After the high energy of a Bangkok event, a change of pace is just a stone’s throw away. Thailand’s many islands offer golden beaches, warm hospitality, and a dose of natural splendour that feels tailor-made for incentive groups, team retreats, or pre- and post-event escapes. Whether you’re chasing wellness, adventure, or just some well-deserved beach time, these five island destinations deliver the kind of experiences that linger long after the return flight home….
Koh Samet
Just a few hours from Bangkok by road and speedboat, Koh Samet offers one of the easiest island escapes in Thailand, without compromising on the experience. Favoured by locals for weekend getaways, it’s the ideal setting for incentive groups seeking a relaxed yet rewarding experience. The island is dotted with stylish beachfront resorts, where sunset beach BBQs, fire shows, and cocktail hours under the stars come as standard. With its calm turquoise waters, soft white sand, and laid-back atmosphere, Koh Samet delivers that island feeling, with no flight required.
Koh Chang
As Thailand’s second-largest island, Koh Chang is a dream for groups craving connection with nature. It’s located within a national marine park and is a haven of misty mountains, waterfalls, and jungle trails that set the scene for meaningful team-building and outdoor adventures. The journey from Bangkok takes a little longer, but it’s rewarded with a setting that feels rich, remote, and refreshingly wild. Boutique resorts offer beachfront privacy, while activities like jungle trekking, snorkelling, and visits to ethical elephant sanctuaries make Koh Chang a standout for eco-conscious incentives.
Koh Samui
If your guests dream of living out their White Lotus dreams (minus the drama), Koh Samui is the place to make it happen. Season Three of the series was filmed at the Four Seasons Resort here, setting the stage for some tropical indulgence and luxury stays. Just a one-hour flight from Bangkok, Samui is one of Thailand’s most incentive-ready islands, with a wealth of high-end beachfront resorts, private villas, and wellness retreats. Whether it’s a welcome dinner on the sands of Chaweng Beach or an afternoon of spa rituals in the jungle-cloaked hills, Koh Samui delivers experiences in style, and makes island hopping to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao easily accessible.
Koh Tao
Small in size but big on charm, Koh Tao is a haven for underwater adventures and off-the-grid adventures. Take a short flight to Koh Samui, followed by a scenic ferry ride and step into paradise. The island is renowned for its vibrant dive sites and crystal-clear waters, perfect for groups keen to explore the coral reefs. This intimate destination is best suited for small-group incentives, wellness-focused getaways, or leadership retreats that prioritise connection. With boutique eco-resorts, sunrise yoga sessions, and a pace that encourages slowing down, Koh Tao invites your guests to truly unplug and dive into something deeper.
Koh Lanta
Finally, for event planners seeking something a little more low-key, and a lot more exclusive, Koh Lanta is a standout choice. Accessible via a short flight to Krabi and onward transfer, this serene island is more than worth the journey, featuring unspoiled beaches, luxury villas, and an atmosphere that feels worlds apart from Thailand’s busier hotspots. Ideal for smaller groups or wellness-led retreats, Koh Lanta offers easy access to Mu Ko Lanta National Park, where nature excursions, longtail boat adventures, and snorkelling trips create unforgettable moments. It’s peaceful, polished, and just under the radar – could you ask for much more?