best way to travel thailand islands

The Perfect 1, 2 and 3 Week Thailand Itinerary

• Last Updated: January 20, 2024

How to make the most of your Thailand itinerary, whether you have 1 week, 2 weeks or 3 weeks, written by an expert!

Thailand is an incredibly diverse country in Southeast Asia that can be explored in any sort of time frame.

But of course, the longer you have to visit Thailand, the better.

From cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai in the north to stunning islands like Koh Phi Phi in the south, any trip to Thailand could be jam-packed.

But having more time to explore means you aren’t rushing around, constantly hopping on flights and buses, and you have more time to stay in one spot and soak it all in before moving on.

Thankfully, Thailand is pretty small, very affordable, and easy to get around.

So if you have one week, two weeks, three weeks, or more, you can easily see different parts of the country without sacrificing too much time and money on travelling around.

You can explore both northern Thailand and the islands of the south easily in just one week, though of course, you can see more exciting things in two or three weeks.

Budget airlines make it very cheap and easy to fly around Thailand, and flights are often only an hour or two.

So even in just one week, you can explore the culture and cuisine of the mainland before jumping on a quick flight down to the islands for some swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking.

In this article, you’ll find three samples for a possible Thailand itinerary.

Of course, these can be modified depending on what you want to see and how much time you actually have.

For example, you could spend all of your time hopping around the islands if you want, or you could spend all of your time up in the mountains and cities of the mainland if you’re not much of a beach person.

You could even spend your entire Thailand trip in one place, or you might feel intrigued to visit places not mentioned in these itineraries.

This article serves more as a guide for those who are visiting Thailand for the first time and are unsure of what they want.

These itineraries will combine a bit of culture in the mainland with a bit of beach time in the islands, so travellers can get a taste of the different parts of Thailand.

Make sure you get your travel insurance before you embark on your Thailand trip. It is pretty much essential.

Table of Contents

2 Days in Chiang Mai

2 days in phuket, 1 day in koh phi phi, 2 days in bangkok, 3 days in chiang mai, the white temple (wat rong khun), the blue temple (wat rong suea ten), 2 days in koh lanta, 2 days in ao nang, octave rooftop bar, scarlett rooftop bar, red sky rooftop bar, 4 days in chiang mai, 2 days in pai, 2 days in chiang rai, 2 days in khao sok national park, 1 day spent travelling from khao sok national park to koh samui., 3 days in koh samui, 7-day thailand itinerary.

This Thailand itinerary is for those who have one week in this beautiful corner of Southeast Asia.

Though a week goes by quickly, it is definitely enough time to dabble in the culture and natural beauty of Thailand.

You’ll most likely fly in and out of Bangkok for any Thailand trip, as this is where most international flights go.

READ MORE: Here’s our guide to the best places to visit in Thailand . You’ll find all these destinations in our Thailand itinerary in there.

As the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok is crazy and crowded but absolutely packed with culture and things to do.

No Thailand itinerary would be complete without at least 2 days in Bangkok .

Some fun activities you can fill your days with include tasting street food on Khao San Road , checking out the massive government buildings in the Dusit District , taking a riverboat tour along the Chao Phraya River , and exploring the local temples.

Here are some notable temples to visit in Bangkok during your Thailand trip.

Wat Pho temple is famous for its giant reclining Buddha.

• Location: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang
• Hours: 8 am to 6 pm
• Cost: 200 Baht

Located in a scenic spot right on the river bank, this temple has a mix of Buddhist and Hindu influences.

• Location: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Bangkok Yai
• Cost: 100 Baht

This temple has a massive golden pagoda and is located on top of a man-made hill known as the Golden Mountain

• Location: 344 Boriphat Rd, off Ratchadamnoen Klang
• Hours: 9 am to 7 pm
• Cost: 50 Baht

Probably the most beautiful landmark in Bangkok is the Grand Palace, a huge property filled with glittering temples, incredible statues, towering pagodas, and overall fascinating architecture.

Located inside the Grand Palace is Wat Phra Kaew , one of the most sacred temples in Thailand and home to the Emerald Buddha.

Built in only 1782, the Grand Palace is a true work of art, so travellers should brave the crowds to check out this famous attraction.

• Grand Palace Location: Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang
• Hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
• Cost: 500 Baht

After two days of exploring the highlights of Bangkok like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, fly north to Chiang Mai.

READ MORE: 10 awesome things to do while travelling in Bangkok

Chiang Mai is a bit more relaxed than Bangkok, but there are still plenty of things to do.

This city in northern Thailand has over 300 Buddhist temples and is surrounded by lush jungles.

You can take a Thai cooking class, get a Thai massage, or watch a Muay Thai Boxing match to immerse yourself in the culture of Chiang Mai.

Make sure you taste a traditional Khao Soi, which is a creamy curry and egg noodle dish famous in northern Thailand.

Khao Soi Khun Yai in a cheap and authentic local restaurant in Chiang Mai where you can try a delicious Khao Soi.

If you’re looking for a nice place to stay in Chiang Mai, check out the Floral Hotel at Thapae Gate .

Located right in the Old City and close to all Chiang Mai’s attractions this gorgeous hotel has comfortable rooms, a nice swimming pool, and only costs between 50 and 70 USD per night.

For exactly what there is to see and do there, check out our list of what to do in Chiang Mai .

Once you’re finished with your time in the city, fly from Chiang Mai to Phuket.

After arriving at the Phuket airport on the north of the island, catch a taxi down to the beautiful white sands of Karon Beach.

All-Star Guesthouse is a great place to stay near Karon Beach, as it is a small, cozy, family-run place that is centrally located and very affordable.

For more accommodation options in Phuket, check out this article on all the best places to stay in Phuket for every budget.

Here’s a more detailed article we wrote on how to make the most of your Phuket itinerary .

During your two days in Phuket, you can visit the Big Buddha, go sightseeing in Phuket Old Town, go parasailing at Patong Beach, and watch the sunset from one of the island’s many viewpoints.

Head over to Rassada Pier to take the ferry to Koh Phi Phi, a gem of any Thailand trip.

READ MORE: Add these to your list of things to do in Phuket .

For the last day in your 7 day Thailand itinerary, soak in the picturesque views at Koh Phi Phi.

Koh Phi Phi is actually a chain of three tiny islands, though only one of them, Phi Phi Don , is inhabited.

On Phi Phi Don you can find lots of cheap backpacker hostels, bars, clubs, clothing stores, and souvenir shops.

Make sure you save time for sunbathing next to the turquoise waters of Loh Dalam Bay, and for hiking up to the viewpoint that looks over the whole island.

Koh Phi Phi doesn’t have an airport, so you can either take the ferry back to Phuket and fly out of there, or take the ferry to Krabi on the mainland and fly out of there.

2 Week Thailand Itinerary

This 2 weeks in Thailand itinerary is great for those who can’t take loads of time off work but still want to get a good feel for the country.

Start your 2 weeks in Thailand in Bangkok. If you’ve seen enough during your first day in Bangkok, you can switch things up by taking a day trip out of the city.

The best day trip from Bangkok is visiting Ayutthaya , the former capital of the Siamese Empire.

This ancient city is about 85 km north of Bangkok and was founded in the 14th century.

Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of old but well-preserved temples, monuments, and national parks.

Next on the agenda for 2 weeks in Thailand, fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

READ MORE: 12 awesome things to do while travelling in Bangkok

No 2 weeks in Thailand itinerary is complete without stopping in Chiang Mai.

If you’d like to make a day trip for one of your 3 days in Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park is a great place to go nearby.

Located about 70 km away from Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park is a massive green space filled with temples, local villages, gardens, hiking trails, waterfalls, and lots of peaceful forests.

You can take a songtaew to reach the park from Chiang Mai, which is a red pick-up truck that serves as a collective taxi.

Try and find other travellers to share the ride with you so the overall price becomes cheaper!

Another option is visiting Elephant Nature Park , an elephant rescue sanctuary near Chiang Mai. If you are tempted to see elephants on your Thailand trip, just remember to visit somewhere ethical that protects the animals and forbids riding. Elephant Nature Park is a great place to visit elephants ethically!

Check out this Chiang Mai 3 Day Itinerary for more inspiration on things to do in this charming northern Thai city.

Chiang Rai is next on your 2 weeks in Thailand trip. Take a minibus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. We recommend booking this on the 12go.asia website .

Chiang Rai is a quiet and beautiful city in the north of Thailand. If you have time to visit it on your Thailand trip, definitely do so!

Stroll through the small town centre and chat with friendly locals, or drive up to the northernmost tip of Thailand which is connected to Myanmar by a bridge.

The breathtaking temples are definitely the highlights of Chiang Rai. Make sure you check them out during your 2 weeks in Thailand.

Probably the most visited temple in Chiang Rai, the unique decoration and detail of this whitewashed temple will blow your mind.

• Location: 1 Phahonyothin Rd

Slathered in deep blue colours and adorned with Buddhist relics, the Blue Temple is a feast for the eyes.

• Location: 306 Maekok Rd
• Hours: 7 am to 8 pm

If you’re travelling on a budget, Chiang Rai has lots of really nice and affordable accommodation options.

Connect Hostel has high ratings from travellers and costs only 8-9 USD per night for a dorm room or 37 USD per night for a private room.

Fly from Chiang Rai to Phuket so you can enjoy some of the island destinations during 2 weeks in Thailand!

READ MORE: Learn all about these incredible things to do in Chiang Rai .

Because Phuket is such a mountainous island, there are lots of hilltop restaurants with open views where you can look over the beautiful scenery while you dine.

Head to Heaven Restaurant & Bar for a view over Kata Noi Beach, the Palace Restaurant and Sky Lounge for a view over Patong Beach, or Tung Ka Café for a view over Phuket Town.

Or take a day trip to the James Bond Island, located in Phanga Nga Bay.

Next on your 2 weeks in Thailand itinerary, take the ferry from Phuket’s Rassada Pier down to Koh Lanta.

Koh Lanta is an island in the Andaman Sea that is far less touristy than some of Thailand’s other islands.

Snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, diving and sunbathing are all incredible here as there are few crowds to distract from the tropical scenery.

Explore the natural phenomenon of the Emerald Cave, stroll through the tiny and rustic Old Town, or go hiking in the Mu Ko Lanta National Park.

A gorgeous place to stay in Koh Lanta during 2 weeks in Thailand is the Crown Lanta Resort and Spa (has recently been renamed to Avani Plus Koh Lanta Krabi Resort).

Read the full, NOMADasaurus detailed review of this luxury hotel here .

Take the ferry from Koh Lanta to Ao Nang to finish off 2 weeks in Thailand.

Ao Nang is relaxing and quaint, but still leaves travellers awestruck with its towering limestone cliffs and postcard-worthy beaches.

Railay Beach is the most popular attraction here, and you can hop on a cheap long tail boat from Ao Nang Beach to reach this little cove of cliffs and turquoise water.

Ao Nang is ideal for rock climbing enthusiasts, as the abundance of massive, jagged rocks makes for challenging but rewarding climbing spots.

You can also hike Hang Mak Mountain or go zip lining over the jungle for a bit of excitement.

Any 2 week Thailand itinerary must include a day of snorkelling or diving.

Ao Nang is an amazing place for snorkelling or diving as the water is warm and clean and there is lots of wildlife thriving in the area.

After an action-packed 2 days in Ao Nang and 2 weeks in Thailand fly from Krabi back to Bangkok to catch your departing international flight.

READ MORE: Add these to your list of things to do in Ao Nang .

3 Week Thailand Itinerary

A 3 week Thailand itinerary is great for those who really want to explore the stunning country Thailand.

Aside from the big cities, you’ll get to visit small towns, national parks, and islands in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. A 3 week itinerary is ideal!

3 Days in Bangkok

Between checking out the tourist attractions and taking a day trip to Ayutthaya, you’ll have an incredible 3 days in Thailand’s capital city.

An awesome activity in Bangkok is visiting a rooftop bar in a giant skyscraper, with a panoramic view of the city.

Outside of the Old Town, Bangkok is super modern and cosmopolitan, so it can be fun to treat yourself to a nice cocktail or meal overlooking the metropolis.

Keep in mind that most rooftop bars are classy and have a dress code, so try to dress fancier than usual.

Here are some of the best rooftop bars in Bangkok, all of which sell high-quality food and beverages and have a crazy view of the city sprawled below.

• Location: 45th floor, Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, 2 Ban Kluai Nuea Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
• Hours: 5 pm to 1:30 am
• Location: 37th floor, Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, 188 Silom Rd, Khwaeng Suriya Wong, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500
• Hours: 5 pm to 12 am
• Location: 55th floor, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, 999/99 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
• Hours: 5 pm to 1 am

For additional things to do in Bangkok, consider checking out the Airplane Graveyard or celebrating Songkran , the Buddhist New Year, in the city.

Next on your 3 week itinerary, fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

With an extra day in Chiang Mai, you have time to take another day trip out of the city to explore the surrounding nature.

One of the coolest places to visit near Chiang Mai is the Sticky Waterfall, or “Bua Tong Waterfall” located in the Jedsee Fountain Forest Park.

Here you can climb the vertical waterfall using just your hands and feet because the rocks are coated with rough mineral deposits so they aren’t slippery. It’s one of the most amazing day trips from Chiang Mai.

Spend a few hours here swimming, splashing, climbing, and having a picnic (there aren’t any shops in this remote area near Chiang Mai so bring your own food and drinks!).

After your 4 days in Chiang Mai, take a minibus to Pai.

Pai is a relaxing jungle paradise where backpackers love to chill out and spend quality time with nature.

There are so many natural wonders to explore near Pai, such as the Pambok Waterfall, the Tham Lod Caves full of stalactites and stalagmites, the soothing Tha Pai Hot Springs, and the massive Pai Canyon.

Rent a scooter for a couple of days and enjoy the freedom of zooming through the jungle, and stroll through the local walking street market at night for some cheap local street food.

Spend your two nights in Pai at one of the local backpacker hostels.

Tribal Pai Backpackers is a great choice for accommodation because it is social and fun, but a bit less crazy than a party hostel.

A dorm here costs as little as 4 USD per night, and private rooms are about 33 USD per night. Accommodation can be super cheap when you visit Thailand!

Catch a minibus from Pai to Chiang Rai .

READ MORE: Add these to your list of things to do in Pai .

If you haven’t yet taken a cooking class in Thailand, Chiang Rai is a great place to do it.

You can book a full-day cooking class that starts with a tour of the local market to pick up fresh ingredients.

Then you can learn all about the rich flavours and simple techniques of Thai cuisine and eat all the delicious food you cook.

This is a great insight into the culture of Thailand, so you should definitely try and squeeze a cooking class into a 3 week Thailand itinerary.

Fly from Chiang Rai to Phuket.

After spending a decent amount of time soaking in the sun on Phuket’s pristine beaches, entertain yourself by watching a famous ladyboy cabaret show.

A ladyboy performance is a must-see when you visit Thailand.

Phuket’s Simon Cabaret was established in 1991, and now hosts some of the best cabarets in the country.

Ladyboy cabarets consist of drag queens wearing fantastic costumes and putting on a show full of dancing, acting, lip-syncing, sometimes real singing, and a whole lot of energy and pizazz.

Take the ferry from Phuket to Ao Nang .

In addition to the outdoor activities mentioned in the 2 week Thailand itinerary, you can try to explore a little more of the islands surrounding Ao Nang by doing an island hopping tour.

A 3 week Thailand itinerary still can’t cover all of the country’s stunning islands, so a guided day tour by speedboat is a great way to pack lots of cool places into a short time.

On a day tour, you’ll see gorgeous beaches, huge cliffs, snorkelling sights, and just a lot of mind-blowing natural beauty.

Then, add another epic place to your 3 week itinerary and take a shuttle from Ao Nang to Khao Sok National Park .

Khao Sok National Park is an oasis of serenity and scenery that looks like it came out of a fairy tale. It’s often a highlight for those who visit Thailand.

Dense jungle, hanging vines, limestone cliffs, caves, rivers, lakes, animals and insects are just a few of the things you’ll find here.

You can go hiking and kayaking, or take a boat tour through the park, or just relax and soak in the serenity from your lakeside wooden bungalow.

Cheow Lan Lake is the most beautiful area to stay in, but you can also stay in the Khao Son Riverside if you don’t want to be so deep in the jungle.

Travelling from Khao Sok National Park over to Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand can be done by some combination of shuttle and minibus, but you’ll have to dedicate one full day to the trip.

The transport prices are usually very cheap, but it will take quite a while since you have to cross the Malay Peninsula.

After reaching the ferry port on the eastern side of the peninsula, just hop on a ferry and make your way to Koh Samui!

Check out this website for planning your trip.

Spend the last 3 days of your 3 week Thailand itinerary relaxing on the white sands of Koh Samui .

Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach, and Choeng Mon Beach are the three most popular beaches on Koh Samui and they all offer beautiful scenery and turquoise water for swimming.

Koh Samui is the second-largest island in Thailand, so there is plenty to do here in addition to just being a beach bum.

Head to the north of the island to check out the Big Buddha and the night markets, including Fisherman’s Village Street Market, held every Friday from 5 pm to 11 pm.

Take a fruit carving class or visit the Secret Buddha Garden, full of mysterious statues and peaceful forest.

Definitely spend one of your days in Koh Samui taking a day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park.

This protected area consists of 42 little islands, and you can only visit by government approved tour boat.

There are lots of affordable day tours that can bring you into the park and take you hiking, snorkelling, kayaking, and exploring throughout the diverse and impressive national marine park.

Other things to do in Koh Samui include visiting Koh Tao for snorkeling or Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Party. Both Koh Tao and Koh Phangan can be visited as day trips via local boat.

If you have even more than 3 weeks in Thailand, you can continue exploring Koh Tao and Koh Phangan for even longer, as there are plenty of fun things to do here.

If your Thailand trip is coming to a close after Koh Samui, fly back to Bangkok to catch your departing international flight.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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I’m absolutely hooked on your Thailand itinerary! Week 1’s cultural immersion, Week 2’s adrenaline-packed activities, and Week 3’s idyllic relaxation—what a well-rounded adventure. Your blog is a goldmine for anyone planning a trip. I’ll be sure to share this valuable resource with my fellow travel enthusiasts!

This trip blog truly captures the essence of wanderlust and adventure. The stories shared here evoke a sense of curiosity and make me yearn to explore the world. It’s the perfect escape for those moments when you can’t physically travel but still want to be transported to new horizons.

Wonderful itinerary! Thanks for the tips!

I’ve been to Thailand several times, and I loved all of these places. I have yet to visit Khao Sok — it is on my list.

Thank you for stopping by. Definitely check Koh Sok out next time you are in Thailand. 🙂

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5 Epic Thailand Island Hopping Itineraries

Looking for the perfect route to visit the islands in Thailand in 2024? I got you covered with 5 different island hopping itineraries to make the most of your trip to Thailand.

In this Thailand travel blog you will find itineraries from Phuket, island hopping itineraries around Krabi and of course island hopping from Koh Samui. You can choose from 1-week itineraries as well as complete itineraries for 2 weeks island hopping in Thailand.

Last but not least I have a special itinerary for you... island hopping from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok and see some of the most remote, but also most pristine islands in Thailand.

My best Thailand travel tip when island hopping in Thailand is either Koh Kut or Koh Lipe.

Here is the table of content.

• Itinerary for 1-week island hopping in Phuket
• Itinerary for 1-week island hopping in Krabi
• Itinerary for 1-week island hopping in Koh Samui
• Itinerary for 2-week island hopping
• Island hopping in Thailand for 1 month

STOP! booking Thailand island hopping tours

Let me start with telling you that there is no need to sign up for one of the Thailand Island hopping tours. Nor do you need to book a package deal when traveling to Thailand. A trip to Thailand is the easiest thing on earth and therefore it is also one of the best countries to backpack  or go on your first solo trip abroad.

You can super easily book your bus, boat, train and even flight tickets online yourself and no need to book everything months in advanced. Especially bus, boat and train tickets can be booked last minute.

Partying in Bangkok today and feeling like going on and island hopping tour tomorrow? Just go online to for example  12Go Asia , find your bus and boat ticket and the next day you watch the sunset with a cocktail in your hand on the beach of a beautiful Thai island. Easy as that!

In this article I will give you a lot of route suggestions for a 1-week to a 4-week itinerary. If you want more  island hopping Thailand tips  then also check out this link about getting around and definitely check out the following article in where I tell you all about finding great  domestic flights deals in Thailand .

How to go island hopping in Thailand in 2024?

Island hopping in Thailand is booming again and and for 2024 they expect a record number of tourists. Great thing is that everything in Thailand is set up for tourism and especially the gorgeous islands and beaches in Thailand.

Public transport in Thailand is super easy to find and very well organized. You will see them everywhere in touristy areas on the streets and there are a ton of travel agencies and offices everywhere. Also pretty much every hotel or hostel will offer you anything from tours to bus, boat or train transport.

Most hostels and hotels have an actual travel desk where you can book a complete Thailand island hopping tour if you want.

If you are looking to do it yourself, you can easily get to the islands using for example bus and boat combination tickets like the one from Bangkok to Koh Tao . Within about 8 hours traveling from Bangkok you are on a gorgeous Thai island. Save the hassle and book your tickets online!

As I mentioned before it is very easy to organize traveling in Thailand yourself, but I recommend you to stay connected when traveling to Thailand. Traveltomtom recommends buying a prepaid sim card in Thailand or get yourself an e-sim card for Thailand if your phone is e-sim compatible.

Traveling gets so much easier when staying connected. Think about ordering a taxi online, getting directions, killing time on long bus rides and best of all is figuring out where to go and how to travel around in Thailand. Online you find everything you need to know about traveling to Thailand .

Can you fly directly to the islands in Thailand

There are always cheap flight from Bangkok to Phuket or Krabi. Flying to Koh Samui is always more expensive, because of the monopoly that Bangkok Airways has for flights to Koh Samui.

However, for 2024 I already found some super cheap domestic flight deals in Thailand. What about Bangkok to Krabi?

• Air Asia flights for $30 USD.
• Nok Air flights for $28 USD.
• Thai Airways flights for $39 USD

Try it yourself below in the link.

Powered by 12Go system

Compare all transportation options in one overview, choose your preferred seat and directly book your tickets and get them instantly in your email.

Where to stay when island hopping in Thailand

Every Thailand island hopping itinerary below comes with recommended places to stay. There is a wide range of accommodation options available. Hotels, hostels, guesthouses, apartments, villas, Airbnbs and more. Great thing is that there is accommodation in Thailand for every budget.

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Don't forget to look at Airbnb also and find your dream apartment for just a couple bucks. A penthouse apartment in Bangkok for $80 per night? Yes that is possible. However booking websites like Booking and Agoda also have great last minute deals.

Every island in Thailand offers a wide range of accommodation. There are many backpacker places and even more affordable mid range hotels. Almost all hotels that have a review score of 8+ on sites like Booking or Agoda are reliable. All the hotels, hostels and villas I recommend in this article are worth spending your money on!

In other Thailand blogs I explained that you need at least a couple weeks for the best places to visit in Thailand, but I also understand that not everyone has a month to go island hopping!

Therefore I will give you 5 different Thailand island hopping itineraries to choose from. Three itineraries for 1 week, one for 2 weeks and one for 4 weeks.

If you are interested in seeing more of the Thai culture and nature in the North as well then check out more of my  itineraries for Thailand , including Chiang Mai, The Golden Triangle and even an itinerary from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok .

1. Itinerary for Island hopping in Phuket

2 nights Phuket

Fly to Phuket and stay 2 nights in Patong, the touristy heart of Phuket Island. Party in Bangla Road and go on a scooter adventure around the island and discover stunning beaches. If you feel like staying around for longer then check this  5 day Phuket itinerary for families .

Boat from Nam Chai Pier Phuket to Koh Phi Phi: 2,5 hours, 650 THB .

2 nights Koh Phi Phi

Take a boat to Koh Phi Phi and stay here 2 nights. Sign up for a tour to see the famous beach of Koh Phi Phi Leh , snorkel or dive in the clear waters, party hard during the night and climb up to the viewpoint for stunning views over the island.

Accommodation suggestions: Zeavola Hotel , Holiday Inn Resort  (luxury),  Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort , Phi Phi Relax Beach Resort  (mid range), Kitty Guesthouse  (budget).

 2 nights Koh Yao Yai

Take a boat to Koh Yao Yai and stay here 2 nights as well. Rent a scooter and discover a totally different side of Thailand. No parties, but deserted and stunning beaches. From here sign up for an island tour to one of the many picture perfect beaches around like James Bond Island or Hong Island. I stayed at Glow Elixir , click on the link to read my review.

1 night Phuket

Go back to Phuket and splurge your last night in one of Thailand’s affordable luxury hotels and have a sunset drink in Babe Nest, see the picture below. Click on the picture to find out where this is.

Where to stay in Phuket:

• Sri Panwa Phuket , Samsara Phuket , Como Point Yamu , The Ratcha Phuket   (luxury),
• Lub D Patong  (mid range),
• Lupta Hostel Patong , Aspery Hotel (budget).

Best way to get to and from Phuket:

• Bus from Bangkok to Phuket: 13 hours - 650/1,000 THB .
• Boat from Phuket to Koh Lanta: 3 to 4 hours - 1,000/1,500 THB .
• Boat from Phuket to Krabi: 4 hours - 1,000 THB.
• Boat from Phuket to Koh Lipe: 4 to 6 hours - 2,400 THB .

2. Island hopping itinerary for Krabi

Although Krabi is not an island, definitely consider exploring this stunning region with its fantastic limestone cliff islands and tiny islands. Fly into Krabi airport but leave straight away for Ao Nang and start your island hopping adventure form there.

2 nights Ao Nang

Stay 2 nights in the charming town of Ao Nang. Sign up for a tour to Hong Island one day and climb up to Tab Kak Hang Nak (one of the best island hopping Thailand tips I ever got) and the Tiger Temple the other day for exquisite views over Krabi and its outer islands.

Get yourself a scooter and drive for about 30-40 minutes North along the coast to get to the start of the trek. Click on the link to find all your answers and tips about renting a motorbike in Thailand .

Accommodation suggestion: Ao Nang Cliff Beach Resort or for the ones on a tighter budget Alisea Boutique Hotel .

1 night Railay Beach

Head over to Railay Beach and stay here for 1 night. This ultra peaceful bay is surrounded by limestone cliffs and only accessible over water, for me one of the best places to stay in Thailand and among the best beaches in Krabi . Read this article for some great things to do in Railay Beach .

When staying on Railay Beach also make sure you visit the nearby Tonsai Beach . From Railay Beach it is only a 10 minute walk.

Accommodation suggestion: Rayavadee (luxury) or Avatar Railay Resort  (mid range/budget)

How to get to and from Krabi:

• Bus from Krabi to any hotel in Koh Lanta: 3 hours - 360 THB .
• Boat from Krabi to any hotel in Phuket: 5 hours - 1,400 THB .
• Boat from Krabi/Ao Nang to Koh Phi Phi: 1.5 hours - 450 THB .
• Boat from Krabi/Ao Nang to Koh Lipe: 7 hours - 1,000 THB .

No one wants to miss Koh Phi Phi neither on a Thailand island Hopping adventure around Krabi. Discover the beauty of this island and party until the early morning on the beach.

2 nights Koh Lanta

Don’t miss this laid-back island which is totally different from the others. Not the typical party island, not the utterly beautiful picture perfect beaches, but everything in and between. End your week in peace and completely rejuvenate in this peaceful paradise. Drive your scooter around the island and find your perfect spot to read a book and watch fantastic sunsets while sipping a beer before you head back to the airport.

Accommodation suggestion: Layana Resort , Pimalai  (luxury), Crown Lanta  (mid range),  Journey Hostel  (budget). 

3. Island hopping itinerary for Koh Samui

Spending a week on the East Coast in Thailand is totally different than its West Coast, no limestone cliffs, just three major hotspots and mostly on everyone’s agenda when planning a Thailand island hopping itinerary: Koh Samui , Koh Tao and Koh Phangan .

As you can see on the map above there are three arrival options. The budget traveler may want to arrive at the airports of either Surat Thani or Chumphon as budget airliners fly here directly from Bangkok and even Phuket.

Flying directly to Koh Samui is the most convenient option but more expensive. Your island hopping route comes down to where you enter and where you want to leave from. Just like I said before there is no need to book island hopping tours here either. Ferries to and from the islands go multiple times a day and you can secure a ticket on every street corner.

A suggested Thailand island hopping itinerary for the West coast would be as follow:

3 nights Koh Samui

The biggest and most popular island where you will easily find the holiday vibe. Discover great beaches, viewpoints and waterfalls by scooter, drink a sundowner at Air Bar, party on the beach at Ark Bar, hang out in Fisherman’s Village, hit the nightlife in Chaweng, drive to Silver Beach and book a day tour to Ang Thong National Marine Park.

Traveling on a budget? Check this budget guide to visiting Koh Samui .

Accommodation suggestion: W Samui , Intercontinental , Vikasa Yoga Retreat , Four Seasons  (luxury) or take a look at the places advised by TripAdvisors for Koh Samui .

2 nights Koh Phangan

Make sure you are here as one of the famous Koh Phangan parties kicks off. Its notorious full moon, half moon, and jungle parties are one of the reasons loads of travelers find its way to this island. But Koh Phangan is not only about the parties. What you wont find in many Thailand island hopping guides are the deserted beaches and stunning bays in the North but definitely worth it, or navigate your scooter over the green hills in the center of the island. Scuba divers should definitely go diving at Sail Rock, one of the best dive sites in Thailand.

Accommodation suggestion: Santhiya Koh Phangan  (luxury), Cocohut Village Beach Resort (mid range), Bottle Beach 1 Resort  (budget)

Click here to reserve your boat tickets from island hopping from Koh Samui:

• Boat from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan: 30 minutes - 300 THB.
• Boat from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao: 1 to 1.5 hours - 350/500 THB .
• Boat from Koh Tao to Koh Samui Airport: 3 hours - 750 THB .
• Boat and bus from Koh Tao to Bangkok: 10 hours - 1,100 THB .
• Boat from Koh Samui to Surat Thani: 2 to 4 hous - 250/600 THB .
• Boat from Koh Samui to Chumphon: 5 to 6 hours - 900/1,200 THB .

3 nights Koh Tao

To me this is one of the best places to stay in Thailand. Go and feel the real island vibe you are looking for and enjoy the uncomplicated lifestyle on this tranquil island. Hike up to a new Koh Tao viewpoint every day, dance all night long in beach bars, explore unspoiled bays, go scuba diving, and end your days with a cocktail in your hand watching the sunset on vibrant Sairee Beach.

Check out my guide with the best things to do in Koh Tao in 2024 .

Accommodation suggestion: The Place Koh Tao , Bamboo Huts  (luxury), Sairee Cottage Resort (mid range),  Thalassa  (budget).

4. Island hopping itinerary for 2 weeks: Andaman Coast and the Gulf of Thailand

If you have longer than one week you can combine the above suggested routes for island hopping in Thailand.

Here is what an island hopping Thailand itinerary for 2 weeks would look like:

• Fly into Phuket and go island hopping in the Andaman Coast
• Make your way from Phuket to Krabi through the Phi Phi islands
• Enjoy the amazing beaches and deserted islands in Krabi
• Travel from Krabi to Koh Samui ( click here for the best way to get there )
• Party in Koh Phangan
• Relax in Koh Tao
• Make your way back to the International Airport of Koh Samui and fly out

Transportation from the East coast to the West coast will take about 10 hours including ferries and will cost you about $30 USD.

For example the trip from Koh Tao to Koh Lanta is 10 hours and cost $40 USD. It takes a ferry and a bus first and the last stretch is the done by boat again.

Check the up to date prices and schedules as per 2024 below.

If you want to explore the Thai islands for two weeks and just wanna stick to either the east or the west side of the country then I recommend you to travel to the West Coast of Thailand instead of the East coast.

On the Indian ocean side there are more islands to discover. Some of the islands in the west coast are among the most amazing places to visit in Thailand.

However check what is the best time to travel to Thailand in my article with 65 things to know before you travel to Thailand .

Combine my itinerary for island hopping in Phuket with my route for island hopping in Krabi and you have an amazing 2-week holiday in Thailand.

Also if you have time consider a detour to one of the best islands in Thailand: Similan islands or even further down South, the gorgeous islands of Koh Lipe.

RELATED:  island hopping Thailand tips  +  best islands to visit in Thailand .

5. Itinerary for 1 month island hopping in Thailand

Route suggestion number 5 is to combine all the one week itineraries and go island hopping for 1 month. Most definitely add the gorgeous islands around Koh Lipe to your Thailand itinerary , with some of the best beaches in the country. Once you are down South then also consider to hop over to Malaysia and visit Langkawi. The boat from Koh Lipe to Langkawi is a little more expensive, but totally worth the trip!

Boat from Koh Lipe to Langkawi: 1.5 hour - $32 USD.  Click here to book it online and save the hassle.

Is island hopping in Thailand safe?

Just like in every other country Thailand has its issues, but generally spoken these just include scams and will only hurt your wallet! If you are responsible and don't get yourself into shit by doing drugs or disrespecting the Thai culture you are 100% going to have a wicked time in this lovely country.

I dedicated a complete article on Is Thailand Safe Right Now , click on the link to learn more about traveling in Thailand with all the things to avoid, scams and safety issues.

I have been multiple times to the land of smiles and never anything happened, but I also want you to know the truth about for examples the Koh Tao Murders . They took place on my birthday in 2014 when I was living in Koh Tao. Although Koh Tao is called the Murder Island I have never felt uncomfortable!

Traveling to Thailand became such a passion that I also wrote the article: 18  Reasons To Travel To Thailand .

Island Hopping Thailand Tips

So how much does island hopping int Thailand cost? I have the answer for you in this article about up to date prices of  how much cost a trip to Thailand in 2024 ? In the article I break down the prices for transport, alcohol, parties, transportation, accommodation and so on.

Need more help  planning a trip to Thailand ? Read my article to get help from someone who has visited Thailand more than 20 times. :)

Living an island life is such an uncomplicated lifestyle and if you are looking for a break from a rushed corporate life then a trip to Thailand could be the exact escape you are looking for. I have also been island hopping in the Philippines a lot, but sincerely Thailand is my favorite. Have a look at my article about  traveling in Thailand vs. Philippines . Different destinations but both amazing island vibes.

Want to stay online during your trip to Thailand then I advice you to  buy a prepaid sim card for Thailand in 2024 . I did the research for you and checked out what is the best sim card for tourists in Thailand. Is your phone e-sim compatible then order an e-sim card for Thailand on the internet .

If this article was helpful for you would you mind pinning it on Pinterest or share it in a Facebook group? It would mean a lot to me, thank you so much! A tweet on Twitter is also nice! :)

If you would like to be fuelled with wanderlust then check out my Instagram profile @traveltomtom and keep up with my road to visit every country in the world . As of January 2024 I have been to more than 155 countries.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Adventure Travel & Blogger (@traveltomtom)

Enjoy your trip to Thailand!

