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East or West Coast? How much time? Use this Thailand Island Hopping Guide to map out an adventure across the best Thai islands.
Don’t have much time but want to see more than one slice of paradise on the best islands in Thailand? Thailandβs islands have always been one of the most popular retreats for travellers, whether to find beauty and solitude, sleep on the beaches, soak up the history and culture of this wonderful, picturesque country or party until the break of dawn.
The capital of Bangkok may be your starting point, but you will soon be eager to head south to what is arguably one of the best-connected archipelagos in the region. The main and most difficult decision to make when planning a Thailand Island hopping trip is about where to go.
Contents
- Thailand Island Hopping Planning
- 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)
- Gulf of Thailand Islands Close to Bangkok
- How to Get Around the Thailand Islands
- Hotels, Hideaways and Island Resorts in Thailand
Thailand Island Hopping Planning
Which side of the Thai Islands is best?
Do I go to the east coast island cluster? Should I concentrate on the west coast only? Do I have time to hop across both sides of the Thai peninsula? Is it worth including some time on the mainland?
For many with limited time, Thailand holidays usually consist of a trip to Bangkok, with an island visit or two thereafter. This is the ideal balance, although you will find that with so many places to go in Thailand, one trip to the country wonβt ever be enough.
How much time do you need for Thailand island travel?
I squeezed in five sandy, sun-drenched hotspots when island hopping for two weeks during a glorious July. I’ve returned and spend as little as three days exploring others.
Thailand tourism exists largely in part to the draw of this incredible cluster of beautiful islands. 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.
Though some have been overdeveloped to accommodate the huge growth in tourism, there are still plenty of lesser-frequented areas on the more established Thai islands. The quieter islands have yet to be overrun, ready for some exploration that will make you feel like youβve landed in paradise.
How do I know? After years of isle escapades and using Bangkok as a short-term home base, I pulled together this Thailand Islands guide so you can start planning your adventure.
Ready to go Thailand Island Hopping?
Best Islands in Thailand on the West Side (Andaman Sea)
Koh Phi Phi Don & Koh Phi Phi Leh
Koh Phi Phi is an archipelago consisting of six islands. Phi Phi Don is the largest and main island and the only one of the six that is inhabited.
Koh Phi Phi Don Island, Thailand.
Phi Phi island doesnβt attract a specific kind of traveller since it hosts various accommodation options, from hostels to exclusive resorts. These options give easy access to the beautiful beaches and ensure that backpackers, flashpackers, and luxury holidaymakers are all catered for.
For those not on too much of a budget, Phi Phiβs more exclusive Long Beach is the most secluded on the busy side of the island.
Koh Phi Phi Long Beach Resort.
A full-day boat trip around Koh Phi Phi and Koh Phi Phi Lehβs surrounding natural environment proves how stunning this now-popular Thai island is.
Although if you are seeking out some solitude, try trekking to the βViewpointβ. It is well signposted on Koh Phi Phi island β a strenuous but short trek which gives you incredible views over the landscape of ever-changing hues of blue and green.
BOOK β Phi Phi Boat Trips
Sunset Longtail Boat Tour – Embark on a full-day sightseeing tour around the Phi Phi Islands, making eight scenery-packed stops. You’ll get to snorkel in emerald waters and see the marine life, visit Bamboo Island, Mosquito Island, and Monkey Beach, and take a journey to the famed Maya Bay.
Private Longtail Boat Charter – With a bunch of friends and want to choose where and what you want to visit? This half-day boat tour around the Phi Phi archipelago allows that flexibility.
Boat Tour From Phuket or Speedboat Tour From Krabi – Not staying in Koh Phi Phi, but still want to visit? Given the proximity to the mainland coast and other islands, you’ll 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.
Boat trip around Koh Phi Phi Leh.
Koh Phi Phi Leh and Outer Islands
The main draw for many visitors is the second-largest island of Phi Phi Leh β the uninhabited national park home to The Beach film location of Maya Bay, which reopened after a long closure to allow the environment and ecosystem to recover.
However, the area as a whole is still incredibly beautiful and should be seen. Head to Phi Phiβs outer islands and coves to escape the crowds, such as Pileh Lagoon, for a chance to swim in absolute serenity, or head for Monkey Island if you want to spot some primates as part of your visit. These highlights are typically included on a trip to Maya Bay.
