25 Best Places to Go Snorkeling in the World, Affordable Honeymoon Destinations You Might Not Have Thought of Yet, National Parks in Photos: The Most Beautiful Image We Could Find of Every US National Park, A First Look at Seabourn's New Expedition Voyage Through the Kimberley, Australia, When It Comes to Summer, Nothing Beats the Northeast. that leads to a series of three viewpoints from. The boat with crew and captain and also guides were great but the snorkling times were way too short. Small Koh Lipe island is only 3.5 km long and 2.5 km wide. Koh Yao Noi is more prepared for tourism in all aspects, especially when it comes to accommodation, which is more professional. You leave it at a designated place on the ferry where the luggage is stored, or if its a smaller ferry, youll likely have it next/near to you. Getting in and out involves taking a boat from/to Koh Samui, which can be expensive if you are in a rush. The island is beautiful with lots of hidden beaches, jungle and breathtaking views. Make sure your Thailand island hopping trip is one for the record bookshire me to plan it. It is an island for backpackers and independent travellers, as it hardly has any high-end hotels or resorts. Given the proximity to the mainland coast and other islands, youll find plenty of day trips from Phuket and Krabi that get you to the best beaches and famous bays around Koh Phi Phi Leh, including a stop at Phi Phi Don for lunch. At InThailand.Travel we only talk about places we know personally. Pros: Its a very pretty island with a great backpacker vibe. I went thier by shared boat but I would like to recommend to book private traditional longtail boat because we can design our trip with no limited time (i saw the price is afforadable). Tung Yee Peng Village Eco-Tour. Pros: Easy to get to. So is it recommended for everyone to visit Koh Phi Phi Don? The island has some other small coves, only accessible when tide allows. Pros: Probably the most beautiful of the Trang islands. Its also an ideal island to use as a base to explore the surrounding areas, such as the popular James Bond Island and particularly from the southern tip at Rawai, where moored longtail boats can take you to peaceful nearby islands regularly. Like Phuket and Krabi, Trang sits in the Andaman Sea. An added benefit of visiting Samui? Pros: It has many very beautiful and diverse beaches. Koh Poda has white sand beaches that plunge into stunning turquoise waters. Koh Phayam is yet another little treasure of Thailand. Here you will find really beautiful beaches, good snorkeling and an impressive viewpoint you can climb up to. It has stunning beaches with white sand and crystal-clear water, pristine waterfalls, and beautiful temples. A chance to snorkel and swim in this lesser-known area and crystal-water paradise. You might want to mix in a hotel here and there for a spot of luxury and more comfort. The island is mainly rocks but there is 08.45am we start to go on the speed boat 09.00am depart at the pier to Tachai Island. If you enjoy a hippie lifestyle or are looking for a really alternative option, this is your island. Swim, snorkel and bathe on these stunning islands close to Phuket. This full-day experience gives you a taster. Theres nothing wrong with this island, but I doubt it would be half as famous if it werent for the old movie. Koh Chang still keeps a rather wild spirit in its interior, a mountainous and jungle-covered area. If you head to the opposite side of the island, you will find the two quiet beaches of Thong Nai Pan on the northeast coast, complete with secluded bungalows. Koh Chang Noi is a small island near Koh Phayam, and it has a hippie atmosphere despite having a Thai army camp. Its one of the lesser-known island outposts in Thailand: the utopian small islet of Koh Lipe. There are more than one beautiful Thai islands to match your interest. The roads are mostly very good and you can explore the whole island on your own. On the other hand, there are plenty of actual islands within the purview of Krabi province, from famous Koh Phi Phi to lesser-known Koh Poda, usually seen on a day trip from Railay or Ao Nang. This experience is a MUST when you visit Thailand. Thailand quickly comes to mind as it remains one of my favorite. Laem Had beach is simply spectacular. In some cases it is possible to overnight in bungalows or tents managed by the Thai governments Department of National Parks. Full Day Lipe Islands and Beaches Tour. To provide a personalised user experience, we and our partners use cookies to store and/or access device information. Cons: Hotels are quite expensive. The seaside town of Ao Nang, where the large majority of visitors stay, is ideal for tours to Koh Phi Phi, Hong Island, Railay