If you’re a solo traveler wanting to meet new friends, experience new adventures, or simply rejuvenate your soul, you need to look no further than the islands of Thailand. The Land of Smiles is considered one of the world’s most prominent backpacking destinations, and with a whopping 1430 islands, at least one of them should make your itinerary when planning your next solo vacation. Let’s have a look at the 7 best Thai islands for solo travelers:
1. Phuket
Phuket Island, Thailand’s largest island, is widely known throughout the world as a party destination for solo travelers. It’s located in Southern Thailand on the coastline of the Andaman Sea.
In Western Phuket, you will find the beach resort town Patong, and it is this destination that is so well-known for its buzzing nightlife and endless parties. During the evenings, its infamous walking street, Bangla Road, comes to life, and you don’t need to look very far for a disco or a bar accompanied by pumping music and ladies dancing on the tables. Both sides of this 400-meter-long street are packed with nightclubs, beer bars, live shows, and cocktail bars where you will surely make new friends and party until dawn.
Apart from its party reputation, however, Phuket also has a quieter side. So, once you’re done partying, you can head out to the island’s beautiful beaches, breathtaking scenery, and iconic attractions.
What to do in Phuket
- Visit a waterfall:
The island’s most popular waterfalls are Ton Ao Yon, Bang Pae, Kathu, and Ton Sai. Bang Pae and Ton Sai are situated in a tropical forest that forms part of the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, pack a picnic basket and go for a swim surrounded by exotic animals, monkeys, and tropical birds. - Go on an old town food tour:
A worthy winner of Tripadvisor’s 2021 Travelers’ Choice Award is the small-group food tour through old town Phuket. The tour is limited to 8 people and is led by a licensed guide that will walk you through the old town, where you will taste more than 14 sweet and savory culinary surprises. - Visit a religious site or landmark like the Big Buddha:
Big Buddha is situated on a hilltop, and this landmark offers stunning views over the whole southern part of the island and Karon Beach; this is an experience that will leave you in awe. Entry is free, but they do accept donations that go toward ongoing construction costs.
Where to stay in Phuket
Whether you want to be near the action or prefer to stay a bit farther away from the party vibe, there are numerous accommodation options for single individuals:
| Name | Description | Bookings.com7-night stay during September 2021Price quoted is for the entire week |
| Holiday Inn Resort | In the heart of Patong Beach, the hotel is situated on the beach and is surrounded by shops and restaurants. | Standard Double Room with balconyBreakfast included$505 |
| The Boathouse Phuket | Situated a bit further away, the hotel is on Kata beach on Phuket’s west coast. It’s one of the favorite locations for solo travelers. | Standard Double Room with balcony and view over the inner courtyardBreakfast included$747 |
2. Ko Phi Phi
If the nightlife of Bangla Road in Patong isn’t enough to satisfy your inner solo traveler party-animal, then Phi Phi will surely do the trick. Ko Phi Phi is an archipelago of six islands situated in Southern Thailand’s Krabi Province.
The largest and only populated island is Ko Phi Phi Don, where the nightlife is crazy. There is a beach party almost every night of the week where Thai boxing matches and fire shows are part of the attraction. Phi Phi is a backpacker’s heaven where you can be sure to find plenty of fellow solo travelers around every corner and at almost every bar and party.
Ko Phi Phi Don is the only island out of the six that offers accommodation, and there is an abundance of hostels, resorts, bars, and restaurants to keep you occupied for a few days. The uninhabited remaining five islands should not be forgotten, though. They are easily accessible and offer excellent snorkeling, beautiful scenery, and stunning beaches.
What to do in Phi Phi
- Go Scuba diving:
The underwater beauty and marine life of Phi Phi are second to none. Shark Point, King Cruiser Wreck, and Anemone Reef are just 3 of the best diving locations. You can even hop on a longtail boat and explore the beauty that lies within the tranquil blue waters of the sea. Everywhere, you will encounter sea turtles, fishes representing all colors of the rainbow, breathtaking coral reefs, and sometimes even black-tip reef sharks. - Soak up the sun:
Phi Phi is home to several glorious tropical and quiet beaches where you can hang out all day, nursing your hangover from the night before. Although these can only be reached by boat, two of the most beautiful beaches are Ao Poh and Laem Tong. - Take a cooking lesson:
If you’re interested in Thai cuisine and how to cook it, you can book a cooking class with Pum’s Cooking School. One TripAdvisor reviewer says it all with comments like, ‘All I can say is brilliant,’ and ‘Would be happy to go cook my dinner there every night.’
