Too many islands, too little time! Thailand has more than its fair share of islands, and for the first time visitor, picking the right Thai island can be a pretty daunting undertaking.

Thailand is famous for its tropical islands. From Phuket to Ko Lipe, Ko Samui to Ko Tao and from one Ko Chang to another, there's an island for every month, a beach for every week, and a new palm tree to lay under for every day.

Thailand has three main sets of islands; those to the east of Bangkok, between Bangkok and the Cambodian border; those in the southern Gulf of Thailand; and those in the Andaman Sea -- off the west coast of Thailand, between the Burman and Malaysian frontiers.

So, here's an overview of some of the best islands in Thailand, including the best-known spots like Ko Samui, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Chang and Ko Samet. We've also covered a smattering of the lesser known islands that you probably won't read about in your guidebook -- in our opinion these can be some of the best islands in Thailand.

• Koh Samui

  As a popular island destination, Ko Samui is surpassed in Thailand only by Phuket.

• Koh Pha Ngan

  Although best known for its full moon parties, which attract thousands of travellers from all over the globe, there is a lot more to stunning Ko Pha Ngan than getting trashed and passing out in the powder-soft white sand.

• Koh Samet

  Ostensibly part of a national park, the small island of Ko Samet is the perfect weekend getaway from Bangkok and while this proximity has brought convenience, it has also brought the developers on in hordes.

• Koh Chang

  Most of Ko Chang's beaches are on the western coast, and each has built up with a distinctive atmosphere based on shopping, activities, partying or chilling out.

• Koh Phi Phi

  Arguably the most stunning location in Thailand, Ko Phi Phi is home to guest houses, luxury hotels, bars, restaurants, tailors, internet cafes, travel agents, banks, piers, CD shops and clothes markets.

• Phuket Islands

  While there's plenty to see on Phuket, several smaller surrounding islands, each offering unique sights of their own, are easily accessible within an hour or two by boat.

• Other Thailand Islands

  We've also covered a smattering of the lesser known islands that you probably won't read about in your guidebook -- in our opinion these can be some of the best islands in Thailand.