Thailand, the gateway to Southeast Asia, needs no introduction. With its beautiful, welcoming culture, amazingly tasty food and a really strong tourism industry, the country is extremely popular among tourists. However, the country is most popular for the incredible islands it possesses. Thailand boasts of hundreds of islands both in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Most of these Thai islands are rich with sandy white beaches, crystal clear blue water and lovely people. Relax at one of the mansions in Thailand, soak up the sun while lying on the beaches, go on a leisure walk to the inlands, have some authentic Thai food and you will have the most amazing Thai vacation you can possibly have. These islands are the true gems of this country, and here are the five islands which you must visit during your vacation in Thailand.

1. Koh Samui

Koh Samui is most probably one of the most popular islands to visit in Thailand. Lined with luxury resorts and mansions, this beautiful island will give you the most luxurious island experience in all of Thailand. Spend your time on the dreamy beaches, visit the beautiful Buddhist Pagodas and walk around the busy streets and night markets. You can also go for a day trip to Ang Thong Marine National Park which is located just off the coast of Koh Samui Island. The Wat Rattanakosin view point or the Khao Hua Jook view point offers some of the best panoramic views of the island.

2. Koh Phi Phi

Another of the most popular islands of Thailand is Koh Phi Phi. Located at a short distance from Phuket, this island has become extremely famous for the Maya Bay, where the Leonardo DiCaprio movie, The Beach was shot. Koh Phi Phi is one of the biggest destination in the whole of Thailand. The island was destroyed by the 2004 tsunami, but then it was rebuilt even more extravagantly than before. Visit the Monkey Beach to interact with the monkeys, dive into the King Cruiser Wreck to see the ruins of the drowned 1997 passenger ship, watch the sun set into the sea by renting a kayak and of course, visit Maya Bay. You can also visit Bamboo Island if you’re looking for a less crowded alternative to Maya Bay.

3. Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is one of the hidden gems of Thailand which can easily be one of the best places you visit in Thailand. The beaches on this island are really beautiful, and the extremely friendly people of the island will surely turn your trip into a memorable experience. The life on this island is very relaxing and calm. Spend your days relaxing on the Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach, check out the quaint little Hantaly Buddhist temple located right at the centre of the island, go fishing and ultimately have a relaxing time during your trip in Thailand.

4. Koh Kut

Often dubbed as the last unspoiled Thai island, Koh Kut is a magical place where you’ll get to hide away from the crowd of tourists visiting Thailand. Koh Kut is absolutely perfect for your getaway from the crowd. The sand is literally powder-like, the water lapping the bays is crystal clear and there are more palm trees than buildings on the island. A trip to this less-explored, fairy tale like island is a must during your Thailand vacation.

5. Koh Chang

Another of the lesser known, yet insanely beautiful island that you must visit during your trip to Thailand is Koh Chang. This island is not as secluded as Koh Kut, but it will surely quench your thirst for an alternative Thailand experience. There are a lot of beautiful beaches on this island to spend some leisurely days. Visit Salakphet Bay where you can rent a yacht and sail the waters. There are quite a number of waterfalls and hiking trails on this island too.