Ultimate Thailand Island Hopping Guide

Thailand is full of jaw-dropping gorgeous islands. There are over 300 islands in Thailand. How do you know which islands are for you?

We’ve put together this ultimate Thailand island hopping guide to help plan your island hopping adventure in Thailand. We reached out to 26 travel bloggers who have done their fair share of Thailand island hopping and asked them for their favorite Thai islands.

With so many amazing places to visit in Thailand to pick from, we have organized a Thailand island hopping guide so you can easily plan your own island hopping trip.

If you only have two weeks in Thailand, we wouldn’t suggest picking two or three main islands and island hopping from there. Decide if you want to explore the islands in the Andaman Sea or the Gulf of Thailand.

*When looking for the best price and biggest selection of hotels in Thailand, check prices on Booking.com. We’ve found they are the best option and have a great cancelation policy.*

Phuket Island Hopping | Krabi Island Hopping | Koh Samui Island Hopping | Koh Lipe Island Hopping | Other Thailand Island Hopping

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Be aware several of the islands below are accessible during the high season November-May. The exact dates when the ferries start and stop change year to year. Double-check the dates before planning your Thailand island hopping route.

Several of the ferries between islands are closed during monsoon season for rough seas. That doesn’t mean you can’t visit them. You just won’t be able to island-hop as easily. If you want to document your trip, we highly suggest getting a drone. Click here to read our recommendations and tips from a professional drone pilot.

First Timers Guide – Must Know Thailand Travel Tips

Phuket

Recommended by: Sharon Where’s Sharon

Phuket can get a bad rap, but this island is big enough that there is something for everyone. There is no need to head to the infamous Patong at all. If you are looking to get away from it all very easily, then consider Mai Khao Beach in Phuket. This beautiful beach is very close to Phuket International Airport but feels a million miles away. At 11 kilometers long, it’s Phuket’s longest, and it’s also one of the least visited.

Related Article: Ultimate Thailand Honeymoon Guide

This is because it’s part of Sirinat National Park. There are a couple of spots that see more people, thanks to a couple of resorts, but the majority of the beach is blissfully deserted. There are no touts, massage places, or drink sellers, making this not a good choice if you like lots of options, but it’s perfect if you love long walks on the beach or enjoying Thailand’s natural wonders in peace and quiet.

Phuket Ferry Schedule & Tickets Click here

Phuket is a great place to start or end a Thailand island hopping trip. Phuket is easily accessible as it has an international airport, with several direct flights a day from Bangkok and other Thailand destinations. There are tons of things to do in Phuket.

For those of you who are keen scuba divers (or looking to get your open water course in Thailand), the Similan Islands offer some of the best diving in the country and, indeed South East Asia. Situated off the coast and reachable by dive boats from Phuket or, more commonly, Khao Lak this island chain boasts amazing beaches and a huge variety of dive sites.

World-famous spots like Richelieu Rock and Elephant Head Rock are packed full of incredible marine life – from macro through to big schools of barracuda, manta rays, and even whale sharks! Whether you love sprawling reefs, big swim-throughs, or peering out into the blue, it’s got something for everything.

If you’re looking to scuba dive in Thailand, it’s certainly the spot I’d put on the top of your bucket list – and an overnight liveaboard is the best way to check it out.

Getting to the Similan islands will involve a minibus and then a ferry. Most tourists visit on a Similan Islands day trip from Phuket. Divers prefer to do live-aboard trips out to the Similan Islands so they can spend several days exploring the underwater world. 

We loved it here as we had the opportunity to discover some deserted beaches and do a lot of relaxing. Going for a walk, we passed the odd motorbike and the 10 baht bus! Yep, you can buy anything from souvenirs to washing-up liquid from the 10 baht bus that circles the island! The island’s population (all 8,000 of them!) is predominately Muslim so the Massaman curries here are incredible and I can highly recommend them. 