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• island hopping
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• similan islands

Thailand Island Hopping: Epic Itinerary (2 Weeks), Map & Tips

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: April 14, 2024

When it comes to Thailand island hopping , there are countless options and hundreds of possible itineraries. So if you are looking for just one right answer or ultimate guide to island hopping in Thailand, you might be disappointed. However, if you are looking for ideas for an epic island hopping experience in Thailand  and are not sure where to start, then you’ve come to the right place!

Our 2-week Thailand island hopping itinerary covers many of the must-see islands, such as Phuket , Krabi , Koh Phi Phi , and  Khao Ping Kan (James Bond Island) . It also includes the amazing less touristy  Koh Lanta  and the tiny Koh Lipe , often called the Maldives of Thailand.

At the end of our trip, we also visited a wonderful place that you won’t find in many south Thailand itineraries – Khao Sok National Park . It’s not an island, so technically doesn’t belong in an island hopping itinerary. However, it has become our absolute favorite place in Thailand, so it would be a shame not to tell you about it.

We had just two weeks in Thailand and decided to spend all our time visiting the most beautiful islands in the South of the country. What we try to do on every trip is to make the best of the short time that we have and see all the best places that are worth the trip the most . This 2-week Thailand island hopping itinerary reflects exactly that.

We made this trip with our three children (age 8, 8, and 10) and so it has a good mix of relaxing beach time , fun family-friendly activities , local culture , nature , as well as (ethical) animal encounters . This is a family-friendly trip, but it will also appeal to most travelers seeking to see the best of southern Thailand.

For the sake of giving you more available options than what we did, I adapted our itinerary here and there in order to show you what’s possible if you want to fill each and every day with sightseeing. You could also extend this trip by adding other popular places like Ko Samui or Khao Lak, or maybe visit the less known islands like Ko Yao Yai or Ko Yao Noi, and others. Langkawi island in Malaysia is so close to Koh Lipe that it’s also a nice place to consider if you have even more time. The possibilities are endless…

So please keep in mind that there are 101 ways to plan an island hopping trip in Thailand , and this is just one of them. Use this as an inspiration to make your own perfect island hopping itinerary . It might look a bit overwhelming to plan a trip like this on your own at first, but it’s actually really easy to do. Our practical tips and information will help you to plan and book your own dream trip. Find out!

Island hopping in Thailand: 2-week itinerary and map

We started and ended our Thailand island hopping trip in Phuket , since it has an international airport with lots of flight options. For us it was cheaper to buy tickets to/from Phuket rather than try to fly out from a different airport, so we made this into a round trip.

It would have been possible to end the trip in Krabi, Koh Samui, for example. Which, luckily, we didn’t do as that coast was hit by Storm Pabuk just at the time we would have been there… But just before you get scared, this was a once-in-68-years type of storm, so the chances of you encountering a similar storm are pretty slim.

Our 2-week Thailand island hopping itinerary – overview:

• Days 1-4: Phuket area and day trips to Koh Phi-Phi, James Bond Island, Similan Islands, and more

Day 5: Phuket to Koh Lanta

Day 6: koh lanta.

• Day 7: Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe
• Days 8-9: Koh Lipe
• Day 10: Koh Lipe to Krabi and Railay Beach
• Days 11-13: Khao Sok National Park
• Day 14: Phuket
• Practical information for your island hopping trip
• What you should know about boat transfers in southern Thailand

Here is the map indicating all the main places mentioned in our island hopping itinerary. It will give you a better idea where everything is located and hopefully will make your trip planning easier.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Below you can find our day-to-day itinerary for south Thailand. I also indicated our accommodation choices for each place that we visited. Obviously, you can find other accommodations on the same islands and make this trip as expensive or as cheap as you like.

Our trip was on a more expensive side – we aren’t fans of hostels or guest houses. When we had several nights in one place, we opted for more luxurious resorts. Whereas when we were just passing by, we chose good price/quality accommodations that had big family rooms and the most convenient location for our transfers.

At the bottom of this post, you can find more information about boat transfers in southern Thailand and other practical information for planning an island-hopping trip in Thailand.

Without further ado, here is how our Thailand island hopping itinerary looked like. It contains additional options, suggestions, and tips for your trip. Read on!

Day 1: Phuket: Coconut Island

We always heard that Phuket island is busy, crowded with tourists, and all in all maybe not the best place for people who like to avoid the crowds at all costs. But, as I said, it was the best place for us to fly to. On top of that, Phuket is very well located for a variety of day trips and excursions in the area. So we decided to do some research and see if we could take advantage of its location, without having to sacrifice on our travel experience.

We traveled to south Thailand during Christmas – New Year, which is by far the busiest and the most expensive time of the year. Accommodations get fully booked months in advance and already expensive hotel prices surge even more a few months before the travel dates. Luckily, we planned our trip 7 months in advance and still had plenty of choice of available accommodations at somewhat affordable prices.

So here you go, if you thought Thailand is cheap, it’s not always the case. Yes, you can still find a place to sleep for 5-10 EUR a night, but if you want a really nice accommodation for your family holiday, you’ll quickly pay hundreds of euros per night.

After a lot of research into all types of accommodations in and near Phuket, we found a beautiful place to stay that ticked all the boxes for us – The Village Coconut Island Beach Resort . First, it has an excellent location – close enough to the airport and the main piers (so also doable for excursions and transfers), but far away from the crowds.

That said, if sightseeing is your main focus and you are planning on doing many excursions in Phuket, you may find an additional boat ride to the pier a bit of a hassle. For us, it wasn’t an issue at all and we would return in a heartbeat.

This resort is located on Coconut Island , just 5 min by boat from Phuket, and is the only resort on this island. Second, it has a beautiful private beach, water sports, a kids club, and a huge choice of family villas (many with a private pool) for various budgets.

Compared to huge hotels with thousands of guests located on the most popular beaches of Phuket, Coconut Island looked like a paradise. And it really was – we loved every minute of our stay here.

After hours spent traveling on planes, cars, and a boat, we immediately felt on vacation here. Sunshine, beach, and cocktails… Our jet lag was gone before it started.

Kids spent the whole first day testing all the swimming pools and water slides of the resort, while we enjoyed the private pool of a magnificent beachfront villa that we got upgraded to. We never wanted to leave!

Accommodation: 4 nights at  The Village Coconut Island Beach Resort

Day 2: Phuket: Day Trip to Phi-Phi Islands

We woke at dawn the next morning for a sunrise cruise to the Phi-Phi islands . These magnificent islands are really a must when island-hopping in Thailand!

We considered staying on Phi-Phi Don and visiting the islands on a boat tour from there, but after some research, we decided it’s better done as a day trip from Phuket. Hotel prices were completely insane in Phi Phi at Christmas. We also heard that this tiny island has a reputation for being a party island, so not our thing at all.

There are quite some tours from Phuket to Phi-Phi islands that you can easily book online. Plus, there are tours offered by hotels (which tend to be about 50% more expensive).

After a lot of research, we opted for this ‘Early-bird’ Phi-Phi islands tour , which also includes a walk to the viewpoint in Phi-Phi Don. Sunrise and fewer people make it worth getting up a bit earlier.

All the tours in Phuket offer complimentary hotel pick-up. However, since our hotel was on an island, we were a bit worried to book early morning tours. We shouldn’t have worried! The hotel boat brings you to a nearby hotel (see map), which is just a 5-minute boat ride away, so you can ask the tours to pick you up from there.

All the tours to Phi-Phi islands offer pretty much the same itinerary. We chose this one since it explicitly mentioned a walk to the beautiful viewpoint on Phi Phi Don (and it was well worth the short but steep hike).

Our first stop was at Phi Phi Leh, with its beautiful Maya Bay. The popular beach has been closed by Thai authorities, so now the boats just make a short photo stop at the entrance of the bay. We also stopped by the Viking Cave and the monkey beach and had several snorkeling stops in different locations. The final stop was on the white-sand Bamboo Island, where we had lunch and plenty of time to swim and relax.

We knew that this tour was the most popular island hopping trip from Phuket, so we expected it to be extremely busy. It was busy, but it somehow didn’t disturb much as there was plenty of space. It might have also helped a bit that we went early in the morning. Although, I have the feeling that sunrise trips are even more popular than regular day trips. Another advantage of taking such an early morning tour was that we still had plenty of time to relax at the beach of our hotel in the afternoon.

Day 3: Phuket Tour, Snorkeling, or Beach Time

For the third day of our Thailand vacation, we were debating whether to go to town, make a beach trip to a sister island directly from our hotel, or just stay on  Coconut Island. The kids chose for the latter, it’s a vacation after all.

We took the bikes offered by our resort and explored a nearby local village on Coconut Island by bike . It was our kids’ first encounter with local life in rural Thailand. They were definitely impressed.

We spent the rest of the day swimming, kayaking, playing on the beach, reading, and sipping cocktails. Vacation can be as simple as that!

If you rather do more sightseeing , there are countless options in Phuket. Here are some of the best Phuket tours that I had shortlisted for our trip:

• Phuket highlights small group tour . Includes the famous Phuket Big Buddha marble statue, Buddhist temple of Wat Chalong, best viewpoints, and more.
• Ethical elephant park tour . We didn’t do this in the end since we had another elephant encounter planned later during the trip, but otherwise, it’s something that can be really nice to do in Phuket. Especially if visiting South Thailand with children.

Phuket might have beautiful beaches, but if you want to dive or snorkel , you will have to visit one of the nearby islands that have better reefs. There are several options. From everything I read, it seems that Similan Islands  and Koh Racha Yai are by far the best places for diving and snorkeling near Phuket.

Similan Islands  are famous for the white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, with colorful coral and sea life including many sea turtles. Here’s the best-rated day trip to Similan Islands that I was able to find.

Racha Yai is much closer to the Southern part of Phuket. So depending on where you stay, it might be a better option with less time wasted on transfers and more in the water. Here you can find tours that go to Koh Racha Yai .

READ ALSO our complete guide to island hopping from Phuket

Day 4: Phuket: Day Trip to Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island)

Every trip has its regrets. The biggest regret of our Thailand island hopping trip was that we didn’t make it to  Phang Nga Bay, or the James Bond Island . We had planned this amazing sunrise trip at the end of our trip, but we should have done it on day 4, thus I mention it here.

At the end of our trip, a major tropical storm, Pabuk, was on the way to the area. All the boats were ordered to stay ashore for three days. Since those were our last days in south Thailand, we never made it to the famous James Bond Island.

So my advice to you is doing the things that are at the top of your island hopping list as soon as you can. You never know how the weather will be, or what else might happen. At least, if you plan it in the beginning, you still have a chance to reschedule in case anything happens. Lesson learned.

Anyway, I’m sure you’ll have better luck (tropical storms like Pabuk are really rare in Thailand). This Phang Nga Bay: Early Bird Tour is the best-rated James Bond Island tour from Phuket.

After acclimatization on Coconut Island and some short day trips, it was time for some real island hopping! We left our hotel for a 20-min drive to Rassada Pier for our transfer to Ko Lanta.

So glad we opted for a speedboat trip from Phuket to Koh Lanta! It took just 1,5hrs (compared to 4hrs by ferry).

We left Phuket around noon and two hours later we were sipping cocktails and shakes by the pool of our hotel in Koh Lanta. The views from the pool were amazing and the sunsets – out of this world!

Of all the islands that we visited on this trip, Koh Lanta is the only one that we left with a feeling that we should have stayed longer. It felt more authentic, more green, and less touristy than Phuket, Koh Lipe, or Krabi.

We checked all the tours that you can do in Koh Lanta and had a tough time choosing just one for the next day. If you have more time, you can rent a car or a motorbike and explore the island on your own. If you have a day or two extra when planning your Thailand island hopping trip, I really recommend that you spend it in Koh Lanta!

Accommodation: 2 nights at Coco Cape Lanta Resort .

Having just one day on the island meant that we had to be very careful what we chose to do in Koh Lanta. Before our trip, we heard that one of the absolute best things to do in Koh Lanta is taking the tour of the 4 Islands and Emerald Cave . If we had two days in Koh Lanta, we would have definitely done this trip, but instead, we chose something else that involved a bit more adventure and variety.

We visited Koh Phee (The Skull Island), where after some really adventurous climbing we explored the impressive caves that open up to the sea through the ‘eyes of the skull’.

Afterwards, we visited Talabeng Island where we swam and kayaked in the most spectacular landscape, including Talabeng sea cave.

The tour also passed mangroves where there was an obligatory stop to feed fruit to the wild monkeys that live there. I’m not really sure how to feel about feeding wild animals, but the children had the times of their lives!

There are various tours in Koh Lanta that go to Talabeng sea cave , they all offer somewhat similar itineraries and always include mangroves and monkeys. We really enjoyed this half-day tour; it was one of our top-3 experiences of the 2-week Thailand island hopping trip.

Other suggestions in Koh Lanta include visiting Mu Ko Lanta National Park. However, it’s really far on the southern tip of the island, so it’s best done if you have the whole day for it.

Before our trip, I was really unsure what there is to see and do in Koh Lanta, but our experience shows that you could easily spend 3-5 days exploring this island and the nearby places. We felt sorry to leave so quickly!

Day 7: Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe and Beach Time

No matter where you come from, getting to Koh Lipe requires a really long trip. Speedboats from Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe take about 3 hours – really long, considering that you have to sit still all the time. We were lucky with the weather, so all in all, it was a very smooth journey, but we were all so happy to finally feel the ground under our feet!

Koh Lipe Island, often referred to as the Maldives of Thailand, is part of a National Park. So the first thing you have to do upon arrival is to pay the National Park fees. At the moment, it’s 200 TBH (5,5 EUR) for adults and 100 TBH (2,8 EUR) for children (fees for Thai residents are much lower).

We planned 3 nights/ 2 full days on Koh Lipe in our itinerary and we felt that it was enough. The island has become extremely busy and touristy in recent years; it was not really the paradise that we expected to find… But yes, if you are looking for white sand, clear blue water, snorkeling directly at the beach, and laid-back atmosphere, you’ll find it all in Koh Lipe.

I can’t say that we didn’t like it here, it was really nice, but just too busy to be paradise. We stayed at one of the most luxurious resorts on the island, with direct access to Sunrise beach that is known as the best snorkeling location in Koh Lipe itself. So we could escape the crowds when we wanted to, but still…

There were so many long-tail boats in the water at the beach that you had to navigate between them if you wanted to go snorkeling. It just didn’t feel very safe and we were constantly on the lookout for the boats.

So if you want to go snorkeling in Koh Lipe, it’s safer to join one of the organized tours or hire a private boat to bring you to one of the nicest snorkeling sites nearby.

Accommodation: 3 nights at  Mali Resort Sunrise Beach

Day 8: Koh Lipe: Snorkeling Day Trip

As I mentioned, there are many possibilities to go snorkeling or diving from Koh Lipe .

The most popular day trips that you can book on the island are the so-called A and B trips. Everyone we asked recommended B trip, so that’s the one we chose.

We booked a private long-tail boat and it was such a great value. We visited many small islands around Koh Tong and spent the whole day snorkeling at various locations.

We saw stunning white sand beaches and little islands dotted in the azure blue water, beautiful coral and lots of colorful fish. However, I have to be honest with you – we found snorkeling in Thailand much less impressive than in most other places that we had visited in the past.

That being said, snorkeling in Koh Lipe was by far the best compared to any other location of this island hopping trip in Thailand.

We didn’t have an underwater camera, but here is the best image I found from snorkeling in Koh Lipe. It looks pretty much like the snorkeling locations that we visited. Most coral isn’t colorful, with a few exceptions, and some colorful fish. If you want more colors, you’ll have to go diving.

Day 9: Koh Lipe

If you just can’t get enough of the underwater world, you could opt for one more snorkeling day trip from Koh Lipe. There are lots of diving courses and diving day trips available as well.

We chose to snorkel at the Sunrise Beach just next to our hotel, followed by lots of time by the pool.

In the afternoon we set to explore the Walking Street of Koh Lipe – a busy pedestrian road lined with restaurants, street-food stalls, shops, Thai massage parlors, and pretty much any other imaginable business you find in any town in Thailand.

In the evening we visited the famous Sunset Beach of Koh Lipe , which looked more like Woodstock festival terrain than a beach. We ended up renting a long-tail boat for a short sunset trip back to our hotel, located on the other side of the island.

Sunsets in Koh Lipe are amazing, but if you don’t like the crowds, I’d stay clear from the Sunset Beach.

We preferred the Sunrise Beach by far – it was amazing at sunset as well and is just a much nicer place to be. There are lots of restaurants on this beach and also a couple of quirky bars with fun entertainment, like this fire show in the picture below.

Day 10: Ko Lipe to Krabi and Railay Beach

Traveling from Koh Lipe to Krabi was the longest travel day of this Thailand island hopping trip. Just as the previous boat transfers, we got this booked through Phuket Ferry. We took a 9.30 AM boat from Koh Lipe to Pak Bara Pier (1,5 hrs), followed by a minivan transfer to Krabi (4,5 hrs).

It was a long drive, but we were glad that the boat trip was just 1,5 hours. It’s so much more comfortable in an air-conditioned van than on a boat! Also, about halfway through our drive, we stopped to stretch our legs and get some lunch, so all in all the transfer went well.

We’re glad that we included Koh Lipe into our trip itinerary and we all agreed that we would have regretted it if we hadn’t. But if I were to visit South Thailand again, I’d skip Lipe and stay in Lanta a few days longer. It’s just such a long trip to get there and back…

We had just one night in Krabi, so we booked the hotel close to the famous Ao Nang Beach. After check-in and a quick dip in the pool, we headed to the beach from where we took a long-tail boat to Railay .

Long-tail boat from Ao Nang Beach to Railay Beach takes just 15-20 minutes and is an absolute must when in Krabi! The coastline here is amazing and the famous Railay beach is also really picturesque. 

Railay Beach is probably the most beautiful beach we visited in Thailand. However, just as Koh Lipe or Koh Phi Phi, it was extremely busy.

If you have more time in your island-hopping itinerary in Thailand, I’d recommend staying in Railay for a day or two. But if you’re short on time as we were, now you know that it’s possible to visit Railay Beach in just an hour or two as well.

Accommodation: 1 night at  BlueSotel Krabi AoNang Beach

Day 11: Khao Sok National Park

We started our 3-day adventure in Khao Sok National Park with a pick-up and transfer from our hotel in Krabi to Elephant Hills,  a luxury tented jungle camp in Khao Sok NP.

When researching Thailand island hopping itinerary, I never saw Khao Sok mentioned as a possible option. It’s so close to Phuket, Krabi, and even Ko Samui, so it’s strange we never heard about this place.

We learned about Elephant Hills by coincidence, from somebody who described it as ‘the best experience ever’. We were just starting to research the itinerary for this trip, so it was perfect timing! I checked the Elephant Hills website and was sold. It looked like an amazing place that we just had to include in our itinerary!

Disclosure: We contacted Elephant Hills to arrange the trip and were offered a discount in exchange for a mention in this article. However, we would have done this trip regardless! It turned out to be our absolute favorite place in southern Thailand. Read on!

We booked a 3 day/ 2 night Jungle Lake Safari tour . It’s probably the most diverse tour they offer, in terms of activities, as well as accommodation.

Upon arrival and check-in in our luxury tents (with beds, showers and all), we went to meet the elephants . There are 12 elephants at the camp at the moment, the youngest is just 13 years old, the oldest – 75. Most elephants here are all domesticated animals that were left homeless after elephant employment in the logging industry has been forbidden in Thailand a few decennia ago. You won’t find elephant riding here; only ethical experiences.

We could meet a couple of elephants, see them bathe, prepare the food for them, feed these magnificent animals, and even wash them. There was also a short documentary that gave us a better insight into the history of elephants in Thailand.

In the past, they were used for labor and people could justify the cost of keeping an animal that eats over 250kg of food per day. However, when the elephants were not allowed to work anymore, many of them were left homeless. The tourism industry took care of this problem by starting to use elephants for tourism entertainment, rides, etc.

Nowadays, more and more places in Thailand seem to realize that responsible tourism and ethical animal experiences are the future. However, in every single town and every single hotel during our trip, we saw plenty of brochures promoting elephant riding tours. So it won’t go away, as long as tourists keep paying for that kind of experiences. But now that you know that there are more ethical ways to interact with elephants in Thailand, I really hope that you’ll avoid elephant riding experiences…

From everything we have read and witnessed, Elephant Hills is a place that treats their elephants well. They have won numerous awards for sustainable tourism and animal welfare and we never saw any signs that animals would be mistreated.

Of course, these are still animals in captivity and not in the wild, and I’m sure there will be moments when they would prefer to roam around freely rather than do what’s expected of them. At the same time, tourism money helps to preserve so many elephants that are not capable of living in the wild.

After meeting the elephants, we set on a canoe tour on Sok River . The scenery here is simply spectacular and the canoe trip was a real jungle experience – we even saw a couple of snakes hanging in the trees!

Accommodation: 1 night at Elephant Hills Camp .

Day 12: Khao Sok National Park

Our second day in Khao Sok started with a short visit to a local market, on the way to  Cheow Larn Lake .

Our accommodation for the night – Rainforest Camp – is a floating tent camp, located deep in the jungle of Khao Sok National Park. We fell in love with this place!

The tents are beautiful and each has a terrace overlooking the lake. You can jump in for a swim straight from your tent and our younger kids spent hours doing just that! They were feeding the fish, then jumping into the lake trying to catch them with their bare hands…. In the meantime, I took our oldest kayaking.

In the afternoon, we went for a jungle trek that ended with a visit to a huge stalactites and stalagmites cave where we also visited a bat cave. Keep in mind that you do all these activities with local guides and just a small group of other visitors. For the rest, there is nothing around you but an endless rainforest…

We saw spiders and birds, monkeys and gibbons, and were deafened by the sound of cicadas and other wildlife.

If you are looking for quietness in the literal sense of the word, then you won’t find it here – the jungle is a very noisy place. But if you are looking for an unforgettable experience, waking up in the middle of the lake at sunrise with the sounds of wild gibbons around you, then you’ll love it here!

Accommodation: 1 night at Rainforest Camp (Elephant Hills) – glamping at its best!

READ MORE about our stay at Elephant Hills in Khao Sok NP

Day 13: Khao Sok National Park and travel to Phuket

We woke up to the most amazing sunrise in the morning. The water of the  Cheow Larn Lake  was like a mirror, reflecting the stunning scenery… We skipped the morning shower and went swimming in the lake instead – an unforgettable experience!

In the morning we could take the kayaks again and set to explore the lake and the jungle on our own. Despite the fact that we had to leave this place in the afternoon, it didn’t feel rushed at all. Not like the usual hotel with an early check-out.

We could kayak and swim the whole morning, then take a shower, pack our bags, and have a nice lunch…. When the long-tail boat came to bring us back to civilization, nobody wanted to leave…

Elephant Hills arranged our transfer back to Phuket. A couple of hours later we checked in at our last hotel, close to Phuket Airport.

Accommodation: 2 nights at  Dewa Phuket  at Nai Yang Beach.

Day 14: Phuket: Excursion or Beach time

We had planned to spend our last day in Phuket by visiting James Bond Island (see day 4 above for suggestions). However, due to a serious storm that was forecasted to hit the area soon, our trip was canceled. We only found out about it in the middle of the night, when it was too late to arrange anything else for the day.

We ended up booking an overpriced short tour from our hotel and visited Wat Phra Tong , the Temple of Buddha that emerges from the ground.

We also visited a local gibbon sanctuary and Bangpae Waterfall . It was a simple local tour, but I’d much rather have done something more special, like the James Bond Island or one of the tours we had shortlisted for our trip (see day 3 for suggestions).

Our hotel was located just by the beautiful Nai Yang Beach , part of Sirinat National Park . So we also went for a sunset walk there. We were told that Nai Yang Beach is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Phuket and I have to agree with this. The sunsets here were out of this world! The whole sky and sea colored red – incredible!

This was the perfect way to end our amazing island hopping adventure in Thailand. At the same time, we were really worried about the coming storm, so it was hard to enjoy the sunset and our last evening in Thailand. We kept checking the weather forecast hoping that our flight would be able to leave before the storm the following day.

In the end, all went well and we left Phuket just hours before the storm hit the area. Luckily, the storm was a bit less strong than predicted and all in all the damage to the local communities was not too bad.

Day 15: Departure from Phuket and Bangkok Day Trip

Our flight back home went via Bangkok, where we had a 12-hour layover.

Despite having just a day in Bangkok, we managed to see so many of the city’s highlights. We visited the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Bangkok canals, a flower market, and Khao Sarn Road. 

Here you can find our tips on how to see the best of Bangkok in one day .

If you are visiting Bangkok and want to get a bit off the beaten path, then don’t miss its canals! Here you can read about our  Bangkok canal tour and why we think it’s a must in Bangkok!

READ ALSO: Bangkok Neighborhood Guide & Insider Tips on Where to Stay

Island Hopping in Thailand: Practical Information and Tips

As I said, there are many ways to organize your Thailand island hopping trip. I hope that our itinerary will give you a good idea of what there is to see and how to do it. Here are some more practical tips and advice to help you plan your island-hopping adventure:

• Decide if you want to stay on different islands or stay at fewer places and make day trips to the nearby islands . Some places like Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, or Krabi are an excellent location for day trips, so you can explore many islands without having to change hotels.
• If your travel dates are fixed, if you are traveling with a family, or visiting Thailand during a busy season, make sure to book your accommodations well in advance . We traveled to Thailand during the Christmas – New Year period and booked everything in May (7 months before the trip). Many hotels were fully booked already months in advance. The ones that were still available a month before our trip, had doubled in price.
• Book your boat transfers in advance. I recommend Phuket Ferry as a one-stop-shop for all the boat connections for your Thailand island hopping trip. See below.
• Book your tours online or hire a local driver if visiting a place nearby. Most hotels charge you so much more for the same trips. We used and recommend GetYourGuide for all day trips and excursions in Thailand.
• Pack noise-reducing headphones or earplugs for any speedboat transfers or day trips – it is really noisy.
• We didn’t use them, but motion sickness pills/patches are good to have if you encounter rougher seas on your trip.
• If you are making a real island-hopping trip and staying on many different islands, it might be easier to pack a travel backpack rather than a suitcase. We used Thule Guidepost 65l travel backpacks (sponsored by Thule) for our trip and managed to pack really light with just 2 of these backpacks for our family of 5.
• We did take a couple of smaller backpacks for electronics, cameras, and e-books as well. Before our trip, we were wondering what kind of luggage is best for an island hopping trip.  Based on other travelers’ recommendations decided to take travel backpacks. However, we did see many people with huge suitcases on the boats in Thailand as well. As long as you don’t have to carry them anywhere (and have hotel shuttles pick you up and drop you off right where you have to be), suitcases or wheeled duffels are also ok.

Boat Transfers: Phuket to Koh Lanta, Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe, and Koh Lipe to Krabi

When planning any Thailand island hopping itinerary, you will inevitably find yourself looking for  boat transfers in southern Thailand .

Boat transfers were my biggest worry when researching our Thailand island hopping trip. I spent hours reading about every single ferry company in south Thailand. Each and every one of them had some really frightening reviews… 

There were also so many websites in broken English that made it impossible to figure out what exactly it was you were trying to book, where or when the boats would leave, and why in the world the same trip would take 4 hours and cost 15 EUR here and 1,5 hours and 20 EUR somewhere else… Complete chaos.

Luckily, there was this one website that kept popping up in the search – PhuketFerry.com . It has good reviews on Google and on Facebook. Their multi-lingual website was actually understandable and extremely easy to use. In no time I found all the boat connections for our trip and had a much clearer picture of what was offered and where the price differences came from. The prices were in line with what you pay when booking directly with the boat companies, but the ease of using their website and the trust factor were incomparable.

So I contacted Phuket Ferry. I shared my concerns and all the horror stories that I heard about boat transfers in Thailand. They said that they only work with companies that have a proven record of reliability, good service, and safety. All the people I talked to were extremely professional and so I told them we’d love to work with them and share our experience with boat transfers in Phuket – Krabi – Koh Lanta – Koh Lipe area with our readers.

We ended up booking all our boat and van transfers for our Thailand island hopping trip through the Phuket Ferry website (sponsored). The booking process was simple and quick. We were given vouchers with very clear information for each part of our journey.

What’s even more important, is that everything went very smoothly. The boats were on time or had a very slight delay (and once it left earlier since everyone was already there anyway), they were in a very good condition and felt safe, our luggage arrived together with us, and nobody got seasick.

I have to add that we were extremely lucky with the weather and relatively smooth seas. We all get seasick very easily, but in Thailand, we didn’t even use any of the pills that we brought. Not once. So, at least in our case, boat transfers in southern Thailand went really well.

TIP: If you are planning an island-hopping trip in Thailand, I strongly suggest that you book your boat transfers in advance. All the boats were fully booked when we traveled.

If you travel in the off-season, without children, and have more flexibility, you can also just wait and look for boat connections as you go. But if you have your trip dates and accommodations fixed and don’t want to waste hours looking for suitable boat transfers, just do it from the comfort of your seat at home.

It’s not cheaper to book directly at the harbor (if not more expensive), and you can choose the boats and the travel times that best suit your itinerary. And yes, I really recommend using PhuketFerry.com for all your transfers when island-hopping in Thailand. They’ve got all the major destinations covered and make your trip planning so much easier!

If you have any questions about our experience with boat transfers in Thailand, don’t hesitate to leave a reply below and I’ll try to help.

READ ALSO: Phuket Island Hopping: 15 Best Islands to Visit from Phuket

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sally jenkin

Wednesday 29th of May 2024

i am looking to go island hopping with my mother who is 82. When I look at pictures it looks like the boats do not always stop at piers and you may be required to climb out into water. Which islands have piers and easy access in and out of boat? Kind regards Sally

Thursday 30th of May 2024

Hi Sally, there are so many islands in Thailand and so many different types of boats/harbors/piers that I really can't help you with this question. You would have to research it route per route. In general, taking regular ferries between the main islands (Phuket, Koh Lipe, the main ferry terminal on Koh Phi Phi) shouldn't be a problem, but a few - like Koh Lipe - have floating pontoons.

Tuesday 7th of November 2023

Wow, what a great blog! Loved reading about your adventures!

Just a couple of questions as we are thinking of planning a trip to Thailand next year.

Firstly, what type of foods did you eat ? I have two very fussy eaters in my family and although I understand there will be lots of choice when staying in hotels, what about when you are on organised trips ?

Secondly, I’m passionate about animals and worried about seeing lots of animal exploitation that I would really like to avoid. I’d been keen to visit an ethical elephant sanctuary like you did, but will I come across lots of other animals being exploited that would ruin the trip for me ? I’ve heard of awful trips to have photos with Tigers etc that I really want to avoid at all costs.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Best regards

Friday 10th of November 2023

Hi Helen, food is really the last thing you need to worry about in Thailand. Local food is delicious and if your kids are really picky, they will even find pizza and similar. As for organized trips, we haven't done many where food was included (most excursions were rather short and if they did include something, it was usually just drinks and fruit, maybe a bbq-style meal on the beach). I don't have any recollections of anyone having trouble with any of the meals. The multi-day trip at Khao Sok NP had all the food included, but there was so much choice that everyone was able to find something they liked. As for the animals, we haven't seen any animals being exploited/mistreated anywhere on our trip. Hope this helps. Have a great time in Thailand!

Saturday 21st of October 2023

You had mentioned packing light is good for island hopping. But I'm trying to figure out what to do with our stuff in-between check in times at hotels. Was this a problem you ran into? If so do you have any suggestions?

Monday 23rd of October 2023

@Jurga, thank you! That will definitely make it easier!

Hi Kylie, we never had this problem. Most of the time, we could check in when we arrived, and if not, they kept the bags for us (I think it maybe happened once and we just went to the pool in the meantime). If you stay at hotels, this is normally never an issue.

Karen Russell

Monday 28th of August 2023

This is a fantastic help Thank you 🙏

Wednesday 30th of August 2023

Glad to help, Karen. Have a great trip!

Wednesday 12th of July 2023

Please call me, do you do group travels. Am traveling solo but would love to join a group

Friday 14th of July 2023

Ring ring :). As stated multiple times on our website, this is a travel blog and not a travel agency. We do not organize any trips. I'm sure you'll find plenty of options for group trips online. Enjoy Thailand!

How to Choose from Thailand’s Islands (Your Island Hopping Guide)

Thailand has more than a thousand islands. They are concentrated in the south of Thailand, scattered along the east (Gulf of Thailand) and west (Andaman Sea) coasts.

There are islands for honeymooners, families, divers/snorkelers, backpackers, and partiers, and you could hop between islands for the ultimate tropical trip.

No one should miss an island experience on a trip to Thailand. But, how do you choose the right islands for an island-hopping trip among so many?

Things You Should Consider When You Pick Islands

• Islands for Honeymoons
• Islands for Families
• Islands for Snorkeling and Diving
• Islands for Backpackers
• An Island for Partie

Island-Hopping Itineraries

When you choose islands for your island-hopping tour in Thailand, there are some points you should consider:

1. Your travel needs : Are you planning for a honeymoon-style trip or a family trip? Islands that are well-developed with all the facilities are probably more suitable for a family trip, like Phuket. Islands with a quieter, romantic vibe are more suitable for honeymoons, like Koh Samui.

2. Rainy season : Thailand's east and west coasts are affected by the monsoon at different times. The rainy season may not affect your trip too much. But if you are seeking a dry and sunny holiday, avoid the wet season.

Islands on the east coast, like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, are rainiest between October and December, while east coast islands, like Phuket and Krabi, are wettest between May and October.

3. Budget : Phuket fits all budgets. Koh Samui is more expensive. Krabi is more affordable. Each island is different.

4. Environment : Some people may like a lively vibe with a richness of activities, markets, eating, and entertainment options, while others seek out quiet islands. Here is one thing to be aware of: some secluded islands lack facilities and high-quality hotels. But there are still some islands with a peaceful vibe and great facilities, like Koh Samui and Koh Lanta.

If you still cannot make a decision among the dizzying array of islands, feel free to contact us . We are here to help design an ideal trip based on your preferences, budget, group size, travel time, and other requirements.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

6 Islands for Honeymoons

If honeymoon-style is what you're looking for, read this section, otherwise skip to the next.

These honeymoon destinations, selected from a wide variety of islands, offer a variety of honeymoon resort options: some create a natural romantic atmosphere, and some provide undisturbed private time.

1. Phuket — The Popular Choice

• Location: west coast
• Best times: November to April
• Getting there: international flights/domestic flights

As the most well-known and well-developed island in Thailand, Phuket's many, many resort choices and activities for couples are the reasons why we recommend it.

Phuket is a place that won't let your honeymoon get boring, with all kinds of water activities, night markets, and bars to enjoy.

Phuket can offer a variety of options for different budgets, which is the main reason it is favored by the most honeymooners.

2. Koh Samui — Luxury Honeymoon

• Location: east coast
• Best times: July to September, January to March

With many luxury beachfront resorts, pristine tropical scenery, and a quieter vibe, Koh Samui ranks high on the list of best honeymoon destinations in the world.

