7 Cheapest Islands in Thailand to Visit

When most people dream of Thailand’s islands, they picture luxury resorts, overpriced beach bars, and tourists packed shoulder-to-shoulder on tiny stretches of sand.

And sure, if you head to places like Koh Samui or Phuket during peak season, that’s probably what you’ll get, along with a much lighter wallet.

But here’s the thing: some of the cheapest islands in Thailand are also the most beautiful, least crowded, and best for travelers who actually want a more laid-back, budget-friendly experience. You just need to know where to look.

I’ve visited most of the spots on this list, and I’ve purposely skipped the overpriced tourist traps.

What you’ll find here are quiet, underrated islands where a beach bungalow won’t eat your entire travel budget, meals cost a couple of bucks, and the most expensive thing you’ll pay for might be a mango smoothie (or a slow ferry).

This isn’t a list of islands with five-star spas pretending to be “budget”, this is for travelers who actually want affordable, beautiful, and still-authentic Thai island experiences.

Whether you’re backpacking for a month, planning your own route like I do in my bold 2 Weeks in Thailand itinerary, or just trying to save on a beach escape, these are the places that still hit the sweet spot.

Koh Phayam

Average Daily Visitor Cost: $20 USD

If you want to fully unplug, Koh Phayam is one of the last Thai islands where that’s still possible. There are no cars here, just motorbikes, bicycles, and sandy footpaths that wind through jungle and cashew plantations.

The pace is slow, the crowds are thin, and the sunsets over Aow Yai Beach are the kind you remember.

Guesthouses and bamboo bungalows start as low as 400–600 baht per night, and you’ll find beachside cafés serving pad Thai for under 70 baht.

It’s also not uncommon to eat fresh seafood right on the sand for less than the price of a cocktail in Phuket.

This is the kind of place you come to do nothing, and love every second of it. It suits the traveler who wants quiet beaches, budget prices, and a complete escape from mass tourism. If you’re into digital detoxing, this is where the off-switch lives.

Koh Mook

Average Daily Visitor Cost: $20–25 USD

Tucked off the Trang coast, Koh Mook is best known for the stunning Emerald Cave, a hidden lagoon you swim into through a pitch-black sea tunnel.

But this little island has more than just Instagram appeal. It’s laid-back, friendly, and incredibly easy on the wallet.

You can find simple guesthouses or beach huts from around 500 baht a night. Many locals run restaurants out of their homes, where hearty Thai meals rarely cross the 80 baht mark.

Ferries arrive daily from the mainland, and there’s little in the way of nightlif, just calm beaches, fishing boats, and a whole lot of nothing to do (in the best way).

Koh Mook is ideal for travelers who want local charm and natural beauty without the party scene or tour bus crowd. If you’re chasing that authentic, slow-paced Thai island life, this one’s for you.

Koh Jum

Average Daily Visitor Cost: $$20–25 USD

Between Krabi and Koh Lanta, Koh Jum (also called Koh Pu) often flies under the radar. That’s exactly why people love it.

It’s got golden beaches, friendly locals, and prices that haven’t caught up with Thailand’s more famous islands.

Expect budget bungalows from 400–700 baht and beachfront meals for under 100 baht.

There’s little in the way of organized tours or nightlife here, which helps keep costs, and noise, down.

Koh Jum is perfect for couples, creatives, or anyone craving solitude and scenery without spending much. You won’t find a 7-Eleven, but you will find hammocks, fresh grilled fish, and a deep sense of calm.

Koh Yao Noi

Average Daily Visitor Cost: $25–30 USD

Located in Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi, Koh Yao Noi offers a rare balance: easy to reach but still blissfully undeveloped.

It’s more refined than some others on this list, but the prices haven’t followed suit just yet.

You’ll find homestays and low-key resorts starting around 600–800 baht. Meals at small noodle shops or night markets rarely top 100 baht.

The views, limestone karsts rising from the sea, are straight out of a luxury brochure, but you’re getting them for backpacker prices.

This island is great for solo travelers or couples looking for quiet, scenic, and culturally rich vibes.

It’s not a party spot, but it’s one of the few places where authenticity and affordability go hand in hand.

Koh Lanta

Average Daily Visitor Cost: $30–35 USD

Koh Lanta is larger and a bit more developed, but it still manages to keep things budget-friendly, especially compared to neighboring Phi Phi.

With long beaches, laid-back bars, and an expat-friendly vibe, it’s a favorite for extended stays.

Budget hotels and hostels range from 500–900 baht, and local food stalls make eating cheap and delicious.

