It’s like playing connect the dots in the ocean.
When it come to thegorgeous beachesof southernThailand , many people instantly think of Phuket , Krabi , Ko Phi Phi Le ( whereThe Beachfilming is everlastingly imprinted on the country ) , or the general west side of the sea-coast around there . Lesser - known but more adventuresome is the eastern side of the peninsula . There you ’ll find three master island — Koh Samui , Koh Tao , and Koh Phangan — surrounded by many small island .
The ace move here is to remove up each of the three master ones , overnighting it for a day or two , and then make solar day stumble to the small ones as you go . That ’s right , we ’re talking about island hoppingwithinan island hopping slip . For this reason , you may want to leave some wiggle room in your agenda for that last minute of arc desire to extend the trip and stay just a little longer .
Most travelers begin their journey flying from Bangkok into Koh Samui , known as one of the most beautiful aerodrome in the world . Without the occasional aeroplane taking flight , you ’d barely recognize this haven as an airdrome . A river flows through this open air layout , which feel more like a picturesque shopping mall with parking area , swings , shops , Thai solid food stalls , and beach bars where passengers can sit and savor their last Singha before heading home plate .
Islands upon islands.|Guitar photographer/Shutterstock
Once on Koh Samui , the island hopping adventure begins , which is as casual and straightforward as admit the ferry from Manhattan to Staten Island or from Seattle to Bainbridge Island — except for the obvious : you ’re in one of the most beautiful commonwealth in the world . You ’d be surprise by how much a quick a 50 minute flight from Bangkok changes the scenery , as you enter an haven where dealings lighter are nonexistent and Starbucks cup are replace with fresh coconuts . Here ’s what to do on each of the three island .
Celebrate on Koh Samui
After being a ghost Ithiel Town for the retiring two years , Koh Samui ’s “ company district ” Chaweng Beach has made a comeback in a fully grown way . While this region leans more toward a touristed vibe and backpacker culture , it ’s great for potable on the beach , take heed to local DJs , and meeting fellow travelers who are here for equal theatrical role relaxation and rambunctiousness . you’re able to post up at most resorts trace the shoring for detached if you grease one’s palms a beverage , enjoying your fresh fruit smoothy and cocktails in the float daybeds on the beach .
Many places , likeThe Stay Chaweng Beach Resorthave kayaks and SUP boards to pull , so you’re able to bask in the blue water between intermittent naps and mojitos . You ’d be remiss not to treat yourself to the best Thai massage of your life ( for only about $ 7 USD ) at one of the pop - up tables lining the beach . By night , place likeArk Barturn into beachfront nightclubs with impressive fire show .
For a more repose - back beach twenty-four hour period , head northwards on the island to Maenam or Hat Mae Nam beach . In this domain , you ’ll ascertain thrill tiki ginmill , Fishermen ’s Village , and a livelynight market . The string lights and music will lure you in as you browse stands wangle up curry , hand-crafted dumpling , fresh uni , mango unenviable rice , and even fried scorpion skewers if you ’re feel daring . One you ’ve loaded up on the island ’s best nutrient experience , allow a noodle base on the beach in front ofCoco Tam ’s . The two - story bar and restaurant boasts one of the most impressive DJ sets and fire shows on the island that boats line up to see .
Overlap Stone has rewarding views.|Bangprikphoto/Shutterstock
While the beach is constantly prognosticate your name on these islands , you wo n’t need to lose out on cultural landmarks like the Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem Buddhist temple . And do n’t exit without immerse yourself in the island ’s jungle life with an ATV turn , visit to the elephant refuge , hike to Na Mueang waterfall or to the Overlap Stone viewpoint ( which is a steep walk and not for the faint of affectionateness ) , discover some racy rock-and-roll formations nickname the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks , and sneaking away to the obscure Crystal Bay Beach .
Dive underwater in Koh Tao
Next up is Koh Tao , which is the smallest of the east Thai island and is know for its world - renowned scuba diving spots . While laying on the beach may never get old for many of us , this island will get you down into the depths of the ocean . calculate on the level of adventure you ’re seek , companies likeGoodtime Adventuresoffer a superfluity of activities ranging from snorkel cruises to deep sea diving . ratify up for one of their twenty-four hours excursions , which will cruise you around the island ( so you do n’t have to arrange your own water taxi ) and show you some of the most sought - out spots for getting up close and personal with underwater wildlife .
