Thailand Islands Hidden Gems 2026: Off Path Journeys

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Thailand Islands Hidden Gems are the secret spots that most travelers never discover across Thailand. These hidden gem islands Thailand travelers rarely visit still hold the quiet charm and authentic local life that first made the country famous. While popular destinations like Phuket and Koh Samui dominate the headlines, the real magic lies in the quieter, more serene islands that offer untouched beauty and a slower pace of life. Explore more hidden gems across Thailand.

Most people when thinking of the best islands in Thailand typically only imagine or think of Phuket, Koh Samui, or Koh Phangan — and I can’t blame them. They’re famous, easy to reach, and you definitely cannot go wrong by going there. But if you asked me, as a Thai who grew up exploring this coastline, those aren’t the islands I’d take my romantic partner to or visit with friends.

The real soul lies in the hidden gem islands in Thailand — places that aren’t plastered across every Instagram feed. These islands are cleaner, sometimes more tranquil, and far more rewarding if you know what you’re doing. They’re where you swap neon beach buckets for hammocks out of a postcard, or full-moon chaos for evenings under stars you didn’t realize the sky still had.

I’ve had my car break down on Koh Chang’s steep jungle roads, shared roti and conversations with Thai-Malay farmers in Koh Lanta, and felt like time travel was real in Koh Kood’s floating villages. These islands aren’t just destinations — they’re a storybook waiting to be read that will stick with you long after the tan fades. The reason Thailand originally gained its popularity.

Here’s my guide to the five hidden gem islands of Thailand that I have personally chosen after over three decades of exploring nearly every island in Thailand: Koh Chang, Koh Tao, Koh Lanta, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak.

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Koh Chang Thailand: My Favorite Island Escape

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Koh Chang, Thailand is the island I keep coming back to. A five-hour drive from Bangkok and a short ferry ride is all it takes to get there, but once you arrive it feels like its own world. It’s a big island — officially an Amphoe — with a full ring road, small villages scattered along the coast, and its own character that hasn’t been shaped to please developers. Learn about sustainable travel in this unique location. No airport, no big-name gas stations, and rules that keep it from being overbuilt. The fact that much of the island is part of Koh Chang National Park further preserves its natural beauty and rugged landscapes, ensuring that it remains maintained and unspoiled. That alone sets the tone.

What I like most about Koh Chang is the balance. It has all the modern amenities you’d want on a Thai island — good cafés, beach bars, motorbike rentals, snorkeling trips — without the intensity of Koh Samui or Phangan. People are more relaxed here, there’s less of the hard sell, and it feels easier to just settle in. The island also works as a natural hub for its smaller neighbors, Koh Mak and Koh Kood, so you can combine them into one trip or do day trips with island hopping and snorkeling if you wish.

The landscape adds to the appeal. The water is a different shade of blue than you’ll find in the south, the sand a little coarser but beautiful in its own right. The road of steep climbs has the most rewarding views. I like the way you pass through distinct little beach towns along the way — Lonely Beach, White Sand, and others — each with its own feel before the road opens back up again.

For me, the perfect evening here is simple: lounging by the beach with mates as the sun drops over the Gulf of Thailand. No rush, no noise, just the kind of moment that makes you want to stay longer than you planned.

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Map of Koh Chang’s Coastal Villages and Natural Beauty

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Koh Tao Thailand: Diving and That Ferry Feeling

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Koh Tao, Thailand, or “Turtle Island,” is small but legendary. Divers from around the world flock here because it’s one of the cheapest and best places to get certified to dive — whether you’re a first-timer or looking to level up with advanced or rescue training, the island has schools everywhere. Learn more about diving trips or explore other destinations in Thailand. Still, it feels off-path compared to Phuket or Koh Samui. Just reaching it is half the adventure — a flight to Surat Thani, a bus to the pier, and a ferry crossing that I always think of as the true start of the holiday.

Tourismthailand.org calls Koh Tao one of Asia’s top diving hubs, and it’s true — travelers swear by night dives with glowing plankton. For those on my curated trips, I always arrange optional scuba dives with trusted certified instructors, whether you want a one-day discovery dive or a full open water certification. The dive sites themselves are the real stars — Chumphon Pinnacle with its schools of barracuda and occasional whale sharks, Shark Bay where blacktip reef sharks cruise in the shallows, and the wreck of the HTMS Sattakut, a former navy vessel now home to vibrant coral and marine life. Each spot has its own personality, and that’s why divers keep coming back.

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But Koh Tao isn’t just for divers. You can bicycle through the whole island in a day, stopping in small bays along the way. Lonely Beach ended up being my favorite snorkeling spot — they rent snorkels right on the beach, and the entry ticket even lets you come back later in the day if you want to squeeze in more time.

The best places to stay here aren’t always available to view online either. Many are small, privately owned spots that feel more homely, though there are also some excellent resorts if you prefer something more luxurious. Evenings are best kept simple — barefoot on the sand and local musicians playing Thai music with a reggae twist.

If I were to curate a trip here, it wouldn’t be complicated: start the morning snorkeling at Lonely Beach, with optional scuba dives at spots like Shark Bay or Chumphon Pinnacle for those who want to go deeper. Then hop on a scooter or a bicycle for an easy ride around the island, pulling into hidden coves for a swim. Evenings are barefoot and simple, maybe with live Thai-reggae music in the background. And when it’s time to leave, I tend to skip Surat Thani and head by high-speed boat to Chumphon instead — faster, easier, and the kind of farewell that feels true to island time.