Where to stay in Phi Phi
Phi Phi is filled with accommodation options for solo travelers. From hostels to hotels, you will surely find something that meets your individual needs:
| Name | Description | 7-night stay during September 2021Price quoted is for the entire week |
| Ibiza House | Ibiza is one of the best party hostels on the island. It features a large pool as well as an outdoor bar area. Guests can choose between dorm rooms and private rooms, and the rooms are all within walking distance to the beach. | Standard Double RoomBreakfast included$313 Villa with pool view balconyBreakfast included$391 |
| Voyagers Hostel | The hostel offers air-conditioned rooms and a shared lounge where solo travelers can meet and socialize. | Bed in 10-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room$114 |
3. Ko Pha Ngan
I’m sure there are very few solo travelers who haven’t heard of Thailand’s Full Moon Parties, and Ko Pha Ngan is one of the islands famous for these popular parties. It’s situated halfway between Ko Samui and Ko Tao islands, just off the central Gulf Coast of Southern Thailand.
Whether you prefer partying till the sun comes up, chilling it out in a hammock or rustic bar, visiting viewpoints and waterfalls, or trying out Thai cuisine, this island will not disappoint.
A group of tourists decided, in 1985, that the moon in Koh Pha Ngan was the most beautiful in the world. Subsequently, tourists, today flock to Haad Rin beach at the end of each month to celebrate the moon and party through the night along this crescent-shaped beach. These parties are associated with fire-eaters, jugglers, and pumping music varying between trance, techno, commercial, and reggae.
The beaches of Pha Ngan, however, are another excellent reason for visiting the island. With over 30 beaches to choose from, you will find yourself on either soft white sands or coarser ones full of small stones.
What to do in Pha Ngan
- Visit waterfalls and viewpoints:
If you’ve had enough of partying, why not visit one of the various waterfalls and viewpoints spread over Pha Ngan? The most impressive one, the Phaeng Waterfall, lies in the east and is located in the Thansadej National Park. The Sramanora Waterfall is equally remarkable, and you can even visit it at night. The sight of the magical glow of the moon on the sparkling clear waters will stay with you forever. - Go snorkeling:
You are bound to find a vast array of fish species, stingrays, and incredible reefs at all the snorkeling spots on Pha Ngan. With a depth of around 12 meters and easy access from the beach, Haad Chao Pao lies about 100 meters from the shore. The warm water will make your experience even better as you discover the fantastic marine life. Apart from the colorful reef, you will also be able to spot the striking colors of nudibranch and an abundance of fish species, including spotted stingrays. The long reef will take you up to Koh Ma, another excellent spot for snorkeling. - Visit a temple:
Choosing between the 20 spiritual temples spread out over the island is not an easy task. One worth visiting, for sure, is Wat Phu Khao Noi, which means ‘temple of the small mountain.’ It is situated behind Thong Sala next to Phaeng Waterfall. The temple is open all day, but you should go in the morning if you want to see the monks. It’s a perfect place for meditation where you can find inner and outer peace surrounded by the beautiful structures made up of multi-tiered upturned roofs, murals, and ornaments
Where to stay in Pha Ngan
There are plenty of backpackers because of the Full Moon Parties, so you will have ample opportunity to meet new friends and make unforgettable memories at one of the many hostels in Pha Ngan:
| Name | Description | 7-night stay during October 2021Price quoted per Room per night |
| Slumber Party Hostel | With a 93% approval rate from reviewers, this hostel is almost sold out every night, so book early. The hostel offers comfortable beds and free cocktail shots every night. | Standard Double Bed Private with ensuite bathroom$23 Standard 4-Bed Mixed Dorm$6 |
| La Villa | The hostel offers direct access to the ocean and breathtaking views over Koh Samui. Travelers can also enjoy various watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding. | Standard 4-Bed Private Room with ensuite bathroom.$20 Dorm Bed in Standard 8-Bed Mixed Dorm$5 |
4. Ko Samui
Ko Samui is an all-time favorite island for solo travelers because of its beautiful scenery and laid-back beach bar vibes during the day. Ko Samui is located about 50 miles (80km) from the Eastern Coastline of Southern Thailand.
