A guide to Thailand island hopping

Looking to explore Thailand’s famous islands but not sure where to start? Maybe you want to delve deeper into Thailand and discover for yourself what’s beneath its tropical surface.  Our handy Thailand island hopping guide shows how to combine Thailand’s tropical beaches, azure waters and luscious rainforest with authentic and meaningful travel experiences.

Try our village life homestays, ethical elephant experiences, community-run sustainable lodges and national park tours before capturing that castaway feeling on Thailand’s less-discovered islands.  From the rustling palms on the coral island of Ko Raya to the cosy beach bungalows on Ko Hai, there are some great alternatives to the crowds of Ko Phi Phi and Ko Samui – the most-visited islands in Thailand.

Whether you want to create your own itinerary using our bite-sized trips or make the most of our travel specialists’ insider knowledge (leave them to do all the leg work!) – your Thailand island hopping adventure is just around the corner. Take a look at our Planning Your Thailand Holiday for different types of Thailand travel if you’re after something a little different.

South West Thailand Islands

Season: November – April

Ko Yao Yai – The Undiscovered Paradise

Of all of Thailand’s islands and beaches, Ko Yao Yai is possibly the least developed. Located just off the coast of Phuket, Ko Yao Yai offers tranquillity, beautiful beaches and great snorkelling all within easy access from the mainland.

There are a few shops and restaurants on the island but take enough cash or a credit card with you, as there are no ATMs here. Its limestone cliffs, secluded white beaches and a beautiful lagoon make Ko Yao Yai one of the top spots for an authentic Thai island experience.

Where to go next: If you’d like to continue soaking up the sun, why not take a break on the sandy shores of Ko Raya, with a one night stay in Phuket in between?

Ko Hai – Peaceful and Authentic

Ko Hai is easily accessible from Ko Lanta or from Trang on the mainland and is also known as Robinson Crusoe Island– a deserted island fantasy. This tiny island only measures 4 kilometres long and 2 kilometres wide and is covered by tropical forest indented with rocky headlands and beautiful bays with glistening white sands, turquoise seas and very few tourists (except for the occasional crab-eating monkey). This is a peaceful and authentic tropical Island and a “get
away from the crowds” experience; a perfect way to relax and unwind.

Where to go next: Most people choose to end their Thailand holiday on the hidden island of Ko Hai. However, if you’re searching for more sunshine elsewhere, we suggest discovering the flavours of Ko Lanta where you can show off your culinary skills in a local cookery class and stay in a beach bungalow.

Ko Lanta – Phi Phi’s Laid-back Neighbour

Ko Lanta is a protected island, great for snorkelling and is considered by many to be one of the best dive spots of all of Thailand’s islands. This diverse island is known for its idyllic long stretches of white sand beaches, dense mangrove forests and caves and lagoons perfect for exploring. It also has lots of adventure activities to try if you do get restless! You could try an introductory cookery or massage course, or simply put your feet up and relax with a fruit shake and a good book!

Where to go next: If you wish to continue island hopping from Ko Lanta, we recommend heading to the turquoise bay of Ko Phi Phi or the castaway shores of Ko Hai where you can wake up to lapping waves from your cosy beach hut.

Ko Raya – Tranquil Coral Island

Located just 45 minutes by speedboat from Phuket, this small coral island offers a departure from the more developed area of Thailand. There are no ATM’s or roads here so it’s the perfect place to relax and get away from it all. Siam Bay offers sandy shores and glistening waters whilst some of the other bays offer great coral to snorkel amongst. Popular with day-trippers, this island can be fairly busy during the day but after sunset it becomes a lovely relaxing place to enjoy a delicious meal and a few cocktails.

Where to go next: If you want to continue your Thailand Island Hopping trip to another tropical destination, we recommend heading to the island of Ko Yao Yai from Phuket.

Ko Phi Phi – Something For Everyone

Situated off the west coast of Thailand between Phuket and Krabi, Ko Phi Phi is one of the travel hotspots of Thailand. Its white sandy beaches, turquoise seas, and swaying palm trees have rightfully put it on the map.

The vibrant main town at Tonsai Bay has many bars, restaurants, and shops to keep you busy. The island is home to a bit of a party scene, but some of the more remote beaches offer a real postcard-perfect paradise away from the hustle and bustle. Go to the dreamy cove of Maya Bay in early morning to avoid the daytrippers and you may just have the place to yourself.