Bay, Koh Poda and others. Anantara Bophut, W Koh Samui and Banyan Tree Samui are among the headliners here when it comes to top-end offerings. The Similan Islands, known as the Pearls of the Andaman Sea, are an archipelago managed as a Marine National Park. 1) Phuket Phuket is the most famous island in Thailand. In Koh Adan there are some Sea Gypsy villages, but, in general, the rest of these islands are totally unspoilt and not developed at all. Chicken Island and swimming amongst its rich and colorful coral reefs, Effective protection has led to the breathtaking views of white. Guests of Cat Island have to take a ferry. The Best Time to Take a Thailand Beach Trip, Other FAQ About the Best Islands in Thailand. no-holds-barred all-night raves) and inspired similar love-or-loathe affairs in such exotic locales as Goa, Zanzibar, and Zadar. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. If you click through or buy something via one of them, I may receive a small commission. How do I know? Koh Lanta is made up of two parts linked together by a bridge: Koh Lanta Yai (large) and the Koh Lanta Noi (small). Pre-plan. Have the best time on the Thai islands! Meet the local Sea Gypsy Moken villagers and snorkel in Nemo Bay, Mai Yai Gulf, and the Tao Gulf. Ang Thong Marine Park Islands Sailing Cruise. For those who are more adventurous, you will be rewarded by the beaches of Haad Yao and Haad Salet following a scenic mountain trek. Beautiful art and very spacious rooms and ensuite bathroom. Small Hong island is located off Phang Ngas coast, and is often visited on boat tours from Krabi. If I had to choose the most beautiful island in Thailand in objective terms, not the one I like the most, but the one that I think best meets the idea of a tropical island paradise that we all have in our heads, I would choose Koh Phi Phi Don. Ko Samui is one of the best-known Thai resort islands, attracting around one and a half million visitors annually. This can be helpful if you want to secure a seat on a popular route or ensure you get a ticket for a specific time. From lux resorts to cosy beach bungalows, book your Thai island accommodation ahead of time to secure a prime spot. Booked through our hotel "The Tint" as part of an island hop experience. The most famous is the . Your patience is appreciated. It is the gateway to the Koh Tarutao Marine National Park. Islands that offer accommodation (from 1st to 21st), Virgin Islands without hotels (from 22nd to 30th). The peak tourist period is between July and September, but if you're looking for mild weather conditions, smaller crowds, and the distinct possibility of a whale shark sighting, June is an even better option. Ideal if you travel with a backpack and if you want to get a PADI certification or any other kind of diving course. This half-day boat tour around the Phi Phi archipelago allows that flexibility. Want to take your dream trip to Thailand, but having a nightmare as you try to plan it? How much time? Koh Chang Island, which is not far from Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It is little developed, with pretty cool beaches and a limited accommodation offer. After visiting this island there is nothing bad I can say if I tried , its definitely ticked all the boxs for us without a doubt a very beautiful place and something for everyone . From the resort, Klong Son Beach is 150 metres away while the more popular White Sand Beach is around 2.7 kilometres away. 12Go Asia Hotels, Hideaways and Island Resorts in Thailand Island Hopping for All Travel Types Related Thailand Island Hopping Planning Which side of the Thai Islands is best? Probably some of the best islands in Thailand are here. From here you can visit the incredible Similan Islands. Railay is a landlocked bay surrounded by limestone cliffs, and it has one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand and maybe the whole world: Phra Nang. It definitely feels like oneyou need to take a boat to reach Railay Baybut its actually part of the mainland. The islands of Thailand on the following list are mostly small islands with amazing beaches, but they have no hotels. One of the countrys most acclaimed rum distilleries is also about 30 minutes away by car if youre looking for something truly local.Best for: Tourists with limited vacation time, Most of Ko Lanta is flat and can be explored on motorbike without feeling like you're going to be run off the road. Koh Phangan is perfect to discover by scooter. However, it seems very crowded with many tour groups and had a lot going on for a relatively small area. Koh Samui has the most beautiful airport in the country, which despite being international mostly operates domestic flights. It's easy to understand its