TheSnorkel Party Cruiseis arrant for those who desire a relaxed atmosphere and a hazard to search Koh Tao both under and above the water . love a day of snorkeling , swimming , repose out on the boat ’s topdeck with an ice cold Leo , and a stop at yet another island , Koh Nang Yuan , where you may savor on the beach or climb to the viewpoint for an unbelievable view of Koh Tao from offshore .
Want to go deeper ? The company , as well as many others on the island , also offers intro , advanced , and open - water system scuba diving lessons and day trips . Get certified ( for a much better terms than back in the states ) and swim amongst the world ’s most unbelievable Pisces the Fishes and reef . And if that ’s not make bold enough , agree out the island ’s Shark Bay to float with baby shark or a more remote spotlight like Tanote Bay , filled with boulder for spotting hidden sealife or cliff jumping .
The temple of Wat Plai Laem is an eye-catcher.|Sandro Bisaro/Moment/Getty Images
If your ocean ramification are n’t up to par , that ’s quite alright ; there are plenty of harbor activities on nation , as well . sway climbing will take you on top of Koh Tao ’s mountains , or you could bask the daylight in townsfolk exploring the windy backstreets filled with local eateries , breakers shops , and beachside bar .
For an excellent meal , Sang Ka Koh Tao is a darling household - possess restaurant that has delicious whole Pisces and Khao Soi ( a mouthwatering northern Thai dish with noodles , coconut curry broth , and juicy volaille ) . But our favorite out of sight gem was a food stand , up the street from the wharf and across from the 7/11 that was whipping out slobber - worthy satay skewer . If you ’ve had too many gamey Thai peppers or just need to add up some variety to your repast , Thaitahas amazing Italian intellectual nourishment , like the tortellini top with half-pint and calamary or gnocchi with blue-blooded high mallow . Spots likeKoppeeandNatural Highare great for savor the views with some coffee or cocktails , and a night out atFish Bowlis a must for karaoke and partying alongside every tourer on the island .
Escape to quieter parts of Koh Phangan
Before you say , Hang on , is n’t this a well - known company island?—hear us out . Yes , Koh Phangan is home plate to the monthly Full Moon political party that takes seat on Sunset beach . And while you in all probability did n’t travel across the creation to booze gin buckets with backpackers and work board student , it is surely a survey to see if you happen to be on the island during one . The all - night extravaganza consist of facepaint , DJ ’s , fireshows , dancing along the beach and catch a once - in - a - life-time first light , if you make it until the end .
But what many holidaymaker do n’t know about Koh Phangan is that the Union seacoast is much quieter , filled with white backbone beach , beautiful rooftop restaurants , succulent mountains , jolty cliffs , and secret waterfall . If you ’re seeking some reprieve from the party scene , visit the fishing village Ao Chaloklum , the golden sands of Haad Khom ( also have it off as Bottle Beach ) , Thong Nai Pan beach ’s surrounding rainforests , and hidden Beach . A reserve atTomorrow X High Life Villasis a must for a rooftop dinner , tropical cocktails , lounging in the infinity puddle , and pick up an epic sunset .
And last , like the others on this list , the island hopping does not stop once you ’ve reach your name and address . company likeOrion Boat Tripsoffer full daytime excursion that will take you off the sea-coast to the famous Ang Thong National Marine Park island . One of Thailand ’s National Parks , this famous archipelago of 42 islands is satisfy with wildlife , out of sight caves , quartz glass blue lagoons and is the backdrop for several motion-picture show let in the James Bond island fromThe Man With the Golden Gun .
Got on or under the water in Koh Tao.|sittitap/Shutterstock
Orion ’s local guides pack in a fun - fill day with several stops for snorkeling , kayaking , a sojourn to the Ta Le Nai Lagoon ( known as the Emerald Lake or Blue Lagoon ) , and a salary increase to the Wua Ta Lap stand , which offers a spectacular bird’s-eye vista over all the islands . Back on the gravy holder , you ’ll enjoy local culinary art and captivate a cause of death sundown from the top deck on your way home .
Feel like a mermaid in these waters.|Goodtime Thailand
Koh Phangan has more than just a Full Moon party.|Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock
So many more islands to go.|Phangan Boat Trips
