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Wthe miles of golden sandy beaches that stretch along its western flank; beautiful temples, mosques and churches scattered throughout the villages and hillsides; internationally acclaimed Michelin restaurants; a culturally rich and recently renovated old town; a well-connected international airport; plus an armada of longtail boats moored on the shores ready to whisk you out on excursions around the bay, it’s easy to see why Phuket has kept his place as ThailandThe most popular island for decades.
Thailand buzz is currently oscillating around the world, thanks in part to the imminent arrival of the next installment of the hit HBO show White Lotus – filming of the third season in the country was completed at the beginning of this year. Slated to be released in 2025, the show could easily bring more tourists to the country than ever before.
But inside Phuketwhere road congestion and lack of beach space are already common complaints, it makes you wonder: does this island need an influx? Is it time to swap Phuket for another Thai destination on your next trip?
The successor, and impeccable alternative, is Phuket Koh Samuia favorite of green palms in the Gulf of Thailand. There are strong parallels between the two islands. Firstly, Samui also has an airport – some would say the cutest airport in the world, consisting of quaint wooden departure gates surrounded by flower beds – so ideas of bumpy ferries and catamarans to get to the island can be dismissed.
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More importantly, and currently very popular for Thailand: both islands have clouds of affordable luxury indulge, but, unlike Phuket, on Koh Samui it’s easy to find a place that’s tucked away from the crowds. It’s easy to relax on Samui, from family resorts such as Anantara Bophutwhich has one of the largest and zen spas on the island, and Reserve centers which stretches along the shores of Chaweng Beach, to Bijou Avani + Samui where floating breakfast in your private pool is the norm, at their secluded resort in the remote south-west corner, Taling Ngam.
For the health conscious, Samui is also a wellness hotspot with some of the best resorts in the country. Blame it is an idyllic and ultra-affordable detox-focused stay where tented villas are nestled in the wooded hills of Chaweng Noi, with healthy food, yoga programs and tranquility on the menu. Or further south on the island, superb Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary has made serious waves in the burnout retreat world.
Samui is a a bustling and colorful island in places, however, especially around the Fisherman’s Village night market, where there is excellent but cheap street food, so by no means come expecting an undiscovered gem. However, unlike Phuket, it’s still possible to drive to quiet beaches and have pockets of the island to yourself. The boulder-strewn sands of Coral Cove, the quieter Bang Po Beach or the ‘secret’ Ban Tai Beach are worth exploring to grab a few hours of sought-after beach.
But if you’re feeling a bit intrepid and long for beaches so pristine and wild you won’t find a soul on them, head to mighty Koh Chang – another strong alternative to Phuket. Also in the Gulf of Thailand, east of Bangkok and not far from the Cambodian border, the island is less developed in terms of the luxury scene, but has some great boutique stays, plus plenty to offer in the path of adventure.
Getting there is a multi-transport game: Hop on a bus or a very short flight from Bangkok to Trat, where you’ll pick up a steampunk-style ferry that slowly sails to Thailand’s third-largest island.
Koh Chang is an exceptional place for trekking. Hikers are rewarded with one of seven accessible, cascading waterfalls that dot the interior. The north side of the island is still beautiful naturally and generally unspoilt, especially Long Beach, which is a must-see. The southern coast is lined with small hamlets and fishing villages with accommodation, bars and restaurants. Staying on the south side of Koh Chang and exploring the north by bike is the way to go – unless you plan on spending your days horizontally on a deckchair.
If that’s the case, it’s smart to be based in Lonely Beach or the neighboring fishing village of Bang Bao, where boutique accommodation like Oasis Koh Chang and Bhuvarin Resort they have infinity pools with sea views to die for, while boho-chic Indie Beach Bungalows they have bedrooms on the soft white sand (and even host gigs and the occasional music festival). Bang Bao Pier is the place to find freediving and snorkeling tours that tour the reefs and wrecks of Koh Chang, or head to the nearby Koh Rang National Park. For those enjoying land, Rasta Cafe is the place to relax and enjoy the sunsets.
Of course, there are more than 30 Thai islands to stay at (out of more than 1,400 in the country), but if you’re looking for the Phuket factor without the hordes of tourists, Koh Samui or Koh Chang will keep your sun-drenched dreams alive.
Learn more about ethical and sustainable travel options, and other ways to support local communities and protect the environment during your stay in Responsible Thailand