appeal. These islands have become popular for short excursions, although they are well worth it. The exact dates when the ferries start and stop change year to year, double-check the dates before planning your Thailand island hopping route. Great place to relax in wonderful surroundings with friendly people. Make sure to visit Koh Podas spectacular secret beach. Read our Privacy Policy. Enjoy sea kayaking and snorkelling and a visit to the Emerald Lagoon. There are several hotels ranging between 2* and 4*, such as the Seven Seas Resort Koh Kradan. Best Islands in Thailand on the West Side (Andaman Sea), Island-Like Destinations on the Andaman Coast, Thailand Island Hopping on the East Side (Gulf of Thailand), Hotels, Hideaways and Island Resorts in Thailand. Probably the second most famous island in Thailand, only after Phuket. Known more for its upmarket resorts ideal for romantic getaways and family holidays, Koh Samui has it all. Thank you for reading! What is the most visited island in Thailand? Andaman Sea islands: On the west of the peninsula is the Andaman Sea, where islands such as Koh Lanta, Koh Mook and Koh Lipe lie. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. To experience the former (and avoid the latter) skip the long overcrowded west coast (including the sordid leanings of Patong Beach) and head to a quieter corner like Cape Panwa. Good 4* or higher category hotels are scarce. Still, it remains a must-do right of passage on the well-worn backpackers trail. Is it worth including some time on the mainland? Cons: Without a private vehicle, car or motorcycle, it is difficult to get around the island. It is well signposted on Koh Phi Phi island a strenuous but short trek which gives you incredible views over the landscape of ever-changing hues of blue and green. A place where youll be surprised once you dig deeper into its Chinese and Indian history, get lost in local markets and seek out secluded viewpoints away from the busy and saturated tourism areas. Which Islands In Thailand Are The Best? Overview. You will not be alone because its hotplace and crowded. Offering something for everyone, prices may be higher than in other parts of Thailand, but it's a small trade-off for the sheer diversity and fun to be found here. In addition to its beaches, which are beautiful although not among the best in the country, Koh Chang offers the possibility of trekking through the jungle and joining snorkeling boat tours to nearby islands. Theres something for just about every type of tourist, too; the trouble is in knowing the difference between carefully developed areas that could host. We stayed at a new resort Yao Bada Badoo a boutique resort where we rented a private five bedroom villa. Within these two proverbial columns, additional subdivisions exist. Or do we need to provide proof of exiting Thailand before we fly in. Choosing the perfect island escape in Thailand is like shopping for cologne at a perfume store there are just too many fabulous options to choose from! Koh Phi Phi Don is a small island (8 km long and 3.5 km wide) in the Andaman Sea. Tailor made travel packages around Thailand designed by our local travel experts, 1st to 8th: The most popular islands in Thailand, 9th to 21st: Lesser known islands with accommodation, 22nd to 30th: The most impressive virgin islands of Thailand, Not islands, but still pretty good beach destinations. Black Turtle Dive, Sairee Cottage Diving and Big Blue Diving are Ko Taos top dive centers in terms of facilities, equipment rental, boat services and quality of instruction. Despite this, it is a popular destination for family tourism too, especially among Thai, Russian and Chinese. Luckily, there's a direct ferry that takes visitors from the mainland to the island in 20 minutes. The party kicks off on the evening of the full moon with ramshackle beachfront bars pumping out reggae and trance beats, prompting hordes of ravers to jive onto the open stretch of beach that doubles as a dance floor. But help is at hand! 2022. The Mu Ko Lanta National Park is perfect for adventurers, where snorkelling and wildlife opportunities are rife. Journey time: Up to 45 minutes. However, the free-flowing booze and anything-goes atmosphere tempt many people to let their guard down along with their hair. Phuket is an excellent base for exploring the other islands and caters to everything a traveller needs on the trip. It took about 10 minutes for the boat ride At Koh Tan there is restaurants and you can enjoy good Thai food (fresh fish). However, you will still need to factor in a route based on your overall decision on where to go in Thailand since there are many things to do on the mainland and island clusters combined. Article originally publishded