Thailand is a popular holiday destination for a lot of reasons. Its vibrant capital city (Bangkok), beautiful temples, delicious cuisine, unique culture, shopping avenues, and adventurous activities are a few things that attract people to this country. But one of the most important reasons people visit Thailand is its gorgeous islands. Located in Southeast Asia, Thailand has more than 1400 islands, each one known for its breathtaking beauty. Hence, your Thailand holiday should not be limited to a Bangkok trip. Instead, you must plan to explore its islands. The islands of Thailand with their diverse environment, white sand beaches, rich marine life, and limestone caves make for stunning landscapes. Hence, island hopping is something you must experience when in Thailand. Here we offer you the best places to go island hopping in Thailand.
Best Regions for Island Hopping in Thailand
Before choosing the islands to explore in Thailand, it is important to choose the region. There are two regions for island hopping in Thailand: one on the west coast, i.e., on the Andaman Sea and the other on the east coast, i.e., on the Gulf of Thailand. Both regions are home to some of the most beautiful islands, although the experiences they offer may be different. Here, we will look at the best islands of both regions of Thailand.
West Coast Islands (Andaman Sea)
The West Coast of Thailand is located on the Andaman Sea, and the islands here are most popular for their pristine white sand beaches, dramatic limestone caves, and turquoise waters. The best time to visit this part of the country is between November and May, when it is dry and sunny. The months between June and October is monsoon on this part of Thailand, making it not an ideal time to visit the place. Here we present the best islands to visit on the West Coast of Thailand. You can enjoy most of them with a Phuket tour package, which usually includes island hopping.
Phi Phi Islands
The enchanting Phi Phi Islands need no introduction. Popularized by the Hollywood movie, “The Beach”, Phi Phi Islands are made of two main islands: Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Leh and several other smaller islands.
Places to Visit: The only inhabited island on this group of islands, Koh Phi Phi Don is known for its beautiful beaches, buzzing markets, amazing restaurants, and lively nightlife. The most popular places here are Loh Dalum Bay, Monkey Beach, Ton Sai Bay, etc. But if you want to enjoy the beauty of nature, Koh Phi Phi Leh is an island to visit. This island is endowed with bays, caves, and lagoons that will take your breath away. Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon, etc., are some of the places to visit here.
Things to Do:While island hopping here, you can enjoy a variety of activities. As Phi Phi Islands is known for a rich marine life, it is a great place for snorkeling and scuba diving. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and rock climbing are some other activities to try here. Thai massages are also offered at many of the beaches here.
Krabi
Another place in Thailand that is most popular for island hopping is Krabi Province. Endowed with limestone cliffs, crystal clear waters, and verdant forests, Krabi is the epitome of what the West Coast of Thailand entails.
Places to Visit: Railay Beach is the first on the list of places to visit during your Krabi trip. The view of the white sand and turquoise waters along with rocky cliffs and stunning caves attracts many people to this beach. Visiting Krabi Town, which is known for its ancient temples, vibrant markets, and riverside views, is another one of the best things to do here. You must also go on a boat tour to four nearby islands like Koh Gai, Koh Poda, Phra Nang Cave Beach, and Koh Tup.
Things to Do: One of the most adventurous things to do in Krabi is rock climbing. Apart from this, it is also known for kayaking, diving, snorkeling, trekking, etc. Another thing you must not miss here is visiting the emerald pools and hot, therapeutic springs at Klong Thom. The night markets of Krabi are also something you must not miss.
Similan Islands
An archipelago of 11 islands, Similan Islands is nothing less than breathtaking. What makes it unique is that it is a part of the Mu Ko Similan National Park. So, along with the picturesque beaches, you also get to enjoy the view of verdant forests as well.
Places to Visit: Among the 11 islands here, Koh Similan (Island No. 8) and Koh Miang (Island No.4) are the most popular with tourists. Almost all the islands here have the most gorgeous beaches, but Honeymoon Bay and Princess Bay are two beaches you must not miss here. You must also visit Donald Duck Bay on Koh Similan, as it has some of the most amazing rock formations.