Scooter rentals and shared taxis are affordable ways to explore, and there’s enough variety in accommodation to fit most budgets.

If you’re looking for a social but chill island with infrastructure and comfort, minus the price tag of bigger hotspots, Koh Lanta is a solid pick.

Koh Chang

Average Daily Visitor Cost: $35–40 USD

As Thailand’s second-largest island, Koh Chang delivers a surprising amount of value.

It’s not as quiet as others on this list, but if you’re after big island amenities without Phuket prices, this is where to look.

Budget hostels and guesthouses go for around 600–1000 baht, and it’s easy to eat on a budget at local markets or roadside restaurants.

With waterfalls, beaches, and a bit of nightlife, Koh Chang caters to backpackers and families alike.

You’ll spend a little more here, but it’s still possible to enjoy the island on a backpacker budget, especially if you stick to the eastern side or avoid peak holidays.

Koh Samet

Average Daily Visitor Cost: $35–50 USD

Just a few hours from Bangkok, Koh Samet is a favorite weekend getaway for Thais, which means prices spike on Friday and Saturday nights. But come midweek, deals abound.

Bungalows can go as low as 600 baht if you’re not too picky, and local food stalls keep meals under 100 baht.

The island is compact and easy to navigate, and while it’s more developed than others here, it’s still affordable with a little planning.

Koh Samet suits short-term visitors looking for a quick beach escape without flying south. Just aim for weekdays to avoid the price hikes and crowds.

Budget Tips for Island Travel in Thailand

• Use 12Go for transport planning: This site is a go-to for booking ferries, longtail boats, and even combo transfers like taxi + ferry or bus + boat in one shot. It’s especially helpful for connecting smaller islands or planning ahead during busy season.

• Travel during Shoulder Season: Months like May–June and September–October offer great deals on ferries, food, and accommodation, all without the heavy crowds of high season.

• Keep in mind Off-season Risks: Rainy days hit harder on small islands. There’s not much to do indoors, and ferry rides can get rough or canceled. It’s a trade-off: better prices, but riskier weather.

• Check the weather by month: Before booking, take a look at my guide on the best time to visit Thailand’s islands, it’s titled for Krabi, but it applies to all of these islands. They share the same yearly weather patterns, so it’s a reliable month-by-month breakdown to help you plan smart.

• Bring cash: ATMs are limited or unreliable on smaller islands, and many places don’t take cards. Come prepared, or risk paying extra to get to the nearest ATM.

• Eat local: Skip the resort restaurants and stick to noodle stalls or small family-run spots. You’ll spend less, eat better, and avoid the “Western menu” surcharge that no one asked for.

• Book accommodation on arrival (sometimes): On quieter islands, walk-ins often score better deals, especially if you’re not traveling on Thai holidays or weekends.

• Compare ferry prices: Local counters are often cheaper than online booking platforms, especially for short-distance routes.

Final Thoughts: Budget islands in Thailand

You don’t need to spend hundreds per night to have an island experience in Thailand that feels like magic.

In fact, some of the country’s cheapest islands deliver the richest memories, with fewer crowds, more local flavor, and a slower pace that lets you actually enjoy where you are.

There’s a different kind of beauty in waking up steps from the sea, sipping a 30 baht iced coffee on a plastic chair, and realizing that paradise doesn’t need to come with a luxury price tag.

And if you’re looking beyond the islands, I’ve put together a full guide on Thailand’s most affordable destinations overall, not just coastal ones. It’s a solid place to start if you want to stretch your baht across the country, not just the tropical islands.

Now, I get it, if you’ve never been to Thailand, or maybe it’s your second visit, you’re probably overwhelmed with content about the “big name” tropical destinations.

Every blog, search result, and TikTok video pushes the usual suspects: Koh Samui, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, and there’s a reason for that. They’re developed, easily accessible, packed with resorts and attractions. They dominate the internet because they’re polished and easy to promote.

But here’s the thing, not every traveler wants that. Some of us are looking for a more quintessential island atmosphere. Something quieter, more relaxed, and yes, more affordable.

And that’s where Thailand still shines if you know where to look. The islands on this list are proof that you can still find the real tropical Thailand without the tourist markup.

So if you’re planning your next Southeast Asia trip and want beaches without breaking the bank, these 7 islands are your golden ticket.

Just don’t tell everyone, part of their charm is that they’re still a bit of a secret.

And if you’re looking for even more budget travel ideas, make sure to explore my full Thailand guides where I go deeper into itineraries, scams to avoid, and more!