by Emma Sparks. It's perfect for hammock dwellers, maybe, but not anyone looking to crush buckets full of Chang beer all day.Best for: Postcard views and Insta-ops, To strike a balance between a relaxing stay and seizing the day, spend a little time on Sunrise or PattayaKo Lipes most popular beachesand then branch off into one of the national park islands (Ko Adang, Ko Rawi, Ko Tarutao) nearby. It is highly recommended: they are truly spectacular. This huge stone sits in perfect balance on top of another stone. From November to April it is possible to visit nearby Koh Tarutao, a gorgeous Marine National Park with plenty of unspoilt beaches. Use this Thailand Island Hopping Guide to map out an adventure across the best Thai islands. })(document, 'script', '//cf.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); As a popular destination, theres a whole variety of ways to travel in Thailand, from budget to blowout, organised to free spirit, all of which can be readily sourced and easily planned. The island is among the worlds top destinations for scuba diving training, whether that means certification courses for first-timers or career courses for scuba professionals. We travelled across from pukhet in the ferry for a reasonable price and did 2 days on the island before heading to krabi , the long boat rides are amazing all good prices and our skipper were brilliant made our 5 hour trip really fun and enjoyable . Some beaches have annoying sandflies in the sand. The restaurants and nightlife are good there really is something for everyone to do and the locals all make you feel welcome and part of the island I will be going again and would recommend this to anyone as a must do .thank you phi phi youve definitely given me happy memories, Should go with private traditional boat for wonderful photo angle, Dont miss this place once you come to Krabi. Pros: It is the paradise of tranquility. On the Gulf of Thailand side, the first contender for best islands to visit in Thailand is Koh Samui, where the high-end beach resort areas of Chaweng and Lamai along the east coast contrast dramatically with rough-and-tumble Nathon in the west. Here are the most stunning islands to add to your Thailand bucket list. The barren landscape further inland could almost classify as savannahfull of desolate sand dunes and dazzling birds youll need a comprehensive field guide to identify. Youll be welcomed by a peaceful atmosphere and big Buddha Statues. There was no charge from memory, but we only had one big bag each. Since I settled in Thailand back in 2010, I have never stopped traveling around the country. The main nightlife is centred around two main beach bars and two or three in town, which shut down at a decent hour. Wonderful nature, lovely authentical people, best Thai-Food and, and scuba divingWould recommend taking water shoes due to. Luxury accommodations around these parts include the private oceanside penthouses and pool villas at Sri Panwa. Samui has a nearly impenetrable jungle mountain, inviting the bravest and most adventurous to try their hand at exploring the depths. Speedboat tour to Koh Rok and Koh Haa. Board a luxury catamaran and relax on deck as you sail to the white sand beaches of Koh Hae and Koh Racha (Coral and Racha Islands). Day trip to Koh Yao from Phuket for some snorkelling and kayaking adventures. Hi, Ive just read this and great info. Becki Enright is a British Travel Press Award-winning writer whose work focuses on changing perceptions about misunderstood aspects of destinations. In fact, Great Britain is made up of. Theres far more to it if you are curious enough to dig deeper. Actually it is so small that you can literally get eveywhere on foot. Most activity tends to focus solely on its most popular Thailand beach resorts of Patong, Kata and Karon. Required fields are marked *. Phuket Guided ATV Tour. All rights reserved. Head north of Phuket to the Surin Islands, which are part of Mu Ko Surin National Park. This is at no extra cost to you and allows this site to keep running. Looking at the world with a different angle to change perceptions of misunderstood places, for the best in travel. Anirban Mahapatra Feb 18, 2022 7 min read Ko Samui, Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Tao are Thailand's three favorite islands Getty Images / itsskin Choosing the perfect island escape in Thailand is like shopping for cologne at a perfume store there are just too many fabulous options to choose from! Whether youre a luxury lover, a beach bum, a party-goer, a wellness seeker or an adventure junkie, here's our guide to choosing your ideal island in the Gulf of Thailand. What islands in Thailand will you choose? Absolute Sanctuary and Kamalaya are among the countrys best-known wellness retreats both offer all-inclusive luxury packages based on detoxing, de-stressing and emotional therapy. Here are other islands that are worth visiting: As is the case with the best time to visit Thailand more generally, the dry months are best suited for a Thailand beach vacation. Each has its own unique personality; some are great for adventurers, some are ideal for backpacker parties and some are perfect for those just looking to chill out on a beautiful beach. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); How much time do you need for Thailand island travel? Next, you will find the most famous islands in the country. Youll get a safety briefing, take a short test, and then head out on the dive boat to begin your journey in the shallow bay waters to a maximum depth of 12 meters. It is one of the famous 4 Islands that are visited in one of the most popular boat tours on offer at any tour agency in Ao Nang. Trat is a province in Thailand, right on the border of Cambodia. One of the most rewarding things about Koh Lanta, in addition to its green interior and its long beaches, is that it has managed to keep a local atmosphere. From Koh Yao Noi is very easy to go to the famous Laem Had beach in neighbouring Koh Yao Yai. This is the ideal balance, although you will find that with so many places to go in Thailand,one trip to the country wont ever be enough. Named after its elephant-shaped headland, Ko Chang or "Elephant Island," is part of the Mu Ko Chang National Park. In this excerpt from Lonely Planet's 1000 Ultimate Experiences, we take you to some of the world's sweetest, most, Island-hoppers neednt venture to Greece or Thailand for their fix of beaches, ferries and the castaway lifestyle. So, to make island-hopping more logistical and easier to plan, Ive broken Thailands best islands down into three geographical groups: Andaman Sea islands:On the west of the peninsula is the Andaman Sea, where islands such as Koh Lanta, Koh Mook and Koh Lipe lie. Alternatively, if you want your piece of uninhabited paradise, a boat trip to nearby Koh Rok Nok and Rok Nai isnt out of the question. It is also a good island for snorkeling and diving. Dont have much time but want to see more than one slice of paradise on the best islands in Thailand? Pros: A fairly large island that can be fun to tour on a motorcycle. Perfect for people watching.Best for: Unapologetic partiers, Thanks to tireless campaigns about the "Pearl of the Andaman Sea" and ample flights from Bangkok that take less than 90 minutes, Thailand's largest island has been one of its biggest draws since the '80s. From cruising across turquoise lagoons to hiking otherworldly coastlines, these island escapes offer something for every type of couple. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Even the most popular, long beaches are pretty much empty, so Koh Mook is truly a paradise island! Learn more about how we use cookies in our Privacy Policy. Gulf of Thailand islands:On the east coast of the peninsula is the Gulf of Thailand, where islands such as Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan lie. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Koh Samui is one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. If youve read my words and taken them to heart, youll know a lot more about the best islands to visit in Thailand (not to mention, how to transpose the island hopping fantasy on your bucket list into an itinerary) than when you first arrived on this page. Trat islands: The province of Trat, which is also in the Gulf of Thailand but on the opposite side of the gulf, has islands such as Koh Chang and Ko Kood off its coastline. It was full board at the restaurant on the resort which is also open to outsiders. James Bond Island Luxury Sunset Cruise. Best Places to Visit in Thailand By Alissa Grisler | Reviewed by Elizabeth Von Tersch | Last updated on May 8, 2023 With a history that spans centuries and an exotic and friendly culture,. Koh Mook is an underrated island in the Andaman Sea, easily reached from Trang and a popular day trip from Koh Lanta, but not for visiting the island itself. Image Source. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For many with limited time, Thailand holidays usually consist of a trip to Bangkok, with an island visit or two thereafter. Of course, you could just as easily sing the praises of the Trat islands, located in the eastern reaches of the Gulf of Thailand near the border with Cambodia. Pros: Youll find very few tourists. Theres a mind-boggling variety of marine life to be spotted in these waters, including routine cameos by whale sharks, blacktip reef sharks, eagle rays, stingrays and hawksbill turtles. Keep your senses about you dealers tout dodgy substances despite regular police raids (with stiff penalties for possession) and pilferers wander the crowds in search of unattended purses and mobile phones. For those inclined towards a lavish spa experience, rejuvenation centers such as Eranda Herbal Spa, the Spa at Four Seasons Koh Samui and Luxsa Spa take relaxation to a whole new level. Continue onward to other islands is easy, whether you take a quick ferry ride over to Koh Pha Ngan for the Full Moon Party, or the longer journey to idyllic Koh Tao. Cons: It is time-consuming to get there. Keen to explore the world? The best islands in Thailand are: Phuket, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Taratao, Koh Kood, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Lanta. Great massage by Chi from Bangkok. All rights reserved. A very popular weekend getaway among Bangkokians, who go there basically to feast on seafood. Fully day extrusion hopping in and out of island from our boat to canoes. For detailed timings and costs for trains to the mainland and connecting ferries, visit The Man in Seat 61, which I found the most useful online source for planning and looking at mainland towns and their connecting ferry ports. 4-Island Adventure Tour to Emerald Cave. 2. Catamaran trip to Coral and Racha Islands. Also good for freediving, hiking and snorkeling. Koh Si Chang is the closest island to Bangkok. Butterfly landing on cat's nose. So if choosing where to go in Thailand is extensive enough, picking out islands is like standing in a sweet shop with dozens of jars, but you can only choose one-third of them. Speedboat picked us up at the beach at our hotel Long Beach Chalet. For example, while from Phuket you can take day or weekend trips to the Koh Yao islands or Koh Phi Phi, Ko Pha Ngan and Koh Tao are not far from Koh Samui. Although if you are seeking out some solitude, try trekking to the Viewpoint. Head to White Sand Beach for lots of . It has a wide range of hotels of all kinds. What if I told you the one of the best Thai islands wasnt an island at all? Whiz around island highlights, including the famed Grandfather/Grandmother Rocks, the mummified monk statue and the iconic Big Buddha, while getting to some of the best mountain-top viewpoints. Be aware several of the islands below are accessible during the high season November-May. In which season are you traveling? THE 10 BEST Thailand Islands Islands in Thailand Enter dates Filters 2 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Classes & Workshops Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Nature & Parks Sights & Landmarks Thailands islands are famous for their wonderful beaches, laid-back vibe and fun activities, such as scuba diving, snorkelling and hiking. As Thailands second-largest island, its not only beaches and fisherman villages that await you but the backdrop of the tropical jungle, Khao Pom, which makes up the central part of the island. Pros: Total tranquility in very comfortable resorts with sea views. As Thailand has quite a long coastline, there are many islands that fall within its territory. For lists of ferry departures between destinations. Try Samma Karuna for packages weaving in yoga, art therapy, meditation and Ayurvedic healing, or Orion Healing Centre for vegan food, reiki treatments and yoga programs. Koh Samui right next door might be much better known, but Koh Phangan offers much more originality and is less developed than Koh Samui. Koh Samed is a small island with several beaches, some of them quite beautiful, and very decent snorkeling. Youre on a pristine beach fringed by turquoise sea, fresh coconut in hand, on a hammock gently swaying between two palm trees youre probably on an island in Thailand. It is connected to the mainland by a bridge and has an international airport, which makes it the most easily accessed island in the country. Pros: A large island that keeps a local atmosphere, can be explored by motorcycle and offers plenty of entertainment. Little known Koh Maak is a tiny island in the eastern seaboard, halfway between Koh Chang and Koh Kood. Ad Choices, Off of its two coasts, there are literally hundreds of islands to choose from on a trip to Thailand. Can you overnight? Rowdy beach parties aren't difficult to find, but when you're ready for peace and relaxation, it's easy to slip away to more romantic places with blue water. This means it's a microcosm of what's both good and groan-inducing about tourism. Next you have a list of many other islands, not as popular as the previous ones, where it is possible to overnight. Tickets: Around $15. If youre planning to visit Koh Samui, plan at least 3 days to see the island.
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