You could enjoy a leisurely and high-quality honeymoon in Koh Samui, with its many romantic things to do, like a superb couples spa, kayaking, and a seaside dinner.

>>> Phuket vs Koh Samui: Which is Better?

3. Koh Yao Noi — Less Crowded

• Best times: January to April
• Getting there: ferry from Phuket or Krabi

The island's idyllic setting attracts honeymooners. It is less crowded than Koh Samui. If you want a undisturbed time, you should consider Koh Yao Noi.

The resorts on the island boast gorgeous pools and rooms. You'll also find a laid-back lifestyle and a traditional island community retaining its ancient way of life.

Golden sandy beaches sit alongside shallow rocky bays. The island is also a great spot for snorkeling, rock climbing, and kayaking adventures.

4. Koh Lanta — Cost-Effective

• Getting there: ferry from Krabi

With its fine sands, spectacular mangrove forests, and rugged hills, the stunning views of Koh Lanta offer a perfect natural environment for a honeymoon or romantic vacation.

There are not many tourists on the island, and they're mostly from Europe and America. The island has good facilities that are not very expensive. If you like the vibe of Koh Samui but your budget doesn't fit it, you should consider Koh Lanta.

5. Koh Munnork — A Private Island

• Best times: December to April
• Getting there: ferry from Koh Samet

If you're especially looking for a unique natural atmosphere with nothing but the sea and the two of you, Koh Munnork can fulfill your dreams.

It is a private island, with only one resort. The resort's private boats are the only way to get to and from the mainland.

Surrounded by primitive forests and white sandy beaches, the peaceful and serene atmosphere on the island would allow you to enjoy an intimate time without being disturbed.

6. Koh Samet — A National Park

• Best times: October to April
• Getting there: ferry from Bangkok

The whole of Koh Samet is a national park. The island is full of lush jungles and lush coconut groves. White sandy beaches and bays are good for rest and water sports.

The island is not expensive. You can find many economical hotels and meals. It is suitable for young couples who seek a quiet environment on a low budget.

4 Islands for Families

These islands are best for a family trip. You can choose based on your budget, travel time, and preferences.

1. Phuket — Rich in Activities

• Getting there: international/domestic flights

As talked about above, Phuket is a strong competitor on many fronts. Its plentiful activities and facilities can well match the needs of a family trip.

You can find many all-inclusive resorts, which can save trouble in organizing things separately. Both adults and children will find things to do.

2. Koh Samui — For a Leisurely Holiday

Koh Samui is more suitable for a slow-paced family holiday. It has a peaceful and less commercial atmosphere. Just staying at a comfortable resort with the surrounding sea views will make you feel cozy and relaxed.

3. Koh Chang — Nature & Adventure

• Best times: November to February

If your kids are teenagers and like to explore nature, Koh Chang is a nice option. Koh Chang is Thailand's second largest island. It has a greater variety of landscapes than other islands, such as forests, waterfalls, and hills.

The clear, unpolluted waters are perfect for snorkeling and fishing, while the tranquil, traditional fishing villages are a great place to experience the daily life of local fishermen and taste seafood firsthand.

4. Koh Kood — Nature & Peace

• Getting there: ferry from Koh Chang

Koh Kood is more suitable for families seeking nature and peace. There are no shops, night markets, or bustling crowds.

As the fourth largest island in Thailand, it is a hidden treasure. All you will see there are pristine white beaches, crystal clear waters, coconut palm forests, and relaxing beach bungalows.

5 Islands for Snorkeling and Diving

Renowned as one of the world's best diving destinations, Thailand offers many excellent dive spots.

1. The Phi Phi Islands — Most Popular

• Getting there: ferry from Phuket/Krabi

The Phi Phi Islands are a popular dive destination in the Andaman Sea. Because they are accessible from Phuket and Krabi, they attract lots of visitors.

The currents at the islands are generally mild to medium, suitable for divers of all levels.

The unspoiled environment makes the Phi Phi Islands rich in marine life. You can see many corals, seahorses, and tropical fish.

2. The Similan Islands — World-Renowned Diving

• Best times: December to March
• Getting there: ferry from Phuket / Khao Lak

Ranking among the world's top 10 dive sites, the Similan Islands' abundance of diverse marine life and spectacular coral reefs provides a world-class underwater paradise for deep-sea divers. Whale sharks and manta ray are the big creatures that many look forward to.

The average tourist would choose a day trip to the Similan Islands. However, diving enthusiasts often choose the liveaboard way. Then, they can enjoy diving in a variety of Similan Island dive sites over several days.

3. Koh Tao — World's Diving Factory

• Best times: January to March, July to September
• Getting there: ferry from Koh Samui

Koh Tao offers the most cost-effective diving and snorkeling courses, so it is popular with beginners. It is said that more than 60% of the world's diving permits are issued there every year!

There are also plenty of challenging diving sites, such as HTMS Sattakut, lying on the sea bed in 30 meters (100 feet) of water.

Also read: How to Get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao (& Vice Versa)

4. Koh Lipe — Less Commercial

• Location: West Coast
• Best times: November to March
• Getting there: ferry from Hat Yai / Malaysia's Langkawi

Koh Lipe is the southernmost island of Thailand, very close to Malaysia. Koh Lipe was developed late, so if you like a primitive vibe with less commercialization, then it is recommended for you.

Less wind, calm seas, clean water, and rich marine life make Koh Lipe very suitable for diving. No one will miss schools of tropical fish and colorful coral in the water.

Another highlight is its glowing beaches. Koh Lipe's Sunrise Beach enjoys a magic glowing plankton, which glows with a blue light and pulsates in the dark with the waves.

5. Koh Rok — Off the Beaten Track

• Best times: December to February
• Getting there: ferry from Koh Lanta

If you want to find a quiet, pristine, and less-known place to dive in Thailand, Koh Rok fits perfectly. It will give you a pleasant diving experience as if you were on a private beach.

There is a shallow water area of nearly 300 meters in front of the beach. The very transparent water allows you to see the beautiful coral reefs and various shapes and colors of tropical fish swimming past you. Simply put your face in the water.

It is also a paradise for professional deep-diving enthusiasts. The original sea environment shows you the real "Finding Nemo".

4 Islands for Backpackers

These islands are more natural and some are off-the-beaten-path. They are more suitable for people who like to explore and discover.

1. Krabi — Well-Known

• Getting there: flights/ferry from Phuket / Koh Phi Phi

Krabi lies across the sea from Phuket. With beautiful and amazing scenery, it offers an adventure playground for those who like to get "out and about". Rock climbing, kayaking, sailing, bird-watching, snorkeling, island-hopping, and sightseeing — you can do it all there.

2. Koh Mak — Small but Stunning

• Getting there: ferry from Trat

Koh Mak is a neighbor of Koh Chang. There are no crowds on the island. Hotels on the island are nice and not expensive. Out of the window is a beautiful view of the sea.

Cycling is a good way to explore the small island. This is a perfect place to empty yourself.

3. Koh Phayam — Primitive

• Getting there: ferry from Ranong

If you want to try returning to primitive life, you can go to Koh Phayam. The tranquil atmosphere and slow pace of life there seem to bring you back to the seaside village life of times gone by.

You won't find a car on the island. All transportation is motorbikes or bicycles. Electricity may still only be available at night — there is no power station on the island.

4. Koh Tarutao — Adventure

• Getting there: ferry from Pak Bara Pier (Satun)

Koh Tarutao used to be a place for prisoners. You may find many abandoned prisons and shrines hidden in the jungles. Some people make seeking these out as one of their adventures on the island, but many are more enamored with the pristine scenery. At sunset the beach is unmatched, and the sky and sea turn smoky red.

An Island for Parties

Although many islands in Thailand have colorful parties and nightlife in bars and clubs, there is an amazing party on an island that attracts partying girls and boys from all over the world — the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan.

Koh Phangan — Full Moon Party

• Best times: January to April, July to September

As the name implies, the Full Moon Party is held on the night of the full moon every month on the island of Koh Phangan. Backpackers and electronic-music fans from all over the world gather to celebrate, covered in fluorescent paint and dancing under the moonlight.

We recommend that you choose 3–4 islands for your island-hopping tour, so that you can fully enjoy different island scenery at a leisurely pace. Choosing too many islands may lead to aesthetic fatigue, which can also strain the body.

Phuket, Koh Samui, and Koh Chang are the three popular islands to carry out a island-hopping tour from. Most islands can be reached from these islands.

• Islands near Phuket: Phi Phi Islands, Krabi, Similan Islands
• Islands near Koh Samui: Koh Tao, Koh Phangan
• Islands near Koh Chang: Koh Mak, Koh Kood

Popular Island-Hopping Itineraries

• 8-Day Phuket – Koh Phi Phi – Krabi (Thailand west coast island hopping)
• 7-Day Koh Samui – Koh Nang Yuan – Koh Tao (Thailand east coast island hopping)
• 10-Day Bangkok – Koh Chang – Koh Kood (Island hopping near Bangkok)

Easy and Safe Booking with Us

All our tours can be adjusted as much as you like. We aim to create an ideal itinerary based on your interests, group size, budget, and other requirements. Feel free to contact us .

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.

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How to Plan a Vacation in Thailand

A First-Timer's Guide for Planning a Trip to Thailand

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Although planning a vacation in Thailand sounds exotic, expensive, and potentially out of reach, getting there is easier than you think!

Bangkok often ranks as the most visited city in the world for a reason: Thailand is a beautiful, affordable destination — even for two-week trips. Each year, millions of travelers enjoy a vacation in Thailand without spending a fortune or backpacking for months.

How Much Will a Trip to Thailand Cost?

Forget the long-standing myth that faraway places are accessible to only the wealthy or retired. A vacation in Thailand can be as inexpensive as a trip to California, Hawaii, the Caribbean , or any of the other usual top destinations for Americans. It may even cost less, or at the least, you'll get nicer rooms and more memorable experiences for the same amount of money spent.

A large number of Thailand's annual international arrivals are backpacking budget travelers who get by on less than US $900 for a month in Southeast Asia . You may opt for a bit more luxury on a shorter trip. The good news is that tourism is well developed in Thailand; you have choices. You can find beach accommodation for $10 per night (bungalow with fan) or $200 per night (five-star hotel) — the choice is yours!

Airfare is obviously the largest upfront cost. But finagling a deal is possible with a little trickery. Use domestic carriers to get yourself to LAX or JFK, then book a separate ticket to Bangkok. Splitting a ticket between two carriers could save you hundreds of dollars!

Once on the ground in Thailand, the exchange rate and lower cost of eating and drinking can quickly compensate for the cost of the airfare.

Take a Tour or Plan an Independent Trip?

Although organized tours in Asia may seem the quick-and-easy solution, you can save money by just organizing transportation and activities once you are already on the ground. Research activities you want to do, however, there is no real need to book them online or before arriving in Thailand.

Booking day trips and activities is very easy in Thailand. Unless you go far off the beaten path, the language difference won't present any problems. Pretty well everyone who works with tourists will speak good enough English.

You'll find numerous travel agencies in tourist areas. Simply walk in, tell the person behind the counter where you want to go , and minutes later you'll be holding a bus/train/boat ticket. Commissions charged are trivial. The reception desk at your hotel or guesthouse will gladly book tickets and activities for you.

For activities, you'll usually be collected at your hotel by someone from the agency on the morning of your tour. Travelers are consolidated then taken on the day trip. At the end of the day, you'll be returned to your hotel — easy!

When Is the Best Time to Visit Thailand?

Weather differs a little between regions, but generally Thailand's driest months are between November and April . Even during the low/rainy season in Thailand , you'll enjoy days of sunshine. Discounts for activities and accommodation are easier to negotiate during the low-season months.

You may wish to time your vacation in Thailand around one of the many big festivals . At least make sure that you are aware one is coming — missing an exciting event by just a day or two is very frustrating!

The big Full Moon Party each month will affect transportation to and from the Koh Samui Archipelago (especially Koh Tao and Koh Phangan) . Planning an itinerary around moon phases may sound a bit pagan, but you'll be glad you did!

Do You Need Vaccinations for Thailand?

Although no specific vaccinations are required for Thailand, you should get the general ones recommended for all international travelers in Asia .

Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and a Tdap (for tetanus) are the most common jabs international travelers go for — all are good investments and provide protection for years.

You will not need rabies, yellow fever, or Japanese encephalitis vaccinations for a regular vacation in Thailand. The same applies for anti-malarial drugs. There is a relatively low risk of contracting malaria in Thailand, especially if you aren't spending extended amounts of time in the jungle.

The biggest risk in Thailand is dengue fever . Until the new vaccination being tested becomes available widespread, your best defense is to do what you can to avoid mosquito bites .

Zika (another mosquito-borne illness) is not a serious threat in Thailand.

What to Pack for Thailand?

With expansive malls in Bangkok and outdoor markets in Chiang Mai, along with plenty of smaller open-air street markets between, you'll have no shortage of cheap shopping opportunities. Leave room in your luggage: you'll definitely want to take home some unique finds! Pack less clothing and plan to buy an outfit or three there.

Rather than doing a lot of shopping before your vacation in Thailand, plan to purchase items locally to help merchants who need the income more than Western CEOs. Why carry an umbrella 8,000 miles if you can buy one there for $2 if it rains?

There are a few things you'll want to bring from home for your trip to Thailand. But beware of the biggest mistake most travelers in Asia admit to making: packing too much .

Accessing Money in Thailand

ATMs are literally everywhere in Thailand; they often compete for space! That's because providing cash to travelers is business: fees have skyrocketed to US $6-7 per transaction (on top of whatever your bank charges).

When using ATMs in Thailand, request the maximum amount each time . Sometimes breaking large denominations can be a challenge. Experienced travelers know to ask for 5,900 baht rather than 6,000 baht — that way they get some smaller denominations, too.

For instance, if you request 6,000 baht from an ATM, you'll receive six stiff 1,000-baht banknotes. Breaking them in small shops and eateries may produce some groans from the staff. Paying with them at carts for street food is simply rude. Instead, ask for 5,900 baht at the machine and get five 1,000-baht notes, one 500-baht note, and four ever-useful 100-baht notes.

As usual, exchanging U.S. dollars is an option. Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted at malls and larger hotels/restaurants, however, you may be charged an additional commission when paying with plastic. Identity theft is a growing problem ; opt to pay with cash when possible to minimize risk and transaction fees.

Haggling is a part of Thai culture , and you should bargain playfully for purchases such as souvenirs and clothing. Prices are even flexible in shopping malls. Accommodation and activities can often be negotiated, but always keep in mind the rules of saving face . Never haggle for food, drinks, or items with standardized prices.

Tipping is not the norm in Thailand , although there are some rare exceptions. Even if your intentions are good, leaving a tip accelerates cultural mutation and inflates prices for locals. Doing so causes people to prefer serving tourists (because they sling money around) over locals who may be more frugal.

For large purchases made on your trip, you can request a VAT refund at the airport as you exit Thailand. You'll need to have receipts and paperwork.

Prices displayed always include tax. At the register, you'll pay the price that was displayed. Sometimes a 10 percent service charge may be added to restaurant bills.

Where to Go in Thailand?

Most travelers arrive in Bangkok, but there are plenty of beautiful destinations farther afield .

• The Thai Islands : No Thailand vacation is complete without visiting at least one or two of the beautiful islands. All differ in personality and allure. The shape of Thailand means choosing between some great island options in the Andaman Sea (west side) and the Gulf of Thailand (east side).
• Chiang Mai : Thailand's northern capital is a favorite for many visitors. Life within the Old City is more manageable and easier to get around than Bangkok. The vibe is inarguably different and pleasant. Good food, outdoor markets, Lanna culture, and $6 massages are all great reasons to grab a low-cost flight or train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai .
• Pai : Located around four hours north of Chiang Mai and surrounded by green hills, Pai has transformed in recent years from a quiet, "hippie" village into a major tourist destination. Despite the extra visitors, Pai retained much of its riverside charm. Organic farms and food, surprisingly good nightlife , and yoga/holistic/healthy workshops are all great reasons to visit. Northern Thailand provides many other draws in the area as well.
• Ayutthaya : Just a two-hour train ride north of Bangkok, Thailand's former capital is the place to enjoy culture and cycle through ancient temple ruins. You'll often be the only person in a centuries-old temple!
• Railay : Thailand's rock climbing epicenter in Krabi isn't just for climbers anymore. The impressive limestone scenery is unlike any other. But even if you prefer feet on the ground, the powdery sand and isolation (Railay is only accessible via boat) will make you feel as though you're on an island.

What to Expect on a Thailand Vacation

The tourism infrastructure in Thailand is well established. They've had a lot of practice accommodating visitors of all budgets and trip durations. But as with many top destinations, things are creeping decidedly upscale as older, mom-and-pop businesses are demolished and replaced by foreign-owned chains.

Thai food is celebrated around the world for its savory flavors and spicy potential. But forget the myth that all Thai food is spicy — most restaurants (especially the ones catering to tourists) will ask how much pain you can handle or allow you to add your own spice. Chili powder is usually available on every table.

Fun nightlife is widespread in Thailand. The cost of a large domestic beer averages $2 – 3. From epic beach parties to drinking sessions with locals , only a few specific areas are as seedy as is often depicted on television.

Thailand is a Buddhist country . You will inevitably end up encountering monks and visiting impressive temples. Don't expect Hollywood's depiction of a Buddhist monk: the Theravada monks in Thailand often have smartphones!

Thailand is a very safe destination. Crime, aside from the usual petty theft, is rarely ever a problem for foreign visitors. Tourism is big business, and Thais will often go out of their way to help you enjoy their beautiful country.

Enhance your trip by learning how to say hello in Thai before you go. Locals are patiently tolerant, however, you should know a few dos and don'ts in Thailand to avoid being "that" tourist who accidentally ruins a good thing!

If planning a vacation in Thailand is so easy, there must be some downsides, right? Sure. With every international destination, there are some potential concessions to make. Here are a few common complaints most often cited by travelers:

• Assuming you departed from North America, circling the globe to Asia will consume a full day (each direction) of your vacation time. Also, jetlag bites harder; the time difference between Eastern Standard Time and Bangkok is +12 hours.
• Major attractions get very busy during the dry season months (November to April). Traffic in Bangkok is worse than ever.
• Although crime isn't bad, there are a number of individuals who make livings by scamming tourists.

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Thailand Island Hopping: The Best 2-Week Itinerary with Local Tips

You may not need much more convincing that Thailand is one of the best tropical destinations in the world. With jungle-clad islands fringed with white-sanded beaches with incredible marine life beneath the azure lagoons and lip-tingling culinary delights, the draw of Thailand island hopping speaks for itself.

Whether you seek the famous movie-scene beaches and the spiritual home of the full moon party, or it’s the less-trodden paths, remote isles and authentic, local experiences that intrigue you, there’s a Thailand island hopping itinerary to suit every type of traveller. 

Thailand has an iconic reputation which can make choosing which islands to visit difficult. That’s why, with the help of our trusted, in-destination Local Designers, we’ve put together this guide to the best island hopping in Thailand. Filled with tips, tricks and everything you need to know (including the best time to visit), this guide also includes an island-hopping itinerary that you can customise!

Let’s dive in!

Post Contents

Planning a Thailand Island Hopping Trip?

Best time to visit gulf of thailand islands, best time of year to visit thailand’s andaman coast, planes, ferries and boats, private tours, day 1: sawasdee – welcome to bangkok, day 2: bangkok city tour and evening chinatown tour, day 3: fish market in mahachai, rickshaw ride, train to mae klong and seafood market, day 4: fly to phuket – your thailand island hopping begins, day 5: phuket island tour, day 6: phang nha bay tour and travel to krabi, day 7: krabi island hopping, want to see this thailand trip in full, day 8: phi phi islands tour, day 9: phang nha elephant park and travel to khao lak, day 10: similian islands tour by boat, day 11: khao lak, day 12: fly back to bangkok, day 13: explore bangkok, day 14: departure from bangkok or extend your trip, how to design your thailand island hopping tour, weather and seasons in thailand islands.

Choosing your island hopping in Thailand route will largely be dictated by the time of year you’re looking to travel and the weather. Whilst Thailand is a year-round destination, avoiding the rain is a skill in itself in this tropical destination. 

Remember: There are never any guarantees when it comes to tropical weather, anything can happen at any time of the year!

Generally, Thailand has three seasons –cool, hot/dry and rainy– which you can read in-depth about in our Thailand Travel Guide . However, the islands don’t follow the same rules as the rest of the country and vary from coast to coast. 

Designer Journeys’ network of in-destination Local Designers will use their expert knowledge, local insight and travel planning skills to design your ultimate Thailand experience. Begin designing your journey today!

The Gulf of Thailand includes Koh Samui , Koh Tao and Koh Phangan among others.

If you are familiar with the rules for the rest of Thailand weather-wise, you can bank on the Gulf of Thailand being the exact opposite. The gulf is affected by the monsoon season from November to December. The dry season is between January and April which is the best time to come if you’re looking for little chance of rain, good visibility and warm weather. 

On the west coast, you’ll find Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe and of course Phuket . 

Like the rest of Thailand, the best time to visit the Andaman Coast is December through to March. Whilst this is peak season and can be busy, this is still the best time to visit as further into the year (April, May and June), it gets extremely hot with high humidity and frequent –yet short– storms.  

How to Go Island Hopping in Thailand

In most cases, you’ll arrive in the main hub on either coast (Phuket or Koh Samui) then take boats and ferries to reach your chosen island destination. Moving between the Thai islands is very easy if you’re looking to hop from one island to another by boat. 

Remember: The time of year can affect your enjoyment of the ferry ride. If it’s monsoon season, that’s going to be a bumpy ride and ferries may sometimes be cancelled.

Whilst the main transport links between the islands are planes, ferries and boats, once on the island, you can opt to be met by a private guide and car so that you can explore the islands in luxury. This way, you’ll be able to get to your hotel hassle-free and then quickly go r to that secret sunset spot or the waterfall that’s on the other side of the island. 

The best way to organise your private tour island hopping around Thailand is to connect with our trusted, in-destination Local Designers who will be able to design your dream trip perfectly suited to your budget, travel style and interests and fill it with unique, local experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. 

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The 2-Week Thailand Island Hopping Itinerary

Touching down in Bangkok, you’ll be welcomed by your driver who will whisk you through the city to your five-star hotel in the heart of the Silom district. After your long journey, you’ll have the day to relax, taking a much-deserved dip in the hotel’s stunning rooftop pool overlooking the city skyline. 

Today, you’ll embark on a private Bangkok discovery tour with your local expert guide. The first half of your tour will be spent visiting the iconic landmarks of the city, including the Grand Palace, which is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. In the afternoon, you’ll swap the roads of Bangkok for the canals of Thon Buri as you cruise along in a traditional klong (long-tail boat) stopping at Wat Arun, one of the most emblematic symbols of the capital. 

The evening will bring a change of space as you head to Yaowarat’s Chinatown and the lively flower market where nightfall transforms the street into a giant canteen surrounded by incredible street cuisine!

Get ready for a busy one today as you say goodbye to Bangkok for the night and enjoy a taste of rural, authentic Thailand before journeying south to the islands. On the way to Amphawa, you’ll stop at Mahachai to visit the fish market, then you’ll go for a rickshaw ride around the town and then hop onto a train to Mae Klong to marvel at the famous train market. Later, that day, you’ll be able to fill your belly Thai-style at the seafood market.

After transferring back to Bangkok, you’ll catch your flight to Thailand’s biggest island, the iconic Phuket. You’ll meet your driver on arrival who will take you to your beachfront resort where you’ll benefit from being tucked away from the hustle and bustle whilst within easy reach of it. 

Accompanied by your expert local guide, today it is time for some Thailand island hopping from Phuket! You’ll explore the southern part of the island and its surroundings where you’ll discover the natural beauty of Phuket . The viewpoints of Kata and Cape Promthep will have you picking your jaw off the ground before a visit to the oldest and most important temple on the island will have you feeling humble and a visit to a local rum brewery will have you a little tipsy! Your Phuket island hopping tour will end in a typical local restaurant where you’ll be able to sample the best Thai food of your trip so far. 

Today, you’ll cross the mangrove forest, strange-shaped rocks and the limestone cave of Tham Lod as you cruise on a speedboat to Phang Nha Bay . The James Bond island will be your next stop followed by Koh Panyee, the village of the “Sea Gypsies”, a Muslim fishing village on stilts. You’ll spend the rest of the tour exploring this fascinating fisherman’s village built on stilts in the sea. Traditional houses, simple tin houses, elaborate and stylized shops of fabrics, shells, jewels and souvenirs, a mixed Muslim school, restaurants and a football field make this little floating village famous all over the world. 

Having arrived in Krabi yesterday afternoon, today you’ll explore beautiful islands around Krabi, known for their exceptional natural beauty with pristine white sandy beaches and imposing limestone formations. As you travel by traditional long-tail boat, only the most beautiful sites will be on your itinerary including Phra Nang Cave, Tup Islands, Chicken Island and Poda Island.

See what else is included in this Thailand island hopping tour and begin cusotmising this itinerary to suit you with our trusted Local Designers in Thailand! They will use their expert knowledge, local insight and travel planning skills to design your ultimate experience. Tap the button below to get started!

The Phi Phi islands are comprised of Phi Phi Don, the main island, and Phi-Phi Ley. Both are characterised by stunning rainforest-clas karst peaks which shoot out of the turquoise blue and jade green waters which wash against magnificent white beaches and rugged cliffs. Today, you’ll cruise to the magical landscape of Maya Bay, home to the movie-famous ‘The Beach’ beach. Viking Cave and Monkey Beach will be the next stops before a snorkelling spot and some relaxing beach time.

Elephants and Thailand go hand in hand as a must-have experience. However, it’s incredibly important that you choose a responsible, sustainable experience when engaging in activities with animals. Chosen by our expert Local Designers, you’ll head to the Phang-Nga Elephant Park, to meet your mahout who will explain the history and life of Asian elephants along with a safety briefing. You’ll change into a traditional Kwan-Chang outfit to fully immerse in the experience then spend the day walking alongside the elephants, feeding them, scrubbing and washing them and enjoying a traditional plant-based Thai lunch.

From your Koh Lak base, today you’ll set out to explore the Similan Park, the underwater world of which is famous worldwide for its fantastic snorkelling and diving sites. The archipelago consists of nine granitic islets covered with lush tropical vegetation emerging from the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. Small coral sand beaches of almost immaculate whiteness line the islets; it is this coral sand that is responsible for the variety of marine life found here. 

Khao Lak is an oasis of calm in an otherwise rather rowdy part of Thailand. Characterised by national parks, rolling hills, tropical forest and beaches looking out onto the Andaman Sea, the island boasts 20 kilometres of beautiful sandy beaches against a backdrop of jungle-filled mountains. Today, you can lounge on the beach or opt for something a little more active, you can head out on a mountain walk, jungle trek or enjoy some great off-shore diving.

To complete your Thailand trip, you’ll return to Bangkok from Phuket airport. You’ll once again meet your local guide at the airport and travel to your five-star luxury hotel to enjoy your last few days in Thailand. Take advantage of your last few days by exploring some of the places you haven’t had a chance to visit yet. 

From the bustling, scorching hot Chatuchak Market to the sleepy canals that navigate the city; Bangkok has this incredible ability to adapt to everyone’s tastes and needs. With countless markets, malls, temples and interesting sites to explore, you’ll be spoilt for choice today. Your local guide can also arrange a unique experience for you if you would prefer a more structured day. 

On your last day, you’ll be transferred to your airport by your driver in time for your departing flight. Alternatively, you can extend your tour if you wish! How about a few days in Koh Samui or diving in Koh Tao ? For a unique adventure, you could add a few days in Koh Chang or Koh Kood .

Using their local insight, destination knowledge and travel planning expertise, our trusted Local Designers in Thailand will design your perfect trip suited to your budget, travel style and interests in a matter of days! Simply browse our gallery of fully customisable Thailand tours or design your own trip from scratch if you know what you want to do and where you want to go. You’ll be connected with one of our expert Local Designers who will work with you to plan your extraordinary travel experience!

Get Started by Tapping the Button Below!

Grace Homer

At my desk, you'll find me tapping out inspiring adventures, finessing incredible trips designed by Local Designers and focussing on all things content. Having lived in Southeast Asia between Vietnam and Bali for three years, I'm now keeping toasty with a cuppa in a little English town planning future adventures for which I have constant inspiration. Offline, there's nothing I enjoy more than long cycle rides, fueling the foodie in me and seeking out new spots - preferably all at the same time. Find me on LinkedIn or Instagram and keep an eye out for travel inspiration here!

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The best islands in Thailand to visit

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White sand, rustic-chic beach shacks and hammocks gently swaying between two palm trees as a turquoise sea laps at the shore of the best islands in Thailand. But each Thai island is quite distinct from the next with its characteristics, and there are dozens to choose from. Here, Nell McShane Wulfhart selects an island in Thailand for every occasion, whether you want to party til dawn, learn to dive, eat the best Thai food or escape from the world on a secluded,  romantic break .

Koh Yao islands

Best islands in Thailand for: off-the-beaten-track adventures and empty sands

Despite their proximity to lively Phuket (just a 30-minute speedboat ride away), the twin islands of Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi couldn’t be more different. Instead of glitzy beach clubs , there are sleepy fishing villages lining the shores, and locals fondly refer to the 7-11 as the only shopping mall on the island. There isn’t a lot to see or do, but that’s their charm.

Both islands are spread with a patchwork of rubber plantations and rice paddies, crisscrossed by dirt tracks and a few paved roads. Rent a scooter and spend your days sipping Thai iced tea overlooking the mangroves – The Rest Calm in Yao Noi’s Pradu village is a lovely spot to dawdle – chancing upon deserted beaches where you’re more likely to bump into a water buffalo than another visitor, and feasting on freshly caught seafood in the ramshackle restaurants that line the main roads.

Despite its smaller size, Koh Yao Noi (‘small long island’) is the most developed of the two – though even its main draws, Had Pasai and Klong Jark beach, remain affably low-key. If you want to steer clear from southern Thailand’s tourist buzz, but don’t want to rough it, base yourself here and explore its bigger sibling Koh Yao Yai (or ‘big long island’) on a day trip.

The best hotels on Koh Yao Islands: Both islands are home to a dozen or so homestays and smart apartments, but the eco-chic Six Senses Yao Noi is undoubtedly the best place to book. Draped over a jungle-clad hill on the east coast of Koh Yao Noi, most of its 56 villas have widescreen views over the dramatic karst formations that jut out of the sea. Each villa – all teak and thatched roofs – is carefully positioned to feel like a private tropical hideaway, with open-air showers, infinity pools and canary-yellow daybeds.

Another one of our favourite hotels in Thailand is 9 Hornbills Tented Camp , where 10 safari tents fan out across a former rubber plantation with their own pools and large gardens, plus four-poster beds and outdoor rain showers clad in salvaged wood.

Best island in Thailand for: Families and first-timers, honeymooners and yoga bunnies

Koh Samui is the original Thai island. Where once it drew backpackers and ravers for its sensational beaches with cheap huts and full-moon parties; now it has grown up and smartened up, its not-so-rustic beach bungalows honed down to the very last detail – Koh Samui now has some of the best luxury beach resorts anywhere in the world, several excellent beach hotels, and some first-class spas.

All of which makes it ideal for those who want the joy of a beach holiday in Thailand without any of the roughness around the edges. Honeymooners can take their pick of super-luxe hotels, beach clubs and Michelin-starred restaurants; parents can go for family-friendly hotel s with childcare and splash pools and Western food (there's even a branch of Boots); nervous first-timers can make their first foray into South-East Asia surrounded by home comforts and limited creepy-crawlies.

Koh Samui is also possibly the best yoga and spa destination in the world. Kamalaya , set high in the rainforest, is our number-one destination spa and wellness retreat: the lodges are beautifully designed in local timber and stone – classic Thai architecture, all wood and greenery, open to the elements and surrounded by banana trees and bougainvillea. Another is Absolute Sanctuary , another leading yoga retreat that is so good as to be life-changing.

The best hotels on Koh Samui: At Banyan Tree Samui , villas rise from the peninsular in different shapes and sizes, but all come with a garden view or sea view of Lamai Bay. In the family and couple villas, rainfall showers are big enough for two, and grand bedrooms open up to reveal private infinity pools.

The Four Seasons Koh Samui , set in palm trees at the back of a beach on the north-west tip, manages to cater to both romantics and families. It's still got the serene spa and candlelit dinners on the beach option, and the family villas have private infinity pools and separate sleeping areas for children.

If you like rumbunctious friends-and-family holidays, consider taking over a party pad. Near Chaweng Beach, Baan Mika is a luxury villa made up of six suites around an infinity pool, which runs down to a children's pool beside the property's own private beach. There are also big, roomy living areas, a well-stocked kitchen, and an outdoor dining area and barbecue.

Best island in Thailand for: Scuba diving

The coast of Koh Tao, or 'Turtle Island', is lined with little sandy coves, pretty lantern-lit restaurants - and dive shops. Most travellers are here to dive. The island is one of the world's top places to learn, and the competition among dive shops has also made it one of the cheapest. If you're new to the sport, sign up to get your PADI or SSI Open Water certification. This usually takes four days, and includes four ocean dives. If you're short on time (or motivation to commit to a full course) most schools also offer one day Discovery Dives, where you can go down to 12 metres without certification. And if you're already certified, you can take advanced courses in diving at night diving, wreck diving, shark diving or Nitrox diving, or just jump on any of the tens of boats heading out every day. Phoenix Divers has been around since 2002 and is one of the top shops on Koh Tao. Instructors teach in a variety of languages and children's courses are also available.

Even if you're not a diver, there's still plenty to keep you happy (it's the kind of place pharangs come for a couple of days and never leave); Koh Tao has an irresistable charm - not to mention an excellent nightlife, including the odd full-moon party, that is a bit more grown-up than at neighbouring Koh Pha Ngan.

The best hotels on Koh Tao: On the quiet south east coast, Langkhai Garden 's four private villas are built for families and couples looking for long stays on the island. These boltholes are the epitome of modern cool, with polished concrete walls and high wooden beam ceilings that lead up to thatched straw roofs.

Most hotels are built around pools where wetsuited rookie divers work on their buoyancy by day; but for something smarter, Casas del Sol are five contemporary self-catering villas on a hillside, with pools overlooking the sea, which sleep up to four people.

Koh Pha Ngan

Best island in Thailand for: Hedonists and hippies

If your idea of the perfect holiday involves three-day beach parties, Koh Pha Ngan is the Thai island for you. Famous for its full moon parties at Haad Rin's Sunrise Beach, this island is for hardcore partygoers and dreadlocked travellers. During peak season, the island can see 20,000 visitors dancing, drinking and cavorting on the white sands under the full moon. If you can't make it at the right time of month, don't worry - there are half-moon and black-moon parties in intervening weeks, and there's action every night of the week at the island's beach and cocktail bars.