READ MORE: Visiting The Beach in Thailand – Maya Bay Opens Responsibly
The famous Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh.
Phuket
Although Phuket continues to be incredibly popular with overseas visitors, it remains a popular choice for resort-focused travel. Most activity tends to focus solely on its most popular Thailand beach resorts of Patong, Kata and Karon. While they are, admittedly, great destinations, there’s far more to Phuket.
A place where you’ll 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.
The colourful Chinese temples of Phuket’s old town.
It’s 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. It’s a welcome break from the tacky tourist atmosphere that engulfs its reputation.
Other islands close to Phuket include Koh Racha, a tranquil island surrounded by azure waters, with two white sandy beaches, and Koh Hae, which translates to βCoral Islandβ. Named so because just off its beach is an incredible reef. These islands have become popular for short excursions, although they are well worth it. Make the most of snorkelling opportunities for marine life overload.
BOOK β Phuket Day Trips and Tours
Catamaran trip to Coral and Racha Islands. 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). Swim, snorkel and bathe on these stunning islands close to Phuket.
Snorkelling in the Surin Islands. Head north of Phuket to the Surin Islands, which are part of Mu Ko Surin National Park. Meet the local Sea Gypsy Moken villagers and snorkel in Nemo Bay, Mai Yai Gulf, and the Tao Gulf.
James Bond Island Luxury Sunset Cruise. Day trip to James Bond Island and the limestone formations of Phang Nga Bay and Hong Island in luxury on a boat that includes comfy sunbeds, a bar and DJ, and a sunset dinner.
Phuket Guided ATV Tour. Those looking to get out into the rugged nature of Phuket can join this ATV tour through the forests at the foot of the mountains on a journey that includes the chance to see the 45-metre-high Great Buddha of Phuket.
Visiting James Bond Island from Phuket.
Day trip to Koh Yao from Phuket for some snorkelling and kayaking adventures.
Koh Lanta
Hire a moped to explore Koh Lanta – a fairly untouched island off the coast of Krabi with a stunning 27-mile coastline. The Mu Ko Lanta National Park is perfect for adventurers, where snorkelling and wildlife opportunities are rife. Alternatively, if you want your piece of uninhabited paradise, a boat trip to nearby Koh Rok Nok and Rok Nai isnβt out of the question.
Itβs worth spending more than two days on Koh Lanta to make the most of the long travel time here, including the two-three hour ferry from Krabi and the time it takes to overland to your specific destination on the island upon arrival (which can be anything from one hour or more).
BOOK β Activities in Koh Lanta
4-Island Adventure Tour to Emerald Cave. Want to see Ko Lanta’s most beautiful outer islands? Take this speedboat tour to the Emerald Cave on Koh Mook, Koh Kradan, and Koh Chuak for snorkelling and the beaches of Koh Kradan and Koh Ngai for bathing.
Speedboat tour to Koh Rok and Koh Haa. Head out to Koh Rok and Koh Haa, two islands south of Koh Lanta and home to some of the region’s best snorkelling spots.
Tung Yee Peng Village Eco-Tour. Journey through the lush mangrove jungle on a gondola and visit the Tung Yee Peng village to enjoy a home-cooked lunch.
Koh Lipe
Further south, bordering the Malacca Strait and neighbouring Malaysia’s Langkawi Island, Koh Lipe is still one of the few Thai islands that haven’t become over-developed, maybe because it’s not as easy to get to from the Andaman Coast islands. However, this tiny getaway is not unknown.
Not only do you have three white sand beaches to choose from, including the popular and more lively Pattaya Beach, alongside Sunrise and Sunset beach, but the island offers world-class reef diving, being situated next to Tarutao National Marine Park – one of Thailand’s best and most conserved.
BOOK β Koh Lipe Day Trips
Full Day Lipe Islands and Beaches Tour. See Lipe’s outer islands (also known as the Outside Zone) by Longboat on a full-day tour, including Yang Island’s coral reefs and Sand Khao beach on Ravi Island.
Island-Like Destinations on the Andaman Coast
Krabi and Railey Beach
With limestone pillars, lush mangroves, wide waters, and a ruggedly stunning coastline, Krabi feels like an island, except it’s the waterside paradise of a mainland rural town. The main sandy stretches here are Ao Nang Beach β the main gateway to Thailandβs Andaman Coast islands β Tonsai Beach, and the star, Railey Beach (also known as Rai Leh).
