Thailand Island Hopping: Your Guide to Adventure

Travel starts with curiosity. Thailand islands, with their pristine beaches, clear blue waters and vibrant sea life, beckon every wanderlust-driven traveller. Picking just one island? Impossible. So, we go island hopping!

The Gems of the Andaman Sea

The Andaman Sea houses some of Thailand’s most popular islands. Phuket is the biggest one, teeming with entertainment and shopping opportunities amidst beautiful natural surroundings. Right off Phuket’s shores, you’ll find Phi Phi islands – the filming location for the movie The Beach. Remember Leonardo DiCaprio swimming in emerald-green waters? That’s Phi Phi.

• Phuket: Known for its nightlife especially around Patong Beach, but don’t miss the Old Town’s charming Sino-Portuguese buildings. Visit the Big Buddha monument or the Wat Chalong Temple to add a cultural touch to your beach holiday.
• Phi Phi: On Phi Phi Don, the larger island, long-tail boats await to take you to the smaller Phi Phi Leh. Visit Maya Bay, where The Beach was filmed. Keep in mind that it’s currently closed for environmental recovery. The good news? There are other equally stunning spots like Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave.

The Serenity of the Gulf of Thailand

On the other side of the peninsula, the Gulf of Thailand is home to more idyllic islands. Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao await. These islands offer a more laid-back atmosphere compared to the Andaman side.

• Koh Samui: Famous for luxury resorts and spa retreats. But it’s not all elite and exclusive. Samui’s Chaweng Beach offers a lively night scene and the Fisherman’s Village is a haven for food enthusiasts.
• Koh Phangan: Home of the world-famous Full Moon Party. But beyond its wild parties, explore the unspoiled beaches and snorkeling sites or take a yoga retreat to escape the crowd.
• Koh Tao: The smallest but not lacking in charm. It’s a diver’s paradise offering affordable PADI scuba diving certification courses.

Southern Thailand’s Lesser-Known Isles

Nestled in the deep southern end of Thailand are the tranquil islands of Koh Lipe and Koh Tarutao. They are part of the Tarutao National Marine Park, offering a raw and uncommercialized side of Thailand.

• Koh Lipe: Nicknamed the ‘Maldives of Thailand’, its powdery white beaches and crystal clear water housing a plethora of marine life offer a picturesque view from sunrise to sunset. Walking Street, the main area, comes to life at night with vendors selling a variety of goods and delicacies.
• Koh Tarutao: Once an infamous prison island, today it’s a peace-filled haven. With no accommodation other than the national park’s bungalows, it preserves its natural beauty and is ideal for adventurers willing to rough it a bit.

Island Hopping Tips

For successful island hopping, remember these tips. Plan your trip during Thailand’s dry season, from November to April.

• Give each island at least 2-3 days for a wholesome experience.
• Type of travel: Budget or luxury, plan accordingly. Phi Phi and Samui come with a higher price tag than Koh Phangan or Koh Tao.
• No need to book ferries in advance, except during peak seasons like December and January. Remember, keep your itineraries flexible.

Ticking off each of these islands from your bucket list might take a bit of time. But hey, where’s the rush? Kick off your shoes, soak up the sun, sip a fresh coconut, savour the flavours of spicy Pad Thai, and be enraptured by the pure joy of island hopping in Thailand.