The morning after, sleep it off in the shade of a palm tree while a Thai masseuse kneads you back into shape. There are secluded beaches far from the crowds (like hippie favourite Bottle Beach, arguably one of the best beaches in Thailand), and plenty of spas where you can check yourself in for an afternoon of recovery, from the basic to the deluxe (such as the Ayurvana Spa at Santhiya Resort on Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach in the north of the island).

The best hotels on Koh Pha Ngan: In Koh Phangan's main town of Haad Rin, Suncliff Resort is ideally placed, less than 10 minutes' walk from both Sunrise and Sunset beaches but far enough away that you can't hear the subwoofers when you decide it's time to sleep. It's got rustic huts on stilts (some more hi-tec than others) among the tropical trees, most with the most beautiful views of the ocean. For a more luxurious, design-conscious stay, a boat-ride whisks you to Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa , also on Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach.

Phuket, Thailand

Best island in Thailand for: Living large

Glitzy Phuket offers every Western convenience you can think of, and probably several you can't. Celebrity-chef restaurants? Check. Six-star resorts with private butlers? Check. World-class plastic surgery? No problem. If you're the highest of high-maintenance, Phuket is the island for you.

Phuket is the biggest, busiest island in Thailand, and although it has been infiltrated by package holidays and cheap sleaze in a few places (avoid Bangla Road in Patong), it also has cosmopolitan diversions in the form of designer boutiques and world-class restaurants - one of the best of which is Acqua .

Phuket still has some of the most glorious beaches in the islands. Many have been taken over by uber-groomed international resorts and laid with stylish sunloungers and deluxe beach bars; but if you're seeking somewhere more laid-back, head to stunning little Kata Noi.

The best hotels on Phuket: Some of our all-time favourite, Gold Listed hotels are on Phuket including the first-ever Banyan Tree resort to open, Banyan Tree Phuket , with its flagship destination spa.

Amanpuri , on Pansea beach, is also sublime: a scythe of golden sand studded with gigantic black boulders and palm trees as tall as skyscrapers. From here, a set of monolithic stairs rise to a sultry black-tiled swimming pool and a pretty puzzle of wooden walkways which zigzag to graceful teak villas with sliding doors, outdoor salas and, sometimes, swimming pools.

The COMO Point Yamu is another contender for the title of the best hotel spa on the island, set above Phang Nga Bay, the iconic location where James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun was shot.

Best island in Thailand for: when you can't make up your mind

Of all Thailand's islands, Koh Lanta is one of the best all-rounders. Less than an hour's boat ride from Krabi, Koh Lanta is actually made up of several little islands, the most-visited of which is Koh Lanta Yai. It has nature reserves and beaches where you won't see another soul; it's got accommodation that runs the gamut from spare to super-swanky, which attract more 30-, 40- and 50-something travellers than backpackers. Bringing the children? The waters are calm and the island is safe.

If you want to have it all on holiday – suntanning on beautiful beaches, a bit of world-class diving, a great massage, fun beach bars, kayaking through a mangrove forest, eating seafood tom yum with the locals in a friendly fishing villages – then Koh Lanta is where you get it.

The best hotels on Koh Lanta: The island is not short of sleek resorts. Pimalai was Lanta's first five-star hotel, set in tropical forest on the edge of white-sand Ba Kan Tiang Beach near Lanta Marine National Park. Accommodation ranges from rooms to entire villas and the spa has got outdoor massage tables surrounded by palm trees.

On Phrae Ae Beach, the five-star Layana Resort & Spa is a neatly groomed resort made up of more solidly-built rooms and suites, and fully mod-conned-up. It also has Hobie Cats to sail, and a spa.

Another great (and very affordable) place to stay is the elegant adults only Costa Lanta .

Best island in Thailand for: Hopeless romantics and honeymooners

When you picture a Thai island, you're probably thinking of somewhere like Koh Lipe. Often said to have the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, Koh Lipe is one of the 51 islands that make up Tarutao Marine Park, down south near the border of Malaysia. It's got the dreamy combination of remoteness (far fewer tourists than Phuket or Samui), picture-perfect beaches and luxury hotels.

The island is small enough to explore on foot, perhaps hand-in-hand with your loved one. Pattaya Beach (pictured) is the busiest of the beaches and home to most of the island's nightlife, while Sunset Beach is the quietest and most secluded. Snorkelling, diving and tours of nearby islets are readily available, although you might prefer to spend your time getting couples' massages at one of the exclusive resorts.

The best hotels on Koh Lipe: Situated at the back of Sunrise Beach, Idyllic Concept Resort is a self-consciously stylised place, rather than the usual thrown-together Thai beach bungalows; the pool is dark-tiled with a teak pool bar, and the 38 rooms are highly finished and contemporary.

Koh Chang, Thailand

Best island in Thailand for: exploring Thailand's eastern islands

More shy and retiring than big sisters Phuket and Samui, Koh Chang is Thailand in miniature. It's not exactly untouched, but much of its interior is national park, great for jungle trekking, and you can easily get from here to the smaller, secluded islands of the archipelago. It's also getting popular with those who want to hop over to Siem Reap after a week in Thailand. Avoid the main west-coast beaches: head to the blink-and-you'll-miss-it Had Sai Noi Beach for its bohemian beach-bar scene, and visit Salakkok Bay for a rare glimpse of a traditional fishing village (fast disappearing elsewhere) and to kayak through the mangroves. Locals really rate the family-run Kati restaurant in Klong Prao village, where everything is made to order using homemade curry pastes (there's an adjoining cookery school if you want to swot up on the recipes).

The best hotels on Koh Chang: Avoid the main west-coast beaches and try either Mangrove Hideaway , set on Salek Phet Bay amid biodynamic gardens with yoga classes on offer, or the Serenity Resort near the ferry pier – just seven beach bungalows designed by local craftsmen with marble floors and great seafood. By Rick Jordan

Koh Phi Phi

Best island in Thailand for: Solo and single travellers

If you're going on holiday on your own or with single friends then Koh Phi Phi might just be the island for you. In recent years it has been almost entirely rebuilt after the tsunami devastated it, with smarter places to stay than ever. With a reputation for good times and lots of activities on offer (diving, snorkelling, cliff-jumping, boat trips to Koh Phi Phi Ley (pictured), among other islets, where The Beach was filmed), Koh Phi Phi draws a young, stylish, energetic crowd with a degree of sophistication, ready to relax or to party (though not the hardcore ravers of Pha Ngan), particularly on New Year's Eve .

Days are spent sunning, swimming or exploring. Evenings are spent shopping and hanging out at beach bars, watching Thai dancers juggle with fire and dancing until the small hours with new friends. You might arrive on your own, but there's a good chance you won't leave that way.

The best hotels on Koh Phi Phi: The rooms at Zeavola Resort – well away from the busy town – are absolutely lovely, made of teakwood in traditional Thai style, and overlooking the ocean or tropical gardens. The Pool Villas must be some of the best-appointed in all the islands of Thailand.

Similan Islands

Best island in Thailand for: island-hopping

Imagine Koh Phi Phi Ley before The Beach – only smaller, harder to get to, more beautiful. Now imagine a dreamy chain of nine of these little wonders. Nine! The Similan Islands are numbered north to south, one to nine, and form a national park in the Andaman Sea. You can swim over untouched coral reefs in the turquoise waters off them all, but only step foot on the white-sand beaches of Koh Miang (known as 'number four'), which has simple bamboo bungalows, and the largest island Koh Similan (number eight). Just north of the national park, Koh Tachai has the softest, sparkliest sand and is the most popular. Close to the Burmese border, Richelieu Rock is one of the world's best dive sites and whale shark territory (February-April is the best time to spot them). Wherever you go, you'll need a boat. Khao Lak, an hour's drive north of Phuket, is the jump-off point for day trips and live-aboards sailing around the islands. The town itself is simply a cluster of restaurants QCumber is a must for healthy breakfasts and Thai curries) and guesthouses set back from the beach. (The Similan Islands are closed to tourists May-October.)

The best hotels on the Similan Islands: Adults-only The Sarojin , on a private beach just outside Khao Lak, is the smartest place to stay on this stretch of coast. In the centre of town, Monkey Dive Hostel is one of a new breed of design hostels, with funky dive-themed dorms and exceptionally well-priced private rooms. By Hazel Lubbock

Koh Si Chang, Thailand

Best island in Thailand for: Bangkok's nearest beach for flying visits

If you're only in Thailand for a few days, schlepping all the way out from Bangkok to distant islands might not be possible. Instead, grab a day or two on Koh Si Chang (not to be confused with Koh Chang), a two-hour boat ride from the city, making it one of Bangkok's closest beach destinations. It is popular with Bangkok residents who head here for weekend breaks, and even day trips.

While Si Chang hasn't got the softest white sand of all Thailand's islands, it still makes a fabulous escape from the hectic, polluted streets of the capital, with its green interior and fishing villages. Grab a meal of fresh seafood at one of the restaurants on Haad Tham Phang beach, or sink a Singha while gazing at the waves from your lounger. Peaceful and almost foreigner-free, Koh Si Chang is your best bet if you'd rather spend your precious few hours on the beach than on a bus or boat.

The best hotels on Koh Si Chang: Super-luxe accommodation has not yet reached quiet Si Chang, but Paree Hut Resort (pictured) has cottages right on the water and a cool swimming pool.

The Ultimate 10 Day Thailand Itinerary

Posted on Last updated: March 7, 2024

Categories Asia , Guides , Thailand , Travel Guides

Creating a 10 day Thailand itinerary is not an easy task.  Not an easy task at all!  

Why is that?

Well, you know how most countries excel in only one specific tourist area. For example – you go to the Maldives to get a nice island vacation, you  explore Rome  to taste ( literally ) the unique culture and history ( and pizza ), you journey through South Africa to marvel at the stunning nature and wildlife.

Well unlike most countries in the world,  Thailand excels in plenty of traveling niches  thus creating an ultimate 10 day Thailand itinerary that covers all of them is impossible.

The good news is, since you’re already set on for adventure in the land of smiles, you probably have an idea what you want to do there. That’s why I  tailor-made a few entirely different 10 day Thailand itineraries  that won’t only cover different travel styles and needs, but are also guaranteed to make you want to come back and experience more of this South-East Asian jewel of a country. Enjoy!

10 Day Thailand Itinerary – Destinations

Before we get into the detailed itinerary, we’ll get to know to most popular places in the country. And boy oh boy, aren’t they all spectacular!

Just a little preview – the most visited city in the world, not one but two ancient capitals, the best diving island in the world, one of the top foodie cities in Asia, some of the very best nightlife hubs and of course the iconic white-sand movie beaches.

Yeah, all of that is in Thailand! No more teasing. Here are the places covered in the 10 day Thailand itinerary:

The capital of Thailand, the most visited city in the world, The City of Angels or Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit (that is it’s real name!).

No matter how you call it, Bangkok is one of those places you simply must see to comprehend. Extremely colorful, buzzing nightlife and distinctive culture, with it’s two international airports, the chances are high the capital of Thailand will be the first city on your 10 day Thailand itinerary.

What to do in Bangkok?

The grand palace and the temple of the emerald buddha (wat phra kaew).

The Grand Palace is the biggest highlight of the Thai capital and one of the  most prominent landmarks in the country . Skipping it is simply inexcusable.

The palace area is a complex of 30-ish colorful and exotic buildings, most famous of which is Wat Phra Kaew – the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

One of the most important temples in the country, Wat Phra Kaew houses the statue of The Emerald Buddha that only the king is allowed to touch. The legend has it that the image was carved in India and it was prophesied it would bring “prosperity and pre-eminence to each country in which it resides”. There are plenty of other cool temples around the Grand Palace. To see more pictures and info about them, you can check out my  Bangkok Temples Guide .

Castaway Tip Mind your clothing when you visit the Grand Palace. Men must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves. As for the women – no skirts, no shorts, no see-through clothes, bare shoulders, etc. If you show up at the front gate improperly dressed, there is a booth near the entrance that can provide clothes and cover you up properly (not for free though).

Temple of The Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)

Wat Pho or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha is another popular attraction that should be an integral part of your  Bangkok itinerary . With 394 Buddha images, this temple is one of the most picturesque ones I’ve ever set my foot into. The cherry on the top is the giant 15 meters tall, 46 meters long reclining Buddha and the 108 wish-granting bronze bowls.

Castaway Tip Wat Pho is well-known as a center for traditional massage and medicine and one of the best places in town to get a Thai massage.

Khao San Road

And before you start thinking Bangkok is just temples, here is one of the most legendary party streets in the world – Khao San Road. A perfect place to get a delicious Pad Thai (from a stall), get a foot massage (on the street), eat a scorpion on a stick( or look how other crazy people eat a scorpion on a stick) and get wasted with (literally) a bucket of (questionable) alcohol. Khao San has earned its reputation a long time ago, and it still is one of the top spots in Bangkok.

Castaway Tip If you want to take a photo of the stalls that sell scorpions, spiders, and bugs, prepare to pay a small tip.

Where to stay in Bangkok?

Riva Arun Bangkok Situated on the Chao Phraya River,  Riva Arun  offers you incredible views of the Temple of Dawn or the Grand Palace. Speaking of the Grand Palace, the biggest attraction in Bangkok and one of the other must-see temples – Wat Pho, are just a few hundred meters away from your doorstep. Khao San road is only 30minutes by foot making Riva Arun the best-placed hotel in Bangkok. If you get one of their premium sweets, you can also enjoy a river overlooking balcony with a jacuzzi. Can’t get better than that! Check out the latest prices

Want to explore more options in Bangkok? Check out my  Ultimate Bangkok Areas Guide  to find tips about all major city districts and more than 30 recommended hotels and Airbnbs.

   See Also:   Bangkok off the beaten track

Chiang Mai is my favorite town in Asia, and there is no way I’m leaving it out of this10 day Thailand itinerary.

A long time ago Chiang Mai was the capital of the Lan Na Kingdom for more than 500 years before becoming part of the Siam empire. Today it’s the most culturally significant city in the northern part of the country, a famous foodie destination and a favorite digital nomad base.

Chiang Mai is located in the mountains, and it’s surrounded by dense jungle thus being the prime place for wildlife and adventure activities.

What to do in Chiang Mai?

Have fun with elephants.

Having fun with elephants doesn’t mean riding them or watching them do some circus shows. Not sure if you know it, but those activities are incredibly unethical and cruel to one of the most intelligent animal species in the world.

The best way to interact with the gentle giants is through one of the programs in  Elephant Retirement Park  – a park that rescues abused elephants and takes care of them. Trust me, the mud bath you take with those guys would become one of your most cherished memories!

   See Also:   Why You Should Never Ride an Elephant

Castaway Tip There are plenty of options for ethical elephant experience in Chiang Mai, but not all of them are as ethical as they claim. Do proper research before you pick a program and avoid supporting animal mistreat.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep or simply  Doi Suthep is the local must-see temple . Built in 1386, the legend says the temple was assembled to hold a piece of bone from the Buddha’s shoulder.

Sadly, today there aren’t any divine bones inside. Instead, the temple can offer you a colorful dragon staircase, plenty of eye-watering photo ops and excellent panoramic view of the area.

Castaway Tip Doi Suthep is too far away to go on foot. Instead of taking a taxi though, get one of the songthaew (red trucks for share ride) from Huay Kaew Road near the Zoo. It should cost you only 40 Bahts.

Yi Peng (Loy Krathong) festival

If you’re lucky enough this 10 day Thailand itinerary would lead you to Chiang Mai in November. What so special about November? One of the most spectacular festivals in the world is celebrated then and believe me when I tell you, this is one top-notch bucket list adventure! Yi Peng or  the Lantern Festival is an event more magical than anything you’ve ever seen  and once in a lifetime experience.

   See Also:   The Ultimate 5-Day Singapore Itinerary

Where to stay in Chiang Mai?

18 In Town Homestay Incredibly furnished homestay, 18 in Town managed to capture Chiang Mai’s artistic soul and turn it into an incredible hotel experience. Located in the old city, this lovely homestay is just 3km away from the airport, a few hundred meters away from the best temples, and has multiple massage parlors and minimarkets right next to it. Check out the latest prices

Want to explore more options in Chiang Mai? See the best hotels in town with a top-notch location, delicious breakfast, and free wi-fi.

   See Also:   What NOT to do in Thailand

When people think of Thailand, the first picture that comes to their mind is a longtail boat floating over crystal clear waters with limestone rock in the background ( just like the one above ).

If you want to see this picture in real life, you need to go to the Krabi province in South-West Thailand.  An area blessed with numerous picturesque islands and white-sand beaches , Krabi is also a favorite movie set for plenty of Holywood blockbusters.

What to do in Krabi?

The phi phi islands and maya bay.

Devastated by the infamous  Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004 , everything on the Phi Phi was rebuilt to become one of the most popular island vacation hubs in the world. The highlight place on the island is  the legendary Maya Bay, made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio movie – The Beach.

Castaway Tip Maya Bay was closed due to tourist overpopulation, but it’s now reopen. You can’t go swimming but you can enjoy the most beautiful beach in the world.

James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay

Another bay and another Hollywood island. This time Roger Moore’s James Bond made the island world famous and forever changed its destiny.

The Blue Lagoon

If you get sick of tropical islands ( like this is a thing ), Krabi has more natural wonders to offer. The Blue Lagoon is not really a lagoon but  a jungle pond with unimaginable azure waters . Seriously, the color of the lake makes it look like a drawing. It’s something I haven’t seen anywhere else in the world, and it’s totally worth a visit.

Where to stay in Krabi?

Phi Phi Sunset Bay Resort Situated on the magical Phi Phi islands, the Sunset Bay Resort is tucked away from the noisy bar area. Surrounded by tropical jungle, almost everything in this bungalow resort is made of natural materials so don’t be surprised if there is a tree growing in your bathroom. If you’re worried about being too far away from civilization, don’t be. The resort offers free boat transfer that can get you to the town area for less than 5 minutes! Check out the latest prices

Want to explore more options in Krabi? See the best hotels in the area with a top-notch location, tasty breakfast, and free wi-fi.

   See Also:   Thailand in December

Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, Samui is  the most significant island in the Chumphon Archipelago .

Measuring some 25 km at its widest point the island offers attractive budget travel options as well as high-end luxury resorts. It’s also one of the best places in Thailand to merely go on a beach vacation and forget about anything else.

What to do in Koh Samui?

Angthong marine park.

Popular day trip from the island, the Angthong Marine Park is a pristine archipelago of 42 limestone islands perfect for hiking and snorkeling.

Castaway Tip Sometimes the park gets closed during the low season (November-December) so make sure you research it promptly before booking any tours.

Wat Phra Yai

It won’t be in Thailand if there isn’t at least one impressive temple. Wat Phra Yai is famous for it’s giant gilded Buddha and it’s a pretty cool place to visit if you got tired of the beaches ( I’ve never seen anyone tired of tropical beaches but still ).

Where to stay in Koh Samui?

Erawan Villa Hotel  Right on the beach, and 2km away from the Fishermans Village and the Big Buddha. If the beach is not enough for you Erawan Villa Hotel also has a lovely private pool and Jacuzzi in its premium sweets. Check out the latest prices

Want to explore more options on Koh Samui? See the best hotels in the area with a top-notch location, delicious breakfast, and free wi-fi.

Koh Pha Ngan

There is one thing Koh Pha Ngan is famous for, and that is PARTY.  Back in 1983, the first full moon party was created as a thanks  to about 20–30 travelers .  Nowadays, up to 30 000 people gather to the island every month to celebrate one of the most iconic parties in the world.

Castaway Tip The night before the Full Moon Party is also a party night. The Jungle Party some say is even better than the Full Moon.

Where to stay in Koh Pha Ngan?

Tommy Resort Since you’re coming to Koh Phangan for the full moon party, what better place to stay than the very same beach the party is on Tommy Resort is located at the end of it, so you won’t have any trouble getting home at any part of the night. The spacious hardwood furnished bungalows and the outdoor swimming pool are guaranteed to make your party recovery as pleasant as possible. Check out the latest prices

Want to explore more options in Koh Pha Ngan?  See the best hotels on the island with a top-notch location, tasty breakfast, and free wi-fi.

Koh Tao ( meaning the Turtle Island ) is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand known for one thing only – diving!

The second cheapest place in the world to get your diving certificate ( the first one is Honduras, but somehow I doubt you’re going to Honduras is on your travel plans )  Koh Tao houses over 70 different diving shops .

And since there is barely anything other than divers and bars on the island, there is this  laidback subculture atmosphere  in the air you’d simply fall in love too!

Castaway Tip I got my certificate from Roctopus Dive , and I can’t recommend them enough. You won’t only get top professionals to teach you, but also very cool guys to hang around with!

Where to stay in Koh Tao?

Savage Hostel A hostel right on the beach with a great outdoor pool. Yup, dreamy hostels like that do exist, and the Savage Hostel is one great example. The location can’t get any better, the pool is excellent and the common spaces and well designed and clean. If you are not that much into sharing a room with strangers, private rooms are also on the menu. Check out the latest prices

Want to explore more options in Koh Tao?   See the best hotels on the island with a top-notch location, delicious breakfast, and free wi-fi.

Founded in 1350 Ayutthaya was  the second capital of the Siam Kingdom  till the Burmese destroyed it in 1767. The ruins are now a national park and one of the most famous archeological spots in Thailand. Due to it’s proximity to Bangkok, it’s a popular day trip option.

The first capital of the Siam Kingdom  is located between Bangkok and Chiang may, and it’s criminally underrated. While people flocks to Ayutthaya, there is barely anyone in Sukhothai which of course is perfect for you.

Where to stay in Sukhothai?

Space Ben Guest House Sukhothai is not the most visited place in Thailand thus the accommodation in the area is limited. What makes Space Ben Guest House so much better than every other option is the location. It’s situated right at the entrance of the Sukhothai Historical Park. Literally a few steps away! Since there’s hardly anything else to do in Sukhothai and you’ll spend no more than a day or two there, Space Ben Guest House is the perfect accommodation. Check out the latest prices

Want to explore more options in Sukhothai?   See the best hotels in the area with a top-notch location, delicious breakfast, and free wi-fi.

Now that we have all the places sorted out, it’s time to get to the 10 day Thailand itinerary itself. Wait, did I say itinerary? I meant itineraries!

To fit all the different travel needs, I’ll give you four ( and a half ) options, all you have to do is find the one that suits your style and expectations. If you have more than 10 days in Thailand, it’s pretty easy to combine two or more of the itineraries into one.

The Ultimate 10 Day Thailand Itinerary – The Culture Route

Been a successor of the Siam Kingdom, Thailand has a vastly rich history and unique, distinctive culture that makes it pop out in front of the other South-East Asian countries. In the cultural itinerary,  we’ll focus on the places that compose Thailand’s identity today .

Start: Bangkok Your flight most likely will be to Bangkok, and since there is plenty to see there, the cosmopolitan Thai capital would be the first place on your itinerary.

Days 1-3: Bangkok In three days you should be able to visit the top temples –  Wat Pho  ( has a 15 meters tall, 46 meters long reclining Buddha in it  ),  Wat Phra Kaew  ( the most important temple located inside the Grand Palace complex  ),  Wat Arun  ( Temple of the Dawn – Instagram perfection  ),  Wat Traimit  ( Has a 5.5 tonnes Buddha statue made out of pure gold  ) and  Wat Saket  ( aka the Golden Mount, has lovely panoramic view  ).

Museums are not Bangkok’s strong side, but you may consider visiting  Bangkok’s National Museum  or the  Jim Thompson House . It’s a good idea to explore the nearby  floating  and  train markets  ( first one is in the water, and instead of stalls there are boats, the other is in the middle of a railway, so it has to be moved every time a train comes  ), but have in mind those would require a full day.

Day 4: Ayutthaya day trip The ancient capital of Siam needs more than a few hours to be explored in detail, but since you have only 10 days in Thailand, you need to do it with a day trip. The good thing is, the place is pretty close to Bangkok, and you’d still be able to see a ton of ancient wonders. See Ayutthaya Day Trip latest prices

Day 5: Sukhothai The first capital of Siam and the best ancient site in the country. Unlike Ayutthaya though, this  UNESCO World Heritage Site  is not that close to Bangkok.

It’s, however, in the middle between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, so its location won’t throw you completely out of the way. To save some time, I recommend taking  one of the night buses from Bangkok  and arrive at Sukhothai early in the morning.

Explore the glorious ancient site for a day and catch the bus to Chiang Mai the next morning.

Days 6-9: Chiang Mai + Chiang Rai You should arrive in Chiang Mai around noon, so there is plenty of time to check out the old town area. For the next three days, I suggest  meeting some elephants  ( book this one early cause it’s extremely popular  ), visiting the most famous temple in the area –  Doi Suthep , exploring the night markets  ( they are everywhere on the weekend  ),  taking a Thai cooking class  and a must-have  day trip to Chiang Rai .

If you have more time in Thailand, Chiang Rai deserves a few days on its own but in this 10 day Thailand itinerary we only have time for a day trip. The most famous attraction of Chiang Rai is the White Temple – Wat Rong Khun , and every tour is centered around it.

The other noticeable places in the area are the Mae Khachan Hot Spring (  well…it’s a hot spring  ),  the Black House Museum  ( a bit creepy but beautiful  ),  the Blue Temple  ( they like to name their places with colors over here  ),  Karen Longneck village  ( if you want to do that, do your research and find a responsible tour company that will promote a socially responsible visit  ), and  the Golden Triangle  ( where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet  ).

   See Also:   One for your Bucket List – The Sanctuary of Truth, Pattaya

Day 10: Go home It’s best to take your flight back home from Chiang Mai otherwise you’d lose a whole day to go back to Bangkok.

The Ultimate 10 Day Thailand Itinerary – The Adventure Route

If going to temples and museums bore you to death, and  all you need for your perfect vacation is a little bit of adrenaline pumping in your veins , the next 10 day Thailand itinerary is the one for you.

Start: Chiang Mai Bangkok is a fantastic city, but there aren’t many adventures waiting for you there so you either book a flight directly to Chiang Mai or get an internal flight without wasting any time. You have only ten days, so your time is your most valuable resource.

Day 1-5: Chiang Mai You probably won’t have time for anything significant on your first day so take the time to relax and enjoy the famous Chiang Mai cuisine (  Khao Soi  is a must ).

The next four days you have plenty of options. I suggest going for an  ethical elephant experience  (won’t pump your adrenaline but still one of the coolest things you can do in Chiang Mai), go to the longest zip line in Asia –  Flight of the Gibbon  (  if you’re lucky you may get some real gibbons in the trees around you ), climbing up the Sticky Waterfall, do some 20 meters high cliff jumping into the  Chiang Mai’s old quarry  (also known as the Chiang Mai Grand Canyon) or go  white-water rafting in the Maetaeng river .

There are also numerous options for  Biking tours , ATV exploring and even bamboo river rafting .

Day 6-9: Koh Tao There is one main reason to visit Koh Tao, and that is to get your diving license! Don’t be afraid, learning to dive is not hard and it’s one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences out there.

Just make sure you reserve three full days in your itinerary for Koh Tao. If you already got your license or don’t feel like getting one, you can do for fun dives ( little depth, just to get the feeling  ), snorkeling, mountain biking and rock climbing around the island.

Day 10: Go Home It’s best to get a late flight as possible otherwise you’d have to spend the previous day to travel from Koh Tao to Bangkok / Chiang Mai

The Ultimate 10 Day Thailand Itinerary – The Party Route

If you travel to Thailand with only one goal on your mind – to party, you picked the right destination.  There are no temple visits or adventure activities on this itinerary, just tips about some of the most iconic nightlife places in the world . For this 10 day Thailand itinerary, timing is crucial. You need to check when the full moon is and center your trip around it.  Remember, you need the full moon on the 8th day of your journey!

  Start: Bangkok Once upon a time, Bangkok was famous only for its red-light districts. Been the most visited city in the world changed that, and the nightlife area evolved massively during the years. Today the Thai capital literally offers thousands of funky rooftop bars, frisky clubs, and upbeat cocktail bars.

Days 1-5: Bangkok Khao San road is a must-see place for every self-respected party animal, and so is the iconic  Route 66  bar. Some of the best rooftop bars in town are  Vertigo ,  Octave Rooftop Bar  and  Above Eleven . As far as regular bars go,  Maggie Choo’s  (  trendy designers bar ),  The Iron Fairies  (  Iron themed pub with awesome cheap beer ) and  Havana Social  (  very cool Cuban theme  ) won’t disappoint. Even if you’re not into that stuff, I suggest to check out the Red Light Districts –  Soi Cowboy ,  Nana Plaza , and  Patpong . Even without “consummation”, those places are a ton of fun and totally worth a visit.

If you like to move around, you may decide to leave Bangkok and spend a day or two in the nearby Pattaya. Worldwide famous nightlife awaits for you in the relatively small coastline city ( if adult entertainment is your prime reason to visit Thailand, Pattaya should definitely be on your list  ).

   See Also:   The Ultimate Bangkok Shopping Guide

Days 6-9: Koh Phangan On the 6th day of your 10 days Thailand itinerary, make your way to the island of Koh Phangan. The next day is your first party day. No, not the full moon one. The day before the Full Moon Party, there is the so-called  Jungle Party . Once an underground feast, today the Jungle Experience is almost as famous as the Full Moon Party.

On your 8th day, join thousands of others to celebrate the biggest beach party in the world –  the Full Moon Party of Koh Phangan .

Day number 9 could be used for recovery or travel back to Bangkok ( depending on your flight back home  )

Day 10: Go home

The Ultimate 10 Day Thailand Itinerary – Beach Vacation

Your idea of perfect Thailand vacation is laying on a white-sand beach and swimming among colorful fishes in crystal clear tropical waters . This 10 days Thailand itinerary is the one for you then. There are two distinctive beach vacation areas in the country – The Gulf of Thailand on the east side and the Andaman Sea on the west side. Here is how to get the best out of them.

Start: Koh Samui Samui is the largest island in the Gulf of Thailand. It’s big enough to even have its own airport! Make the best you can to arrive on the island on your first day in Thailand.

Days 1-4: Koh Samui I won’t suggest many activities here, just book a kick-ass beachside resort and enjoy the tropical Thai sun. If you get bored, you may go and explore the nearby  Ang Thong National Park .

Days 5-9: Krabi On your 5th day, make your way to the Krabi area. One of the best places to stay there is Ao Nang. Not only you’d have two beaches right in front of your door, but also numerous restaurant option and easy transportation to the nearby islands. If you prefer a premium beach vacation, book your stay on the Phi Phi islands.

With four full days in Krabi, you can check out the most popular islands in the Andaman Sea. Must-Sees are the  Phi Phi islands , James Bond Island, Hong Island , and Chicken Island . If you want a bit of change of scenery, you can go and check Krabi’s favorite temple –  the Tiger Cave   ( have in mind there is 1260 steps climb to the top though  ) or the incredible Blue Lagoon jungle pond.

Day 10: Go home Krabi has an international airport so try to catch your flight back home from there.

The Ultimate 10 Day Thailand itinerary – The Lazy One

If you really hate the idea of moving around  but you still want a taste of Thailand

Days 1-10 Phuket If you read everything till now ( you’re amazing!  ) you probably wonder why I never mentioned Phuket. Up there in popularity with Bangkok and Chiang Mai, for many people Phuket is the go-to vacation spot in Asia. The reason I didn’t include it in any of my itineraries though is that I think  Phuket has little bit of everything but not as good  as the other places on the itinerary.

What do I mean? Bear with me. There are some temples in Phuket, but none of them are as spectacular as the ones in Bangkok/Chiang Mai. There is a buzzing nightlife there, but it’s not on the Bangkok, Pattaya or even close to Koh Phangan’s level. You can go on a beach vacation in Phuket , but you’re gonna visit the same islands near Krabi, you’d to spend more time on the boat ( since Phuket is farther away than Krabi  ) and you’ll pay a higher price.

Having said that, Phuket is not a bad place, and indeed there are some advantages of choosing the lazy itinerary. You won’t have to change hotels and waste time on the road, and you’ll be able to see all sides of Thailand. Notable places of interest in Phuket are Phuket Town night market, the  big Buddha on the top of the Nakkerd Hills ,  Bangla Road  ( Phuket’s equivalent of Khao San Road  ) and all of the Krabi islands.

Useful Information About Thailand

When is the best time to travel to thailand.

The climate in Thailand is defined as tropical and humid. Best time is a tricky conception since there are a few different weather areas in the country. The area north of Bangkok has three seasons while the one South of it has only two.

In the North , the weather is dry between November and May. This is, however, broken into two periods – November to February when it’s considered winter with temperature in the low 20C, and March-May, when it’s the dry summer with average temperature reaching nearly 30C. From May to October is the rainy season.

South Thailand  has only two seasons – wet and dry. Unfortunately, those seasons don’t run spontaneously on both costs of the peninsula thus making your beach vacation tricky to navigate. The west coast ( Krabi, Phuket  ) is rainy from April through to October, while on the east coast the storms are gathering between September and December.

Bangkok  has three main seasons: hot from March to June, rainy from July to October and cool between November and February. Have in mind that Bangkok’s cool still average temperatures of more than 20C.

What to bring with you in Thailand?

I won’t annoy you with a long list of Amazon listings here. I mean, if you’re going for the island vacation you know you need to bring bathing suits, right? If you like to read you probably already have Kindle and if you’re a photo enthusiast you have your camera ready. The products I recommend are specific items you never even know you should have in Thailand.

Detachable pants  – Thailand is full of beautiful temples to explore, but a lot of them have a strict dress code that won’t let you enter with shorts. Combine that with the hot weather and suddenly figuring out what to wear becomes a significant headache. What I do is using a  pair of pants like these . Put the sleeves in your bag, and you got comfy shorts to survive the relentless Thai heat that turns into proper long pants when needed to enter a temple.

Coral-friendly sunscreen  – This is something that probably hasn’t even occurred to you, but yes, sunscreens do harm the corals. In order to avoid situations like the one in Maya Bay, we all need to give a second thought about how much our actions reflect on the places we visit. Otherwise, we won’t be able to enjoy them for long.

Water Bottle  – if you travel often, you know this is a must-have. Water bottle saves you a fortune on the airports, and it decreases the use of plastic! You can even go a step further and get a  bottle that purifies water  so you may never have to buy a bottled one again.

How To get around in Thailand?

Thailand has an excellent transportation network, so it’s pretty easy to get from one place to another. Whether it’s a bus, a train, a ferry or an internal flight, there will be plenty of options and the price will be reasonable (yes, flights are cheap too).

The best place to find the transportation you need, not only for Thailand but for entire Asia, is  12GO.asia . I use them every time and never had a single problem.

If you area car person and you want to drive everywhere yourself, you need to rent a car. I recommend checking out  Discover Cars  and their tool that will compare all the best rent-a-car providers in the area. The prices they manage to find are sometimes ridiculously low.

On the islands, the easiest way to travel is via motorbike (you can rent one from pretty musch everyhwere).

Is Thailand safe?

Thailand is one of the safest destinations in South-East Asia. Been visited by hundreds of millions of tourist in recent years, the country has put a lot of focus into tourists and their safety.