Railayβs spectacular peninsula pocket can only be accessed by long-tail boats from Ao Nang. Encased by limestone cliffs, its separation from the mainland gives it a distinct island feel and is a haven for rock climbers who typically scale the jagged mounds while others bathe in the corner coves. If you only have time to visit one beach, Railay would be it.
Traditional long boats are coastline taxis taking you from one bay to another.
Rugged, untouched, Krabi coastline on Thailand’s mainland.
Krabi’s twin mountains (Khao Khanap Nam) on the Krabi River.
If you are not moving on to the larger islands like Phi Phi and Phuket, Krabi is the ideal base to explore the smaller islands that splay across the Andaman sea in between the big hitters.
BOOK β Krabi Tours
7 Islands Sunset Tour. This longtail boat tour takes you to seven small islands near Krabi. Swim the corals and sandy coves of Koh Yawasam, view the chicken-shaped rock at Koh Kai, enjoy the beach at Koh Tub, swim in the glistening waters of Koh Tan Ming before a sunset BBQ dinner off the bay of Koh Poda beach, ending with a glowing plankton swim in the waters off Koe Raeng.
Day Trip to the Hong Islands. See some of the islands close to Krabi on this day trip to the Koh Hong islands of Pakbia, Rai, Lahding and Daeng. A chance to snorkel and swim in this lesser-known area and crystal-water paradise.
Rock Climbing Session on Railey Beach. Want to try rock climbing in one of Thailand’s prime spots for this sport? Enjoy a 4-hour morning or afternoon course with an instructor as you clamber up the famed limestone cliffs.
Rocky, off-beat, Railey Beach in Krabi.
Krabi’s beaches and forested backdrop make it feel like a secluded island.
Thailand Island Hopping on the East Side (Gulf of Thailand)
Koh Tao
Koh Tao has the perfect balance of gorgeous Thai beaches and a great buzz without being too raucous or ruined. The main nightlife is centred around two main beach bars and two or three in town, which shut down at a decent hour.
Itβs the most popular and cheapest Thailand island for diving and snorkeling, with a whole host of companies able to take you out to two or three stunning hotspots for the day.
BOOK β Koh Tao Diving
Koh Tao Diving Experience. Not looking to sign up for a full course but want to try diving on Thailand’s prime scuba diving island? This full-day experience gives you a taster. You’ll 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.
The bustle of Koh Tao town.
Sairee Beach on Koh Tao Island
Koh Pha Ngan
Ko Pha Ngan is most famous for its out-of-control full moon party at Haad Rin Beach, which has come to epitomise a negative image of Thailand travel. Still, it remains a must-do right of passage on the well-worn backpacker’s trail. As one who has never been too keen on attending, I attended a Half Moon Party on the same beach instead, which was smaller, less chaotic, but still great fun. Also, check the schedules for the Black Moon Parties in the nearby forest.
However, not all of Koh Pha Ngan has been sacrificed in the name of hedonistic ruin. 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.
Haad Tien is a more remote beach, which you can only reach by boarding a boat to the east of Haad Rin. For those who are more adventurous, you will be rewarded by the beaches of Haad Yao and Haad Salet following a scenic mountain trek.
Don’t rule this island out because of its party reputation. There’s far more to it if you are curious enough to dig deeper.
Koh Samui
Ko Samui is one of the best-known Thai resort islands, attracting around one and a half million visitors annually. Known more for its upmarket resorts ideal for romantic getaways and family holidays, Koh Samui has it all. The island retains a lively trade in coconuts and rubber despite the huge tourist industry. As Thailandβs second-largest island, itβs 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.
Samui has a nearly impenetrable jungle mountain, inviting the bravest and most adventurous to explore its depths. If you want to combine sunbathing with a jeep safari or a mini-trek, Samui comprises some of the best Thailand island life. Just expect to pay a little bit more than you would elsewhere.
BOOK β Koh Samui Excursions
Ang Thong Marine Park Islands Sailing Cruise. Sail around the 42 limestone islands of the Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park on a beautiful classic Thai yacht. Enjoy sea kayaking, snorkelling, and a visit to the Emerald Lagoon.
