A Beginner’s Guide To Island Hopping In Thailand

Islands in Thailand are nothing but a piece of heaven. This is the reason island hopping in Thailand is gaining immense popularity all across the world. On the island, you are closest to nature and enjoy end number of activities as per your interest.

We are bringing the best Thai islands to you so that you can have a seamless experience in this paradise-like country.

Best Time For Island Hopping In Thailand

1. From November to December, the area experiences monsoons, which means rough sea
2. The dry season is ideal for island hopping that is between January to April
3. Keep in mind that January-April is also peak season in Thailand, which means more crowd

How To Reach Islands In Thailand

1. By Road: All the cities are well connected by bus routes. Different parts of Thailand like Chanthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Ko Samui, Phuket etc are well connected by road. The frequency of buses is also convenientconvenient.
2. By Water: The fun way to reach the islands has to be through water. The serene turquoise waterways are the best mode of transport in Thailand. Ferry services are available everywhere to take you to your desired destination.
3. By Air: One can reach Bangkok by flight from any part of the world. Two airports in Bangkok- Suvarnabhumi Airport and the Don Mueang Airport are well connected to different parts of the world. These airports are in close proximity to the city center making it a convenient choice of transport.

Ko Phi Phi Island

Ko Phi Phi is a popular island among tourists in Thailand situated along the Andaman sea. The beauty of the beaches on this island is incredible. You can take endless Insta-worthy pictures here.

Major attractions

• Relax and unwind at Lane Beach
• Take a leisurely walk at Yao Beach
• Indulge in some breathtaking views at Hin Khao Beach

How to Reach 

To reach Ko Phi Phi Island, you can take a ferry from Phuket. Ferry services are also available from other nearby locations such as Ao Nang, Railay, Krabi Town and Ko Lanta.

Where To Stay 

Here are the top 5 recommendations for a comfortable and luxurious stay in Ko Phi Phi:

• Zeavola Resort
• SAii Phi Phi Island Village
• Phi Phi Holiday Resort
• Phi Phi The Beach Resort
• P.P. Erawan Palms Resort

Koh Racha Island

Around 12- km away from Phuket, Koh Racha is one of the best islands in Thailand for adventurous water activities like diving and snorkeling.

Major Attractions

1. Indulge in water activities like snorkeling and diving
2. Bask in natural beauty at Ao Siam

How To Reach

Easy transfers are available from Chalong Pier or Rawai of Phuket through speedboat or long tail. Depending on the speed the trip takes around 45 minutes to reach the island.

Where To Stay

Here are the top-rated resorts for a memorable stay in Ko Racha island:

• The Racha
• Racha Island Resort by Rayaburi Group
• Bungalow Raya Resort
• Ban Raya Resort & Spa
• Raya Father Resort

Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions In Thailand You Cannot Miss

Similan Islands, Phang Nga

Similand ilands have gained popularity among tourists around the world for being one of the best islands in Thailand. They are settled about 84 kilometers from Phuket. The unbeatable underwater beauty of this place makes it one of the favourite destinations for island hopping in Thailand.

Major Attractions:

1. Water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing and swimming
2. 9 islands to provide you plenty for exploration

How To Reach:

The nearest launching point to the islands is Thap Lamu Pier in the Thai Muang district of Phang Nga. It is advised to check the availability before the visit.

Where To Stay:

• The Anda Mani Khaolak Beachfront Villas
• Khaolak Emerald Beach Resort & Spa
• JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa
• The Briza Beach Resort Khaolak 
• The Haven Khao Lak

James Bond Island

The island became a popular tourist destination after being featured in a James Bond movie. It gets millions of tourists every year and it’s a great place in Thailand for island hopping. This island falls under a national park and can be viewed through boat rides or by reaching a small beach on Koh Ping Ghan.

Major Attractions

1. Cliffs made of limestones and emerald water is the highlight of James Bond island
2. Ideal for island hopping
3. One of the most quiet islands in Thailand, it’s island for sunbathing and swimming

How To Reach

One can reach James Bond island through a ferry or boat from Phuket or Phang Nga.

Where To Stay

• Coastal Escape Koh Yao Noi
• Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort
• Koyao Bay Pavilions
• The Surin Phuket
• The Chava Resort

Koh Lipe Island

No island tour in Thailand is complete without visiting Koh Lipe island which is known for its pristine beauty. The long stretch of white sands, mesmerizing view of sunrises, this is one of the islands in Thailand that are meant to behold in memory forever. 

Major Attractions

1. Take a walk of pristine white sand of the beach
2. Do not miss the exquisite sunrise view here
3. Snorkel off the beach
4. Experience one-in-a-lifetime aquatic life

How To Reach

You can take a speedboat or ferry from Pak Barra Pier to reach Koh Lipe island

Where To Stay

• Adang Island Resort
• Ananya Lipe Resort
• Lipe Banyan Apartments
• The Sunflower Lipe
• Family Song Koh Lipe

Useful Tips For Thailand Island Hopping

• Don’t try to rush for visiting as many islands as possible:

It might make sense to see everything there is, but it’s rather preferred to visit limited places and enjoy them to the fullest.

• Don’t always be on the move

Not only it’ll tire you physically and mentally, but you’ll also end up spending most of your time on buses, planes and ferries. It just means seeing bits and pieces in a fragment of time.

Also Read: Helpful travel Tips To Thailand Visitors 

• Pick a hub island

Island hopping demands the places to be well connected. Hub islands are well-connected with large options of ferries and day tours

• Get a room with AC and mosquito net

The tropical humid nature can ruin your luxurious trip to islands in Thailand. Choose your hotel accordingly