hours.
- Snorkel near the beach to spot sea turtles and soft corals.
- Camp by the water for a front-row seat to the stars.
Koh Tarutao: Thailand’s wild national park island with history
Koh Tarutao mixes long, empty beaches and deep jungle with a stark past as a prison island. The main area has simple park bungalows and campsites, bike rentals, and ranger stations.
Best for explorers who like wildlife and stories from the past. Boats typically run from Pak Bara in season, and services are basic.
What to do:
- Bike quiet roads between bays, watching for monitor lizards.
- Visit the old prison sites with a ranger or guide.
- Explore tidal bays for birds and tidepool life at low tide.
Offbeat Krabi area: calm islands close to the Andaman classics
These spots sit near famous hubs, yet feel surprisingly quiet once you arrive. Combine them with Krabi Town or Ao Nang for easy transport and supplies. Great for short trips where you still want space to breathe.
Koh Jum (Koh Pu): sleepy beaches and friendly village life
Koh Jum moves at a slow, welcoming pace. Sunset beaches, dirt-lane cycling, and family-run cafes set the tone. Simple bungalows line the shore, and locals greet you with warm smiles.
Boats run from Krabi and Koh Lanta in high season. Best for readers who want hammocks, beach walks, and early nights.
What to do:
- Ride a bicycle or scooter along quiet lanes.
- Swim at Ting Rai or other west coast beaches at golden hour.
- Share grilled fish and sticky rice with a sea view.
Quiet Koh Lanta: explore the north and mangrove side
Skip the busier west coast and aim for Lanta Noi, Old Town, and the mangrove east coast. You get calm roads, kayaking channels, and wooden shophouses on stilts. It’s an easy reach from Krabi, so logistics are simple.
Family friendly and flexible for quick getaways. Try scooter day trips, caves, and local markets without the west side crowds.
What to do:
- Kayak in the mangroves, then look for fireflies at dusk.
- Wander Lanta Old Town and eat seafood by the pier.
- Visit caves and small community markets on a scooter loop.
Gulf of Thailand hideaways: calm beaches near Cambodia and Rayong
The Gulf side has clearer seas in dry months and easy access from Bangkok or Trat. It sits away from party zones, giving a more relaxed feel. Expect mellow beaches, mangroves, and small, friendly resorts.
Koh Kood (Koh Kut): waterfalls, mangroves, and long empty sands
Koh Kood charms with Klong Chao waterfall, glassy lagoons, and mangrove kayaking. Beaches are long and often quiet, with soft sand and clear, calm water. Stays range from mid-range to boutique.
Reach it by speedboat from piers in Trat. ATMs and clinics are limited, so carry cash and basic meds. Good for families and anyone who loves a mix of water time and easy nature walks.
What to do:
- Swim under waterfalls and cool off between beach sessions.
- Kayak mangrove channels in the late afternoon calm.
- Snorkel near piers or join a boat out to clearer reefs.
Koh Mun Nork: castaway vibes on a private-feel island
Koh Mun Nork is a small island with a single-resort setup that feels like your own quiet outpost. Days are slow, with beach time, snorkeling, and stargazing. There are no shops, so bring snacks and essentials.
Boats usually depart from the Rayong coast, often as part of a package. Best for couples who want a peaceful weekend with easy comfort.
What to do:
- Snorkel the house reef in gentle morning light.
- Walk the island’s edge and look for sea eagles.
- Sit out after dark and count shooting stars.
How to plan your hidden-islands trip: best time, boats, budget, and respect
A little prep saves money, time, and stress. Focus on timing, routes, cash, and low-impact travel.
Best time to visit for calm seas and clear water
- Andaman side: usually best from November to May. Shoulder months can be great for fewer people, but check wind and rain.
- Gulf side: often pleasant in similar months, though local weather varies. Always confirm ferry schedules and forecasts close to your dates.
How to get there: ferries, speedboats, and easy routes
- Main gateways: Krabi and Trang for the Andaman, Pak Bara for Tarutao, Trat’s Laem Sok for Koh Kood, and Rayong for Koh Mun Nork.
- Tips that help:
- Book boats a day ahead in high season.
- Travel with small bags to board faster and keep gear dry.
- Pad your schedule in case of wind or waves. Afternoon trips can be bumpier.
Budget tips: cash, simple stays, and smart transport
- Many small islands have few or no ATMs. Bring enough cash for stays, food, and boats.
- Eat at local places for fresh dishes at fair prices.
- Refill water and skip imported drinks to cut costs and trash.
- Share longtail rides with other travelers where possible.
- Public ferries are cheaper than private speedboats in season.
Travel gentle: protect reefs, respect wildlife, and honor local culture
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and never stand on coral. Float, do not touch.
- Keep distance from dugongs, turtles, and nesting birds. Quiet viewing is best.
- Pack out your trash and avoid single-use plastics.
- Dress modestly in villages and around mosques.
- Hire local guides and stay with family-run places to support communities.
Conclusion
These 10 islands offer what many people seek but rarely find: peace, bright water, and real Thai culture without the crowds. Start with one Andaman pick for dramatic coasts and one Gulf island for easygoing days, then branch out from there. Before you go, double-check boat times, weather, and any park rules.
Save or share this guide for your next trip. Got a favorite hidden beach in Thailand? Drop it in the comments and help others find their quiet corner too.