Ko Samui is a typical tropical paradise with white sandy beaches, warm seawater, and lines of coconut trees. There are plenty of beach bars where you can enjoy endless beers and cocktails during the day while chatting to fellow solo travelers with the music of Bob Marley in your ears. The bars do come to life at night, however, with late-night parties, DJs, and fire shows all around.
What to do in Ko Samui
- Visit the Namuang Waterfall:
If you’re looking for an alternative swimming spot other than the beach, head out to the Namuang Waterfall situated in a park surrounded by jungle. There is two waterfalls thirty minutes’ walk from each other. Along the way to the waterfalls, you will find food stalls, souvenir huts, and beautiful spots where you can linger for a moment or two while taking in the breathtaking scenery. - Get a Thai culinary experience:
The Thai Experience is a must-do for any solo traveler visiting Ko Samui. Guests are all seated at one large communal table after receiving a complimentary welcome drink in the form of a cocktail, of course. While enjoying each other’s company, guests get the chance to try out many different carefully prepared and delicious Thai dishes. - Zipline through the jungle:
Fly like a hawk while taking in the breathtaking scenery of Ko Samui through a bird’s eye view. You will fly across the top of a rainforest at speeds of around 50 miles per hour (80 km/h).
Where to stay in Ko Samui
Ko Samui is filled with backpacking accommodation to suit every solo traveler’s need, whether it is a need for chilling or rather a need for partying:
| Name | Description | 7-night stay during October 2021Price quoted per Room per night |
| Chill Inn Beach Cafe & Hostel | This hostel is right on the beach and offers a fantastic atmosphere. Furthermore, it has its own bar and restaurant. | Superior 6-Bed Mixed Dorm with sea view.Lockers are provided.$11 Standard 4-Bed Female DormLockers are provided.$12 |
| Us Hostel | Situated in a container and near a Fisherman’s village, this hostel offers a trendier laid-back vibe. It is still near enough to Chaweng, though, where the parties happen. | Basic Single Private Room with private toilet$13 Basic 4-Bed Mixed Dorm with ensuite bathroom$9 |
5. Ko Tao
Solo-travelers worldwide are drawn to Ko Tao as it is regarded as one of the cheapest and best scuba diving destinations in Thailand. Ko Tao, also known as Turtle Island, is a small island off the Central Gulf Coast of Southern Thailand.
Apart from its excellent snorkeling and diving spots, Ko Tao also offers delicious food and many beautiful white beaches to explore. The island is also known for its breathtaking sunsets, and the nightlife, although still present, is much less chaotic and busy than Phuket and Phi Phi. No need to worry, though, as you will still meet fellow solo travelers in Ko Tao in the various bars situated on the island. After a day of sunbathing or snorkeling, you can enjoy those cold beers or happy-hour drinks over which you can start up conversations and make new friends.
If you’re into rock climbing, look no further as Ko Tao is made up of volcanic rock. The possibilities to climb mountains, ascend giant boulders, and mount massive solitude rocks are endless.
What to do in Ko Tao
- Book a full day snorkeling adventure:
This 2021 Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice includes a full-day tour by boat that will take you to five different snorkeling sports, including a hike to the breathtaking viewpoint at Nag Yuan. They even have an onboard water slide, floating sunbeds, and a climbing wall. - Watch the sunset:
Because the island is so well-known for its breathtaking sunsets, why not experience two of the best: Mango Bay and Sairee Beach. - Get scuba certified:
Koh Tao is the perfect destination to acquire your scuba certification. Usually, scuba training starts in a pool, but on the island, you will start your training in the ocean’s shallow waters, which is perfect. Some dive shops even offer underwater photography classes.
Where to stay in Ko Tao
| Name | Description | Bookings.com7-night stay during September 2021Price quoted is for the entire week |
| Koh Tao Beach Club | The Beach Club offers a private beach, an outdoor pool, and a beachfront bar. | Standard Double Room with balcony and pool viewContinental breakfast included$339 |
| Ban’s Diving Resort | The resort is located on Sairee Beach. It also offers a PADI-certified dive center. | Standard Double Room with balcony and garden or pool view$219 |
6. Ko Chang
Full of free spirits and youngsters, Ko Chang is the perfect holiday destination for solo travelers. Situated in Trat Province, it is the second-largest island in Thailand and the biggest in the eastern region.