This doesn’t mean you should forget your travel smarts or skip your  travel insurance  ( especially if you go for the adventure itinerary  ). Don’t go alone in the dark, don’t flash expensive jewelry or electronics, never give your passport to anybody and always keep your cash in 3 different places.

If you’re approached by a stranger who speaks English very well and wants to help you, don’t go for it. This type of scam is not a dangerous one but will eventually take you to a specific shop that will try very hard to sell you something and could waste a ton of time.

Currency in Thailand

The only accepted curreny in Thailand is the Thai Baht ( check the latest rates ).

Do I need a visa for Thailand?

Most of the Western countries’ passport holders can enter Thailand visaless (for up to 30 days), even more, countries are eligible for Visa on arrival.  Check out the requirements for your nationality here.

What about the Internet in Thailand?

There is wi-fi in almost every hotel or restaurant. It’s not the fastest one in the world though. Get yourself a prepaid travel SIM from the airport or any 7-11 and forget all Internet troubles.

You can also  order a SIM card online  and have it delivered at the airport. Definitely the most convenient way.

Useful Words in Thai

Thai people love when you try to use their language. Don’t worry if you misspoken something, they will still enjoy it, and you may get VIP treatment.

Thank you  – if you are a Female – kob-khun ka; If you are a Male – kob-khun krab Hello  – Sa-wat dee How much  – Gee baht? I don’t want  – Mai ow Sorry  – Khor tort Delicious  – A-roi 

Wow, this one came out pretty big! If you managed to read it all (you’re a  legend!  ) you know so much about Thailand so you’d be able to plan your trip without any hassle.

That’s all from me, I hope you enjoy your 10 days in Thailand ! ———————————— If you haven’t planned your trip there yet, find out how I plan my trips! ———————————— I have 32 bucket list ideas for Thailand. See my impossible bucket list of 1700+ adventures!

Which Thailand ititerary is the best for you?

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Sunday 30th of July 2023

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Borders Of Adventure

Leading Culture and Adventure Travel Blog by Becki Enright. Looking at the world with a different angle to change perceptions of misunderstood places, for the best in travel.

Adventure Travel , Thailand

Thailand Island Hopping Guide – Choosing the Best Islands to Visit

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to handpicked partners, including tours, gear and booking sites. If you click through or buy something via one of them, I may receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and allows this site to keep running.

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? Thailand’s 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.

Which side of the Thai Islands is best?

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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 won’t ever be enough.

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 you’ve 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 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 doesn’t 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 Phi’s 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 Leh’s surrounding natural environment proves how stunning this now-popular Thai island is. 

Although if you are seeking out some solitude, try trekking to the ‘Viewpoint’. 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.

BOOK → 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.

The main draw for many visitors is the second-largest island of Phi Phi Leh – 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 Phi’s 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.

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 ‘Coral Island’. 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 → 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.

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 isn’t out of the question.

It’s 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 → 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. 

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 → 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 

Limestone pillars, lush mangroves, wide waters, and ruggedly stunning coastline – Krabi feels like an island, except it’s the waterside paradise of a rural town. The main sandy stretches here are Ao Nang Beach, Tonsai Beach, and the star, Railey Beach (also known as Rai Leh) – a peninsula hideaway and a haven for rock climbers, typically scaling the jagged mounds while others bathe in the corner coves. If you only have time to visit one beach, this 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 → 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 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.

It’s 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 → 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

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. 

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 Thailand’s second-largest island, it’s 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 → 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 four—to 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 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 you’ll likely be quickly sucked into the fun-loving community of Jungle Beach and its small strip of bars and chill hangouts – in fact, many rarely get past this spot. 

BOOK → 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 . 

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 – 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.

How to Get Around the Thailand Islands

There are plenty of travel options when it comes to 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.

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.

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. 

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 → Koh Phi Phi (Tonsai Pier) .

• Journey time: one hour. Tickets: Around $27 

Koh Phi Phi (Tonsai Pier) to → Phuket (Rassada Pier) .

• Journey time: Up to 90 minutes. Tickets: Around $20

Koh Phi Phi (Tonsai Pier) to → Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier) .

• Journey time: Up to 45 minutes. Tickets: Around $15. 

Phuket (Rassada Pier) to → Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier)

• Journey time: Up to 90 minutes. Tickets: Around $40.

Koh Samui (Bangrak Pier) to → Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier)

• Journey time: Up to 45 minutes. Tickets: Around $11.

Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier) to → Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier)

• Journey time: Up to one hour. Tickets: Around $11.
• Journey time: Up to two hours. Tickets: Around $20.

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

As a popular destination, there’s 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?

About Becki

Becki Enright is a British Travel Press Award-winning writer whose work focuses on changing perceptions about misunderstood aspects of destinations. Her writing combines storytelling with insight into the social, historical, political and economic factors that shape the country or place in relation to tourism. Becki has appeared live on Sky News and CNN and has contributed to high profile media including National Geographic, Time.com, Guardian online, New York Times, Grazia and Buzzfeed.

7 September 2023 at 10:53 pm

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

8 September 2023 at 12:54 pm

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

1 June 2023 at 11:49 pm

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.

2 June 2023 at 5:03 pm

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

2 February 2023 at 3:12 pm

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 😉 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!

2 February 2023 at 4:19 pm

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!

4 January 2023 at 2:55 pm

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

4 January 2023 at 3:46 pm

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.

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Thailand Island Hopping Guide – Where To Go According To The Experts

From Koh Tao and Koh Lanta, to Koh Phi Phi, Koh Mak and Koh Chang, plan your travels with this ultimate Thailand island hopping guide, from the expert travellers who really know!

I’ve dreamed of my own little Thailand island hopping tour, and can finally say – it’s happening! In a few weeks I’m jetting off to Bangkok, then down to Krabi to start an adventure in a country I’ve been dying to visit for years.

I’ve never visited Thailand. WHAAAAT?! How is this possible?

Somehow I missed the gap yaaahs that most of my friends went on to southeast Asia. They all went travelling around Thailand, while I found myself excited by a whole other side of the planet, focusing my attention on Central and South America . Somehow, it just hadn’t happened… until now.

I’ve been gathering inspiration, researching islands, beaches, ferry routes, restaurants, national parks, hotels and reading pretty much every Thailand itinerary on the internet. As it’s a relaxing holiday, islands and beaches are playing a big part in our route, so I decided to ask the experts to help with a bit of Thailand island hopping advice.

Who knows which islands are great to visit right now, than a bunch of top travel bloggers! They’ve planned their own trips, explored multiple islands, and left the country with a clear favourite that they want to recommend to you guys (and me!)

So over to the experts to find out which are the best islands in Thailand right now. 

If you’re visiting as a family, I’d recommend reading my post about travelling to Thailand with kids . It’s full of top tips for surviving the journey and making the trip stress free.

Thailand Islands Map

Want to plan your Thailand itinerary? Take a look at the map featuring all the recommendations below, and start planning your very own Thailand island hopping tour! Don’t forget, there are plenty of islands that you can enjoy on day trips too.

Koh Ngai, Thailand (picked by Paul from GlobalHelpSwap )

It’s Christmas Day and we are alone on the beach. The sand is as white as snow and the sea is a turquoise colour that only photoshop can create. On the horizon, there are karst formations jutting out of the sea as if a child has drawn them. Where is this paradise?

Koh Ngai, Thailand.

When my parents announced that they were going to meet us in Thailand over Christmas we wanted to choose an island that was special. Koh Ngai is certainly that. With no permanent inhabitants, it is the quintessential chill out island.

If you do want to leave the beach there are some water activities that will keep you busy. Scuba diving and snorkelling are popular because of the clarity of the water. You can also kayak as we did, or go on a boat trip.

Whatever you do, make sure you keep it to yourselves. We want to keep paradise for ourselves right?

Koh Chang (Picked by Vicki Garside from MakeTimeToSeeTheWorld.com)

Koh Chang is actually the largest tropical island in Thailand after Phuket , and whilst it shares a lot of the same characteristics, it thankfully receives less than a quarter of the number of visitors, making it the perfect place to escape to.

Located a short one hour flight from Bangkok in the province of Trat , Koh Chang sits in the heart of Mu Ko Chang Marine National Park and offers visitors some epic snorkelling and scuba diving, rainforest treks, waterfalls, endless beaches and the opportunity to kayak through one of the most beautiful mangrove forests on it’s southeast coast.

It’s also a great place to base yourself if you want to do a spot of island hopping to the smaller islands dotted around, or just want to stop for a few days and just watch the world go by!

Koh Yao Noi (Picked by Pujarini from MySoulTravels )

One of the last untouched islands in Thailand, Koh Yao Noi offers the classic laidback island vibe with its coconut trees, beach shacks and lazy looking hammocks. The Koh Yao islands are located between Phuket, the party destination of Thailand, and Krabi, Thailand’s adventure hub. But amazingly this island has managed to maintain the relaxed close-to-nature feeling.

The smaller and more secluded island between the two sister islands of Koh Yao, Koh Yao Noi is covered by dense jungle surrounded by pristine beaches, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. So, if you are looking for a serene retreat to get away from the typical Thailand style hustle-bustle, a visit to Koh Yao Noi is ideal.

The easiest way to reach the island is through a short longtail ferry ride from either Phuket or Krabi (it’s a top pick if you want to go island hopping from Phuket!) The island is relatively small, with only one main road with a few branching routes. The best way to explore the island is either by trekking or on a motorbike.

Koh Mak (Picked by Sophia from Onebluehat )

Koh Mak is the perfect paradise island! Located in Eastern Thailand, it’s one of the most beautiful undiscovered islands of Thailand. It neighbours the islands of Ko Chang and Ko Kut. Its unspoilt natural beauty makes it one of my favourite islands. It’s environmentally-friendly, peaceful and surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters and amazing white sandy beaches.

This amazing island is filled with coconut groves, pristine beaches and thousands of palm trees. It’s the ideal paradise to kick back and relax while overlooking its breathtaking crystal clear blue waters.

The best way to explore Koh Mak is under the sea – take an amazing dive into the best coral reefs to the east. It’s filled with amazing tropical fish and marine life.

Koh Jum (Picked by Simon from Adventure Bagging )

Given its proximity to the mainland, you would think Koh Jum would attract a lot of foot traffic. But because many of the local ferries by-pass the island, it sits proudly in the Andaman Sea as a quiet haven amongst the other bustling, busy islands.

So if you’re looking for a little peace and quiet, Koh Jum (also known as Koh Pu) could be for you. Aside from swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving, you can take a walk along Koh Jum’s beautiful beaches, and enjoy the spectacular sunsets. Given the lack of tourists, Koh Jum’s long, empty, sandy beaches are perfect for long walks or jogging.

The island is dominated by Koh Kum mountain, so for any keen hikers (and Instagrammers), the best views of the island can be found at the top. Hire a local guide to take you up and down, explore some real Thai jungle, and get some pretty epic panoramic views from the top.

Koh Samui (Picked by Olivia from Illustrious by Olivia)

Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s islands where you can truly enjoy nature and relax without hoards of tourists around. In Koh Samui, you can have a taste of Thai rum, indulge in black tiger prawns, sail on a Thai boat, enjoy the national marine park, chase hidden waterfalls or practice yoga or other sports. It is one of the islands where you can go for a retreat and an overall reset, or you can choose to make it as adventurous as possible, because it has so many hidden gems on offer.

One of my favourite places is the Jungle Club, where you get an amazing view over Chaweng Bay and  also the Big Buddha. It is such an interesting sight, especially at sunset. So if you’re looking to go outside of Thailand’s party islands and discover a more raw island, get to meet locals, Koh Samui is definitely worth a visit for couple of days.

Koh Kood / Koh Kut (Picked by Tanya from Can Travel Will Travel)

Koh Kood Island (also known as Koh Kut) is one of the most eastern of the Thai islands,  found not far off the mainland, just north of mainland Cambodia. It’s the second largest island in the Koh Chang archipelago and is (in my opinion) the most beautiful.

The island has a jungly, very hilly interior dotted with waterfalls and edged with countless palm fringed, white sand beaches. It’s ideal if all you want to do is relax, but similarly there are also lots of outdoor nature based activities available on Koh Kood available if you prefer to keep busy. You can rent a motorbike to explore the many different beaches and visit the two fishing villages, go hiking to the jungle waterfalls or kayak through the mangroves which are full of fireflies at night.

The best bit is that Koh Kood is yet to be consumed by tourism like many of the Thai islands, which makes it the perfect getaway for those that prefer something a bit more tranquil and off the beaten track.

Phuket (Picked by Frankie from As the Bird Flies)

Phuket is the Thai island that most people love to hate, or hate to love thanks to the reputation of some of its beach resorts (ahem, Patong!) Me, I love to love it after living there for three months while we were nomadic.

With a wealth of beaches to choose from (and not all of them are overcrowded, trust me!) and those beautiful Andaman Sea sunsets to enjoy, as Thailand’s largest island Phuket has all the expected charms of other Thai islands, but a lot more infrastructure and very good Internet too. It’s also incredibly easy to get to, with direct flights from all over the region and beyond. It’s also got some gorgeous places to stay – don’t miss this pick of the best hotels to stay in Phuket .

In my opinion, Phuket is the Thai island you should go to if you’re looking for more activities than lying on a beach or scuba diving; there’s rainforest to hike in, animal sanctuaries to visit, Phuket Old Town to wander around, a man-made lake to waterski or wakeboard in, and a huge waterpark that kids (and adults!) will love.

It’s also our go-to destination for guaranteed good weather and a luxury break, so much so I put together this list of the best luxury resorts on Phuket . While it is relatively busy with other travellers and some of the beaches should be avoided, Phuket is still one of my favourite Thai islands.

Koh Adang (Picked by Hannah and Adam from GettingStamped)

We’ve been lucky to spend over a year traveling in Thailand, in which we’ve done our fair share of island hopping. Over the years we’ve seen many islands change and tourism really grow. On our last visit to Koh Lipe island we rented a boat for the day and headed over to nearby island Koh Adang. It’s a 10-minute ride from Sunrise Beach on Koh Lipe, you could actually kayak over too if you wanted. It costs 100 baht ($3 USD) per person each way.

Once on the island, we set out on the Koh Adang Viewpoint hike. There are 3 viewpoint stops, but the third one has the best views of Koh Lipe and takes about 45 minutes to reach. Hardly anyone makes the trip over to Koh Adang- we only passed 4 other people on the trail. Most people just visit the beach and go snorkeling. After the hike we’d recommend heading back down to the restaurant for a cold beverage before heading back to Koh Lipe.

If you want to stay on Koh Adang, there’s super affordable beach camping and bungalows available for rent for only $23. It’s super peaceful over there and the perfect escape. On our next trip that is exactly what we plan on doing!

Koh Phi Phi (Picked by Janet from Journalist On The Run)

There are so many amazing islands in Thailand that it can be nigh on impossible to choose where to go. On one of my first trips to Thailand I ended up on Koh Phi Phi, most famous as a bit of a party island and also the jumping off point for trips to the famous Maya Bay where The Beach was filmed.

While Koh Phi Phi does attract a very young crowd, and there are more bars and tattoo shops per square mile than anywhere else I’ve seen in the world, it’s also a gorgeous place to visit. There are lots of quieter beaches to explore, some fun hikes to great view points and it’s one of the best places to base yourself for snorkelling trips and exploring nearby uninhabited islands and national parks on day trips.

To get there, you can either take a boat from the tourist Mecca of Phuket or do a boat trip from nearby Krabi . Do be prepared for the party-mad crowd, it sometimes can’t be avoided here!

Koh Lipe (Picked by Vicki from Vicki Viaja)

Koh Lipe is an extremely beautiful Thai island in the southwest of the country – the most beautiful if you ask me. If you’re looking for Thai islands for a full moon party and to drink cheap alcohol on, you might rather want to avoid Koh Lipe. But if you want to relax on a stunning beach and discover the underwater world while snorkelling or diving, Koh Lipe is perfect for you. The water is crystal clear and you’re guaranteed to see a lot of different fishes.

The beaches of the island are quite different from each other. While on the sunrise beach, you can find some bars and entertainment, the sunset beach, offers a rather relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great place to enjoy a cocktail on the beach and enjoy relaxing on holiday. 

Koh Lanta (Picked by Andrius and Kristina from Around the World on a Budget Travel Blog)

Koh Lanta is a beautiful tropical island located in the southwest of Thailand. Although resorts have started popping up in recent years, it is still a relatively off the beaten path destination. Long Beach is the main tourist hub where the majority of the hotels, bars and restaurants can be found. There’s a good variety of restaurants and eateries near Long Beach and nightlife is also getting better here too with bars offering nights out and events, especially during weekends.

However, there are a couple of hidden gems away from Long Beach that are also worth checking out. Nui Beach, for example, will be one of the best beaches you have seen in your life, while visits to Tiger Cave or Khlong Chak Waterfall will satisfy the adventure seekers. For those after something extraordinary I would recommend scuba diving.

Marine life in Andaman Sea is extremely rich which makes diving in Koh Lanta a perfect diving location for beginners. Are you an experienced diver? Hin Daeng and Hin Muang (Red Rock and Purple Rock), both accessible from Koh Lanta are world class sites where divers have a good chance to see whale sharks and manta rays.

Koh Tao (Picked by Emile from LondonCityCalling ) 

Koh Tao is one of the most popular Thai islands with tourists for one prominent reason… diving. The island is known for its tropical coral reefs and exciting aquatic life, making it one of the best places in Thailand (if not the world) for scuba divers. You can even see whale sharks there.

If you already know what you’re doing you can hire some gear and head out on an organised dive. Or, if you’re a newbie, Koh Tao is a great place to start as its dive shops offer some of the cheapest PADI courses around. Plus, if you’re a bit of a wimp (yes, like me) you can start with a spot of snorkelling closer to shore first before heading out to deeper waters.

Other than it’s enticing waters, Koh Tao has everything you could possibly want from a Thai Island, from its tropical jungles and white sand beaches to its buzzing late-night bar scene. Grabbing a cocktail at a beach bar overlooking the ocean is certainly the best way to end a day exploring Koh Tao’s beauty.

Koh Phangan (Picked by Cazzy from Dream Big, Travel Far)

All of the islands of Thailand offer something unique and beautiful, and Koh Phangan is most famous for its party scene. It’s no surprise, since it hosts full moon parties each and every month. It’s a party experience like no other and something you’ll remember forever! The full moon party gathers thousands upon thousands of people to the beach to party with buckets of cocktails, fire dancers and more.

It’s not just the full moon party however, it’s the pre-moon party, the jungle experience party and the countless other beach club parties that are held in the run up to the famous full moon!

But, don’t worry, it’s not all partying. Koh Phangan has stunning beaches to offer, and there are quieter regions of the island that are filled with blue waters and peaceful walks. My favourite area for relaxation is Ban Tai. There are also lots of beautiful waterfalls including Phaeng Waterfall, Paradise waterfall and Than Sadet waterfall. Simply rent a moped and explore the island!

I hope hearing from these Thailand island experts helps you plan a holiday to remember. Whether you’re heading off on your own Thailand island hopping adventure, or just fancy a few days of beach time between exploring cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, no doubt you’ve just added a few new places to your Thailand bucket list… I certainly have!

Enjoyed this Thailand island hopping guide? Pin it for later…

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

3 thoughts on “Thailand Island Hopping Guide – Where To Go According To The Experts”

Thailand looks so beautiful! I’d love to spend a couple of weeks exploring the different islands and find my own quiet paradise!

That’s what we’re planning to do – it’s going to be bliss!

Totally adding Thailand to my bucket list 🙂 Such a charming blend of beaches, nightlife and temples!

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Ultimate Thailand Island Hopping Guide

By: Author Hannah

Posted on Last updated: 20 June, 2024

Thailand is full of jaw-dropping gorgeous islands. There are over 300 islands in Thailand. How do you know which islands are for you?

We’ve put together this ultimate Thailand island hopping guide to help plan your island hopping adventure in Thailand. We reached out to 26 travel bloggers who have done their fair share of Thailand island hopping and asked them for their favorite Thai islands.

With so many amazing places to visit in Thailand to pick from, we have organized a Thailand island hopping guide so you can easily plan your own island hopping trip.

If you only have two weeks in Thailand , we wouldn’t suggest picking two or three main islands and island hopping from there. Decide if you want to explore the islands in the Andaman Sea or the Gulf of Thailand.

*When looking for the best price and biggest selection of hotels in Thailand, check prices on Booking.com . We’ve found they are the best option and have a great cancelation policy.*

Phuket Island Hopping | Krabi Island Hopping | Koh Samui Island Hopping | Koh Lipe Island Hopping | Other Thailand Island Hopping

Thailand Island Hopping

Andaman Sea Island Hopping Route

Start your trip off in Thailand’s most popular area in the Andaman Sea. You can run this route North-South or South-North. The main island hopping hubs are Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lipe.

Be aware several of the islands below are accessible during the high season November-May. The exact dates when the ferries start and stop change year to year. Double-check the dates before planning your Thailand island hopping route.

Several of the ferries between islands are closed during monsoon season for rough seas. That doesn’t mean you can’t visit them. You just won’t be able to island-hop as easily. If you want to document your trip, we highly suggest getting a drone. Click  here to read our recommendations and tips from a professional drone pilot.

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Phuket can get a bad rap, but this island is big enough that there is something for everyone. There is no need to head to the infamous Patong at all. If you are looking to get away from it all very easily, then consider Mai Khao Beach in Phuket. This beautiful beach is very close to Phuket International Airport but feels a million miles away. At 11 kilometers long, it’s Phuket’s longest, and it’s also one of the least visited.

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This is because it’s part of Sirinat National Park . There are a couple of spots that see more people, thanks to a couple of resorts, but the majority of the beach is blissfully deserted. There are no touts, massage places, or drink sellers, making this not a good choice if you like lots of options, but it’s perfect if you love long walks on the beach or enjoying Thailand’s natural wonders in peace and quiet.

Phuket Ferry Schedule & Tickets  Click here

Island Hopping Day Trips From Phuket

• Koh Phi Phi day trips
• Tonsai day trips from Phuket

Phuket is a great place to start or end a Thailand island hopping trip. Phuket is easily accessible as it has an international airport, with several direct flights a day from Bangkok and other Thailand destinations. There are tons of things to do in Phuket .

Similan Islands

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Okay, so the Similan Islands are a slightly different ball game to the other islands in the list – mainly due to the fact you can’t really just rock up and stay there!

For those of you who are keen scuba divers (or looking to get your open water course in Thailand), the Similan Islands offer some of the best diving in the country and, indeed South East Asia. Situated off the coast and reachable by dive boats from Phuket or, more commonly, Khao Lak this island chain boasts amazing beaches and a huge variety of dive sites.

World-famous spots like Richelieu Rock and Elephant Head Rock are packed full of incredible marine life – from macro through to big schools of barracuda, manta rays, and even whale sharks! Whether you love sprawling reefs, big swim-throughs, or peering out into the blue, it’s got something for everything.

If you’re looking to scuba dive in Thailand, it’s certainly the spot I’d put on the top of your bucket list – and an overnight liveaboard is the best way to check it out.

Getting to the Similan islands will involve a minibus and then a ferry. Most tourists visit on a Similan Islands day trip from Phuket . Divers prefer to do live-aboard trips out to the Similan Islands so they can spend several days exploring the underwater world. 

Koh Yao Yai

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Beautiful Koh Yao Yai could almost be the net if Krabi and Phuket decided to have a tennis match. Much larger than its northern neighbor, Koh Yao Noi, but nowhere near as popular, this Thai island offers peace and quiet (which is becoming harder to find in Thailand these days). Its name translates to ‘big long island,’ but after spending just over a week at a resort here, I think it should translate to ‘big long do nothing and relax in paradise island’ 

We loved it here as we had the opportunity to discover some deserted beaches and do a lot of relaxing. Going for a walk, we passed the odd motorbike and the 10 baht bus! Yep, you can buy anything from souvenirs to washing-up liquid from the 10 baht bus that circles the island! The island’s population (all 8,000 of them!) is predominately Muslim so the Massaman curries here are incredible and I can highly recommend them. 

Koh Yao Yai ferry schedule & tickets  click here

The ferry from Krabi to Koh Yao Yai takes 40 minutes by speedboat. The speedboat from Phuket is only 30 minutes. Click  here for the schedule and tickets.  It’s a perfect Thai Island to literally do nothing for a few days or more!  

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Koh Hong is a small island in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Krabi, and it’s one of the areas best kept open secrets. Smaller and less popular than bigger islands like Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, Koh Hong is an hour’s longtail boat ride away from Ao Nang Beach but quiet as can be most of the day. The trick is to take a private longtail boat to Hong Island in the morning so you can enjoy it all day; the day-trippers on the group tour will come in the late afternoon.

This is not as expensive as it sounds — in fact, in our group of 3, it was far cheaper to rent the private boat than it was to take the group tour! Koh Hong has beautiful crystal clear water and calm water, so clear you can see fish swimming alongside you even without snorkel gear. Remember to bring your own lunch and plenty of sunscreen as there are no shops or restaurants on this tiny Koh!

Koh Hong is easily reachable from Krabi and Phuket.  There are several Koh Hong day trips that include a stop on the island.

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Thailand can be known for its bucketloads of tourists, but there are still many islands you can go to escape the crowds. Krabi has to be my favorite because it holds two of, – in my opinion – the best beaches in Thailand; Railay and Tonsai. Located on the small peninsula located between Krabi Town and Ao Nang, and only about an hour boat ride from Krabi, these two beaches are about a close to postcard perfection you’ll get.

Adventure seekers, pack your climbing shoes as there are tons of outdoor activities to do in Krabi ! From rock climbing to cliff jumping, snorkeling and hiking, you can fill days exploring these beaches. But then again, you could also grab a mango, get yourself a spot of sand and soak up the peace and quiet! 

Krabi ferry schedule & tickets from click here

Krabi is easily accessible as it has an international airport, with several direct flights a day from Bangkok and other Thailand destinations. Krabi is a good place to base yourselves for a few days as you island hop around the area. There are tons of Krabi hotel options one for every budget. There are tons of things to do in Krabi island hopping, jungle tours, rock climbing, cooking classes, click here to see more.

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Tonsai is not technically a “Koh,” but it sure does feel like it! When you come in on your rickety long-tail boat (the only way to get there), you’ll be greeted with towering rock mountains boasting the most incredible backdrop to the clear water you’re gliding in on. This is a rock climbers paradise, an epic location for base jumpers, wandering flow artists are plentiful, and the views never grow old! 

I’d come here regularly when I was living in Krabi. There’s nothing quite like a day at the beach at this hippy haven. The vibes here are just like an island, super chill and laid-back.  Day trips to nearby (actual) islands are easy, and Railay Beach is right there (you should definitely go).

Tonsai is a bit secluded and offers just a small selection of accommodation and food although things are changing! Many places, especially budget ones, still run on generators, and power isn’t available until the evening. Everything is walkable here, and there are no vehicles. Tonsai is one of my top happy places! Coming here for a day might turn into a few days (or weeks) fair warning! 

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Koh Poda is a small paradise island situated less than a 30-minute boat ride from Ao Nang, Krabi. It’s a quite small island with a diameter of less than 1 km. It basically consists of pristine white sand beaches with crystal clear water to swim around and palm trees for shade during the hottest hours of the day. Close to shore, we can also find nice coral reefs for snorkeling or rent a kayak to explore around.

The most spectacular view of the island is probably the huge limestone rock, which seems to balance in the water in front of the beach. This is actually the spot where most tourists come since Koh Poda is one of the islands included in the classical 4-island tours organized from Ao Nang.

For us, it’s well worth spending more time on the island than a shortstop during the latter excursion. Koh Poda is very close to Krabi, and the beautiful beaches are much less crowded than on more popular islands in the area. You can even spend a night here in one of the bungalows in the interior of the island.

Koh Poda day trips click here

Koh Poda is easily reachable from Krabi.  There are several day trips that include a stop to Koh Pada, some as low as 750 baht.

Koh Pu 

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Koh Pu is the Northern half of an island known as Koh Jum. The two halves of the island are so different geographically – mountainous and rocky in the north, and flat and sandy in the south. They actually are referred to as different islands.

Only 25 kilometers south of Krabi, you would expect this to be a popular tourist destination, but surprisingly, other than the trickle of tourists that make their way to southern Koh Jum, Koh Pu remains almost entirely off the beaten tourist trail. 

Not known for its beaches, Koh Pu is more shallow and rocky just offshore. There are very few visitors here, though those who find their way here tend to want to keep it off the radar as it gives the feeling of a deserted island all to yourself.

The Internet is not great, as to be expected, on a deserted island, so this makes for a perfect place to disconnect, catch up on some reading, and enjoy your time with some fantastic local hosts. 

There aren’t many places to stay, though Sunset Bungalows (not to be confused with Sunset Bungalows in Koh Jum) are a fantastic refuge. Each bungalow is uniquely designed – ranging from a treehouse to a swinging bungalow suspended by ropes attached to palm trees and more. The food is delicious, and there is a tiny beach bar there too. If you want to escape, this may be the place to do it. 

Koh Pu/ Koh Jum is reachable via day trips or ferries from Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, and Koh Lanta. Ferries from Koh Lanta to Koh Jum/Koh Pu is one hour and costs 750 baht. Krabi to Koh Jum/Koh Pu is one hour and costs 650 baht.

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Koh Jum is one of those off-the-beaten islands in the Krabi region, but not as frequented as the mainland or string of islands that are typically featured by tourism outfits in Krabi. This makes for a real slice of paradise that is quiet, authentic, and filled with gorgeous vistas, beaches and places you will have mostly to yourself.

Koh Jum is very laid back, with just the right amount of beach bars and restaurants to keep you entertained and feed in your visits. But what you will get instead are long and wild beaches, small villages and eateries, and fewer crowds or even beaches all to yourself, depending on the time of year you visit.

If your idea of traveling to an exotic locale without the massive crowds of Krabi, then head out south to Koh Jum.

Koh Phi Phi

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Koh Phi Phi is one of the most popular islands in Thailand, and for good reason. Its beautiful curved golden beaches, jagged cliff formations, and tangled jungles drew curious travelers at the beginning, and the filming of one of the most popular backpacker films ever, “ The Beach ” firmly put it on the map as a must-see destination.

During the day, an iconic photo of the long-tail boats in the bay is almost obligatory, and you can catch one out to the uninhabited Koh Phi Phi Leh. At night you can party at the beachfront bars with people from all over the world. Koh Phi Phi might seem overrun to some, but the beauty is still there behind the tourist trade, just waiting for you to find it. 

Koh Phi Phi ferry schedule & tickets  click here  

There are several day trips to Koh Phi Phi from Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Lanta. There are tons of Koh Phi Phi hotels to stay at, and from there, hire on a private longtail or join a group tour. If you are planning on visiting Maya Bay as seen in “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio go early in the morning.

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Koh Lanta in Southern Thailand captured our hearts from the first moment we got off the ferry. Located in the Andaman Sea, this beautiful patch of paradise is palm-speckled with a whole range of incredible accommodation options available from budget beach shacks right through to luxury resorts .

The atmosphere on Koh Lanta is as chilled as you can get, with an interesting mix of Buddhist and Muslim influences accompanying the island vibe. Days are spent lounging in hammocks, exploring the beautiful fishing villages that line the coast, wandering through gorgeous jungles, and swimming in the turquoise sea. If you’re into diving, some of the best and most accessible dive sites in Thailand are close by as well. Check out our top things to do in Koh Lanta here . 

 Koh Lanta ferry schedule & tickets  click here

There are tons of i sland hopping tours from Koh Lanta where you’ll visit several small islands during the day. The nearest airport is in Krabi, and shuttles from Krabi to Koh Lanta are available from the airport. 

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When it comes to island hopping in Thailand, one of my absolute favorite memories was the three nights I spent on Koh Mook in the Trang province. While it may not be as popular or a well-known destination, it should definitely be added to your Thai bucket list! 

The one activity that makes people come to Koh Mook is a visit to the mesmerizing Morakot Cave (Emerald Cave). It’s just a short boat ride from the main section of the island and cannot be missed! I hired a longtail boat for the day, and the driver took us to some amazing snorkeling spots and then off to the Emerald Cave.

We jumped out of the boat, swam through this dark, enclosed space, and then emerged onto this private beach. It felt so surreal — a place where dreams are made of. While you can visit this place on day trips that depart from Koh Lanta, I’d highly recommend spending a few days on Koh Mook! There are a few amazing restaurants on the beach, beautiful sunsets, and a truly relaxing vibe.

 Koh Mook ferry schedule & tickets  click here  

If you don’t have time to spend the night on Koh Mook there are day trips from Koh Lanta, click here for tour options some as cheap as 1,000 baht.

Recommended by: Anna Faustino Adventure In You

Koh Kradan is one of our favorite islands in Thailand, mainly because, unlike the other overcrowded and touristy laden islands, a visit to Koh Kradan is like stepping back in time. It’s still the laid-back, idyllic beach that everyone hopes for when planning a trip to Thailand. Located off the coast of Trang province, Koh Kradan is the perfect setting for mastering what I like to call the art of doing nothing.

So whether it’s long walks on the beach, snorkeling, swimming, or just lying down in a hammock as you stare at the infinite shades of blue before you, this island is one of our go-to spots in Thailand.

Koh Kradan ferry schedule & tickets  click here  

Recommended by: Hannah & Adam Getting Stamped

Koh Lipe is the southernmost island in Thailand, and a gem very few tourists have discovered. Gorgeous turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. We ended up on Koh Lipe by accident when we were in Langkawi, Malaysia, back in 2014 but have since been back twice.

We fell in love with the small island feel. You literally walk everywhere, wake up to gorgeous sunrises on Sunrise Beach , and end the day with mojitos watching the sunset on Sunset Beach. Sunrise Beach has the softest sand I’ve ever felt in Asia. Make sure to check out Stonehenge, the best diving in Koh Lipe .

During the day, rent a private longtail boat to take you to the nearby islands for only 1,500 baht for the entire day, or jump on a group trip for 550 baht. Most tourists don’t come as there is no airport and the island just got an ATM in 2015. It’s worth the trip, trust us. If I were to do my Thailand honeymoon over again, this is where I’d come.

Koh Lipe is often called “The Maldives of Thailand,” which is a pretty big name to live up to. We’ve spent five weeks island hopping in the Maldives , and Koh Lipe lives up to the name. Koh Lipe isn’t the cheapest Thai island, and getting to Koh Lipe can take most of a day, but the journey is worth it.

Koh Lipe ferry schedule & tickets  click here  

Island Hopping From Koh Lipe

• Koh Lipe island hopping program 1 island hops to 5 islands: Koh Jabaang, Koh Hin-Ngam, Koh Yang, Koh Rawi, and Koh Adang
• Koh Lipe island hopping program 2 to: Koh Hin Saun, Koh Lok Goi, Monkey Beach, Koh Dong, and Koh Pun

The nearest airport is Hat Yai. Air Asia sells flight packages which include: flight, shuttle to Pak Bara pier, and ferry to Koh Lipe. Book island trips with your Koh Lipe hotel or tour agency on walking street. Most leave at 9 am and are back by 5 pm. 

