Island Hopping - Let’s explore the Islands in Thailand and decide where should we stay for a night

Thawatchai Prommai
12 Mar 2021 - 9 min read

Summer is coming and the first destination that comes to our mind is of course, the beach and paradise island! Because not only you can stay chill and relax on the island but there are many activities for you to do so that you don’t have to go and travel anywhere else. For example, diving or snorkelling are the most common activities while staying on the island. You can try surfboarding or kayaking as well. But sometimes, it is hard to decide which island you should visit for your next trip. We have come up with 15 islands in Thailand for you to decide!

But first, you have to consider a way of travelling as well. If it’s not that far and has ferry service then you can book a rental car with Traveloka and drive there by yourself. But if it’s far then we recommend you to take a flight instead. Book a cheap flight with Traveloka to save up your time and money. With the latest feature ‘Price Alerts’ that help you compare prices from each airline. Guarantee you to get the best and cheapest price available in the market.

1. Ko Lan

Starting with a place near Bangkok. Ko Lan is an island in Pattaya city, Chonburi. This place is just roughly 2-3 hours from Bangkok so you can just drive there easily. Even though it’s not very far and the ocean is the Gulf of Thailand, the beauty of the ocean is amazing like Andaman too. It is popular for Thai people and lots of tourists so expect a lively island. Offering many fun and exciting activities on this island such as jet ski, diving or squid fishing. Various and affordable accommodations to choose from with fresh seafood available on the island too.

2. Ko Kham

A small yet beautiful island which is located near Bangkok too. This tiny island is in Sattahip, Chonburi but also has everything to offer like a big and famous one as well. It is quite small so many tourists choose to do a one-day trip instead. But there are some hotels and accommodations provided.

3. Ko Kut

Located in the most far east of Thailand, Trat. A charming island that has been called ‘Andaman of the east’. It is best to chill and relax here with less crowd. Lots of interesting hotels and resorts in this island too like pool villas and a private beach. Offering various activities like kayaking, diving or just relaxing in the hotel, looking at the peaceful ocean is enough. Don’t forget to walk on a wooden bridge toward the sea and get some good pictures.

4. Ko Lipe

Ko Lipe is located south of Thailand, in Satun province. Famous for its diving spots, full of fascinating coral reefs and lively marine life. Walking along fine white beaches and having some romantic time during the sunset. Because it is quite a famous island for both Thai people and foreigners, there are a number of hotels available to choose from.

5. Ko Samui

One of the most famous islands in Thailand that has become a dream destination of many tourists around the world. Not only does it offer a beautiful natural environment but there are many spots to visit too, like café, temples, viewpoints and waterfalls. Of course, there are numerous hotels from 5 stars to just a bungalow. Have a blast on this island but expect the crowd too. It is situated in Surat Thani so you better take a cheap flight there instead of driving to save time.

6. Ko Tao

Ko Tao is also an island in Surat Thani, perfect for those who love to dive and explore underwater worlds. Because of the richness of marine life and coral reefs, it keeps attracting divers from many places. It is quite a big island so you can explore by riding a rental bike at an affordable price. Amazing and interesting resorts are available here as well.

7. Ko Samae San

Coming back to Sattahip, Chonburi. A deep blue ocean with white beaches on Ko Samae San is what attracts tourists to this place. However, there are only 2 beaches to allow swimming in the ocean which are Tien Beach and Look Lom beach. You can climb up on a hill and get the best view of the ocean from atop. Hotels on this island are more affordable and simpler if comparing to famous islands like Ko Samui or Ko Tao

8. Ko Chang

Another famous island in Trat, Ko Chang welcomes every tourist around the world. You can expect beautiful ocean and beaches but also lots of tourists as well. Choose to relax on a beach or go exploring the island like visiting a viewpoint or doing a diving trip. With a wide range of hotels, you will be sure to find the right one.

9. Ko Samet

Another paradise island of Thailand that is famous for its amazing ocean and beaches. Ko Samet is in Rayong with both peaceful and quiet beaches or lively and crowded beaches. You will spot a big statue of a giantess from a Thai fiction as one of the attractions of the island. Visit a temple or check-in at some viewpoint or choose to go on a diving trip – your choice.

10. Ko Phayam

With the nickname of ‘Maldives of Thailand’. Ko Phayam, located in Rayong, is a mountainous island in the far west. But the highlight of this island is that when it’s time for a high tide, it will turn a hotel into a house in the middle of the sea – so it’s very interesting and worth a stay! You will also find rare species of animal and Mogan villagers on this island.

11. Ko Man Nork

A private island with only one resort available. Ko Man Nork will make sure that you will get the most peaceful and privacy trip. Only 22 rooms. Try snorkelling or fishing with no crowd and get fresh seafood for dinner with a fantastic view. Truly a place where you will find tranquillity.

12. Ko Racha Yai

A tiny island in Phuket with few beaches available for tourists. You will find a private life and stay on this island but still offering deep blue sea and white sand like any other islands. Locals are now starting to develop the island into a tourist destination so there are only a few hotels to choose from. It is also a place with beautiful diving spots.

13. Ko Sichang

This island has numbers of locals living here and is an important one as the previous King used to visit and stay for a night. So not only do you get to see amazing beaches, there are attractions as well like unique and ancient buildings of royalty and interesting temples. You will find a wide range of hotels from simple to appealing ones.

14. Ko Talu

An island with a long and oval shape. Located in Prachuap Khiri Khan. With clear water you can do diving and snorkelling just fine. But the landmark of this island is a rock cliff and large rock cavity, made by sea and wind erosion from ages ago. You can choose to go camping, trekking or climbing the mountain on this island too. The hotels here are simple and down-to-earth but make sure to give you privacy.

15. Ko Kradat

Last but not least, a peaceful island called ‘Ko Kradat’ in Trat with amazing ocean and beaches as usual. But what made it interesting is on this island there are free-roaming deer too! It is a simple place with habitants. Lots of unseen spots but with limited hotels offering.

And that’s is the Island-Hopping trip! We hope you can decide which island to go and stay for a night or two. There are both lively and crowded islands to small and private ones. Choose the one that suits you most and start planning your next vacation.

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