4×4 Jeep Wild Jungle Safari Tour. This half-day tour is an adventure into the mountainous jungle of Koh Samui. 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.
Gulf of Thailand Islands Close to Bangkok
A fourβto five-hour bus ride from Bangkok to the port of Trat takes you to a trio of underrated islands, perfect for shorter trips and a taste of how Thailand’s islands once were. I booked a bus and ferry combi ticket via Boonsiri, which operates transfers to the islands in this area, including from the ferry to your accommodation. The pick-up was at their office near Khaosan Road, and lunch was included (chosen on your ticket booking).
Koh Chang
Koh Chang has soared in popularity due to its close proximity to the mainland and as the largest of the three islands on the eastern bay of the Gulf of Thailand. The island is wrapped in big, yellow sand beaches on its western and southern sides and filled with four jungle-set waterfalls, national parks, and mangrove forests. Near the border of Cambodia, Koh Chang (and this beach area in particular) retains a unique Khmer-Thai vibe not found anywhere else, and youβll likely be quickly sucked into the fun-loving community of Jungle Beach and its small strip of bars and chill hangouts β in fact, many rarely get past this spot.
BOOK β Koh Chang Snorkelling
Spend a day snorkelling coral reefs and wreak sites around Koh Chang and Koh Rang National Park. Includes buffet lunch and hotel transfers. Or consider the island as the place to start your 3-Day PADI diver course.
Koh Kood
South of Koh Chang and past the tiny island of Koh Mak is the lesser-visited Koh Kood, whose uniqueness and beauty is that its rugged forest basin hasn’t been overdeveloped. Sure, there is a smattering of luxury accommodations, but it’s dotted with plenty of bungalows on the west side of the island, owned and run by locals. We attempted to walk to many places, but the undulating roads of the island were testing, so opted for a moto drop off and pick up from our accommodation owner to the inset Ao Noi and Bang Bao Bay – two pristine beaches with champagne sands and crystal blue waters β and inland for the Klong Chao waterfall. Klong Chao Beach is the main bay, next to the tiny town with street food, restaurants, and a nearby Night Market. Tawan Eco Bar is a laid-back evening hangout with live music.
Ao Noi Beach, Koh Kood.
Swimming at Klong Chao waterfall.
Prachuap Khiri Khan
Itβs not an island, but it feels like an isle hideaway. The most central point of the Thailand peninsula, Prachuap Khiri Khan sits on the narrowest section of the mainland, with a stretch of golden beaches surrounded by luscious highlands. For an adventurous nature outing, trek through the limestone hills and freshwater marshes of Khao Sam Roi Yot, the dense forest lands of Kui Buri, and the mountainous plains of Huai Yang and its incredible five-layered waterfall complex. All three National Parks are within easy reach by car or moto.
How to Get Around the Thailand Islands
There are plenty of travel options when visiting the Thai islands. 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 ways to combine island time with mainland attractions.
How to Get to Thailand’s Islands
Some people fly into Bangkok and bus or train to mainland ports. Others begin their journey further south on the mainland in Pattaya or Krabi, or people fly directly to an island and begin island hopping straight away. Thailand island airports can be found in Phuket and Koh Samui – popular entry islands for this reason.
Taking the bus from Bangkok to the port of Trat.
Tips for Island Hopping
Whether you go island hopping or combine the best of the mainland with the pick of the island crop, or if you are looking for an action-packed island hopping tour, you can pre-book full-service packages to Thailand or choose to do it alone.
Independent travel to the Thai islands means randomly traversing the many scheduled ferries and buses that take you across these vast lands.
Pre-plan. 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.
For lists of ferry departures between destinations, check the Thai Ferry schedules in each location, especially at the ports. Nearly every guesthouse I stayed at listed ferry links and transport information, with many booking ferry tickets for you for a 50 Bhat commission. I found it very easy to book myself when at the port and save money.
Book Thailand Ferry Tickets Online
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.
Direct Ferries
I have used Direct Ferries in Europe and Asia. It’s a world-leading ferry booking website whose main feature is comparing the cheapest ferry tickets and best ferry routes that suit your budget and schedule. Here are some popular routes and average ticket prices.
Compare Thailand Direct Ferries.
Krabi (Klong Jilad Pier) to β Koh Phi Phi (Tonsai Pier).
