Partied a bit too hard in Thailand and now dreaming of some quieter spots to relax with your partner? We’ve been there too – searching for peaceful locations so that we can spend the last part of our vacation in secluded and less crowded areas. This article will help you find romantic, secluded escapes without all the research drama.
Mass tourism is taking a toll on Thailand’s beautiful beaches. Finding a relaxing island for couples in Thailand has become a challenge. Clear waters and clean beaches are becoming increasingly rare. Take Maya Bay, for instance – it was closed for a long time due to over-tourism. Now, more travelers are searching for non-touristy islands to enjoy Thailand’s scenic beauty in peace.
That’s why we’ve handpicked 5 of the best offbeat gems to help you unwind. Unlike the party-packed beaches of Thailand, these quiet spots offer serenity, natural beauty, and a slower pace of life.
For content creators like me, who love capturing perfect Instagram-worthy moments, these locations are a dream. No crowded beaches or photobombing strangers, it will be just you, your camera, and stunning backdrops.
Escape the chaos of beach parties and overcrowded bars, and fall in love with Thailand’s tranquil side.
1. Koh Kood
Koh Kood (pronounced Koh Kut) tops my list of quiet beaches for a relaxing getaway. It’s a peaceful island with no party vibe.
Koh Kood is easy to reach from Bangkok with a combination of bus and boat rides. Depending on the travel agency you chose, the journey takes about 5–7 hours. We booked through Klook, which cost us around $25.
You’ll find plenty of mid-budget beachfront stay options amidst jungle offering privacy. The best areas to stay are near Bang Bao Beach and Secret Sunset Beach, where you can enjoy a relaxing vibe without crowds.
We stayed at Paradise Koh Kood Beach Resort near the Nam Leuk Pier. The chalets were cozy, and the beach was literally steps away from our room, we practically had the whole beach to ourselves!
Being a serene spot far from the maddening crowd, Koh Kood is perfect for family vacationers and couples alike.
For just $8 per day, you can rent a scooter and explore Koh Kood’s beautiful beaches.
And if all that tranquility starts to feel a little too quiet, rent a kayak from Secret Sunset Beach and paddle about 15 minutes to Koh Raet (or Koh Rad). It’s a tiny island popular among snorkelers for its underwater statue garden.
Recommended Accommodation:
- Paradise Koh Kood Beach Resort (Near Ao Taphao beach)
- A-Na-Lay Resort (near Bang Bao Beach)
- Ao Phrao Beach Resort (near Ao Phrao beach)
- Neverland Beach Resort (near Ao Jark Beach)
2. Koh Yao Yai / Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi are located right between Thailand’s two most popular and touristy areas – Phuket and Krabi. These islands are still untouched hidden gems, blissfully free from the tourist hordes.
Most beautiful part of these islands are, they’re super easy to reach! Just take a 30-minute, $10 speedboat ride from Phuket’s Bang Rong Pier, and you’re in paradise. If you’re hanging around Phuket and need a break from the chaos of its touristy madness, Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi are calling your name.
Pro tip: The southern parts of these islands are perfect for a peaceful, relaxing getaway. Grab a scooter (they’re everywhere on rent) and explore the tranquil, secluded beaches like Khlong Jark Beach on Koh Yao Noi.
The shallow waters and white sands are perfect for a laid-back stroll or a run. These islands are a must-add to your itinerary for a crowd-free slice of Thailand!
Recommended Accommodation:
- Elixir Resort.
- Yao Bada Badoo Boutique Resort.
3. Koh Tao
Most tourists visits Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, but they end up skipping the paradise island of Koh Tao. While it’s famous among divers, it’s also a haven for nature lovers and anyone craving some serious tranquility.
Koh Tao is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand (see map), best visited between February and April when the weather is perfect for exploring marine life and chilling in a relaxed environment.
It’s the tiniest of the three popular islands on the eastern side. If you’ve just survived a Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan and need to recharge your batteries, Koh Tao is the ideal place to do absolutely nothing, or maybe just a little snorkeling.
Now, let’s talk about the downside: getting to Koh Tao. But the harder the place is to reach, the fewer the crowds.
Recommended Accommodation:
- Sensi Paradise Beach Resort.
- View Point Resort.
4. Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe, also called the “Maldives of Thailand,” is a tropical paradise near the Malaysia border, not far from the famous Langkawi Island. Think shallow, clean, and calm waters—basically a beach lover’s dream!
If you’re coming from Malaysia, hop on a ferry, and in just 90 minutes, you’re there. There’s a cool sea border control between Thailand and Malaysia that’s worth a photo. If you’re coming from Bangkok, the journey’s a bit more long: a flight to Hat Yai, followed by a boat ride to the island.
This island is home to some of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches, such as Sunrise Beach, Bulow Beach, and 10 Moons Bay.
Evenings here are all about the Walking Street, which comes alive after sunset. But don’t worry, this isn’t like Patong’s wild nightlife in Phuket. Koh Lipe’s Walking Street is all chill vibes – from cozy Thai massage spots, souvenirs shops to mouthwatering Thai foods.
Recommended Accommodation:
- AKIRA Lipe Resort
- Castaway Resort Koh Lipe
5. Koh Kradan:
Koh Kradan is located in the southern part of Thailand, in Trang Province. It’s one of the quietest islands in Thailand with all modern amenities and resorts.
The best part? There are only a few resorts on the island, so you won’t find it overcrowded with tourists. However, it’s best to book in advance before visiting.
It takes about 2 hours by speedboat to reach Koh Kradan from Phuket. Alternative option in Trang islands are – Koh Ngai, Koh Libong, Koh Muk. These hidden Thai islands are lesser known to tourists and thus attracts only those seeking for a relaxed vacation.
Koh Kradan is a very quiet island, especially after dark. During the day, you can enjoy the clear blue water from beachside bars with a stunning landscape view. There’s an abundance of fish, reefs, and corals to explore.
Staying at a beach resort and watching the moonlight across the water while having dinner with your loved ones is what vacations are made of on Koh Kradan.
Recommended Accommodation:
- Koh Tao Beach Club
- Ananda Villa.
How to Find Quiet Beaches in Thailand:
With more people seeking quiet beaches for their tropical vacations, it’s getting harder to find truly secluded spots. Social media has exposed many hidden places that were once locals’ secrets. These days, tourists are everywhere! To beat the crowds, plan your visit during the off-season when fewer people travel. Believe me, this is the key to discovering Thailand’s untouched beauty
The Trang Islands are always a great choice. They’re less touristy and popular among families and couples who prefer a relaxing vibe over wild parties.
Always head to the quieter parts of the island. Take Phi Phi Island, for example. Most people flock to Ao Ton Sai Pier, where the speedboats arrive and the area becomes chaotic during the daytime! But if you stay in the northeastern part of the island, you’ll find peace and quiet that’s hard to believe exists in such a popular destination.
The same goes for Koh Phangan. Skip the Full Moon Party madness and head to areas like Bottle Beach for a dreamy, peaceful stay.
For more privacy, stay in boutique resorts with beachfront bungalows.
Want to discover hidden beaches and lesser-known places? Get friendly with the locals! Join local festivals like Bun Bang Fai or rent a motorbike and explore remote beaches.
Staying in guesthouses is another great way to connect with locals. They often know about secret spots you won’t find on Google or in guidebooks.
Mix with the local community by joining cooking classes, farming, or nature trails led by locals to explore Thailand’s lesser-known parts. Not only do you support the local community, but you also get to see a side of Thailand that most tourists miss.
Tips for Visiting Non-Touristy Areas:
As these less-traveled islands or less secluded beaches are often in isolated locations, don’t expect convenience stores at your doorstep. Make sure to pack all the essentials you’ll need for your trip.
Always respect the local culture when visiting these places. Safety isn’t usually an issue in Thailand, but mishaps can happen if you’re careless—like the unfortunate incidents on Koh Tao. In general, if you avoid doing anything reckless, you’ll be perfectly safe.
If you’re staying on a remote island that’s only accessible by boat, double-check the ferry schedules. Be ready to adjust your plans by 2–3 days in case of bad weather, as it can disrupt boat services.
While most islands in Thailand have good coverage with AIS and DTAC network providers, it’s still wise to carry offline maps. It will help you while you are exploring the hidden beaches by scooter.
So, which island are you planning to visit? Let me know in the comments section!
Also Read: Best Area to Stay in Bali.
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