Recommended by: Us Hannah & Adam Getting Stamped

Koh Adang is a quick 10-minute boat ride away from Koh Lipe. There is some amazing hiking on the island. Hike up to the Koh Adang viewpoint for the best view of Koh Lipe. This 45-minute hike is steep but well worth it.

If you like chasing waterfalls, there are two waterfalls on the island deep in the jungle. You’ll basically have the hiking trail to yourself. We only saw two other tourists when hiked to Pirates Waterfall during high season. Hire a long-tail driver to drive you around the island and drop you off at one of the many private beaches.

You could easily spend an entire day exploring the island or even spend the night camping on the beach. Beach camping is available on Koh Adang for only 200 baht a tent (tent/bedding included) or 30 baht if you have your own tent. There are also a few chalets for 600 baht a night. If you are looking for a peaceful island with just one resort, one restaurant, and endless beaches this is it.

Longtail boats from Sunrise Beach Koh Lipe can be hired to bring you to Koh Adang for 100 baht per person each way. 

One of my favorite island stops when island hopping around Koh Lipe is Koh Rawi. Koh Rawi is a great place to stop for a few hours and have a beach picnic. Program 1-day tour from Koh Lipe stops on Koh Rawi for their lunch break. There is a restaurant on the island with a few dishes and ice-cold beers (60 baht) and drinks.

I suggest going just after lunch when all the tourist boats are done with their lunch stop so that you can have the island to yourself. There is a great designated snorkeling spot right off the beach. There is no accommodation on the island, but a few of the dive shops in Koh Lipe have an overnight dive trip that camps out on the beach here.

Koh Lipe g roup island hoping program 1 stops in Koh Rawi for an hour, as this is where they have the lunch stop. Program 1 costs 550 baht a person, OR  we suggest hiring a private longtail boat for 1,500 baht for the entire day for a private Thailand island hopping tour around Koh Lipe. 

Koh Khai is known for its iconic stone arch. It’s also referred to as Egg Island, as its name translates to egg island. It got its name from the sea turtles that come to the shores every year and lay eggs.

On our ferry to Koh Lipe from Paka Bara, our speedboat made a stop at Koh Khai so we could get off, stretch our legs, and, most importantly, take a picture. You cannot spend the night on the island. Heck, there aren’t any buildings, let alone electricity.

The island has gorgeous white sand beaches, turquoise water surrounding it, and some great arches. There is an organized day trip from Pak Bara that stops at Koh Khai, but none of the day trips from Koh Lipe visit the island.

Some ferries to Koh Lipe from Pak Bara stop at Koh Khai on the way. When booking your ticket to Koh Lipe see if the boat stops at the nearby islands. Our ferry made a 30-minute stop so passengers could get off and get the iconic stone arch picture on Koh Khai.

Gulf of Thailand Island Hopping Route

The Gulf of Thailand is big, and there aren’t ferries that will bring you from one side to the other. We have two suggested island routes, one in the Surat Thani province and the other in the Trat province.

Ferries run during monsoon season, making this Thailand island hopping available year-round. The islands in the Trat province are easily visited if you are coming or going to Cambodia, as they are right on the border.

Surat Thani Province Islands

Surat Thani has an international airport with several low-cost carriers. We suggest Air Asia. There are also buses to Surat Thani from Phuket (4.5 hours), Krabi (4 hours), and Bangkok (9 hours).

Recommended by: Annika Ziehen The Midnight Blue Elephant

Koh Samui was nothing more than an airport and a pier to me for the longest time, just a layover stop on my way to Koh Tao. That all changed when, during one trip, the travel gods didn’t align, and I had to book an overnight stay on Samui. Instead of one night, I decided to stay a few and finally check out what makes this island so popular.

While it ain’t no hidden paradise anymore, Koh Samui offers everything that makes a Thailand island getaway so good: amazing beaches, yummy restaurants, bars with a sunset view, and great deals on a big variety of luxury resorts. And unlike more secluded islands, it is easy to reach from various Thai cities, and the airport is, while small, incredibly charming.

If you like water activities, Koh Samui is your haven with the Ang Thong National Marine Park right here. If you want more than snorkeling, Samui is also an excellent place to go diving. The peak season is during April and August, but except for November, Koh Samui offers great diving at affordable prices all year round. Reason enough for me to extend a layover more often!

Koh Samui ferry schedule & tickets click here

Koh Samui Island Hopping Trips

• Koh Madsum day trip from Koh Samui
• Koh Nang Yuan island trip 

Koh Samui has an international airport with daily flights from several Thailand cities. If you are on a budget, there are several overland options. For example, Bangkok to Koh Samui costs 1,450 baht and takes 10.5 hours (bus and ferry). When looking at flights, look at flight prices to Surat Thani, which is located on the mainland. Note there are two ferries on Koh Samui, so prices and schedules vary.

If you plan on island hopping in the Gulf of Thailand, the best kicking-off point would be Koh Samui. From here, you can make your way to all the below islands.  There are tons of activities in Samui to keep you busy for well over a week. Click  here to see more. Ring in the Thai New Year April 13-15th on the island and partake in the fun & crazy Songkran festival .

Recommended by: Carolann & Macrae One Modern Couple

Koh Madsum (or Koh Matsum) is one of the several small islands that are found just a short distance south of Koh Samui, which makes it a great escape from the busier life on the larger island. Just a short boat ride away, you can find peace and tranquility, even with a growing number of tourists heading there.

We love taking a day on the incredibly beautiful water of the Gulf of Thailand, seeking out the exquisite aquatic life with some snorkeling around the nearby Koh Tan (Koh Taen) and ending at the smaller Koh Madsum for some relaxation on the beach.

It is also one of the best places to hire a private snorkeling and picnic tour if you’re looking to find some more secluded areas to enjoy. It’s definitely one of our favorite smaller islands to spend some quiet time together and experience the beauty the islands of Thailand have to offer.

Hire a private longtail boat for the day in Koh Samui to bring you to Koh Madsum or jump on a group island trip.

Koh Phangan

Recommended by:  Janet Newenham Journalist On The Run

Koh Phangan might well be the most famous island in Thailand, thanks to the infamous Full Moon Party that takes place there each month. Up to 30,000 people travel here just before each full moon, and there are organized parties all over the island before and after the main event.

During the full moon party, Haad Rin Beach is covered by thousands of party-goers covered in neon paint, but just 24 hours later, after the beach has been cleaned up, it is transformed back into a pristine Thai beach with white sand and glistening waters. Besides partying, there’s a lot more to this slice of paradise than first meets the eye.

For rest, relaxation, and soothing of the soul, stay at some of the Koh Phangan beaches on the North end of the island, where you will find quiet, pristine beaches, yogis, amazing little vegetarian cafes, as well as some of the clearest water this side of Thailand.

If you like snorkeling, scuba diving, boat trips, or lounging in a hammock with a good book, you will feel at home on Koh Phangan. Be sure to rent a scooter and spend a day exploring all the island’s hidden gems – you’ll never want to leave!

Koh Phangan ferry schedule & tickets click here

If you are planning on traveling for the full moon party, take note several Koh Phangan hotels have a 3-night minimum. There are several small island trips bookable when on Koh Phangan.

Recommended by: Raphael Alexander Journey Wonders

Koh Tao was the first Thai Island that I visited and it is the one that definitely stole my heart, making the multi-hour bus plus ferry journey from Bangkok worth the sacrifice (including waiting for one hour at the pier in the middle of the night). 

Known as the cheapest destination to learn how to scuba dive, Koh Tao has a very chilled vibe, and even though there’s a lot of heavy parties going on, you can still find your inner state of mind. The marine life you will encounter here is very diverse, although for a place whose name means “Turtle Island,” the number of Sea Turtles in Koh Tao has been declining in recent years. 

Plus, if you love hiking, you can always go and explore some epic viewpoints, such as the John Suwan Viewpoint, from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the island, including some of its many beaches. Also, did I mention that Koh Phangan of the infamous Full Moon Party is just mere minutes away by ferry?

Koh Tao ferry schedule & tickets click here

If you’ve never dived before, there is no better place to try it out than in Koh Tao. Explore the underwater world on a discovery dive, where you get an introduction to diving with a divemaster. If you happen to love it, getting dive certified in Koh Tao is one of the best and cheapest places in the world. 

Koh Nang Yuan

Recommended by:  Lindsay Buckley  Frugal Frolicker

If you make it to Koh Tao, you’d be remiss not to take a (half) day trip to the nearby Koh Nang Yuan. A quick longtail boat ride from Sairee Beach will deposit you on a pier leading to one of the most beautiful white sandbars imaginable.

You can rent a lounge chair with an umbrella  on the beach for 150 THB (strangely, you aren’t allowed to lay out your beach towel) and swim or snorkel in the three lagoons around the island. If you’re into diving, Japanese Gardens is a fantastic shore dive right off the beach.

There’s a dive shop on the island where you can rent gear and sign up for fun dives.  Be sure to hike up to the viewpoint overlooking the beach: it’s a complete stunner! And for maximum enjoyment, try to get to Koh Nang Yuan early to avoid the snorkel tour crowds that hit the island around 9:30. 

Hire a private longtail boat for the day in Koh Tao to bring you to Koh Nang Yuan or jump on a group island trip.

Trat Province Islands

Trat has a small airport that is privately owned by Bangkok Airways and is located 20 minutes from the pier. The easiest way to get to Trat is by bus. The buses to Trat from Bangkok are only 5 hours and cost 350 baht.

Recommended by: Ben & Jazzy Road Affair  

Known as Elephant Island, Koh Chang is Thailand’s second-largest island. Located only 300 km from Bangkok near the Cambodian border, Koh Chang is known to house some of the best beaches in Thailand, like Lonely Beach and White Sand beach.

However, beaches and watersports aren’t the only draws for this island, as 70% of Koh Chang is covered in rainforests and mountains. Its dense and lush jungle makes it a great island for adventure seekers and nature lovers like ourselves to go jungle trekking or waterfall chasing when we get tired of being beach bums.

But what we love most about Koh Chang isn’t the beaches, backpacker vibes, or the popularity, but the ability to escape the touristy areas and enjoy slower-paced, nature-rich, and the less-developed countryside without the crowd and hoards of backpackers. If that is something you look for while traveling, you should definitely visit Koh Chang!

Koh Tao bus schedule & tickets click here

There are two ferries to Koh Chang and two ferries in Trat. They are car ferries and take 30-45 minutes and cost 80 baht a person. 

Recommended by: Claudia Tavani My Adventures Across The World  

I thought I had found myself a little piece of heaven on earth in Koh Chang, but little did I know that paradise was actually a 20 minutes boat ride away in Koh Wai. One of the smallest islands of Thailand, Koh Wai is hardly a major tourist hot spot.

There’s no sight of flashy lights, elegant (and less elegant) restaurants (just a couple of small, modest, but good restaurants), rooftop bars, beach clubs, and spas. There are no cars or ever-present scooters that zip around on all of the other islands: the only way to go around the island is via a footpath through the forest that connects the two beaches and the various huts that are spread around.

Come to think of it, there’s no electricity other than a few generators, and there’s no internet either. Koh Wai is a place to relax, rest, and relax some more. Other activities to be entertained in Koh Wai are: sunbathing; sleeping under a palm tree; kayaking around the island; and snorkeling in the incredibly clear waters that are packed with marine life. 

Ferries from Koh Chang (Kai Bae pier) to Koh Wai costs 400 baht and take 45 minutes. You can also hire longtail boats to bring you to Koh Wai. 

Recommended by: Megan Bobo and Chichi  

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Mak is one of Thailand’s smallest and most underrated islands to visit! This is one of the last remaining islands in Thailand that hasn’t been spoiled by too many crowds, even during its peak season.

If you’re looking for tons of nightlife, this probably isn’t the island for you. Koh Mak is more of a relaxing and quiet place. Although, there is an annual 12-day rave that happens on the island if you are looking for a party in this paradise.

The island itself takes up only 16 square km making it easy to access most of the island by foot. You can find a range of accommodations for any budget, from posh villas to cozy budget bungalows right on the beach. 

One of the more quirky activities on the island includes a love temple that consists of x-rated statues and water fountains tucked away in almost a hidden cluster of palm trees. This attraction is not for the faint of heart, be aware that the man who operates the love temple likes to turn on the fountains on unsuspecting visitors, where you will get a “wet surprise” from one of the suggestive female statues.

If you’re looking for the perfect palm tree-lined dream beach to relax on, then you’ve found it at Koh Mak.

Ferries from Trat-Laem Ngob pier to Koh Mok costs 45o baht and takes 45 minutes.  Koh Chang to Koh Mak costs 600 baht and takes 1 hour.

Koh Kood, Thailand

Recommended by: Gia Kristel De Guia Mismatched Passports

A tropical island paradise with stretches of fine white sand, turquoise blue waters, and picturesque palm trees. Koh Kood is one of Thailand’s best islands. Located off the eastern coast of Thailand, close to the Cambodian border, Koh Kood is Thailand’s fourth-largest island but with a population of merely 2000 people.

Yes, it’s (still) quieter than most Thai islands. If you’re out to party, this may not be the place to go. If you’re looking to relax and enjoy some solitude, definitely consider a visit to Koh Kood.

Koh Kood boasts several pristine beaches along its western coast. On top of our list is the beach in Bang Bao Bay, a crescent-shaped bay lined with wooden piers and shaded by palm trees. Another great beach to explore on Koh Kood is the centrally located Khlong Chao Beach. It is one of the longest stretches of beach on Koh Kood and remains the most popular. It’s the closest beach to most budget accommodations and the best spot for watching the sunset.  

Ferries from Koh Mak to Koh Kood costs 400 baht and take 1 hour. Ferries from Koh Chang (Kai Bae pier) to Koh Kood costs 900 baht and take 1.5 hours. Ferries from Trat-Laem Ngob pier to Koh Kood costs 60o baht and take 1-1.5 hours. 

Other Thailand Island Destinations

Recommended by:  James Clark   Nomadic Notes

Ko Phayam is an island in the Andaman Sea, close to Myanmar. The most distinguishing feature is there are no cars on the island. The island has concrete paths that are big enough for motorbikes, so it’s not in danger of being over-developed anytime soon. There are no ATMs, the power supply is intermittent, and the internet is patchy. This is not everyone’s dream getaway island. 

If you want to get away from the big tourist crowds with some nice beaches and an interesting hippy scene, then this is the ko for you. I liken Phayam to “like Pai, with a beach.” There is an alternative scene on the island, but it is nothing on the scale of, say, Ubud . It’s very relaxed, with rustic, organic cafes sitting beside cashew trees (of which there is an abundance of).

Phayam has a mix of mid-range hotels along with budget bamboo shacks. There is a ferry from Ranong, and from the ferry pier, there are motorbike taxis ready to take you around the island.

Traveling to Koh Phayam from Phuket will involve a 5.5-hour bus and then a 45-minute ferry from Ranong. 

Koh Chang (Ranong Province by Thailand/Myanmar border)

Recommended by: Matt Gibson Xpat Matt  

I’m talking about the island of Koh Chang in the Ranong Province, which is located in the Andaman sea along the Myanmar border, which should not be mistaken for the better-known Koh Chang in the Gulf of Thailand.

Tourism has not yet become the defining characteristic of Koh Chang, which makes it a rarity among the beautiful and popular islands of Thailand — especially those in the Andaman Sea like Phuket and Koh Phayam. A handful of resorts dot the white and black sand beaches on the sunset-facing west coast. The atmosphere of the island is quiet, rural, and tranquil.

Koh Chang is very affordable. Food and accommodations tend to be cheaper than on neighboring Koh Phayam. Wifi on Koh Chang is slow* and the power is usually only on for a few hours per day. So, if you want to unplug, slow down, and unwind, this is the place to do it.

Koh Chang is only accessible by boat, long tail taxi boats run from Ranong daily. Tickets roughly cost 200 baht. Protip: Pop a prepaid AIS sim card in your phone and buy a data package. This is the fastest Internet in the islands, though coverage is variable.

The next destinations is a very popular weekend getaway for local Thais and expats. It is easily accessible from Bangkok. If you’re looking for an easily accessible beach destination from Bangkok, this is it. For those travelers looking for a quick, easy visa run from Thailand to Ranong is a popular and easy option.

Recommended by:  Namita Kulkarni Radically Ever After  

Koh Samet was quite a delightful surprise to me on my Thailand trip a few years ago. A three-hour day trip from Bangkok, it offers a great contrast to the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. White sands and turquoise waters are a given on most Thai islands, but Koh Samet has a super relaxed holiday vibe that stays with you long after you’ve left the island. Roughly 200 km southeast of Bangkok, it’s a 3-hour congested drive (and a 20-minute ferry from Ban Phe). You will be glad you made it once you reach here.

Koh Samet is part of the Khao Laem Ya, the Koh Samet National Park, so don’t be surprised if you run into some exotic wildlife here. Of its 14 beaches, the longest and most well-known is Sai Kaew. It can get fairly crowded here, so you may want to head to some of the quieter beaches to enjoy the natural charm of the island.

Ao Tubtim is one of the quieter beaches on the island. Being a small island, Koh Samet can be explored quite easily on foot or by bike. I came across several quirky cafes and shops on my long walks here, sprinkled with lazy cats now and then. Having spent a few days in Bangkok, I was hoping for a break from the city, and Koh Samet was just the right antidote. 

Bangkok to Koh Samet schedule & tickets  click here  

No matter where you choose to go, Thailand island hopping, you’ll have an amazing time. We hope we added a few new islands to your bucket list. You may end up falling in love with Thailand like we did and getting a forever souvenir, a Sak Yant tattoo .

If you’re spending two weeks in Thailand , plan on spending a week on the islands, 3 days in Bangkok , and a few days in northern Thailand like Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai.

Thailand Travel Resources

• Booking.com , if you’re traveling during high season, we suggest booking your room in advance.
• 12go.Asia for booking buses/trains/ferries around Thailand and Southeast Asia
• Viator.com for day trips to even trips across the country
• SafetyWing  travel insurance, always have insurance when traveling abroad

If you are starting or ending your trip to Thailand, you’ll more than likely find yourself in Bangkok. Bangkok is our favorite city in the world and one everyone should explore. We recommend three days in Bangkok as the right amount of time. Our favorite area of Bangkok to stay in is Sukhumvit but check our where to stay in Bangkok guide to see what’s best for you.

Recommended Bangkok Hotels We’ve Personally Stayed At

• Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok  Affordable Luxury on Sukhumvit Check Prices  Booking.com
• Maduzi Hotel  Boutique Hotel on Sukhumvit – Check Prices  Booking.com
• Lub’d Hostel  Budget Siam Hotel/Luxury Hostel Check Prices  Booking.com
• W Bangkok  Luxury Silom Hotel Check Prices  Booking.com
• Amari Watergate Hotel Affordable Luxury Siam Hotel Check Prices Booking.com

Safe travels!

Thursday 6th of April 2023

Such a well written article! So much to see there! Almost wondering how many trips I need to make to see it all 😅 I’m planning a trip with my husband and my 6 year old daughter. We should be there for 6-7 days. What islands would be best to also entertain the little one?

Monday 6th of April 2020

Thanks for the exhaustive guide. Definitely bookmarking this for my next Thailand visit. 😍

Tuesday 3rd of March 2020

Amazing list of islands. Thank you very much for your Thai guide. I didn't realize that there is so many of them. For sure we will use your post for further travel inspiration.

Saturday 27th of October 2018

Hey, thank you so much for posting all your information on Thailand, it has been my go to guide in planning my Thailand honeymoon. We are flying into Bangkok, staying two nights and then would like to head down to Koh Lipe and Koh Samui and then back up to Chiang Mai. We have 12 days to do this. Is this too much in one trip? Where do you suggest to start and finish the trip? Any advice would be so helpful!

Hannah Lukaszewicz

Glad to hear our Thailand honeymoon guide is your go-to resource! I would say yes that is too much for one trip. Getting from Koh Lipe to Koh Samui would be a whole day. I would start your trip in Bangkok then go to Chiang Mai and end on the beach in Koh Lipe. You'll most likely have to fly back to Bangkok for your return flight home. Safe travels to Thailand.

Tuesday 14th of August 2018

We are planning on going to Thailand for our honeymoon in may next year. Hoping to spend 2 weeks exploring Thailand. We are arriving in Bangkok and spend a few nights there as your guide suggested. We are then flying to Hat Yai to get to Koh Lipe.

Where would you suggest to go from there?

I was thinking Koh Lanta/ Krabi.

Wednesday 15th of August 2018

Hi Kylie, Koh Lanta and Krabi would be good options. Krabi or Phuket would probably the place you would need to head to after your time in the islands to catch a flight back to Bangkok. Koh Phi Phi is also beautiful, but more touristy. Have fun in Thailand and safe travels!

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The Secret to Island Hopping in Thailand

March 13, 2024 by Robert Schrader Leave a Comment

On my recent voyage through the Andaman Sea , an uncomfortable truth dawned upon me: Although I had previously visited almost every island of note in Thailand, I’d never really taken a traditional “island hopping” trip. (Obviously, this is no longer the case.)

In one way, I feel disappointed that I waited so long. There’s a rhythm you get into traveling from idyll to idyll for a week or longer, one I don’t think I ever ended up finding on any of my previous à la carte trip to Thailand’s beach paradises.

On the other hand, there’s a part of me that’s glad I didn’t assemble my Thailand island hopping itinerary until I had as good a lay of the land…er, water as I now do. Allow me to explain what I mean over the next several paragraphs.

What “Island Hopping” Is—and What It’s Not

I didn’t realize that I had never gone island hopping until I did. What I mean is that I did take trips in the past where I’d visit multiple islands at a time, whether that was in Trat in 2015 (I went to Koh Kood, Koh Mak, Koh Chang and Koh Wai) or to Chumphon (Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Pga Ngan) in 2022. These islands are too close to one another (and, frankly, too similar to one another) to be considered island hopping.

Thai island hopping, for all intents and purposes, really entails traveling between Phuket and Koh Lipe (or any of the stops along the way) by speedboat or ferry, and exploring the Andaman Sea over a week or longer. It is only along this route that the diversity of islands and richness of the journey between them can evoke any sense of transformation (let alone transcendence) as you travel.

How to Plan Your Island Hopping Trip

Decide where to start.

It makes the most sense to start up north, i.e. somewhere near either the Phuket or Krabi airports. For some travelers, this will be popular spots like Patong , Ao Nang or Railay beaches; others will begin on one of the Koh Yao islands or even on Koh Phi Phi . I personally started in Railay Beach , simply because I was comfortable there and knew that it would ease me in.

(And how long you can spend)

Part of devising the ultimate Thailand island hopping route is knowing how much time you have. If you have two weeks (as I did), and then determine you’re comfortable moving around every 2-3 days, you’ll be able to see between 5-7 different islands. Even if you don’t end up booking everything in advance, being aware of these parameters in advance will increase your likelihood of a productive, enjoyable trip.

Set Koh Lanta as your mid-point

I ended up going with five islands, heading to Phi Phi for two days after two days in Railay and then arriving in Koh Lanta . As it turns out, Lanta is actually the mid-point of speedboat and ferry routes, and a hub for both northbound (to Krabi and Phuket) and southbound (to Trang and Satun ) ones. Lanta also happens to be the Thai islands with the most relaxed vibe; it’s a great place to re-calibrate before heading in a new direction.

Answer the Trang question

Because speedboats and ferries traveling south from Koh Lanta all stop there, the Trang archipelago is a common part of most every Thailand island hopping itinerary. The question is which island you’ll choose as your base. While Koh Mook has the most hotels, Koh Kradan and Koh Ngai arguably have better beaches and a more relaxed and enjoyable vibe. Decide accordingly!

End in Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is the southernmost of Thailand’s islands, and therefore makes a logical endpoint to island hopping. However, it also arguably has the best beaches in Thailand, in addition to a great selection of hotels and a fun walking street with lots of restaurants, so it’s also a fantastic island in a more substantive way. The only downside is that it’s hard to say goodbye at the end!

Planning Your Island Hopping Trip vs. Being Spontaneous

As this stage of my life as a traveler, I very rarely travel spontaneously. This is mostly practical: Since I’m usually abroad for weeks rather than months, there just isn’t a lot of slack to play around with anymore. Playing it by ear is fine when it doesn’t matter if you get delayed by a day or two, but for me it almost always does matter, so I tend to avoid that travel style.

Even if you don’t plan to book ferries and speedboats in advance , I do think it’s a good idea to gain a general understanding of your Thailand island hopping route. This will allow you to make preparations for each island you plan to visit, even if you only do so a few days or hours in advance. Because trust me: Arriving on an island without a place to stay—and at the mercy of wayward tuk-tuk drivers—almost never has a positive outcome!

Other FAQ About Island Hopping in Thailand

What is the best way to island hop in thailand.

The best way to island hop in Thailand is to do your research beforehand! Whether you decide to plan everything out in advance or take a more “go with the flow” approach, gaining an understand of the route you’ll need to follow and things to do on each island will empower you to better divide up your time, and to enjoy yourself more on each day of the trip.

What is the best homebase for island hopping in Thailand?

This is the wrong question—the point of island hopping is to move around. While I can say, for example, that Koh Lanta is more conducive to long stays than Koh Phi Phi or even Koh Lipe, my island hopping trip would not have really been “island hopping” had I simply taken day trips from Koh Lanta.

How much does it cost to island hop in Thailand?

As has been the case in Thailand more broadly since covid-19, the cost of island hopping has really increased over the years. Between speedboats (~20-30 USD every 2-3 days), hotels (at least 50 USD per night) and meals (no less than ~20 USD per day), you should expect to pay no less than 500 USD per week to island hop; you’ll probably pay more than this.

The Bottom Line

Even if you don’t think this is the ultimate Thailand island hopping itinerary, it’s hard to dispute the utility I’ve just imparted upon you. A successful island hopping trip has two main underpinnings: 1) Understanding how the islands of Thailand’s Andaman Sea are arranged and the routes between them; and 2) Giving yourself enough time to get into a rhythm suitable to island travel. Once you have these pieces in place, it’s really just a matter of executing and enjoying. Another way to make sure your Thailand island trip is one for the record books? Hire me to plan it for you!

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Home » Southeast Asia » Thailand » 8 EPIC Islands in Thailand (2024 • Insider Guide)

8 EPIC Islands in Thailand (2024 • Insider Guide)

Thailand had been on my bucket list for many, many moons before I was able to pack my bags and head over to this epic Southeast Asian country. And let me tell you, it was worth the wait! As a self-proclaimed island girl, you already know that Thailand showed up and showed out for me.

Seriously, when was the last time you splattered some neon paint on your face and danced all night long on a beach with some of the coolest people from all over the world? Yeah, that’s what I thought.

The full moon parties on Koh Phangan are only a fraction of the epicness that awaits you in Thailand. With over 1,500 to choose from, any and every kind of vibe is found on the islands in Thailand, and I’ve rounded up the best of them!

From lazy days on Koh Mook to temple hopping on Koh Samui, this list of the BEST islands in Thailand will have you jumping from boat to boat to see them all.

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The Best Islands in Thailand

Final thoughts on the best islands in thailand.

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You’d be hard-pressed to find a travel itinerary in Thailand that doesn’t include at least one island. And for good reason! The islands in Thailand are truly a paradise on Earth, offering something for every type of traveler.

1. Koh Lanta

A long-time favorite of backpackers in Southeast Asia (me included), Koh Lanta is one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. It’s so much more laid back that some of the other Thai islands and beaches are absolutely gorgeous.

• Why visit: The island is perfect for anyone looking to relax, unwind, and soak up some sun.
• When to visit: January-April
• How to get there: You can get here by either taking a ferry from Phuket or Krabi or using the bridges and driving in. (I recommend the ferry.)

One of the best things about Koh Lanta is that a lot of travelers end up staying for longer than the intended amount of time. If you need somewhere to stay, I can personally recommend El Pillax Lanta Resort because the staff treated me so well, that I promised I’d tell my friends. So there you go, friends.

Which, in turn, gives you more time to explore and then pass on the best things to do. And that would be spending the day at Nui Bay. It’s a mini paradise tucked in a cove with crystal clear waters, and it’s an absolute dream for beach lovers.

2. Koh Phangan

The famous island of Koh Phangan is known for one thing and one thing only: the Full Moon Party . That’s right, everything you’ve been waiting for. Get the glow-in-the-dark paint, take off the majority of your clothes, and get ready to trip balls.

Every full moon, thousands of travelers flock to Haad Rin Beach to party until dawn. This full moon party has influenced the entire world. I’ve been to them in Nicaragua, Mexico, and even South Africa (do I party too much?), but nothing quite compares to the OG one in Koh Phangan.

• Why visit: FULL MOON PARTY BABY!
• When to visit: Every full moon each month.
• How to get there: Koh Phangan is reached via Koh Samui Airport or Surat Thani Airport. Or you can take a quick ferry ride from Koh Samui that takes around 30 minutes, or the journey from Donsak Pier on the mainland takes approximately 2.5 hours.

If you happen to be traveling to Thailand when there isn’t a full moon, honestly tragic, but don’t stress about it. You can still visit Koh Phangan.

There is quite the hippie community here, so instead of putting toxins into your body like most people do during the full moon parties, you can go on a bit of a detox—I could probably use this as well.

3. Koh Samui

Koh Samui is the poster child for islands in Thailand. The beaches are that beautiful turquoise color, the palms sway high in the air, and the number of temples you can give thanks to is endless.

• Why visit: To enjoy the resort life and check out some of the incredible Buddhist temples.
• When to visit: December – February
• How to get there: Fly into Koh Samui Airport from Bangkok or take the ferry from Surat Thani.

Koh Samui is popular for its incredible yoga retreats . Some are located near the beaches, others are in jungles or rural mountainous areas. Think about what natural surroundings are best for you.

If you love some luxury and desperately need a Thai massage—aren’t we all? Head to Koh Samui. The island is a bit of a resort island are there are so many great hotels here. I can recommend Rawi Warin Resort because you can sit by the pool with a sea view and you can’t beat that.

Staying in Koh Samui is a bit more expensive than some other islands in Thailand, but the experiences you’ll have there are worth every penny. And let’s be real, it’s Thailand, expensive is relative.

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4. Phuket Island

I definitely pronounced Phuket wrong for most of my life, so here’s a tip: it’s “Poo-ket,” not “Fuk-it”.

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, and it’s also one of the most popular. You’ll find everything from luxury resorts to wild nightlife and some of the most stunning beaches on this island.

• Why visit: If you like to party like you’re 18, or maybe you are 18, Phuket’s got the goods.
• When to visit: November to April (Definitely the best time to visit Thailand .)
• How to get there: Fly into Phuket International Airport or take a ferry from the mainland.

But I can’t lie to you, there are also parts of Phuket that get two thumbs down, but with mass tourism, we can’t expect every place to be perfect. That being said, it’s not a “best islands in Thailand” list without Phuket.

If you can get to Phuket outside of high season and escape to some not-so-popular beaches, like Banana Beach, it’s a beautiful island. On the flip side, if your idea of a good time is drinking mass amounts of shitty alcohol out of buckets while dancing to covers of 2010 pop songs at a bar, then Patong Beach is your spot.

5. Koh Phi Phi

I already know Koh Phi Phi is on your list of must-visit places in Thailand , and trust me, I get it. The pictures we see on Instagram are drool-worthy, BUT if you think you’re going to get lush, untouched beaches and nature all to yourself… I hate to burst your bubble.

Koh Phi Phi is a tourist haven, I swear people are just foaming at the mouth to get to “The Beach” like Leo. But I like to keep it real, so I’m not going to tell you to skip it… I’m just going to tell you to lower your expectations, ha.

• Why visit: Solo travelers unite in Koh Phi Phi. It’s one of the best islands to find some travel buddies and have a good time. Plus, the island-hopping tours are pretty epic.
• When to visit: November- March
• How to get there: To reach the Phi Phi Islands, you have two options: speedboat or ferry. From Phuket, the ferry journey takes approximately two hours, while from Krabi or Koh Lanta, it takes around 90 minutes.

If you’re a solo traveler, Koh Phi Phi is a great stop. Over the years, tourism has definitely catered to broke backpackers who are looking for a good time.

Spend your days doing boat tours and hanging out on beaches, and spend your nights drinking beers and dancing at the beach bars. You won’t even notice the other tourists, ha!

It’s time to head underwater in Koh Tao, the diving mecca of Thailand.

But if you’re like me and have zero experience diving, don’t worry! You can take a three-day PADI Open Water Course for around $300. If you don’t know anything about diving, that’s super cheap! It’s actually one of the cheapest places in the world to get PADI certified.

• Why visit: Incredible scuba diving and cheap PADI certification.
• When to visit: December- February
• How to get there: Koh Tao can only be reached by boat. You can either catch on from the mainland (Chumphon and Surat Thani) or from the neighboring islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.

Koh Tao is a scuba diving hub ! The days and nights really run together here. Because everyone is diving or getting certified, it’s really easy to feel like one big family.

Some of my best Thailand memories are of Koh Tao, late nights drinking on the beach, and dancing at the bars, quickly turning into early morning dives. (Nothing quite cures a hangover like the ocean!) At the time, I was exhausted, but looking back, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

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7. Koh Lipe

OK, if I tell you about this one, you have to promise not to tell everyone. This island is on the southern end of Thailand and is a bit difficult to get to, so it’s kept its charm.

• Why visit: You’ll be visiting the hot spot before it becomes the hot spot, if you know what I mean.
• When to visit: November-May
• How to get there: There are many ways to get here, and they are not the best options. You can grab a speed boat from Phuket or Krabi, but these are expensive and take time. Or you can come from Malaysia on a 90-minute ferry. Either way, it’s totally worth the effort. The cheapest and least favorable option is from Bangkok. Take a domestic flight to Trang or Hat Yai. After reaching Trang or Hat Yai, you can take a 1.5h minibus to Pakbara Pier in Satun. From Pakbara Pier, you can continue your journey to Koh Lipe by speedboat. (1.5 to 2 hours)

Sunrise Beach is one of the most beautiful places in Thailand . You’ll see everything from fishermen coming in with their daily catch to locals out for a sunrise swim. And if you walk just 15 minutes down the beach, you will find yourself at Sunset Beach , I bet you can’t guess what that one is famous for…

The island has cute little beach bars along the soft sands, and one thing I love about this unique island in Thailand is the lack of big resorts. It’s mostly small bungalow-style accommodations, which makes it all the better, IMO.

8. Koh Mook

Another less touristy island in Thailand is Koh Mook, or as the locals call it, “ Pearl Island “. It’s a tiny island between Krabi and Trang that is sadly often overlooked. I got “stuck” here for a few weeks because I couldn’t seem to leave.

It’s known for its breathtaking Emerald Cave , which can only be accessed by swimming through a dark tunnel with a light at the end. Sounds scarier than it is.

Once you reach the other side, the cave opens to a hidden beach surrounded by limestone cliffs. It’s gorgeous, but as it’s the island’s #1 attraction, you’ll also be visiting with hundreds of others. Boooo!