- Journey time: one hour. Tickets: Around $27
Koh Phi Phi (Tonsai Pier) to β Phuket (Rassada Pier).
- Journey time: Up to 90 minutes. Tickets: Around $20
Koh Phi Phi (Tonsai Pier) to β Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier).
- Journey time: Up to 45 minutes. Tickets: Around $15.
Phuket (Rassada Pier) to β Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier)
- Journey time: Up to 90 minutes. Tickets: Around $40.
Koh Samui (Bangrak Pier) to β Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier)
- Journey time: Up to 45 minutes. Tickets: Around $11.
Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier) to β Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier)
- Journey time: Up to one hour. Tickets: Around $11.
- Journey time: Up to two hours. Tickets: Around $20.
12Go Asia
A popular platform covering travel across the continent, 12Go Asia is also a great platform to find the fastest routes and cheapest tickets for buses, trains and ferries.
Taking a ferry to the next Thai Island.
Hotels, Hideaways and Island Resorts in Thailand
From lux resorts to cosy beach bungalows, book your Thai island accommodation ahead of time to secure a prime spot.
Island Hopping for All Travel Types
As a popular destination, thereβs 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. And with plenty of islands to choose from (many of which I have yet to explore), island hopping is still a popular adventure that never gets old. Need more help planning day-by-day? Check out these suggested itineraries for Thailand and the Islands.
Enjoying a Thailand island hopping boat trip
What islands in Thailand will you choose?
Gemma says
Thinking of going to Koh samui from phi phi. Is it a long journey? Or failing that should we stay in phi phi for nye or krabi? I know samui would be better for nye but worried about the travel
Becki says
You can use the transport/route planner and booker on the article to work out timings, distances and dates to see what works best for you.
Nicole Vermeulen says
Hi, I’ve just read this and great info. We are wondering if its worthwhile travelling down to Langkawi, Can we fly into Phuket from Australia, travel by boat to Langkawi, then fly out of Langkawi to home? Or do we need to provide proof of exiting Thailand before we fly in. Is a flight out of Malaysia to Australia proof enough? I’m wondering if this worth it, we would have to change money from Baht to Ringit.
Becki says
I think there is immigration on either side of the ferry journey, which will be proof of entry and exit, but you will need to ask those on the ground when there on how it works now. Alternatively look up ferry terminals and time, and read up on any immigration points there. I cannot give that advice.
Myriam says
Hello,
Thank you for this island guide, it did help a lot in choosing which islands I will visit on my first trip to Thiland next month.
I travel solo and I’ll buy my ferry tickets when I’m there, deciding each morning what to do with my day, but I’m one of those people that will travel with a suitcase (and not a backpack like all the young ones π Is it easy to take the ferry with luggage? Do they charge you for it like on planes? Can it get wet?
Thanks a million for your help!
Becki says
Yes, you can take a suitcase. You leave it at a designated place on the ferry where the luggage is stored, or if it’s a smaller ferry, you’ll likely have it next/near to you. There was no charge from memory, but we only had one big bag each. Some ferry companies may charge extra for additional or overweight luggage, but there should be an overview of that with each ferry company (if they have additional luggage fees).
It is worth having some waterproof cover in case you keep it with you and you have a semi-open seat to the elements – and especially when using longboats for shorter transfers. Have the best time on the Thai islands!
Jason says
Thinking of going for a month to visit a few islands and spend maybe 4/5 days in each resort so would need a good plan like where is the best places to stay preferably beach cabin or hotel ect
Becki says
I preferred staying in beach cabins and huts – usually better if on a lower budget and ideal if you are coming and going a lot. You might want to mix in a hotel here and there for a spot of luxury and more comfort. The best bet is to work out what you want to do on each island and marry the accommodations accordingly – where you want to be based on bigger islands, for example.
Lydia says
Hi Becki,
Thailand quickly comes to mind as it remains one of my favorite. Island hopping is olden yet it rejuvenates through creativity over and over again. Thank you for the guide!
Jerome Taylor says
The picture perfect tropical Islands are one of the main reasons that make Thailand as a must visit place in the world
Sandra says
Island hopping is what I love the most. It really excites me. Thank you for sharing a brilliant guide.
