Dreaming of those crystal-clear pristine beaches and white sandy shores? Thailand is home to countless idyllic tropical island paradise that will undoubtedly make globetrotters fall in love instantly.

When scouting the perfect island getaway for your holiday, Koh Samui and Phuket do immediately cross your mind. However, these are rather high-key tourist destinations that might not always be the best when you want to simply enjoy an unhinged vacation and experience a real escape from the hustle and bustle.

There’s so much more to be discovered and explored in Southern Thailand’s tropical areas that are less mainstream and rather offer secluded utopias. Here are six offbeat, underrated islands worth visiting in Thailand.

Koh Lanta

This charming crystal-clear water island with a lush landscape is one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand, located just off the coast of Krabi. Once home to sea gypsies, Koh Lanta has preserved its luscious beauty and richness, with a laid-back serenity consisting of two islands – Lanta Yai and Lanta Noi. Koh Lanta is famed for its unparalleled diving and snorkeling experience that attracts locals and tourists alike to discover the exotic marine species. From hiking through the tropical forested hills, gazing over waterfalls, to kayaking through off-the-beaten-track mangroves, there are lots of adventurous activities to do here.

How to get there: Visitors can take a one and a half-hour flight from Bangkok to Krabi and then take a ferry from Krabi to Koh Lanta.

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe, known as the 'Maldives of Thailand,' is an unspoiled gem of an island that is still one of those off-the-radar treasures protected from being a touristy spot. From its pristine white-sand beaches with vibrant coral reefs to jungle-clad hills, Koh Lipe is a dreamy island located in the Andaman Sea. It is also part of the 51 islands that make up Tarutao National Marine Park and part of the Adang Archipelago, not so far from Langkawi, Malaysia.

The island offers various beaches to explore, with Pattaya Beach serving as the main port, Sunrise Beach providing an ideal spot to witness breathtaking sunrises and opportunities for kayaking, and Sunset Beach being particularly alluring during the golden hour. It's a perfect destination for snorkeling enthusiasts to witness diverse marine life and the beautiful coral reef that will take you to another world where you can encounter extraordinary creatures such as clownfish, anemonefish, and bioluminescent plankton for a magical underwater experience.

How to get there: Visitors can take a flight from Bangkok to Hat Yai International Airport, then travel by taxi or bus to Pak Bara Pier, and finally catch a ferry to the island. The entire journey could take approximately five to six hours.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang, also known as ‘Elephant Island’ due to its shape resembling an elephant's head, offers a unique combination of untamed wilderness and immaculate white sandy beaches. Despite the increasing tourism, Koh Chang remains relatively under-explored by visitors.

Koh Chang is Thailand’s third biggest island after Phuket and Samui, nestled in Trat Province, within the Gulf of Thailand. It's an unspoiled, remote destination with a rugged character that boasts a marine national park, jungle-covered peaks, hidden waterfalls, and turquoise bays with flourishing coral reefs.

Koh Chang caters to various preferences, with options ranging from the vibrant nightlife scene at Lonely Beach offering fireworks and live music, to the quieter and serene atmosphere of White Sand Beach. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as sunset kayaking, exploring fishermen's villages and mangroves, trekking, island-hopping, snorkeling, and even taking Thai cooking classes.

How to get there: Catch a flight from Bangkok to Trat province, and take a taxi to the Aoi Thammachat pier where you can get a ferry to Koh Chang. Alternatively, you could take a five-hour bus from Ekkamai Bus Station in Bangkok to Ao Tammachat pier and then catch a ferry. A little tricky but so worth it!

Koh Tao

Koh Tao, which translates to ‘Turtle Island,’ is a small island located north of Koh Phangan and is renowned as a premier scuba diving destination in Thailand. The island boasts rich and diverse topography, and abundant marine life, and serves as an important breeding ground for Green Turtles and Hawksbills, with ongoing efforts to preserve the coral reef.

From being an uninhabited fishing island to transforming into a diving mecca, Koh Tao has captivated attention with its unspoiled beauty and is celebrated for its exceptional diving spots like Japanese Gardens, Chumphon Pinnacles, and Shark Island. Whether travelers are seeking tranquility or adventure, it’s a must-visit destination for its mesmerizing underwater, lush tropical landscapes, and laid-back lifestyle. For those who love the full moon party scene, Koh Phangan is just an hour's ferry ride away.

How to get there: Simply take a one-hour flight from Bangkok to Chumphon or Surat Thani, and then take a ferry to Koh Tao.

Similan Islands

The Similan Islands is an archipelago of 11 gorgeous islands tucked away in the Andaman Sea, off the coast of Phang Nga province. The islands' stunning beauty attracts visitors to swim over the untouched 5,000-year-old coral reef, wander along the spotless sandy beaches, and stay in charming bamboo bungalows. It's also a favorite destination for yachts and boat tours. Covered in jungle-clad and grandeur rocks, the Similan Islands is renowned for its diving playground where adventurous junkies can witness the beauty of the underwater paradise without having to dive deep. It's the perfect place to check off your beach paradise bucket list.

How to get there: Catch a flight from Bangkok to Phuket and take a speedboat to Similan Islands.

Koh Mook

Koh Mook, also known as the Pearl Island, is a small idyllic island in the Andaman Sea that is all about the tranquil island life, away from the bustling crowds of mass tourism. The island is decked with limestone cliffs, dense jungle, and spectacular beaches. The best part? The breathtaking hidden lagoon, Emerald Cave, and palm-fringed white sand Sivalai Beach that you can’t afford to miss. Koh Mook is for those adventurous souls seeking a raw experience.

How to get there: Visitors can take a flight from Bangkok to Trang, and then take a taxi to Kuan Tung Ku Pier for a ferry to Koh Mook.