Areas: Islands of Thailand

Islands of Thailand:

Koh Chang, Koh Lanta, Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Samed - Who hasn’t dreamed of getting away to a tropical island? Thailand has been blessed with an abundance of such paradises, from the luxurious tourist havens of Phuket and Koh Samui to small hidden isles off the beaten track where home is a modest shack on the beach.

The islands represent tropical Thailand, and despite recent development, relaxing and inexpensive hideaways are still easy to find. Island accommodation varies from basic huts to luxury hotels.

Near to Bangkok:
The Eastern Seaboard offers attractive island retreats. Koh Samed is a national park paradise just 4-5 hours from Bangkok by road and boat. All its beaches are beautiful, but Hat Sai Kaew and Ao Wong Deuan are rather overdeveloped, with too many jet skis and speedboats: Ao Hin Kok and Ao Pai are quieter alternatives. Further along is Koh Chang, Thailand’s second largest island. Also a national park, it is covered in pristine rainforest with mangroves along its coast. As a wildlife sanctuary, it supports birds, deer, wild pigs, mongoose, snakes and lizards.

Pearl of the Andaman:
Phuket in the Andaman Sea is the country’s largest, busiest island. Diving, sailing and fishing are everywhere, but for those seeking less activity, Phuket’s stunning beaches will keep you unoccupied. Patong, Karon and Kata are very popular with tourists, but most of the others are relatively peaceful and unspoiled. Nearby is idyllic Koh Phi Phi. This is worth a holiday in itself, although day-trips from Phuket and Krabi are easy enough. Further south, Koh Lanta and Koh Libong are more off the beaten track.

Islands in the Gulf:
Koh Samui, with its abundance of pubs and discotheques, is on the eastern side of the southern peninsular along with Koh Phangan, legendary among partygoers for its full-moon raves. Both islands are internationally famous for their excellent beaches and strange oval rock formations.