Koh Chang, Koh Lanta, Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Samui – Who has not dreamed of going to a tropical island? Thailand is blessed with an abundance of paradises. From the luxurious havens such as Phuket and Koh Samui to small hidden islands secluded from everything with a modest cabana on the beach.
The islands represent tropical Thailand and in spite of recent development, peaceful and inexpensive hideaways are still easy to find. Island accommodations range from basic cabins to luxury hotels.
Close to Bangkok:
The eastern side of the country offers amazing island retreats. Koh Samed is a national park paradise 4-5 hours from Bangkok by bus/taxi and boat. All the beaches are beautiful, but the Hat Sai Kaew and Ao Wong deuan are particularly popular, with a lot of jet skis and speedboats. Ao Hin Kok and Ao Pai are quieter beach alternatives. A little further south, we find Koh Chang – Thailand’s second largest island. Also a national park, covered by pristine rainforest with mangroves along the coast and great beaches.
Andamans Perls:
Phuket in the Andaman Sea is the largest and busiest island in Thailand. Diving, boating, fishing and golf are popular activities, but Phuket’s stunning beaches are not to be forgotten. Patong, Karon and Kata are very popular with tourists, while other towns are relatively peaceful and unspoiled.
Nearby is picturesque Koh Phi Phi. The island is worth the visit and it can be done in a day trip from both Phuket and Krabi.
Further south are the bounty islands of Koh Lanta and Koh Libe.
Islands in the Gulf of Thailand:
KOH SAMUI
For many years, this was a backpacker’s paradise. With its excellent beaches, it became popular for people of all ages with its abundance of pubs and night clubs. On the eastern side of the southern peninsula lies Koh Phangan, famously known among party people for its Full Moon Party. Both islands are internationally renowned for their superb beaches.
KOH TAO
In the mid 80s, word spread about Ko Tao’s beauty. Today, tourism is the main income instead of money from the production of coconuts and fish. The growing interest in the island has made it possible to improve and increase the facilities by building bungalows with electricity and air conditioning, offering reasonably good selection of restaurants and setting up 20 diving centers.
Beaches: Coral Beach, south of Coral Beach Resort, is a small beach with cliffs, rocks and palm trees. Sai Ree is the longest beach with two kilometers and fine-grained sand. You can find tourists, sun loungers and shade here. Chaloak Baan Kao Beach is located south of Mae Hat. The beach is graveled and elongated and in high season it can get cramped.
Activities: Ko Tao is the absolute favorite island with all divers and snorkelers. The competition among the many dive centers has led to the lowest prices of diving courses and trips in Thailand. It is possible to dive all year round, but it is at its best in April-June and September-October.
KOH PHANGAN
The mornings on Koh Phangan are peaceful as most people do not go out before lunchtime. In the evenings, most people are at the beach. You sit in groups on pillows in the sand with you legs crossed by the flickering fire. It seems some travelers are in their own world. Maybe true, as Ko Phangan unfortunately attracts many people looking for and doing drugs. If you do not want to risk damaging your health and/or end up in prison, do not try this!
Ko Phangan offers mountains with dense vegetation and beautiful waterfalls. Perfect for a jungle adventure.
Beaches: The most popular beaches are Eastern and Western Haad Rin, located on either side of Cape Rin on Koh Phangan. The eastern beach stretches in a beautiful, classical curve with fine-grained sand. The western beach has become less and less clean.
Activities: The west coast offers fine reefs up to 20 meters. This is the perfect diving and snorkeling place. Ko Phangan is barely big enough for one to bike but there are bike rentals on the island though. Each month the infamous Full Moon Party takes place, which lures thousands of people out to dance on the beach, drinking beer and more.