• Why visit: To chill out and relax for a few days—perfect after one too many days of partying on some of the more popular islands.
• How to get there: The easiest way to get to Koh Mook is to fly to Trang City and arrange a taxi and boat transfer to Kuan Thung Khu Pier. Then it’s just about 30 more minutes away.

But for me, the island was just a vibe. I don’t know how to explain it, but it was so much chiller than other islands I’ve been to in Thailand.

The island is small, so most people walk, bike, or take tuk-tuks to get around. The beaches are pristine, and you can be completely alone on some of them. It’s also a great spot for snorkeling and diving, with plenty of colorful coral reefs to explore. Every day feels like magic here.

Don’t Forget Insurance for the Islands!

As with any trip, it’s always wise to be prepared for the unexpected. Investing in good travel insurance can save you from all kinds of mishaps.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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You could spend years traveling around Thailand and still not see all of the incredible islands it has to offer. And honestly, I hate when I hear others say Thailand is overrun and over-touristic.

And trust me, I get it. No one wants to be packed like sardines on the beaches, but there is seriously so much more to the islands in Thailand than that.

If you’re willing to venture a little off the beaten path, you can discover some true gems that will give you everything you’re hoping Thailand will be.

But if you don’t have as much time to island hop, then I have to vouch one more time for Koh Lanta as the absolute best island in Thailand.

It has a little bit of everything. You’ll still have those stunning beaches and insane nature (without all the people), and the bars at night will still be poppin’ with a fun crowd. The locals are so friendly, and I just know you’ll have a blast.

• Get set for your inevitable entry and find out where to stay in Bangkok .
• Let’s get the party started! Head to one of Thailand’s best festivals .
• Meet some friends for life as you stay in one of Pai’s best hostels .
• Are you wondering “ Is Thailand safe ?”. Yes, it is; well, kind of…
• Why not stay in an eco resort in Chiang Mai ? They’re gorgeous – trust me.
• Whatever you do, stay connected with an sim card in Thailand .

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The 20 best islands in Thailand

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written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 23.10.2023

Thailand has a rich culture, beach huts aplenty, tantalising local food and adventures galore, and all are available at often staggeringly low prices . It is home to an astonishing array of islands offering all manner of diving, swimming and sunbathing opportunities all year round. The hardest part for any visitor is singling out Thailand's best islands among the hundreds. Here is our pick of 20 of the best islands in Thailand.

• Thailand's best islands: Get your bearings

Gulf of Thailand

Andaman coast.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Thailand , your essential guide for visiting Thailand .

Travel ideas for Thailand, created by local experts

Chiang Mai Safari Adventure

The perfect trip for some family fun and adventure, lovely Chiang Mai with its lush valleys and national parks ticks all the boxes. Expect majestic cliff-top temples, sprawling national parks and exciting safari adventures.

Thailand's Islands and Highlands

Experience the best of Thailand as you discover glitzy Bangkok's temples, markets and waterways. Compare the bustling, lively capital with the glorious rolling hills and lush interior of mountainous Chiang Mai before heading south to beach bliss and unexpected cultural delights in hedonistic Phuket.

Thailand Discovery

A great way to discover Thailand, take in the Central Plain and Bangkok, the north with Chiang Mai and the south at the lively resort of Phuket.

Bangkok-Pattaya Explorer

The perfect trip for adventurers, sun seekers and lovers of island life: take in cosmopolitan Bangkok’s wats or temples, street markets and waterways. Witness the excitement of Bangkok before heading to Thailand’s east coast for island-hopping in the sunshine.

Pattaya Sun

The sandy beaches and tiny offshore islands, dense forests and hidden waterfalls are a natural draw to Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard. Pattaya abounds with activities – from watersports to international-standard golf courses.

Chiang Mai Sustainable Trails

Chiang Mai offers a balmy escape from Bangkok’s humidity. Regarded as the cultural heart of the country, come here for nature, lovely Lanna-style temples, museums and the infamous night bazaar.

Thailand's best islands: Get your bearings

Thailand has islands on all three sides. In the Andaman Sea on the west coast, you'll find Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. On the east and west sides of the Gulf of Thailand, you'll find places like Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao. Getting around in high season is easy, with regular ferry services and internal flights. In low season ferry services may stop, but you'll nearly always find pricier speedboat transfers available.

1. Koh Chang: for beaches

Edged with white-sand beaches and backed by jungle-clad hills, Koh Chang is developing fast but still feels green. It’s Thailand's second-largest island, after Phuket. Unlike its bigger sister, it has tourist facilities in its densely forested interior, just a few rivers, waterfalls and hiking trails.

The island is popular with package tourists, but it’s still possible to find accommodation to suit most budgets. Although the beaches may be busy, there are plenty of places to swim or snooze under a palm tree.

Experience Thailand's best with our tailor-made trip to Thailand's Islands and Highlands . Explore glitzy Bangkok's temples, markets, and waterways, then contrast it with the serene rolling hills and lush interior of the mountainous Chiang Mai. Finally, indulge in beach bliss and unexpected cultural delights in hedonistic Phuket.

• For a luxurious tropical experience: GajaPuri Resort Koh Chang
• For price and quality: Pajamas Koh Chang

Find more accommodation options to stay at Koh Chang.

A white-sand Koh Chang beach © Vlad61/Shutterstock

2. Koh Samui: for luxury resorts

Over a million visitors a year, ranging from globetrotting backpackers to suitcase-toting fortnighters, come to this one of the best islands in Thailand just for the beautiful beaches of Koh Samui. Samui is generally large enough to cope with this diversity and the paradisal sands and clear blue seas have to a surprising extent kept their good looks.

For most visitors, the days are spent indulging in a few watersports or just lying on the beach waiting for the next drinks-seller, hair-braider or masseur to come along. For something more active, you should not miss the almost supernatural beauty of the Ang Thong National Marine Park, which comprises many of the eighty islands in the Samui archipelago.

• For a romantic getaway: Sea Dance Resort
• For relaxing stays: U Samui

Find more accommodation options to stay at Koh Samui.

Koh Samui © Shutterstock

3. Koh Pha Ngan: for parties

For drinking and dancing, Koh Pha Ngan gets a mention thanks to its famous party beach, Hat Rin. It’s now established as the major party venue in Southeast Asia and one of the best things to do in Thailand . In peak seasons – August, December and January – thousands flock here for the infamous Full Moon parties.

The atmosphere created by thousands of folk mashing it up on the beautiful, moonlit beach, is a real buzz. Unfortunately, drug-related horror stories are common currency here, and many of them are true, so be careful.

• For a serene location: Baan Manali Resort
• For spectacular views: Zama Resort Koh Phangan

Find more accommodation options to stay at Koh Pha Ngan.

Koh Pha Ngan, one of Thailand's party islands © Diego Fiore/Shutterstock

4. Koh Samet: for a short hop

Blessed with the softest, squeakiest sand within a weekend distance of Bangkok, the tiny island of Koh Samet , which measures just six kilometres from top to toe, is one of the best islands in Thailand and is a favourite escape for Thais, expats and tourists.

Its 14 small but dazzlingly white beaches are breathtakingly beautiful, lapped by pale blue water and in places still shaded by coconut palms and the occasional cajeput ( samet ) tree that gave the island its name. The beaches are also, however, rather overcrowded and developed to full capacity, so don’t come here expecting a secluded break.

• For families: Samed Villa Resort
• For beach stays: Ao Prao Resort

Find more accommodation options to stay at Koh Samet.

Ao Nuan Beach on the island of Koh Samet in Thailand © Muzhik/Shutterstock

5. Koh Mak: for the slow life

Small, slow-paced, peaceful Koh Mak makes an idyllically low-key alternative to Ko Chang. Home to little more than 400 people, many of them descended from the islands’ five main clans, Koh Mak measures just 16 square kilometres and is dominated by coconut and rubber plantations. The island is shaped like a star and has fine white-sand beaches where most of the tourist accommodation is concentrated.

Explore the accommodation options to stay at Koh Mak.

Life goes slowly onKo Mak, Thailand © Del Shutterstock

6. Koh Kood: for mangroves

The fourth-largest island in Thailand, forested Koh Kood (sometimes spelt Koh Kut or Koh Kud) is still a wild and largely uncommercialised place. Though it’s known for its sparkling white sand and exceptionally clear turquoise water, particularly along the west coast, Ko Kood is as much a nature lover’s destination as a beach bum’s.

Swathes of shoreline are fringed by scrub and mangroves rather than broad sandy beaches, and those parts of the island not still covered in the virgin tropical rainforest are filled with palm groves and rubber plantations. Koh Kood is a surprisingly pleasant place to explore on foot (or kayak), especially as the cool season brings refreshing breezes most days.

• For luxury: High Season Pool Villa & Spa
• For budget stays: Rim Lay

Find more accommodation options to stay at Koh Kood.

Ao Phrao area Ko Kood, Thailand © Phaphthay/Shutterstock

7. Koh Tao: for learning to dive

Koh Tao (Turtle Island) is so named because its outline resembles a turtle nosediving towards Koh Pha Ngan, 40km to the south. The rugged shell of the turtle, to the east, is crenellated with secluded coves where one or two bungalows hide among the rocks. On the western side, the turtle’s underbelly is a long curve of classic beach, Hat Sai Ree.

The 21 squared kilometres of granite in between is topped by dense forest on the higher slopes and dotted with huge boulders that look as if they await some Easter Island sculptor. There are rough trails inland that are great for exploring but Koh Tao is most famous for its great scuba diving. For those looking to learn how to dive on holiday Koh Tao has ranked as one of Thailand's best islands.

• For price and quality: Koh Tao Relax Freedom Beach Resort
• For secluded stays: View Point Resort

Find more accommodation options to stay at Koh Tao.

Anemone and Clownfish are seen at Koh Tao, Thailand © Vlad61/Shutterstock

8. Koh Chang: for going car-free

No, we’re not repeating ourselves, this is a different Koh Chang, not to be confused with its much larger namesake off the east coast of Thailand. It’s a forested little island about 5km offshore, whose car-free, ultra laid-back, roll-your-own vibe more than compensates for the less-than-perfect beaches.

The pace of life here is very slow and for the relatively small number of tourists who make it to the island, the emphasis is strongly on kicking back and chilling out. Bring your own hammock and you’ll fit right in.

9. Koh Phayam: for a chilled expat vibe

The diminutive kangaroo-shaped island of Koh Phayam offers fine white-sand beaches and coral reefs and is home to around 500 people, most of whom either make their living from prawn, squid or crab fishing, or from growing cashew nuts, sator beans, coconut palms and rubber trees.

Because of its roads, Koh Phayam has a slightly more developed feel than neighbouring Koh Chang, underlined by a low-key beach-bar scene – all hand-painted signs and driftwood sculptures – and the presence of a significant number of foreigners who choose to spend six or more months here every year.

Koh Phayam has a chilled vibe © ksl/Shutterstock

10. Koh Lipe: for underwater fun

Koh Lipe is something of a frontier maverick, attracting ever more travellers with one dazzling beach, over fifty private bungalow resorts and a rough-and-ready atmosphere. It’s technically a part of Ko Tarutao National Marine Park, but the authorities seem to have given up on the island and don’t collect an admission fee from visitors.

Lipe’s main drag is Walking Street, a paved path lined with tourist businesses between the eastern end of Hat Pattaya and the south end of the village. It lies on east-facing Sunrise, an exposed, largely featureless beach that gives access to some good snorkelling around Ko Gra.

Experience the natural draw of Thailand's Eastern Seaboard with our tailor-made trip to Pattaya Sun . Discover sandy beaches, offshore islands, dense forests, and hidden waterfalls. Pattaya is a haven for activities, from watersports to golf courses.

• For a paradise feel: AKIRA Lipe Resort
• For families: Ananya Lipe Resort

Find more accommodation options to stay at Koh Lipe.

Seascape of Thailand, Lipe Island © Shutterstock

11. Surin Islands: one of the best islands in Thailand for snorkelling

Spectacularly varied and unusually shallow reefs, a palette of awesomely clear turquoise waters and dazzling white sands, and dense forests of lofty dipterocarps combine to make the islands of Mu Koh Surin National Park one of the must-visit destinations in southern Thailand.

It’s very much an outdoor experience, with most of the bulk of accommodation in national park tents, no commerce on the island at all, and twice-daily snorkelling as the main activity.

Relaxing on one of the Surin islands - one of the best islands in Thailand © DC_Aperture/Shutterstock

12. Similan Islands: for experienced divers

Rated as one of the world’s best spots for both above-water and underwater beauty, the eleven islands at the heart of the Mu Koh Similan National Park are among the most exciting diving destinations among the best islands in Thailand. Massive granite boulders set magnificently against the turquoise waters give the islands their distinctive character, but it’s the thirty-metre visibility that draws the divers.

The underwater scenery is nothing short of overwhelming here: the reefs teem with coral fish, and you’ll see turtles, manta rays, moray eels, sea snakes, red grouper and possibly white tip sharks, barracuda, giant lobster and enormous tuna.

13. Koh Jum: for the beach bum life

This is the sort of laidback spot people come to for a couple of days, then can’t bring themselves to leave. Though there’s plenty of accommodation on the island, there’s nothing more than a handful of beach bars for evening entertainment, and little to do during the day except try out the half-dozen West Coast beaches and read your book under a tree.

Nights are low key: it’s paraffin lamps and starlight after 11 p.m. at places off the main grid, and many places don’t even provide fans as ocean breezes are sufficiently cooling.

A jungle lodge on Koh Jum © tropical-travel/Shutterstock

14. Koh Yao Noi: for a peaceful escape

Located in an idyllic spot on the edge of Phang Nga Bay, almost equidistant from Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi, the island of Koh Yao Noi enjoys magnificent maritime views from almost every angle and makes a refreshingly tranquil getaway.

Measuring about 12km at its longest point, it’s home to some four thousand islanders, most of whom earn their living from rubber and coconut plantations, fishing and shrimp farming. While the beaches don’t have that same wow factor as many of the other best islands in Thailand, tourism here is low-key so it’s a peaceful escape.

Discover Krabi's allure with our tailor-made Krabi Discovery . Its visually striking beauty, enchanting islands, and adventure-packed offerings along the Andaman Coast make it a perfect haven for beach lovers and sports enthusiasts alike.

Yao Noi, Phuket © Shutterstock

15. Koh Lanta: for families and couples

Although Koh Lanta Yai can’t compete with neighbouring Koh Phi Phi's stupendous scenery, the thickly forested 25-kilometre-long island has the longest beaches in the Krabi area – and plenty of them. This is also one of the best islands in Thailand for snorkelling and diving, plus caves to explore, trekking and kayaking.

Many people base themselves here for their entire holiday fortnight. The island is especially popular with families, in part because of the local laws that have so far prevented jet skis, beachfront parasols and girlie bars from turning it into another Phuket.

• For calm and quiet stays: Long Beach Chalet
• For couples: Lanta Fa Rung Beach Resort

Find more accommodation options to stay at Koh Lanta.

Sunset on the beach in Koh Lanta © Adel Newman/Shutterstock

16. Koh Ngai: for honeymooners

The most developed of the Trang islands, Koh Ngai (also known as Koh Hai) is still decidedly low-key among the best islands in Thailand. The island’s action, such as it is, centres on the east coast, where half a dozen resorts enjoy a dreamy panorama of jagged limestone outcrops, whose crags glow pink and blue against the setting sun, stretching across the sea to the mainland behind.

The gently sloping, fine white sand beach here runs unbroken for 2km and there’s some good snorkelling in the shallow, clear water off the island’s southeastern tip.

17. Koh Kradan: for clear blue sea

Koh Kradan is the remotest of the inhabited islands off Trang, and one of the most beautiful, with crystal clear waters. On this slender triangle of thick jungle, the main beach is a long strand of steeply sloping, powdery sand on the east coast with fine views of Koh Mook, Koh Libong and the karst-strewn mainland.

An offshore reef to the north has a great variety of hard coral. Such beauty, however, has not escaped the attention of day-trip boats from Koh Lanta, who often turn the beach into a lunchtime picnic ground.

Find accommodation options to stay at Koh Kradan.

Koh Kradan is known for its clear waters © Denis Costille/Shutterstock

18. Koh Phi Phi: for exotic beauty

About 40km south of Krabi, the island of Koh Phi Phi looks breathtakingly handsome as you approach from the sea, its classic arcs of pure white sand framed by dramatic cliffs and lapped by water that’s a mouthwatering shade of turquoise.

A flat sandy isthmus connects the hilly east and west halves of the island, scalloped into the much-photographed symmetrical double bays of Ao Ton Sai and Ao Loh Dalum. The vast majority of the tourist accommodation is squashed in here, as is the island’s wild nightlife, with just a few alternatives scattered along the eastern coasts. Phi Phi’s few indigenous islanders mostly live in the northeast.

• For sea views: Dee Dee Sea Front
• For beach stays: Paradise Pearl Bungalows

Find more accommodation options to stay at Koh Phi Phi.

Phi Phi Leh, Thailand © Dan Mammoser/Shutterstock

19. Koh Turatao: for nature lovers

This is the largest of the Koh Turatao National Park archipelago and it offers the greatest natural variety: mountains covered in semi-evergreen rainforest rise steeply to a high point of 700m; limestone caves and mangrove swamps dot the shoreline; and the west coast lined with perfect beaches for most of its 26-kilometre length.

Koh Tarutao is notable for its mountains © khlongwangchao/Shutterstock

20. Koh Adang: for hiking

This rainforest-covered island has narrow beaches backed by a canopy of pines. A half-hour climb to Sha-do cliff is worth tackling, with great views over Koh Lipe island to the south. Another option can be found near the main park station, where a 20-minute trail leads to the small Pirate Waterfall.

Sand Beach of Koh Adang is a beautiful beach of fine sand. Tarutao National Park, Thailand © Shutterstock

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• Travel advice

South Thailand Itinerary: The Ultimate Route for 1-3 Weeks

If you're dreaming of island hopping, sipping coconuts on the beach, and making all your beach bum dreams come true, then southern Thailand is, in my eyes, the place for your next trip.

It's home to the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, which has a bunch of amazing islands and beach destinations.

However, there's so much more to southern Thailand than just beaches. You can dive into the rich south Thai culture, visit plenty of temples, explore the jungles and wildlife, and meet the friendliest locals.

I recently returned from a longer trip to Thailand, and I know that there are so many different islands in the south that it can be super overwhelming when you start planning your South Thailand itinerary.

To shed some light on most of the islands in the south, I've put together my personal South Thailand itinerary, which I was super happy with.

Week 1 & Week 2 South Thailand Itinerary

I started off with a 3-week South Thailand itinerary, but I realized that not everyone has that much time to explore these beautiful islands.

So, I've divided it into a 2-week South Thailand itinerary around Phuket and Krabi, with an optional third week in the Gulf Islands.

The great thing is, getting around in Thailand is super easy with plenty of airports and ferries going all over. This makes most of these stops interchangeable to suit your needs and preferences on what you'd like to see.

Day 1-3: Phuket

Your first day begins on the largest island in southern Thailand, Phuket. Phuket has its own International Airport, so you can fly straight into this beautiful region from plenty of international destinations, without having to make a stop in Bangkok. 

On your first day, you might be a bit tired from the long flight and travel, so let's take it easy. Check into your accommodation and relax at the pool – or at one of the beautiful beaches.

Recommended Phuket beaches

– Kamala Beach, which is north of Patong and a little quieter than Patong itself

– Kata Beach and Kata Noi, which is a small bay south of Patong

– Karon, has a long beach and is near the famous Big Buddha

– Bang Tao Beach, a super long beach that has a more luxe vibe, it's between Patong and the airport

In the evening, you can opt to explore Patong, to see what it's all about. Or alternatively, head for exploring Phuket Old Town. It's a beautiful part of the island that often gets overlooked by tourists.

The Old Town is incredibly charming, with stunning architecture and, of course, the most delicious food on the island.  One Chun Cafe  is a nice spot, with its beautiful decor and really good Thai cuisine. Don't miss out on their amazing Pad Thai – it's possibly the best on the island! That's definitely my top recommendation for dinner on your first night.

On the second day of my South Thailand itinerary, you'll head to the highlight of your trip – the beautiful beaches. Phuket is known for having some of the best beaches in Thailand, but it can get a bit crowded with tourists. Don't worry though, you'll also explore some of the smaller islands with more secluded beaches later on.

Nevertheless, Patong Beach and Kata Beach in Phuket are popular for a reason. They are absolutely stunning and definitely worth spending a day or even just a morning sunbathing, swimming, and trying out some exciting water sports activities.

And if you're up for some Thai culture, the afternoon is the perfect time to go temple hopping and visit Wat Chaithararam and the Big Buddha of Phuket.

Speaking of secluded beaches, on your last day in Phuket, you're going to join one of the most incredible island hopping tours. Jump on a  luxury catamaran , visit James Bond Island, and watch the sunset over the ocean. This day trip is on the pricier side, but it was one of the absolute highlights of my trip and rules out going on a backpacker cruise.

When it comes to  where to stay in Phuket , you should definitely check out my guide to help you figure out the best hotel and area that suits you.

Day 4-5: Khao Lak or Khao Sok National Park

On the morning of your fourth day, get ready to explore the breathtaking beauty of Thailand's nature as you head towards Khao Lak or Sok National Park.

Both are incredible places in southern Thailand, with stunning lakes, lush rainforests, and breathtaking viewpoints.

Khao Lak vs Khao Sok

Khao Lak is about 2 hours drive north of Patong Beach. It's a quieter beach resort and serves as an excellent hub for various tours to stunning destinations such as the Similan Islands, the Surin Islands, Phang Nga Bay, and also day trips to Khao Sok National Park.

The journey from Patong to Khao Sok is a little further and takes approximately 3 hours. Traveling from Khao Lak to the main entrance of Khao Sok takes just a little over an hour, and reaching the lake takes about 2 hours.

A full-day trip from Khao Lak will definitely provide you with a nice preview of the remarkable experiences Khao Sok has in store.

Adventure activities

If you're up for some adventure, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can go on a thrilling jungle trek, float down the river in a canoe, or even try your hand at rock climbing. This national park is also a paradise for wildlife fans, offering a chance to spot animals such as monkeys.

When it comes to transport and accommodation, you have a couple of options. You can easily arrange your own near the park and join a guide at the visitor center.

But if you're looking for a hassle-free experience, I recommend booking a Khao Sok National Park Tour from Phuket.  This 2-day, 1-night tour  includes transportation, a knowledgeable guide, national park fees, kayaks, and accommodation for the night.

Day 6-7: Koh Phi Phi Island

Up next on this amazing southern Thailand itinerary is the beautiful island of Koh Phi Phi. Getting to Koh Phi Phi is super easy, with plenty of speedboats departing from Phuket and Koh Phi Phi .

The ferry ride takes about 1 hour and is actually quite comfortable, but weather depending!

Koh Phi Phi is known for a couple of things – its crazy island nightlife and stunning Maya Bay and the movie The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio.

Explore the beaches

On your first day, make sure to explore the lively main part of the island, packed with fun bars and restaurants that stay open all night long. It's the perfect spot to enjoy cocktails on the beach and then head to one of the clubs or wild beach parties on the island.

If that's not your jam, there are quiet spots too, I recommend you choose your hotel a little away from the main drag. I recommend Long Beach, there are some nice hotels here with a more chilled-out vibe and fewer people.

Take a day trip

On day seven, get ready to join one of the boat tours to the famous Maya Bay, the very spot where Leonardo DiCaprio filmed the movie The Beach. It sure gets crowded here but it still doesn't take away from the beauty of the place!

It's an absolutely stunning location and one of the most beautiful wonders of nature in the whole of Thailand.  The Longtail Boat Tours  usually include snorkeling gear, a visit to Monkey Beach, and lunch as well. It's definitely the best day trip you can do in southern Thailand!

Day 8-11: Krabi

On day eight of your southern Thailand itinerary, you'll explore some secluded and quieter areas. While places like Phuket and Koh Phi Phi can get pretty crowded, Krabi offers a more laid-back vibe, perfect for a few days of beach relaxation.

Having proper beach days is a must and adds to the whole experience, especially in southern Thailand. And Krabi is absolutely incredible for that!

Some of the best beaches can be found here, and my personal favorite is Railay Beach. It's a beautiful white sand beach with a small town behind it and limestone on both sides of the bay.

Railay Beach limestone cliffs

Railay Beach is famous for its stunning limestone cliffs, which attract rock climbers from all over the world. If you're up for an adventure, don't miss out on the opportunity to try rock climbing at Railay Beach.

If you've had enough of beaches and want to discover more of Thailand's culture and history, Krabi is also great for that. There are so many things to explore, like the stunning Wat Kaew Korawaram, one of the biggest temples in Krabi.

Another must-visit is the Tiger Cave Temple, which involves a bit of a hike, but trust me, the views over the province are absolutely amazing! Just be aware of the cheeky monkeys on the way up – they might even try to steal your belongings.

If you don't want to go to the temple by yourself, I can recommend these tours that include transfers:

Krabi: Private Trip to Tiger Cave Temple & Waterfall

Krabi: 4-Hour City Tour with Tiger Cave Temple

If you're wondering  where to stay in Krabi , then you should definitely check out my guide for my favorite resorts and hotels in the area. I personally preferred staying in Ao Nang, which is a town by the beach area, but Krabi town is great for backpackers and solo travelers.

Day 12-14: Koh Lanta

For the last three days of your two-week Southern Thailand itinerary, you'll have the opportunity to explore the stunning island of Koh Lanta. Located south of Krabi, it is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty and laid-back vibes.

Getting to Koh Lanta is actually quite easy. You just need to hop on a  bus from Krabi , which takes about 2.5 hours.

Koh Lanta beaches and adventures

Koh Lanta is the perfect place to relax on beautiful beaches, swim in crystal clear water, and try out water sports like snorkeling and diving. You can also rent a scooter or bike to explore the island and get a taste of the local life in Koh Lanta. I loved riding around the island!

Don't worry, Koh Lanta isn't boring at all! In fact, some of my favorite activities were right here. One of the highlights was taking a boat tour to the nearby islands of Koh Rok and Koh Haa.

These islands are like paradise with their white sandy beaches and palm trees. Moreover, the snorkeling spots there are simply amazing.

Visit an elephant sanctuary

If you're an animal lover, Koh Lanta is also a great place to have an ethical encounter with elephants.

While many elephant sanctuaries in Southeast Asia prioritize profit over animal well-being,  Lanta Elephant Sanctuary  stands out. They have a fantastic program that allows you to interact with the elephants in a truly ethical way, ensuring the elephants are never harmed.

Lastly, if you're wondering where to stay in Koh Lanta, I've got you covered with a helpful guide right  here !

Week 3 South Thailand itinerary

The third week of your awesome three-week itinerary in southern Thailand takes you to another location within this country.

In the first two weeks, you explored the amazing Andaman Sea and its beautiful islands. Now, get ready to head to the Gulf of Thailand, where you'll explore the famous Gulf Islands – Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan. 

FYI:  This itinerary is also perfect if you only have one week in southern Thailand!

If you want to choose just one island and have a hard time deciding, read my article on Koh Samui vs Koh Phangan vs Koh Tao .

Day 15-17: Koh Samui

On day 15, you'll head over to the largest of the three islands, Koh Samui. It's a must-visit if you want to experience the best of southern Thailand.

To get there, you'll have to make your way back to Krabi and catch a flight from Krabi Airport to Koh Samui Airport. The good news is, that there is a domestic airport on the island, making it super easy to get to this part of South Thailand without having to take overland transport and ferries.

Stay at a luxurious resort

If you're up for a luxury holiday, Koh Samui is the place to be. You'll find a bunch of upscale resorts and villas offering top service, along with access to stunning beaches and private infinity pools.

It's perfect for couples who want to enjoy some quality time together or anyone looking to celebrate a special occasion in style. Koh Samui is also a popular honeymoon destination.

Koh Samui yoga classes and retreats

The island offers so many different ways to relax and unwind. You can join some awesome yoga classes at the various retreats scattered across the island. Some of them even

offer week-long retreats, so you can fully immerse yourself. If you're curious to know more about these retreats, be sure to check out my guide on  Koh Samui's best yoga retreats .

Swim with pigs

Another insanely cool activity is  swimming with pigs at Koh Madsum ! Yep, you heard that right. Many island hopping tours from Koh Samui will take you to the nearby tiny islands for snorkeling trips and swimming.

One of those tours will also take you to Koh Madsum, where you can have a hilariously cute experience swimming with the pigs in the water, just like in the Bahamas!

These were just a few of my favorites, but there's so much more to do in Koh Samui, from waterfalls to night markets. For more amazing recommendations, check out my complete  Koh Samui travel guide .

Day 18-19: Koh Tao

On day 18, you'll catch the ferry to your next destination, which happens to be one of the hotspots in Thailand for snorkeling and scuba diving. And on top of that, it's also a super chill and laidback little island called Koh Tao.

On your first day, you definitely gotta rent a scooter and explore the island. It's so small that you can easily cover the whole thing within 15 minutes from north to south.

That's a great opportunity to hit all the cool beaches and viewpoints along the way.

The most beautiful beaches on Koh Tao are:

Chalok Baan Kao Bay

and the more secluded Sai Nuan Beach

And while you're on your little scooter road trip, make sure to head all the way down south to the John-Suwan viewpoint. The view is absolutely stunning, especially at sunset!

When it starts getting dark, head back to town and visit the Koh Tao Night Market. It's small and cozy but perfect for grabbing some delicious local street food and picking up souvenirs.

Diving Koh Tao

Now, get ready because the next day is gonna be your big day! It's time for what Koh Tao is famous for snorkeling and diving. There are plenty of  tours  you can join that will take you to the best spots in the area.

Even if you're a beginner, you'll be amazed at the beautiful coral reefs, colorful fish, and even sea turtles. If you're staying near Sairee Beach, which is the main beach, I highly recommend checking out  La Bombona Diving .

They have super friendly dive instructors and dive masters who are a blast to dive with. Plus, they're a PADI-certified shop and offer all the courses and certifications you can think of, including a beginner's dive for those who haven't tried it before.

Day 20-21: Koh Phangan

As you wrap up your Southern Thailand itinerary, you'll head over to the infamous party island Koh Phangan. You've surely heard of it before, but if not, let me tell you, it's known for its wild full moon parties right on the beach and other raves like the Half Moon Festivals.

But don't be deceived – although Koh Phangan is popular for its crazy nightlife, it's also got another side to it and is a great place to unwind and relax.

Since these are your last two days before heading back home, I'll give you two options depending on what you're in the mood for:

Do you want one last night out before returning home

Or would you prefer to kick back by the beach, sip on some refreshing juices and coconuts, and indulge in some yoga to fully unwind?

Full Moon Party

For all the party people out there, as I mentioned earlier, the Full Moon Party and Half Moon Party are the two biggest events in Thailand and happen every month on the island. Just a heads up, don't expect a lot of sleep during these parties – they start late at night and go until sunrise!

Everyone paints their faces in neon colors and dances the night away at Haad Rin Beach. It's definitely a must-do if you're up for it, but keep in mind it's quite a wild night, so it might not be for everyone.

Relaxing side of Koh Phangan

If you just want to relax during your last two days in paradise, here are my recommendations for your ultimate lazy time. Check out some of the yoga classes and retreats on Koh Phangan.

Even though you might think it's a party island, their yoga retreats are actually top-notch. If you're interested, I have another guide on the  best yoga retreats in Thailand , including some on Koh Phangan.

After your yoga session, treat yourself to some good food. My go-to spot is Orion Healing Cafe, which is part of the  Orion Healing Center  – my favorite yoga spot on the island. The food in the cafe is super healthy, organic, and perfect for a post-yoga meal and detoxing.

And last but not least, what would a Thailand trip be without a proper Thai massage? The massage parlors on Koh Phangan offer a relaxing therapy session in a cozy atmosphere. My personal go-to is the Siam Healing Center in Thongsala, which offers traditional massages and yoga classes too.

From Koh Phangan, it's easy to catch a ferry to the mainland and then fly back to Phuket or to Bangkok to connect through an International Airport and you're on your way home!

Book Your Trip To Thailand

Book Your Flight I recommend using Skyscanner as the easiest way to find and compare the best airfares to and within Thailand. Book Your Hotel My top pick for finding the perfect accommodation is Booking.com , as they guarantee the best room rate available, plus you get free cancellation on most bookings. Book Your Tours & Activities  I like finding and pre-booking tours with  Get Your Guide and Viator . You will book with instant confirmation, great customer support, and free cancellation for many activities. Access Money Overseas Without Hidden Fees  I highly recommend  getting a Wise account  to withdraw money in Thailand, pay for meals on the Visa card, or shop in Thai Baht. With Wise, you always pay the real exchange, so you never pay more than you need to. Stay Connected Anywhere Getting an eSIM card from Airalo eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, so you can easily switch between mobile networks in over 190 countries worldwide without expensive roaming fees. Don't Go Without Travel Insurance Travel with confidence, knowing that Hey Mondo , my preferred travel insurance provider, has your back. Don't let illness, accidents, theft, or cancellations ruin your trip. As a Breathing Travel reader, you also get 5% off any policy purchased !

Thailand Pre-Travel Facts

✈️ how to get to south thailand .

The best way to get to South Thailand is by flying into Phuket International Airport. From there, you can easily take domestic flights or ferry rides to all the other islands mentioned in this itinerary. You can also catch long-distance buses and trains from Bangkok, and while they might be slightly cheaper they take a lot longer. Taking domestic flights within Thailand is generally pretty cheap anyway and a lot more comfortable.

🗓️ Best time to visit South Thailand

If you're planning a trip to southern Thailand, the best time to visit is during the dry season, which is from November to April for the Andaman Coast and for the Gulf Coast it's between January and August , so there is some overlap if you're looking to visit both Thai coasts. During these months, you can expect sunny and dry weather, perfect for a vacation without worrying about rain (and rough ferry rides!). However, it can obviously get more crowded during these times. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, consider coming during the shoulder seasons. While you may experience occasional rain, it could be totally worth it for a more relaxed experience and cheaper prices.

❓ Is South Thailand safe to visit?

Yes, southern Thailand is generally safe to visit. Of course, as with any other tourist destination in Southeast Asia, it's always important to practice caution and safety measures. Be sure to not walk alone at night in dark places, especially when traveling solo. Keep an eye on your belongings in public areas, and do your research before you go anywhere unfamiliar. In general, local people in Thailand are friendly and helpful so don't be afraid to ask for help or directions if needed. 

✅ Getting a Thailand Visa

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Thailand, but luckily, the process is fairly straightforward. Tourists are able to get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at the airport, or you can apply for an eVisa in advance through the Thai government website. Note that if you plan on staying longer than 30 days, you'll be able to get an extension at immigration while you're in the country.

💰 South Thailand cost 

Overall, southern Thailand can be a bit pricier than the North due to ferry rides and flights within the region. Of course, this all depends on your budget. If you're willing to cut back on luxury accommodations and activities, it's totally possible to visit South Thailand on a tight budget.