Things to Do: Similan Islands are renowned for their underwater life, and these islands are known to be one of the best places for scuba diving and snorkeling in the world. Koh Bon and Koh Tachai are two islands exclusively for divers and snorkelers. An underwater expedition will give you the chance to see moray eels, sea turtles, whale sharks, and more. The Similan Islands are also great for wildlife spotting, as you get to see monitor lizards, kingfishers, sea eagles, Nicobar pigeons, etc., here.
Koh Lanta
If you want to enjoy the beauty of Thailand without the crowd and the commercialization, Koh Lanta is the place you must visit. Another archipelago, Koh Lanta is home to several islands with wonderful beaches.
Places to Visit: Koh Lanta is known for its pretty, tranquil beaches, where you can relax and enjoy the sun and the waves. Long Beach, Klong Dao Beach, and Kantiang Bay are known for their picturesque sceneries and breathtaking sunsets. You must also visit Mu Ko Lanta National Park, which is home to a lighthouse, hiking trails, and untouched beaches. You must also take this chance to explore the Old Town, which is a historic town that is filled with local markets, wooden houses, and sea view restaurants.
Things to Do: Scuba diving and snorkeling are two of the most popular things to do here. Beach hopping, hiking in the national park, being part of yoga retreats, and kayaking in the mangroves are a few of the things you can do here. The best way to enjoy the evenings is by relaxing at a beach bar with a drink while admiring the sunset.
Koh Lipe
Another laidback island where you can relish the natural landscapes and beaches is Koh Lipe. It is a tiny island with several small islands nearby that make for a perfect island-hopping trip.
Places to Visit: The most popular and the main beach of Koh Lipe is Pattaya Beach, which is not only beautiful but has some amazing restaurants and a happening nightlife as well. There is also Sunrise Beach, where you can watch a magical sunrise and enjoy snorkeling. Sunset Beach is the perfect place to wind up and see the sunset. Some nearby islands that you can visit here are Kob Tawi, Koh Adang, and Koh Hin Ngam.
Things to Do: Like most islands on Thailand’s West Coast, Koh Lipe is also a place where you can diving and snorkeling. Apart from this, paddleboarding and kayaking are also available here. You can enjoy hiking on Koh Adang and relax with a Thai massage and seafood on the main island. As the island is untouched by pollution, Koh Lipe is also the perfect place for stargazing.
East Coast Islands (Gulf of Thailand)
Located on the eastern side of Thailand, on the Gulf of Thailand, the East Coast Islands do not have the dramatic flair of the West Coast. But that does not mean that it is any less beautiful. In fact, what you will find are idyllic beaches with palm trees and turquoise waters, perfect for a relaxing beach holiday. The East Coast of Thailand is endowed with a lush, tropical landscape. Moreover, it has the perfect all-year-round destination, although January to September is the best time to visit. Here are some of the best places for island hopping in Thailand’s East Coast.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is the biggest and the most popular island on the Gulf of Thailand. The palm-fringed beaches are the major attraction here. Moreover, the island is home to some of the most luxurious resorts and hotels as well.
Places to Visit: The beaches of Koh Samui are its highlight. Chaweng Beach is one of the liveliest beaches here, where you can indulge in water sports, shopping, dining, and mind-blowing parties as well. If you are looking for some quiet time, Lamai Beach, Choeng Mon Beach, Lipa Noi Beach, Silver Beach, Bophut Beach, etc., are some of the quieter beaches. Koh Samui also has beautiful Buddhist temples worth visiting. Ang Thong National Park and Na Muang Waterfalls are also other important places to visit.
Things to Do: Koh Samui is known for its thrilling water sports. You can try parasailing, jet skiing, etc., here. It is also a great place for jungle trekking, ATV rides, ziplining, kayaking, etc. There are plenty of wellness spas here, where you can indulge in yoga as well as Thai massages. The place offers wonderful nightlife as well, and you can spend your evenings and nights checking out bars, clubs, and cabaret shows.
Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is literally a tropical paradise frequented by both partygoers and those looking for a peaceful and tranquil holiday. The heavenly beaches and beautiful landscapes would make you want to visit this island again.
Places to See: The beaches are the star attraction of Kho Phangan, and Haad Rin Beach is the most popular, thanks to the Full Moon Party it hosts every month. A few other beaches worth visiting in Koh Phangan are Malibu Beach, Bottle Beach, the Secret Beach, Salad Beach, Haad Yao Beach, and more. Phaneg Waterfall National Park, Wat Phu Khao Nai, Wat Pho, etc., are a few other places of interest in Kho Phangan.
Things to Do: One of the must things to do on this island is attend the awesome Full Moon party. Apart from this, the island also hosts the Half Moon party and the Black Moon Party too. With drinks, fire shows, DJ music, and decoration, these parties are nothing less than epic. You can also book yourself into a yoga or wellness retreat and enjoy yoga and one of the detox programs. You can also visit one of the temples here and indulge in some calming meditation lessons.
Koh Tao
If you want to enjoy the relaxing vibe of the East Coast without the crowds, Koh Tao is the place to be. It is located close to Koh Phangan and is a tiny island, which is also considered the diving capital of the country.
Places to Visit: Sairee Beach is the first to pop out when you consider the places to visit in Koh Toa. This is the beach where most activities happen, including some amazing beach parties. The island has some great viewpoints from where you will get a good panoramic view of the place. These includes Mango Viewpoint and Joh-Suwan Viewpoint, which you must definitely check out.
Things to Do: Koh Tao is one of the best places to learn scuba diving and get a certificate for the same too. You will also find several snorkeling spots here. Kayaking, paddleboarding, rock climbing, and cliff jumping are some other adventures to try here. Apart from these, you can also attend really cool beach parties here too. Koh Tao also has numerous wellness retreats that offer holistic treatments.
Koh Kood
If you are looking for a hidden gem in Thailand where you can relish the beauty of the place without too many people around, Koh Kood is the one for you. While it is not very developed, the raw beauty of the place makes island hopping here really worthwhile.
Places to Visit: The beaches of Koh Kood are perfect for couples and honeymooners who are looking for solitude. Ao Tapao Beach, Ao Phrao Beach, and Ao Noi Beach are some of the most pristine beaches you will see on this island. The waterfalls here are also breathtaking. Klong Chao Waterfall and Klong Yai Kee Waterfall are a few that you must not miss. You must also visit the fisherman’s villages here to get a glimpse into the local life of the island.
Things to Do: One of the best things to do on Koh Kood is explore the island on a bike. Snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding, hiking, and swimming are a few other exciting activities to undertake here. But definitely the best thing to do on this island is relax on one of the beaches, admire its natural beauty, watch a sunset, and do absolutely nothing.
Tips for Island Hopping in Thailand
- Choose the region you want to explore while island hopping before leaving for your holiday and make the bookings accordingly.
- The region you choose should depend on your interests and expectations from your holiday.
- Choose a main island where you would be staying while exploring the smaller islands. For instance, you can stay in Pattaya and pick one of the Pattaya travel packages to explore the nearby islands.
- Ferries and speedboats are your two options for island hopping. You need to book them beforehand through online portals or hotels, as these get booked easily, especially during peak tourist seasons. But do keep some leeway for spontaneity and sudden changes in plan.
- Pack light for your Thailand trip. Carrying a backpack would be the most convenient. Some of the essentials you need to carry are swimwear, lightweight clothes, flip-flops, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a waterproof bag.
- Do not try to see everything in one visit. Limit your exploration to two to three islands, so you can enjoy the experiences to the maximum.
Conclusion
Island hopping is one of the most interesting things to do in Thailand, thanks to the spectacular islands the country is blessed with. So, what are you waiting for? Prepare your Thailand island-hopping itinerary and get ready for an experience of a lifetime.