Koh Yao Yai ferry schedule & tickets click here

The ferry from Krabi to Koh Yao Yai takes 40 minutes by speedboat. The speedboat from Phuket is only 30 minutes. Click here for the schedule and tickets.  It’s a perfect Thai Island to literally do nothing for a few days or more!  

This is not as expensive as it sounds — in fact, in our group of 3, it was far cheaper to rent the private boat than it was to take the group tour! Koh Hong has beautiful crystal clear water and calm water, so clear you can see fish swimming alongside you even without snorkel gear. Remember to bring your own lunch and plenty of sunscreen as there are no shops or restaurants on this tiny Koh!

Koh Hong is easily reachable from Krabi and Phuket.  There are several Koh Hong day trips that include a stop on the island.

Adventure seekers, pack your climbing shoes as there are tons of outdoor activities to do in Krabi! From rock climbing to cliff jumping, snorkeling and hiking, you can fill days exploring these beaches. But then again, you could also grab a mango, get yourself a spot of sand and soak up the peace and quiet! 

Krabi ferry schedule & tickets from click here

Krabi is easily accessible as it has an international airport, with several direct flights a day from Bangkok and other Thailand destinations. Krabi is a good place to base yourselves for a few days as you island hop around the area. There are tons of Krabi hotel options one for every budget. There are tons of things to do in Krabi island hopping, jungle tours, rock climbing, cooking classes, click here to see more.

Tonsai

Recommended by: ~ Nina Ragusa Where In The World Is Nina 

Tonsai is not technically a “Koh,” but it sure does feel like it! When you come in on your rickety long-tail boat (the only way to get there), you’ll be greeted with towering rock mountains boasting the most incredible backdrop to the clear water you’re gliding in on. This is a rock climbers paradise, an epic location for base jumpers, wandering flow artists are plentiful, and the views never grow old! 

I’d come here regularly when I was living in Krabi. There’s nothing quite like a day at the beach at this hippy haven. The vibes here are just like an island, super chill and laid-back. Day trips to nearby (actual) islands are easy, and Railay Beach is right there (you should definitely go).

Tonsai is a bit secluded and offers just a small selection of accommodation and food although things are changing! Many places, especially budget ones, still run on generators, and power isn’t available until the evening. Everything is walkable here, and there are no vehicles. Tonsai is one of my top happy places! Coming here for a day might turn into a few days (or weeks) fair warning! 

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The most spectacular view of the island is probably the huge limestone rock, which seems to balance in the water in front of the beach. This is actually the spot where most tourists come since Koh Poda is one of the islands included in the classical 4-island tours organized from Ao Nang.

For us, it’s well worth spending more time on the island than a shortstop during the latter excursion. Koh Poda is very close to Krabi, and the beautiful beaches are much less crowded than on more popular islands in the area. You can even spend a night here in one of the bungalows in the interior of the island.

Koh Poda day trips click here

Koh Poda is easily reachable from Krabi.  There are several day trips that include a stop to Koh Pada, some as low as 750 baht.

Only 25 kilometers south of Krabi, you would expect this to be a popular tourist destination, but surprisingly, other than the trickle of tourists that make their way to southern Koh Jum, Koh Pu remains almost entirely off the beaten tourist trail. 

Not known for its beaches, Koh Pu is more shallow and rocky just offshore. There are very few visitors here, though those who find their way here tend to want to keep it off the radar as it gives the feeling of a deserted island all to yourself.

The Internet is not great, as to be expected, on a deserted island, so this makes for a perfect place to disconnect, catch up on some reading, and enjoy your time with some fantastic local hosts. 

There aren’t many places to stay, though Sunset Bungalows (not to be confused with Sunset Bungalows in Koh Jum) are a fantastic refuge. Each bungalow is uniquely designed – ranging from a treehouse to a swinging bungalow suspended by ropes attached to palm trees and more. The food is delicious, and there is a tiny beach bar there too. If you want to escape, this may be the place to do it. 

Koh Pu/ Koh Jum is reachable via day trips or ferries from Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, and Koh Lanta. Ferries from Koh Lanta to Koh Jum/Koh Pu is one hour and costs 750 baht. Krabi to Koh Jum/Koh Pu is one hour and costs 650 baht.

