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    Thailand island hopping guide

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    30th April 2015 by Friends of Rickshaw • 9 min read

    A guide to Thailand island hopping

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    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 and cosy beach bungalows on Ko Hai, they 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

    thailand_westcoast_map

    longtail boats on the beach in thailand

    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 to choose from. 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 Lanta?

    Ko Yao Yai - The Undiscovered Paradise

    beach hut

    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 Hai - Peaceful and Authentic

    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 the castaway shores of Ko Hai where you can wake up to the sound of the lapping waves from your cosy beach hut.

    Ko Lanta - Phi Phi's Laid-back Neighbour

    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…

    Man looking at the water

    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 Hai.

    Thai lady sitting on step with tourist

    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.

    Looking for something a little different?

    Find out more about the real Thailand, from elephant encounters to pristine lakes nestled in amongst the rain forests, Thailand has more to offer than you might think.

    5 Tips for a meaningful Thailand adventure

    South East Thailand Islands

    Season: January- September

    thailand_eastcoast_map

    people snorkelling at ko tao thailand

    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 Tao - White Sands of Turtle Island

    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 Phangan - Beautiful Bays and Luscious Rainforest

    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).

    Ko Samui - Top Dining and Laid-back Charm

    Central East Thailand Islands

    Season: October – April

    waterfall at ko chang thailand

    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.

    Ko Chang - Wildlife & Waterfall Island

    Create the perfect island hopping holiday

    Discover Thailand using our support and local knowledge. Build your own Thailand island hopping travel plan by mix-and-matching our bite-size trips, or check out our pre-made beaches and islands itinerary.

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    Written by Friends of Rickshaw

    Here you can read posts from travel bloggers, chums who have previously worked with us and our local guides and drivers from across the globe.

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