When it comes to accommodation, prices can start at around US$10-15 per night for a shared room. You can enjoy a delicious meal at local restaurants for around US$3-5 and street food for even cheaper. Transportation costs are pretty affordable too – ferry rides start from as little as US$8 one way, but they can go up to US$25, depending on the distance. If you're into snorkeling, diving, or island hopping, activities start at around US$30, but they can also go up to about US$60+.

If you're looking for something a bit fancier, there are plenty of mid-range and luxury options too! You can find rooms in nice boutique hotels or resorts starting from US$50 and upwards. And when it comes to dining, there are also some nice sit-down restaurants where you can spend more than US$30 per meal.

Thailand, especially the south, is what you make of it. If you're a backpacker, you'll definitely find budget-friendly ways to explore. However, it's also entirely possible to have a luxurious trip here as well.

🌐 Wi-Fi and Internet in Thailand

Wi-Fi and internet access in South Thailand are generally pretty good. Most places, from hotels to cafes, will have free Wi-Fi available. If you're looking for a more reliable connection, you can also find some coworking spaces on the islands that offer fast and secure Wi-Fi for digital nomads. However, in more remote areas or on islands, finding Wi-Fi can be a bit more challenging. Just grab an eSIM card – I used Airalo on my trip and it worked perfectly – ahead of your arrival to stay connected and have peace of mind.

South Thailand Itinerary – Final Words

South Thailand is an incredible destination for those seeking relaxation and the perfect beach getaway.

With pristine beaches, wild nightlife, and unforgettable yoga retreats, South Thailand has something for everyone.

Whether you're on a budget or looking for a luxurious resort experience, you can find it here – it's all about the kind of adventure you're after!

This was my 3-week Thailand island hopping itinerary, and I hope it helps you plan your own trip. If you liked what you saw, go ahead and do it just like I did!

Please note, this post may contain affiliate links, which means that – at absolutely no cost to you – we earn a small commission on sales generated through this website. We only recommend sites we actually use and thank you for your support!

Carolin is a travel expert born in Germany. She has been travelling around the world since 2014 and now lives in her adopted soul home Australia. Her travel advice has been featured on Forbes, Daily Mail, Yahoo!, News.com.au, Tour Radar, Expedia and she's also been named one of the top travel bloggers you need to follow by Tourism Queensland.

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Planning Your Trip to Thailand – The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need

Planning a trip to Thailand can make your head spin.

Where should you visit, what should you pack, do you need a Visa?

The questions can be endless.

I've helped numerous people over the years plan their trips to Thailand; both close friends and family, and friends of work associates who have contacted me for advice.

In this post, I'll reveal the same tips I give them, and help you plan the holiday of a lifetime.

This post will also help you if you're planning a family trip to Thailand, a move to Thailand, either for a job, teaching, or just an extended stay.

• Where to stay
• Weather seasons
•   Accommodation
•   Pre-holiday to-do list

Where to Stay in Thailand

If you're visiting Thailand for two or three weeks, then you're probably torn over which parts of the country to visit.

There are so many islands to consider, and so many areas of the country that boast beautiful scenery and interesting culture.

The key is to strike a balance between not staying in one place too long and not visiting places too quickly – otherwise you don't get to really explore and appreciate them.

My general advice  for a holiday would be to visit three areas of the country:

Some might say you should avoid Bangkok because it's really busy, hot, and doesn't have a beach.

In my opinion, if you're going to visit Thailand, then you should experience Bangkok.

It's actually a good place to arrive and spend a few days.

Because if you've had a long haul flight, then you will most likely be landing in Bangkok, so you can catch a taxi to your hotel and get some rest, rather than waiting around for a connecting flight.

Moreover, if you're flying across a couple of time zones, then you will be jet-lagged.

I'd rather get over my jet lag in Bangkok and be fully refreshed for visiting the beaches and islands, than sleeping half the day away at a beautiful beach location.

So two or three nights in Bangkok is ideal.

Wat Arun is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok Yai district of Bangkok.

If you arrive in the afternoon on the first day, then you can hang out at the hotel, maybe visit a market and grab something to eat, and then get some sleep.

You're probably going to sleep in late, or wake up early the next day and then want to sleep again in the afternoon to get over your jet lag.

You'll then have one more full day where you feel more energetic and can visit the Grand Palace , maybe a floating market, and do a bit of shopping .

Another option is to spend a couple of days in Bangkok when you arrive, and then come back to Bangkok for a day before you leave.

The reasoning behind this is that you might want to do some shopping before you go home, but you might not want to do that shopping when you arrive because you would have to carry the stuff around with you for the rest of your holiday.

This really depends on how much shopping you plan on taking home.

If you have more time on your hands in Bangkok, check out my list of things to do in the Big Mango.

At the Grand Palace, Bangkok

Staying on Thailand's Islands

It goes without saying that the Southern islands have the best beaches.

There are some good beaches that you can get to in a couple of hours from Bangkok, such as on Koh Larn and Koh Samet.

However,  if you choose to go to Phuket or Koh Samui, from that base you will be able to visit a number of other islands too.

You also have a good selection of beaches on those islands.

The Phi Phi Islands are an island group in Thailand, between the large island of Phuket and the Straits of Malacca coast of Thailand.

Yes, these are the more commercial islands, and while there are more intimate and less touristy islands, pretty much all of the best beach locations have a lot of visitor traffic in high season.

Furthermore, the more remote islands aren't always that practical for families, and some lack good accommodation and things to do, particularly for kids.

If you come for a second or third holiday, then you might want to explore some of the less popular but more beautiful islands.

But if this is your first and potentially your only trip, then I recommend going to Phuket or Koh Samui, and from these islands taking boat trips to see other beautiful islands and beaches.

Located a short drive from Choeng Mon Beach in Koh Samui, Samujana boast luxurious villas.

The North (Chiang Mai)

You might choose to simply stay down south and enjoy the beaches, and I wouldn't blame you. I'd happily sit on a deckchair for the entire holiday, to'ing and fro'ing from the massage spot, gym, and bar.

But if you want a deeper insight to the country and to see another side to Thailand, then the North is a good place to visit.

Chang Mai in particular is very popular, Westerner-friendly city – surrounded by beautiful nature.

You can base yourself in Chang Mai for a few days and go off for trips to Doi Intanon National Park, Doi Suthep Temple, the Elephant Nature Park ,  and enjoy the good food and night markets of the North.

Again, like Bangkok, a few nights here will be adequate.

Doi Inthanon, in Chiang Mai, is the highest mountain in Thailand.

Got an Extra Few Days?

If you find yourself back in Bangkok and you've got an extra few days to spare, then you might go to Koh Samet for a couple of nights,  which is three hours from Bangkok and a 30-minute ferry.

Samet is not far from the aptly named Sin City of Pattaya. Indeed, if you are a single man or with a group of friends, you might like to see the bright lights of Pattaya,  which is a beach resort too, and only a couple of hours drive from Bangkok.

Probably not the smartest idea to take your wife or girlfriend there. Unless they aren't bothered by go-go bars and hookers.

Visiting, in Summary

Those who have lived in Thailand for a while, or visited on holiday a number of times, may poo-poo my suggestions and give you recommendations of places to go that are off the beaten track.

But that's because the more time you spend in Thailand the more you want to get away from the touristy areas and find more isolated places.

But generally, for a first holiday, you want to be in the thick of it and see the main attractions of the things other people have seen.

You want easy access and plenty of options. Trust me, I've been there, done it, and worn the t-shirt.

That being said, if you are traveling for three months or more and spending a month in Thailand, then you can visit these popular hotspots and then go off and visit some more remote places like these. 

Khao Sok is situated on the mainland between Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak and Koh Samui.

When to Visit Thailand – Weather

The weather in Thailand does vary by region at different times of the year.

Generally speaking, you can follow this guide:

• Dry Season: March-May
• Rainy Season: May-October
• Cool Season: November-February

For a place by place breakdown, check out my extensive weather guide. 

Accommodation for Different Budgets

Depending on whether you're a solo backpacker or a family of 4 on the holiday of a lifetime, accommodation requirements vary for different types of traveler.

Luckily, Thailand generally has something for everyone in all corners of the country.

From package holidays to hostels and mid-range hotels, check out my booking recommendations here.

Also consider that if you aren't too fussed about plush accommodation, you can rock up and book in at what's available.

During high season you won't be able to be too picky, as the nicer rooms and bungalows get booked up in advance.

But let me just say that I have never not been able to get a room somewhere in any of Asia.

And you're planning on catching a train or a bus, check out 12GO here.

Pre-Holiday To-Do List

The large majority of countries are subject to a visa exemption. This means that when their citizens enter Thailand they get a stamp that permits a stay of 30 days.

If you are coming towards the end of your trip and you think you might want to stay longer, you can visit an immigration office and extend this stay by another 30 days for 1,900 Baht.

However,  in the interest of good planning, if you think that extending your stay is a good possibility, you should consider getting a single entry tourist visa, which gives you a 60-day stay in the country.

A multiple entry tourist visa  is a six month visa, but you can only stay for 60 days at a time. You then have to leave the country and come back into activate a further 60 days.

Again, the multiple entry option can be extended for 30 days by going to immigration and paying the aforementioned fee.

Generally speaking, those coming for a two or three week holiday won't need to worry about a visa.

2. Travel Insurance

It goes without saying that you will need travel insurance.

Not only does travel insurance protects you against hospital bills if you fall ill or have an accident, but some policies will also cover you against cancellation of your flights or lost baggage and stolen goods.

Travel insurance is one of those things that many people forget to do in the midst of all the excitement of planning.

So I suggest this is something that you do early on in your trip planning process to make sure that you are covered from the moment you leave your house.

I don't want to make you fear going on holiday, but at the end of the day it gives you peace of mind.

See my travel insurance recommendations here.

3. Suitable Backpack/Holdall

Another thing that people often don't consider until the last minute, mainly because they have an old suitcase or holdall in the attic that  they always use, is suitable luggage.

Consider what type of holiday you are taking:

• Are you going to be traveling on trains and buses?
• Are you going to be trekking or diving?
• Or are you going to be staying in luxury hotels and taking  private cars everywhere and having someone to hold your back?

You won't want a big clunky suitcase if you are  taking an overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai .

And if you are going trekking , then you may need to consider a second bag in addition to your main backpack; one that is detachable and can be taken with your essentials on the trek.

In fact, a second, smaller backpack is advisable for everyone visiting Thailand.

You will need something practical to carry around with you during the daytime.

Although, when out shopping and in crowds you should wear backpacks on your front so that you can't be pick-pocketed, particularly in Bangkok.

I'm not trying to scare you here, the same goes for any major city you are visiting, including my hometown, London.

4. Mosquito Spray

You can find mosquito spray in Thailand at pretty much every convenience store, and is likely to be cheaper than in your home country.

However, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to look for a higher quality brand in your home country before you leave.

Your mosquito spray should contain DEET.

Note that the higher percentage of DEET does not represent how effective it is but how long it lasts:

Products containing lower concentrations of DEET are as effective as those with higher concentrations, but for shorter periods of time. On average, products containing 100% DEET will be effective for 9.5 hours, 30% DEET for 6.5 hours, 15% DEET for 5 hours, 10% DEET for 3 hours and 5% DEET for 2 hours ( source )

5. Vaccinations

There maybe some vaccinations for you to consider before you visit Thailand.

These can usually be done by your regular Doctor, and even at some pharmacies. There's a full list here.

6. Changing Money

People often change up lots of money before they go on holiday, thinking that they will run out quickly, but this is not a wise thing to do.

It isn't a good idea to travel with loads of money on you, just in case you lose it.

Moreover, I usually get a better exchange rate when I arrive in Bangkok than I do back home, anyway.  You will find a number of exhange places in central Bangkok.

If you want to do it at the airport, don't do it at the exchange booth inside the arrivals area, do it when you come out into the main foyer, as you tend to get better rate there.

You might choose to change up to $300 before you leave, depending on how many people are traveling.

That being said, it is expensive to withdraw money in Thailand- because you get charged for the local withdrawal and charged by your bank back home for the international withdrawal.

This could end up costing you $5-6 dollars per withdrawal.

That said, this isn't really a big deal if you only make three withdrawals across the whole holiday.

Note that cash machines are generally limited to a withdrawal amount of 20,000 Baht per time.

If you do want to avoid fees, then consider finding a credit or debit card provider that doesn't charge for international transactions,  and/or has low rates on withdrawals.

You might also want to consider something like the Revolut Card.

This is a multi-currency prepaid card, which allows you to pre-load money and spend abroad.

One I would  recommend is making a plan before you leave, detailing how much money you plan to take in cash, both money changed into Thai Baht and money in your native currency to change up in Thailand.

And then consider a cost-effective strategy for withdrawing money and spending money on your cards.

7. Health Insurance

If you have travel insurance then you aren't likely to need this, but for those with specific conditions, or who want specific extra cover – perhaps for an extended period, health insurance may be a requirement.

Cigna is a reputable and reliable health insurer for those living and traveling in Thailand.

You can get a quote using their 2-minute quote page by clicking here. 

Streaming & Secure Internet Browsing

If you want to watch Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Disney + on holiday, you will need to bypass GEO restrictions to watch some of the content.

You can do this with a VPN. A VPN is also a good idea when using WIFI in airports and cafes, particularly if you are going to be logging onto personal banking or accessing other sensitive information from your laptop, phone or tablet.

I have a post with more details on this. Read the VPN post here. 

Planning Your Trip, In Summary

Bookmark this guide, or print it out and make planning your trip to Thailand easy.

If you follow along section-by-section and tick things off as you go, you'll have all the important bases covered.

Here's an overview of what we've covered in this guide:

• Decide where to stay: Bangkok, Islands, Chiang Mai (North) and places to visit
• Check the weather before deciding on your travel dates
• Research accommodation, based on your budget
• Do you need a visa?
• Get travel insurance
• Get a suitable backpack/holdall
• Get mosquito spray
• Get vaccinations
• Change money
• Consider health insurance
• Get a VPN to bypass GEO restrictions on Netflix, and safe browsing

Proper planning makes for a successful outcome, or at least so my mother said.

Have a great trip!

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Last Updated on May 28, 2020

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20 Best Places to Visit in Thailand — From the Country's Oldest National Park With Secret Waterfalls to Stunning Islands With Excellent Diving

There's no shortage of beautiful places to visit in Thailand.

EPasqualli/Getty Images

Thailand is so much more than a travel destination — visiting is a bona fide rite of passage. From hostel-hopping backpackers to well-heeled five-star hotel aficionados, there’s something for everyone in “The Land of Smiles.” 

My most recent trip to Thailand was in early 2022, when the country implemented strict entry requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, I was one of a few hundred thousand tourists who were allowed into the country, and it felt like I had many of the typically crowded attractions all to myself.

The beauty of Thailand is that it will show you different sides of itself no matter how many times you visit. From the idyllic white-sand beaches and palm-fringed islands in the south to the misty hillsides and temple-peppered mountains of the north, the rattle and hum under neon lights of nonstop Bangkok, and the ruins of ancient cities surrounded by jungle, Thailand never disappoints.

So, what are the best places to visit in Thailand? I reached out to a Thailand travel expert and threw in a bit of my own first-person experience to help you narrow down this ever-growing list.

Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure

For most travelers, an adventure in Thailand will likely kick off in the nonstop, energetic capital city, Bangkok. A dizzying destination and one of my favorite international cities, Bangkok is full-on sensory overload — but in the best way. Dig into sizzling street food; meander back alleys and bustling thoroughfares in search of small markets, shops, and hidden temples; cruise along the Chao Phraya River, and grab a cocktail at the dozens of sky-high rooftop bars. 

Tip: Book a room at the Capella Bangkok or Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok — two iconic luxury hotels with stunning locations perched on the Chao Phraya River.

IronHeart/Getty Images

Second to Bangkok on most visitors’ lists is the northern city of Chiang Mai. Many travelers even prefer Chiang Mai to Bangkok for its relatively slower pace of life. The spectacular city is bursting with temples (Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a must) and humming with restaurants and bars. 

"I would say for anybody, whether it's their first time or a repeat trip to Thailand, if you have been there or you haven't, [you have to visit] Chiang Mai," said Grant Ekelund , Travel + Leisure A-List advisor and senior travel consultant and Asia specialist at InsideAsia. "It's such a neat city. It’s one of those destinations that has something for everyone … Are you a foodie? Do you want to hike? See cool temples? Have amazing trekking opportunities? It can all be done [here], and it slots into any itinerary perfectly."

Koh Phi Phi

Thailand has more than 1,400 islands scattered around its coastline, but few are as famous or iconic as the Phi Phi Islands in the Andaman Sea. Comprising two islands — Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh — Koh Phi Phi is known for its natural beauty, excellent diving, and raucous party scene. For the latter, Phi Phi Don is the most famous. Phi Phi Leh, meanwhile, is uninhabited and beloved by those looking to disappear into nature. It was blasted into the public eye about two decades ago, when Leonardo DiCaprio's character went in search of an island paradise in the film "The Beach," which is set in real-life Maya Bay.

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

While we’re on the topic of Koh Phi Phi, we’d be remiss not to mention Krabi province as a whole. Located in southern Thailand, bordering the Andaman Sea, Krabi is home to many of the beautiful beaches and islands that make Thailand famous. 

"I've been booking many [trips to] Krabi lately," said Ekelund. "It ticks a lot of boxes for people. You've got the beauty, cool cliffs, and interesting geology. It has a beach, but it's for people who don't want to simply park it on the sand for 10 days. Krabi offers activities and more." Some highlights include the beach town of Ao Nang, as well as islands like Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Yao Yai, Koh Lipe, Railay Beach, and several national parks.

Koh Yao Noi

Sunphol Sorakul/Getty Images

My first trip to Thailand was to the small island of Koh Yao Noi back in 2013. One of the most beautiful islands in Phang Nga Bay, Koh Yao Noi is flecked off the coast of its sibling island, Koh Yao Yai. Sandy beaches and small fishing villages comprise most of the land here, along with the luxe Six Senses Yao Noi resort tucked along the eastern coast. The property’s infinity pool is legendary for its explosive sunrise views that blur the distinction between the sky and sea.

pratan ounpitipong/Getty Images

Many Thai cities have the ability to make visitors feel like they’re stepping back in time. But few create the illusion as vividly as Ayutthaya. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, the ruins of Ayutthaya are breathtaking and hauntingly beautiful. It’s only an hour from Bangkok, making it an easy day trip or a great overnight excursion.

Boyloso/Getty Images

Sukhothai is another beautiful ancient city. "Sukhothai is for people who like history. I was taken by how beautiful the area is and how extensive the ruins are," said Ekelund. "We cycled around the ruins with a guide and got a great sense of the history. Sukhothai is much more rural and harder to reach, meaning it has fewer tourists. You also don't have a city built up around it."

Mae Hong Son Loop

Piriya Photography/Getty Images

Of all the places I've visited in Thailand, none stick with me as much as the Mae Hong Son Loop. This 300-mile route is most often tackled by travelers on the back of motorbikes looking to brave the mountain switchbacks that descend into the thick jungle and pass from small village to small village. It's not a journey to be taken lightly — motorbike experience is strongly recommended — but those who make the trip are rewarded with spectacular scenery and access to remote communities.

Khao Yai National Park

Bunphot Phairoh/500px/Getty Images

Thailand has more than 100 national parks. The oldest is Khao Yai National Park, which also happens to be the country's third-largest. Within the park lies a web of hiking trails, secret waterfalls, and herds of elephants.

"Khao Yai has a lot of bat caves, too, which is one of the coolest things I've ever experienced," said Ekelund. "I stood there for 30 minutes while an unending stream of bats flew over my head. It was all so beautiful. It's a beautiful park with waterfalls, trekking, and hiking. Plus, it's just a couple of hours [by car] from Bangkok."

wichianduangsri/Getty Images

Approximately two hours southeast of Chiang Mai is the city of Lampang. Much like many large cities in Thailand, Lampang has its fair share of temples, street food, and markets. But unlike the others, it feels like a place where time has stood still. Just listen for the sound of clip-clopping horse carts, still used for transportation, and you'll understand what I mean. Because of Lampang's integral role in the teak trade, many migrants from Myanmar made this northern city home, and you'll find teak mansions and Burmese-style temples everywhere.

fokkebok/Getty Images

Chiang Rai, a northern Thai city, is often glossed over as most visitors opt to stop in Chiang Mai instead. "I am always struck by how chill Chiang Rai is," said Ekelund. "It's a relaxing place to be and has cool stuff to do. It's a great city to walk through the neighborhoods and see people living their daily lives. I enjoyed the mountains, nearby villages, and opportunities for cultural exchange."

Jackyenjoyphotography/Getty Images

No list of best places to visit in Thailand would be complete without Phuket. While Phuket has a reputation for being crowded with resort after resort, the truth is it’s for a reason — the island is a beautiful place to be. Thailand's largest and most easily accessible island brings visitors in by the millions each year for its wide array of hotels, white-sand beaches, parties in Patong, colorful snorkeling, and eclectic culinary scene.

Oleh_Slobodeniuk/Getty Images

Thailand’s second most popular island sits off the country’s eastern coast in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Samui is wreathed in bone-white sandy beaches, peppered with temples, veined with hiking trails, and splashed with fabulous resorts and energetic beach towns and villages.

"It's hard to beat Koh Samui. It's just beautiful," said Ekelund. "If you want easy access without a full resort stay, I recommend Anantara Bophut . You can walk to Fisherman's Village, and you won’t feel like you're 'stuck' at a resort. If you want a full resort experience, I like Banyan Tree Samui for its private beach and spectacular rooms."

Cavan Images/Getty Images

The tiny island of Koh Tao, located in the Gulf of Thailand and not too far from Koh Samui, is one of the country’s best locations for diving and snorkeling. In fact, most avid divers will tell you that Koh Tao is their destination of choice in Thailand. The palm-fringed island is best known for its abundance of sea turtles.

Kanchanaburi

Thanit Weerawan/Getty Images

Shrouded in thick jungle and sliced by miles of track belonging to what was once known as the “Death Railway,” Kanchanaburi has a dark and tragic history. The infamous train route, which crosses the River Kwai, was built from 1940 to 1943 by prisoners of war taken by the Japanese in World War II. Today, only a small section of the rail route is open and takes travelers on a journey through the mountain cliffs and bamboo forests of Kanchanaburi. "If you're into history, beautiful vistas, trains, and wildlife, you can get all of that in Kanchanaburi. It's a place not many tourists go, either, so it has a lot to offer," said Ekelund.

Tieu Bao Truong/Getty Images

Trang is the province directly south of Krabi, which means it has the same beautiful stretch of Andaman Sea coastline, except with a fraction of the crowds. There’s no shortage of islands to explore around Trang, like Koh Kradan and Koh Muk. Koh Muk's crown jewel is the secret Emerald Cave, which can be entered via a dark tunnel that leads to a protected beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

Pierrick Lemaret/Getty Images

Located in the province of Phang Nga, Khao Lak can be thought of as Phuket’s much quieter cousin. Less than two hours from Phuket International Airport, Khao Lak is home to miles of sprawling, empty beaches, plus it offers easy access to beautiful national parks.

"I've been hyping Khao Lak quite a bit for people who want something quieter," said Ekelund. "You have easy access to the Phuket International Airport, but it's much more chill than the other Andaman Islands. It has beautiful beaches, good infrastructure, a great spot for dining, and it’s not hard to get to."

Inigo Arza Azcorra/Getty Images

Whether or not you drive the Mae Hong Son Loop, you’ll want to stop in Pai when visiting northern Thailand. Once a sleepy community of expats, Pai has morphed into a must-visit backpacker destination. Visitors will find funky cafes and coffee shops, endless bars, guest houses, hostels, and a dispensary or two, particularly now that cannabis is no longer considered a narcotic in the country.

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

awaywithtrex/Getty Images

South of Bangkok, the province of Prachuap Khiri Khan is best known for the glamorous, frenetic beach town of Hua Hin. The province runs down the skinny arm of the country, bordering the Gulf of Thailand on one side and Myanmar on the other. Here’s where you'll find Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Thailand's first marine national park. The park's top attractions include a series of spectacular caves and a sprawling freshwater marsh. Visitors can enjoy the park’s beaches, islands, walking trails, and thick mangrove forests. It’s just an hour from Hua Hin and about 3.5 hours from Bangkok.

4FR/Getty Images

This long, skinny island, also in the province of Krabi, flies under the radar, but it’s one of my favorite places in the country. Koh Lanta is home to beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and the Mu Ko Lanta National Park, an amazing spot for diving and seeing undeveloped beaches.

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One Of Thailand's Best-Ranked Beaches Is A Slice Of Uncrowded Paradise Amongst Phuket's Big Crowds

Thailand is one of the world's most popular travel destinations and — as a country with around 2,000 miles of tropical coastline, a vibrant culture, and amazing cuisine — it's easy to see why. In fact, traveling to Thailand has become so popular that season three of the hit vacation-centered HBO series "White Lotus" will be filmed there . In general, when planning a trip to Thailand there are 10 amazing islands that you need to know about , but out of these islands the easiest to reach is probably Phuket. This is because Phuket has an international airport, making it super easy to fly to and from the island. Phuket is also the largest Thai island and is considered the jumping-off-point for trips to most islands in the Andaman Sea. However, because of this, Phuket can be quite busy.

Luckily, as such a large island, there are places in Phuket to escape the crowds — one of the best of which is Freedom Beach. Rated by World's 50 Best Beaches as number 23 in the world, Freedom Beach is a calm, secluded, and tranquil paradise located just south of the famous Patong Beach (one of the most crowded in Phuket). Despite its proximity to Patong, Freedom Beach has been able to remain secluded and "hidden" because it is a little hard to reach requiring a trip by boat or a short hike to get to the beautiful sandy shores — but if you are up for the adventure, then Freedom Beach is definitely worth the visit.

How to get to Freedom Beach

The secret to Freedom Beach's secluded nature is that it sits between two rocky and jungle-covered hills that create a cove separating the beach from the surrounding island. Because of this, there are no hotels or resorts on Freedom Beach and all of the almost-1000-foot stretch of white sand that makes up the beach is open for sunbathers who take the time to journey there.

There are two main methods of reaching Freedom Beach, and the easiest is by longtail boat. You can book a longtail boat from other nearby beaches (including Patong, Kata, Karon, and Kamala) for a price of anywhere between 1,200 to 1,500 Thai baht (around $35 to $44 USD) per boat for a roundtrip journey. Fair warning: the price of the boat may vary depending on weather conditions and your bartering skills.

If you are up for a little more of an adventure, you can hike to Freedom Beach. There are two trails that will take you from the road to the beach, and they both take around 25 to 30 minutes. The first trail starts near the Avista Hideaway Resort but, according to one reviewer on TripAdvisor , if you park your scooter at the Lek Sand Beach Bar and start the hike from there, you can skip the entrance fee. Either way, it is a steep downhill hike to Freedom Beach and then a steep hike back up. Although some people complete the hike in flip-flops, wearing hiking sandals or tennis shoes would make the journey easier.

What to do at Freedom Beach

As a secluded beach surrounded by the clear turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, Freedom Beach is a great place for snorkeling and there is plenty of wildlife to be seen right off the shore (however, make sure you know how to safely snorkel around coral reefs before you jump in). There is no gear rental at Freedom Beach, so you will need to make sure to rent your snorkeling stuff from your hotel and then bring it with you.

If you aren't a big fan of snorkeling and just want to sunbathe on the shore while taking in the raw natural beauty of this secluded cove, then you can claim a place on the sand and spend the day relaxing. Most travelers believe that the northern side of the beach has the best views; however, you will find the beach's only chair rental stand and restaurant — the Barefoot Bistro — at the southern end.

If you don't want to rent beach chairs, then it's a good idea to bring a sun umbrella with you if you plan to stay at Freedom Beach all day. The beach doesn't offer many shady spots, except near the jungle where all the ants are, and even those spots fill up quickly.

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The best time to visit Thailand for a holiday – and when you’ll be able to avoid the crowds

A traveller’s guide to the thai weather seasons from north to south, article bookmarked.

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When planning a holiday to the Land of Smiles to explore jungles, relax on beaches and partake in exhilarating water sports, it’s important to consider an age-old obstacle to holidaymakers’ fun – the weather. From Bangkok to Koh Samui , holiday hotspots have optimum windows of wonderful weather that treats Thailand's guests to largely sunny skies.

Thailand is blessed with consistently mild weather conditions year-round, as well as appealing annual temperatures, but the typically tropical climate is not without heavy rainfall, humidity and winds.

Three key seasons break up the calendar: wet (ruedu fon), cool (ruedu nao) and hot (ruedu ron), dictating peak and off-peak tourist periods and creating shoulder seasons in between.

Naturally, temperatures range in Thailand’s vast regions from north to south and coast to coast, and visitors should be mindful of the different climates and the monsoon season – often forcing Thai isles to close – that await on the southeast Asian holiday hotspot.

Read more on Thailand travel :

• Escape Bangkok and explore these hidden corners of Thailand by rail
• These are the Thai islands to visit instead of Phuket
• The best Thailand holiday destinations for luxury retreats and budget breaks

Wet Season: ‘Ruedu Fon’

When is it? July to October

Thailand’s ‘monsoon’ season takes place in the peak of the UK summer holidays and lasts for around four months. Rainfall is frequent but inconsistent with short bursts on most days and at its heaviest in September and October. High humidity and onshore winds from the southwest monsoon across the Indian Ocean can create unpredictable weather conditions for holidaymakers visiting Thailand during the wettest months of the year. But, of course, with the rain comes fewer crowds and a more idyllic experience at the country’s tourist hotspots.

Cool Season: ‘Ruedu Nao’

When is it? November to February

Cool, dry weather conditions from November to February provide a respite from the intense rainfall. The northeast monsoon brings with it a gentle breeze and more comfortable temperatures with average highs between 27C and 30C in December. There’s also a far less humid atmosphere ideal for exploring seaside resorts on Thai islands and snapping some cloud-free photos. Unsurprisingly, the pleasant conditions during these months are the most popular and tourism peaks.

Hot Season: ‘Ruedu Ron’

When is it? March to June

Aside from the mountain provinces in the northeast, Thailand typically enjoys a tropical climate that rarely dips below 20C. North Thailand feels the heat the most from March to June, with temperatures in Chiang Mai peaking at a sweltering 36C in April. The lack of breeze or refreshing drizzle can make sightseeing Thailand’s iconic temples and pagodas an uncomfortable experience, but conditions are slightly less intense on holidays in the south – highs peak around 33C in Phuket, a dream for relaxed beach days.

Best time to go

Trips to visit Bangkok and regions in central Thailand are advisable during the shoulder season months of November and December when the region is starting to dry out and peak temperatures and hoards of tourists haven’t yet arrived. After the heavy rainfall, the lush jungles, waterfalls and rolling countryside are at their most impressive.

The Gulf of Thailand on Thailand’s east coast, including Koh Samui and Koh Phan Ngan, sees optimum weather conditions for holidaymaking between December to February in the ‘cool season’. Little rain, more moderate temperatures and a strong breeze create not only the ideal waves for watersports but also a pleasant environment for family breaks.

Thailand’s west coast, including the Andaman Sea and Khao Sok National Park, is at its best from November to March with comfortably warm temperatures, cooling winds and low humidity levels a far cry from the conditions of monsoon season from July to October – some islands shut down during the heaviest rain and ferry services are reduced.

Average temperature: 27C to 31C

Hours of sunshine per day: 9 hours

Average monthly rainfall: 19mm to 56mm

Average temperature: 28C to 33C

Hours of sunshine per day: 8 to 9 hours

Average monthly rainfall: 22mm to 30mm

Average temperature: 29C to 35C

Average monthly rainfall: 52mm to 159mm

Average temperature: 29C to 36C

Hours of sunshine per day: 7 to 8 hours

Average monthly rainfall: 104mm to 145mm

Average temperature: 28C to 34C

Hours of sunshine per day: 6 to 7 hours

Average monthly rainfall: 245mm to 260mm

Hours of sunshine per day: 5 to 6 hours

Average monthly rainfall: 190mm to 290mm

Hours of sunshine per day: 6 hours

Average monthly rainfall: 199mm to 263mm

Average temperature: 28C to 32C

Average monthly rainfall: 230mm to 350mm

Average temperature: 27C to 32C

Hours of sunshine per day: 5 hours

Average monthly rainfall: 339mm to 381mm

Average monthly rainfall: 275mm to 376mm

Average temperature: 28C to 31C

Average monthly rainfall: 56mm to 226mm

Average temperature: 27C to 30C

Average monthly rainfall: 7mm to 73mm

Read more: Why now is the time to visit Koh Samui ahead of The White Lotus fever

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Srilankan airlines' 'colours of jaffna' campaign lauded at pata gold awards 2024.

Situated in the Northern most part of Sri Lanka, Jaffna has always been a hotspot with a rich history. It has evolved from an ancient kingdom, a symbol of cultural vibrancy, and a city with progressive currents, before the three-decade conflict drastically changed the city's trajectory. With the end of war, Jaffna re-emerged as a sought-after destination among the local tourists, with the same inherent attributes of culture, cuisine and people, recommending it over other popular tourist getaways. Today, Jaffna boasts of a legacy of rebirth, and represents the seamless amalgamation of contemporary hospitality with its defining attributes that have stood the test of time. Centring it around the historic Nallur Kandaswamy Festival, the national festival that spans the longest duration of 20-25 days which takes place in August every year, this was an invitation to visit Jaffna and experience the city in its most glorious and vibrant form. Staying true to the campaign title 'Colours of Jaffna' the campaign visuals, both the imagery and videography, highlight the plethora of colours that defines Jaffna. From the water fronts, the historic Fort, ponds with fabled health properties, colourful temple interiors, festivities, cuisine, the visual tonality focuses on the contrasting, yet striking colours to highlight the novelty, excitement and vivacity of the city. The attributes of water and shades of green and blue are generously used to bring out the soothing surrounds. The video, with its rhythmic soundtrack presents a mix of scenic, cultural, and human beauty of Jaffna. The change of tempos signifies the ebb and flow inherent to the city- the fine contrast of calm against the beautiful chaos of festivities. Like little surprises, the main soundtrack gives a way to sound bites of the mundane such as the bells etc., making the visual experience as authentic as possible. The Airline launched the campaign with this spectacular video that unveils the fascinating facets of Jaffna, which was followed by a series of posts and a fun quiz, raising awareness on Jaffna's various attractions. The scenic beauty of Jaffna has adorned the backdrops and giveaways of the Airlines' corporate events. Complementing the promotional drive, the Airlines' leisure arm, SriLankan Holidays introduced a series of holiday packages covering the best of Jaffna, with Jetwing Hotels as the exclusive hospitality partner. The Airline takes this opportunity to congratulate Jetwing Hotels, the other PATA award-recipient from Sri Lanka under the coveted category "Climate Change Initiative." This attractive invitation to experience Jaffna was carried across the Airlines' vast network, including its single largest market, India, which is connected to the island with over 80 flights a week out of 9 Indian cities. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

ANI PR Wire 9th September 2024, 19:52 GMT+10

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