Koh Jum is very laid back, with just the right amount of beach bars and restaurants to keep you entertained and feed in your visits. But what you will get instead are long and wild beaches, small villages and eateries, and fewer crowds or even beaches all to yourself, depending on the time of year you visit.

If your idea of traveling to an exotic locale without the massive crowds of Krabi, then head out south to Koh Jum.

During the day, an iconic photo of the long-tail boats in the bay is almost obligatory, and you can catch one out to the uninhabited Koh Phi Phi Leh. At night you can party at the beachfront bars with people from all over the world. Koh Phi Phi might seem overrun to some, but the beauty is still there behind the tourist trade, just waiting for you to find it. 

Koh Phi Phi ferry schedule & tickets click here 

There are several day trips to Koh Phi Phi from Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Lanta. There are tons of Koh Phi Phi hotels to stay at, and from there, hire on a private longtail or join a group tour. If you are planning on visiting Maya Bay as seen in “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio go early in the morning.

The atmosphere on Koh Lanta is as chilled as you can get, with an interesting mix of Buddhist and Muslim influences accompanying the island vibe. Days are spent lounging in hammocks, exploring the beautiful fishing villages that line the coast, wandering through gorgeous jungles, and swimming in the turquoise sea. If you’re into diving, some of the best and most accessible dive sites in Thailand are close by as well. Check out our top things to do in Koh Lanta here. 

 Koh Lanta ferry schedule & tickets click here

There are tons of island hopping tours from Koh Lanta where you’ll visit several small islands during the day. The nearest airport is in Krabi, and shuttles from Krabi to Koh Lanta are available from the airport. 

The one activity that makes people come to Koh Mook is a visit to the mesmerizing Morakot Cave (Emerald Cave). It’s just a short boat ride from the main section of the island and cannot be missed! I hired a longtail boat for the day, and the driver took us to some amazing snorkeling spots and then off to the Emerald Cave.

We jumped out of the boat, swam through this dark, enclosed space, and then emerged onto this private beach. It felt so surreal — a place where dreams are made of. While you can visit this place on day trips that depart from Koh Lanta, I’d highly recommend spending a few days on Koh Mook! There are a few amazing restaurants on the beach, beautiful sunsets, and a truly relaxing vibe.

 Koh Mook ferry schedule & tickets click here 

If you don’t have time to spend the night on Koh Mook there are day trips from Koh Lanta, click here for tour options some as cheap as 1,000 baht.

So whether it’s long walks on the beach, snorkeling, swimming, or just lying down in a hammock as you stare at the infinite shades of blue before you, this island is one of our go-to spots in Thailand.

Koh Kradan ferry schedule & tickets click here 

Day trips to Koh Kradan from Koh Lanta are available, click here for options starting at 2,000 baht and include a stop at Koh Mook (above).

Koh Lipe

Recommended by: Hannah & Adam Getting Stamped

Koh Lipe is the southernmost island in Thailand, and a gem very few tourists have discovered. Gorgeous turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. We ended up on Koh Lipe by accident when we were in Langkawi, Malaysia, back in 2014 but have since been back twice.

We fell in love with the small island feel. You literally walk everywhere, wake up to gorgeous sunrises on Sunrise Beach, and end the day with mojitos watching the sunset on Sunset Beach. Sunrise Beach has the softest sand I’ve ever felt in Asia. Make sure to check out Stonehenge, the best diving in Koh Lipe.

During the day, rent a private longtail boat to take you to the nearby islands for only 1,500 baht for the entire day, or jump on a group trip for 550 baht. Most tourists don’t come as there is no airport and the island just got an ATM in 2015. It’s worth the trip, trust us. If I were to do my Thailand honeymoon over again, this is where I’d come.

Koh Lipe is often called “The Maldives of Thailand,” which is a pretty big name to live up to. We’ve spent five weeks island hopping in the Maldives, and Koh Lipe lives up to the name. Koh Lipe isn’t the cheapest Thai island, and getting to Koh Lipe can take most of a day, but the journey is worth it.

