This is the moment a pair of tourists encountered a giant Atlas moth with a wingspan larger than their hands.

Stephanie Chayer and her friend came across the enormous insect on Koh Pha Ngan island in Thailand's Surat Thani province, Thailand, on September 22.

The moth was filmed fluttering and trembling as it spread its wings, which spanned Stephanie's entire hand, and perched on the holidaymakers' palm for a quick rest.

The Atlas moth is among the largest insects in the world and is endemic to Asia.

Their bodies are disproportionately smaller than their gigantic wings, which can reach up to 27 centimetres across.

Despite having a proboscis, these moths do not feed once they become adults, resulting in a short lifespan of between one to two weeks.