Gabrielle says
Hi Becki, I am travelling through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam from March-August. I had originally plannned to fly into Bangkok and go clockwise through Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, then back down to the south islands of Thailand – but after researching the weather I am thinking it might be best to go anti-clockwise and do the south islands first? From what I’ve researched there’s a better chance of the islands still being relatively rain free from March – May. I am correct? What would be your advice?
Becki says
Yes, I would follow the general weather guidelines and chase the sun. But remember, all the islands are really well connected and even if you need to cross to the set of islands on the other side of the mainline peninsula, it doesn’t actually take that long! It’s easy to ‘hop’ around! Have fun!
Kieran says
I am going to Krabi then plan to travel the islands for around 3 weeks fro December 17th 2015. If your there give me a holla. This post was so helpful and I plan to check the places out myself. I love Koh Samui. I stayed there this time last year and it was amazing. I go alone and it was my first time last year so I made the mistake of only leaving Krabi in my final week. This time I will stay 2 days in Krabi then i am getting my travel on.
Salil says
Hey, planning our 7nights honeymoon in Dec first week….planning to travel west & east islands…can u suggest ideal sequence we should travel to avoid hassles, mode of transport & also islands which will give us beauty & privacy…thanks in advance π
Becki says
It’s Asia, there will be hassles along the way, but you embrace it. However, Thailand has a super ferry infrastructure. You can either start in Phuket and go West to East, or Koh Tao and go East to West. Either way you have to cross the main land (a lot of ferries routes have combination bus tickets). Start at one island and your guesthouse can help you book your onward tickets.
Juliet says
Great post, thank you! I’m doing 7 days of West coast island hopping by myself in December. Do you have any tips on nice accommodation which will also have other backpackers? I like the look of some nice hotels but worry I’l be too secluded as a solo traveller. Thank you π
Becki says
As a solo travellers, hostels are certainly your very best option to meet people!
Stuti says
Very useful post! I’m planning to go in April – which would be your top two island picks?
Becki says
My favourite islands were Koh Chang (smaller and not so much on the main circuit) and Koh Tao.
Emily says
I’m heading off to Thailand in July and really excited about it! I’ve got about 10 days at the end of my holiday to spend island hopping and trying to figure out where to go. Would love to try the Eastern islands but is it worth going at that time of year or shall I stick to the western islands like Koh Tao?
Becki says
I went in July and went East and West. It was always the best weather, but it’s easy to hop from one side to the other to chase the weather!
Josie says
I’m heading to Phuket in march and didn’t even think about island hopping around it… GREAT inspiration! Thank you!
Omar says
Hey Becki Great to see people enjoying Thailand adventures π i did a trip to Malaisia (KL) and Thailand Phuket and phi phi islands around last June, even it’s low saison but lot of Young travelers were in the place ..Such a great expΓ©rience with trekking, snorkeling, scooter, discovering, swiming activities …A PARADISE !
Cheers from Casablanca Morocco Becki π just discover your web site, excited to follow you adventures, keep on it !
Lauren says
Great tips chick. I’m going next January for two weeks. Planning on spending a week in Bangkok then week on an island, can you suggest where is best for experiencing some culture and good day trips to other islands but also with a decent hotel. I’ve been looking at Phuket but not sure if some of the others might be better?
Becki says
The problem with Phuket is that you have the old town which is great for all the old Chinese history and nature…but the built up side to the island is, in my opinion, one of the worst. Great excursions to outlying islands though, except James Bond Island is over run. The islands are not exactly culture ridden, but paradise chill where you can find it. Krabi on the mainland is great for local life and with easy access to Railey, Phi Phi, Lanta and from Lanta, Lipe.
Craig says
Koh Tao is definitely my favorite; beautiful beaches, great diving, relaxed vibe with many cool restaurants and bars lined along the sunset beach. Like you say the main reason it works so well is the balance; not too busy like Phi Phi or Koh Pha Ngan, meaning you can actually find a spot on the beach, but there is still plenty of people about to meet and hang with.
Simone says
Hey i love this post thanks!! I was wondering whether September is a good time to travel to thailand? I plan to spend 2 weeks, starting out in Bangkok for a few days then going on from there maybe going to 2 or 3 other islands. In your opinion what are the best for newbies jut wanting an overall impression and experience of thailand?? I dont mind night life but ultimately I want to relax in bliss in beautiful surroundings!! X
Becki says
The best time to travel in Thailand is November – February. September still comes under the ‘rainy season’ although this doesn’t mean it rains all day. This guide is a good start for newbies to the islands, but depends if you want more time on the mainland. If so, I would cut out an island or two and head to Chiang Mai also.