Ko Chang’s landscape includes high jungle-covered mountains and stone cliffs, making it a perfect destination for jungle trekking and treetop canopying. The island, furthermore, offers beautiful white sandy beaches, stunning coral reefs, and affordable backpacking accommodation, especially for the solo traveler.
If you’re a solo traveler who is more into nature than crazy parties, then Ko Chang’s many waterfalls and wide range of wildlife will surely win your heart.
Ko Chang is quieter than places like Phuket or Ko Samui. However, there are still ample opportunities to make friends and activities to keep you entertained in this 165 square miles (429 square kilometers) tropical paradise.
What to do in Ko Chang
- Go jungle trekking:
The island offers various half-day or full-day trekking tours through the jungle filled with beautiful waterfalls, rare reptiles, and a wide range of other wildlife. - Visit a floating village:
The Bang Bao floating village is at the Bao Bang pier, where many diving and snorkeling tours depart from. There are a number of restaurants and shops around the area, making it a perfect place for some much-needed souvenir shopping that you can show off to your fellow solo travelers. - Go treetop canopying:
Visit the Treetop Adventure Park. It is best to appreciate the beautiful tropical rainforest while rope walking through the dense forest or swinging through the jungle.
Where to stay in Ko Chang
| Name | Description | Bookings.com7-night stay during September 2021Price quoted is for the entire week |
| Indie Beach Bungalows | This venue offers its own restaurant, beachfront bar, and bungalows along a private beach. | Bungalow with sea view$185 |
| Pajamas Koh Chang | This hostel offers private and dormitory rooms only a short distance from various beaches. | Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory RoomBreakfast included$99 Double Room with garden viewBreakfast included$252 |
7. Ko Lanta
If you’re a solo traveler looking for a more relaxed atmosphere and a somewhat older crowd than the typical party islands of Thailand, you need to look no further than Ko Lanta. The island is situated at the most southern tip of the Krabi province.
This ideal backpacker destination is well-known for its delicious food, luscious greenery, and beautiful beaches. The island is only 18 miles (30 km) long and has a national park and an astounding nine beaches. Some of these beaches have waters so shallow that they make excellent choices for people wanting to learn how to dive.
On the west coast of Koh Lanta, Phra Ae Beach is the perfect place to stay if you are a solo traveler who wants to relax and chill out. Similarly, if you are into yoga and meditation, you need to look no further than Klong Khong Beach.
What to do in Ko Lanta
From learning to dive to learning to cook, there are plenty of relaxing activities on offer in Koh Lanta:
- Learn how to dive:
As mentioned previously, the shallow waters of some of the nine beaches are perfect for learning how to dive. - Take a diving trip:
Once you’ve turned yourself into a diving pro, take a diving trip to some of the nearby islands with breathtaking coral reefs and unbelievable aquatic life like manta rays, leopard sharks, and dolphins. - Go for a cooking class:
Almost every beach on the island offers cooking classes in the afternoons. Try out Cooking with Mon, where he will introduce you to different herbs, spices, and mouth-watering Thai flavors.
Where to stay in Ko Lanta
| Name | Description | Bookings.com7-night stay during September 2021Price quoted is for the entire week |
| Long Beach Chalet | This boutique resort consists of 45 chalets. The beachfront chalets are only a few steps from the beach, while the garden zone chalets are hidden between luscious gardens under a canopy of coconut trees. Rejuvenate yourself with yoga classes on the beach, or decrease your tension by booking a private session with one of the personal teachers available on the premises. | Standard Garden Loft with balcony and garden view.$250 |
| Aha Lanta Cozy Hostel | Lanta Hostel offers bunk beds in dorm rooms. Bathrooms are shared, and each bed has a personal reading light. | Bunk Bed in 10-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomBreakfast included$53 |
Conclusion
So, whether you’re the type of solo traveler looking to party all night or the chilled introvert wanting to relax, one of these Thai islands is bound to satisfy your needs. All you need to do is choose one, book one, and who knows, you might even meet the love of your life or your future best friend.
