One day you’re in a stuffy office, working on spreadsheets and counting the hours until your next holiday. The next day, you’re a world away from work, laying on a sunbed with a book in one hand and a piña colada in the other. Only a tropical island can transform your life so completely, and the islands in Thailand are some of the best in the world for relaxing and having a good time.

With over 1,000 islands to visit nationwide, your biggest problem might just be narrowing down the list of which ones to see. Fortunately, there is a solution. The list below is your ticket to the 6 best islands in the country, where you can enjoy the serene beauty and hip island lifestyle of this fine country.

Let’s just jump right into it!

Pha Ngan Island

Pha Ngan is an island in the southeast of Thailand, which has more than 20 beautiful white-sand beaches. Pha Ngan is famous for its monthly Full Moon Party, a night where people of all cultures come together and let loose – and if you’re not there for the full moon, there are also similar parties for the new moon and half moon. Even if you’re not the party type, you’ll find plenty of other activities on the island including yoga classes, nature, waterfalls, snorkelling, and mountain trails. Visitors from all around the globe come to Pha Ngan, most of them young people and other backpackers travelling the world.

Samui Island

Samui Island is located very close to Pha Ngan, and is the ultimate tropical getaway. Its tropical beaches, distinctive rock formations, turquoise waters, and nearby snorkeling areas filled with marine life make the island a great place to take that perfect shot for Instagram. Centara operates several properties on the island, including Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui, along with other fine resorts and villas.

Lipe Island

In the Andaman Sea, near Thailand’s border with Malaysia, Lipe island offers a nice change of pace from the party islands further north. On this laid-back tropical island, you will find vibrant coral reefs, white sandy beaches, and a peaceful environment to spend time with your loved ones. Activities on Lipe Island include scuba, snorkelling, and yoga.

Samaesarn Island

Located just south of Pattaya, Samaesarn Island is a popular place for scuba divers and snorkellers. The natural habitat at Samaesarn island is still intact, and divers occasionally get the opportunity to catch a glimpse of majestic whale sharks. Of the five beaches at Samaesarn Island, Luk Lom beach is widely recognised as the most beautiful – with soft white sand that is on par with some of the famous beaches in Phuket. Besides swimming, you can also explore the island by trekking up the main hill.

Chang Island

Near the eastern seaboard of Thailand, Chang island is named after the Thai word for ‘elephant’, which also describes the shape of the island. (Elephant riding is also available.) With its natural beauty, easygoing vibe, and accessibility from Bangkok, Chang has become popular among Thais and foreigners alike. Because many of the island’s visitors come in from Bangkok, you will have more privacy if you go to Chang island on a weekday. Still, the island is great to visit all year round, and Centara operates a popular hotel along the beautiful Klong Prao Beach.

Phuket Island

It’s well known already to travellers around the world, but any list of Thailand’s finest islands must also include Phuket. As Thailand’s largest and most populated island, Phuket has its own fascinating cultural features, and natural highlights – as well as some of the most popular beaches in the country. Centara has several prominent properties across Phuket, including the Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket.

Sky above, sand below, peace within

Any of these popular islands in Thailand will provide you with great times and plenty of memories. So get out there, enjoy your stay, and be sure to take care of the environment around you.