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Map of Koh Tao’s Dive Sites and Scenic Bays

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Koh Lanta: Tranquil Beaches and Rich Thai Culture

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Koh Lanta was never on my radar until I heard about Koh Hub, a coworking space, at a Chiang Mai coworking conference. Curiosity brought me here, and now it’s one of my favorite spots. Koh Lanta is a true Thailand hidden gem — big enough for long island exploration, yet relaxed enough that you never feel hurried.

Riding through the villages, I waved at villagers walking home from work, stopped to watch Thai-Malay goat farmers at work, and once shared a roti at a market near the beach. These details matter — Lanta isn’t just a beach holiday. It’s a cultural blend shaped by Muslim, Buddhist, and sea gypsy communities. Tourismthailand.org highlights Lanta’s Old Town, where wooden houses still sit on stilts over the sea, telling you a story of its trading past.

The vibe is undeniably super chilled-out. You’ll find yoga studios tucked between noodle stalls, vegan cafés, and bars on beaches that never feel overcrowded. Unlike Koh Phangan, the energy here is grounded. Respect local customs — and you’ll be welcomed with genuine warmth.

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For diving enthusiasts, Koh Lanta also offers some of the best underwater experiences in Thailand. The island is a gateway to several incredible dive sites, including the renowned Koh Haa and Hin Daeng & Hin Muang, famous for their crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and the chance to see manta rays and whale sharks. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, Lanta offers dive shops that cater to all levels, making it a perfect base for those looking to explore the Andaman Sea beneath the surface.

If I designed a tour, it’d be the Koh Lanta Village & Beach Experience: cooking class with a local family, driving through quiet villages, and an evening on a hidden stretch of sand.

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Map of Koh Lanta’s Villages and Coastal Wonders

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Koh Kood Thailand: Samui 30 Years Ago

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Koh Kood, Thailand is what Koh Samui must have felt like before resorts took over. It’s still largely untouched — no large commercializations, few cars, and seas that rank among the clearest I’ve ever seen. Many even call it one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. It’s easily the most authentic of the hidden gem islands in Thailand in my humble opinion.

The island’s soul lies in its community. Floating fishing villages here feel like time capsules: villagers jumping into the sea after work, fishermen repairing nets by hand, families inviting you to eat whatever was caught that morning. Tourismthailand.org notes the island’s waterfalls and trekking routes, and I’ve trekked to Klong Chao waterfall, always ending with an ice cold beer on the pier.

Koh Kood isn’t about nightlife or notable landmarks. It’s about pausing. I’ve had evenings where I simply sat on a wooden jetty, watching the tide rise, realizing this was the closest I’d felt to Samui’s stories from the ‘80s. It’s also one of the best Thailand honeymoon islands for couples — quiet, romantic, and naturally beautiful.

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An ideal curated a tour, would be The Koh Kood Floating Village & Trekking Journey: morning hike, lunch with a fishing family, and evenings in simple bungalows by the sea.

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Map of Koh Kood’s Secluded Beaches and Floating Villages

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Koh Mak Thailand: Tiny, Quiet, and Perfect for Lounging

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Koh Mak, Thailand is quite small — just 16 square kilometers — and that’s exactly what makes it special. Unlike its bigger neighbor Koh Chang, it managed to stay low-key and under the radar. It’s even been named one of the cleanest islands in the region, and you can see why the moment you step onto its beaches: clear water, soft sand, and no trash in sight.

There’s no long list of “things to do” here — and that’s exactly what makes it special. After a busy stretch of work, I arrived, checked into a peaceful resort on a private beach, and let the days blend together. I snorkeled here and there, but mostly, I just relaxed and read a book. Koh Mak isn’t about nightlife or crowds; it’s about disconnecting and finding the quiet you’ve been craving.

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If I were to plan a trip here, I’d call it The Koh Mak Retreat: a simple transfer from the mainland, a stay at a boutique resort, tranquil blue water near the palms, stargazing at night, and snorkels waiting whenever you feel like getting out on the water. No agenda, no rush. Just time to breathe.

These islands aren’t just dots on a map — they’re the reason I fell back in love with Thai travel. On Koh Kood’s quiet piers, or under Koh Mak’s starlit sky, I learned that the real luxury is space, silence, and being able to choose how to spend your day.

I don’t share them to turn them into the next Samui. I share them because I believe some places deserve travelers who appreciate them as they are — low-key, soulful, and still carrying the charm that first drew me here. For me, these islands will always be the reminder that Thailand’s beauty is best found off the path.

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Map of Koh Mak’s Quiet Shores and Hidden Retreats

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Sustainable Travel Tips

Sustainable travel on Thailand’s islands starts with small, conscious choices. Stay at eco-resorts on Koh Kood that use local materials and support island communities, or choose family-run bungalows on Koh Mak where your visit helps preserve traditional fishing life. Skip single-use plastics, bring reef-safe sunscreen, and support tours led by locals rather than mass operators. Every mindful step keeps these fragile islands pristine for future travelers.

Learn more about how we travel responsibly on our Sustainable Tourism page.

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Every journey leaves a footprint — the difference is in how we choose to travel. At Off Path Thailand, we focus on keeping those footprints light. Discover how sustainable travel in Thailand connects comfort with care.