Sherren says
How did you find the weather on the island in July, I’m trying to decide where
Becki says
It was hit and miss…. some days were blazing hot and others very mild. The beauty of the islands is that you can easily cross to another π
Debbie says
Hi, love your website! we are going to a wedding on Haad Yao Beach on Koh Phangan in Jan. I’m thinking of traveling for 3 weeks in total from the UK. Thought maybe spending a couple of nights in Bangkok on the way to the wedding then going from there. I have no idea where to start though. I’m a keen scuba diver and would also maybe want to visit a national park and see wild animals. Have you any suggestions on where we could visit?
Thanks! π
Becki says
Koh Tao is best for diving. As for national parks, they are everywhere, but there’s three all in close proximity to each other – Kui Buri, Khao Sam Roi and Huai Yang – on the south east coast, before you can cross on the ferry to the islands.
Danny says
Great post! Thanks for sharing.. lots more islands in Thailand that I need to explore but for now Koh Phangan remains my favourite, kicking back in a hammock on Haad Yao.
Bojan says
Hi Everyone,
List is great, I like info. I will be on Thailand from mid February to first days of March…
I have place to stay in BKK, but planning to go to Chang Mei for 2-3 days, but can decide which side to go after that… π
Should I go for Koh Samet and then to Koh Cheng ( Maybe I will fit 2 days in Cambodia in case I go this way, to visit Siem Reap and Anchor Wat)?
Or should I take other side, where I still dont know where to go… So many islands, so many places to see and go to… Ko Tao, Ko Pha Ngan, or Phi Phi and other islands on that side…
Please give some tips and suggestion… I am not looking for crazy parties, more for great and beautiful beaches and crystal water, and some exotic jungle tour…
Please help π
Wade says
Glad I found this post…spending a month in Thailand during the year-long RTW trip with my girlfriend. Was really hoping to get the inside scoop on which islands are less touristy than others and how to get there…so yea…perfect post! Thanks!
Ryan Brown says
BOOKMARKED! And added to my offline reading list as well! I cannot wait to land in Thailand in 40 days, and your list is awesome for some potential ideas for places to visit. Thank you! I want all the recommendations I can get π
Jennifer says
So excited to see Koh Samui on your list! We’re going there as part of our trip to Thailand. I can’t wait to see the beaches and marine life!
Becki says
Perfect for couples time! Are you heading to any others?
Dennis says
Here’s a tip. The large longtails will haul your scooter for an additional fee.
Becki says
Thanks for the tip! π
Daisy Wong says
Thanks for posting this Becki as I am going to Thailand in January! I know it will be the busiest month since it’s peak season however, I do not plan on booking any accomodations. Do you think I will be able to find somewhere to stay at a reasonable rate? I will start in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Koh Phangan (FMP), Krabi and Koh Lanta. I hope you are enjoying Thailand with your mom! Happy Travels π
Daisy
Becki says
Hey Daisy. I would, where you can, book ahead. I went in July, which is low season, and even then places filled up fast after ferries arrived. We had to look around a few places and make decisions SUPER quickly. If you want somewhere semi-decent I would do some research as well as take a chance π You might find a place no problem but be prepared that it may not be all that. My friend and I didn’t mind and were not fussy, which helps, but it was still a bit of a bum-fight at times to score a good one π
Rashaad says
Have you ever visited Ko Samet? I have gone there during all of my Thailand visits, and have had a blast. On a ferry ride there, I randomly met a Thai dude with whom I became good friends! Anyway, Ko Samet has the perfect mix of Thai and Western tourists, and vibrant nightlife.
Chris says
I love the Thai islands! You’re right though, you need to explore a bit more to find that slice of paradise!
I took an awesome day tour from Phi Phi (it cost me about a tenner) and it took in places like Maya Bay and Monkey Beach – but it also takes you to Bamboo and Mosquito Island….which were the best beaches I’ve ever set foot on. Pure postcard perfection!
Becki says
I loved my all day tour around the Phi Phi islands. It’s how I spent my 30th birthday! π That area is stunning!