Where to go next: From Ko Phi Phi, we suggest visiting the white sands and swaying palms of neighbouring Ko Lanta or the secluded snorkelling island of Ko Raya which you can reach by ferry.

Meaningful twists to an Island Hopping itinerary

Whether you’re planning on heading South West or South East there are great opportunities to travel with meaning during your island hopping adventures.  Some of our faves include…

Khao Sok – Giant Trees and Lakes

Venture to the giant trees and lakes of Khao Sok National Park – a must-see for nature lovers and jungle explorers alike.  Staying in community run lodges – built with sustainability top of mind – and enjoying river canoe trips and guided tours in the National Park. The lodge and tours are all run by the community, helping to boost the local economy and employment.

Where to go next: from Khao Sok head to the islands in the South West and enjoy the azure waters and swaying palms of Ko Lanta or the secluded snorkelling island of Ko Raya.

Khlong Noi – Learning About Local Life

A relatively undiscovered area just 30 minute drive from Surat Thani lies Khlong Noi.  Stay with a Thai host family and take a trip up the river to discover for yourself all the work that goes into cleaning up the river and the mangroves by the local community. There’s all sorts to try out from shrimp fishing to carpentry. It’s a great way to understand more about the daily lives of the warm and welcoming people of Southern Thailand.

Where to go next: from Khlong Noi head to the islands in the South East and enjoy the relaxing vibes of Ko Phangan or the small island of Ko Tao, a diver’s paradise.

South East Thailand Islands

Season: January- September

Ko Tao – White Sands of Turtle Island

Located in the Gulf of Thailand approximately 2 hours north of Ko Samui by ferry, is Ko Tao, or Turtle Island. It is the smallest island in this area and offers a laid-back vibe. You can snorkel straight off the beach, kayak in the turquoise waters or visit Nangyuan National Park where you can walk across the sand bank at low tide. Ko Tao has a mixture of lively bars, great fish restaurants and remote accommodation and the coral surrounding the small island is a diver’s paradise!

Where to go next: If you’ve had your fill of snorkelling and diving, why not head to Ko Samui to soak up the lively island life or dip your toes in the surf and enjoy the beautiful sunsets at Ko Phangan?

Ko Phangan – Beautiful Bays and Luscious Rainforest

Only an hour’s ferry ride away from Ko Samui lies Ko Phangan; an island in Thailand that may well be known for its full moon parties but has so much more to offer. Home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand – Thong Nai Pan Noi and Yai. Situated in the North-East these stunning bays have tons of atmosphere, cushions on the beach, fire-dancing shows, beautiful sunsets and fantastic seas for swimming in. More than half the island is a designated National Park, with pristine rainforest where you can explore the island’s diverse flora and fauna.

Where to go next: If you want to explore more islands during you Thailand island hopping adventure, from Ko Phangan you can also visit Ko Tao or neighbouring Ko Samui.

Ko Samui – Top Dining and Laid-back Charm

An island of glorious sandy beaches, fabulous restaurants and a lively nightlife, Ko Samui is one of Thailand’s most popular destinations and is easily accessible with its own airport. This island has seen a lot of development and although it still enjoys a laid-back charm it can be very touristy. The main beaches of Chaweng and Lamai are on the east coast of the island and offer great beaches, a vibrant nightlife and excellent markets while the island’s centre is mountainous and well worth exploring. Don’t forget to visit the north and the tiny fishing village of Bo Phut with its boutique dining options and quirky handicrafts.

Where to go next: If you fancy a quieter island experience and a spot of diving during your Thailand adventure, from Ko Samui you can travel to Ko Phangan (1 hour ferry ride) or Ko Tao (3 hour journey).

Central East Thailand Islands

Season: October – April

Ko Chang – Wildlife & Waterfall Island

Thailand’s second largest island, Ko Chang is situated close to the border with Cambodia and is only a 5hr drive from Bangkok. Relatively undeveloped, the interior of the island is great for vigorous treks, climbing waterfalls along the hiking trails and exploring the unspoilt dense forests. The white sandy beaches have clear calm seas, perfect for swimming and various snorkelling and diving trips can be booked locally.