Koh Lipe ferry schedule & tickets click here 

Island Hopping From Koh Lipe

• Koh Lipe island hopping program 1 island hops to 5 islands: Koh Jabaang, Koh Hin-Ngam, Koh Yang, Koh Rawi, and Koh Adang
• Koh Lipe island hopping program 2 to: Koh Hin Saun, Koh Lok Goi, Monkey Beach, Koh Dong, and Koh Pun

The nearest airport is Hat Yai. Air Asia sells flight packages which include: flight, shuttle to Pak Bara pier, and ferry to Koh Lipe. Book island trips with your Koh Lipe hotel or tour agency on walking street. Most leave at 9 am and are back by 5 pm. 

If you like chasing waterfalls, there are two waterfalls on the island deep in the jungle. You’ll basically have the hiking trail to yourself. We only saw two other tourists when hiked to Pirates Waterfall during high season. Hire a long-tail driver to drive you around the island and drop you off at one of the many private beaches.

You could easily spend an entire day exploring the island or even spend the night camping on the beach. Beach camping is available on Koh Adang for only 200 baht a tent (tent/bedding included) or 30 baht if you have your own tent. There are also a few chalets for 600 baht a night. If you are looking for a peaceful island with just one resort, one restaurant, and endless beaches this is it.

Longtail boats from Sunrise Beach Koh Lipe can be hired to bring you to Koh Adang for 100 baht per person each way. 

I suggest going just after lunch when all the tourist boats are done with their lunch stop so that you can have the island to yourself. There is a great designated snorkeling spot right off the beach. There is no accommodation on the island, but a few of the dive shops in Koh Lipe have an overnight dive trip that camps out on the beach here.

Koh Lipe group island hoping program 1 stops in Koh Rawi for an hour, as this is where they have the lunch stop. Program 1 costs 550 baht a person, OR we suggest hiring a private longtail boat for 1,500 baht for the entire day for a private Thailand island hopping tour around Koh Lipe. 

On our ferry to Koh Lipe from Paka Bara, our speedboat made a stop at Koh Khai so we could get off, stretch our legs, and, most importantly, take a picture. You cannot spend the night on the island. Heck, there aren’t any buildings, let alone electricity.

The island has gorgeous white sand beaches, turquoise water surrounding it, and some great arches. There is an organized day trip from Pak Bara that stops at Koh Khai, but none of the day trips from Koh Lipe visit the island.

Some ferries to Koh Lipe from Pak Bara stop at Koh Khai on the way. When booking your ticket to Koh Lipe see if the boat stops at the nearby islands. Our ferry made a 30-minute stop so passengers could get off and get the iconic stone arch picture on Koh Khai.

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Gulf of Thailand Island Hopping Route

The Gulf of Thailand is big, and there aren’t ferries that will bring you from one side to the other. We have two suggested island routes, one in the Surat Thani province and the other in the Trat province.

Ferries run during monsoon season, making this Thailand island hopping available year-round. The islands in the Trat province are easily visited if you are coming or going to Cambodia, as they are right on the border.

Surat Thani Province Islands

Surat Thani has an international airport with several low-cost carriers. We suggest Air Asia. There are also buses to Surat Thani from Phuket (4.5 hours), Krabi (4 hours), and Bangkok (9 hours).

While it ain’t no hidden paradise anymore, Koh Samui offers everything that makes a Thailand island getaway so good: amazing beaches, yummy restaurants, bars with a sunset view, and great deals on a big variety of luxury resorts. And unlike more secluded islands, it is easy to reach from various Thai cities, and the airport is, while small, incredibly charming.

If you like water activities, Koh Samui is your haven with the Ang Thong National Marine Park right here. If you want more than snorkeling, Samui is also an excellent place to go diving. The peak season is during April and August, but except for November, Koh Samui offers great diving at affordable prices all year round. Reason enough for me to extend a layover more often!

Koh Samui ferry schedule & tickets click here

Koh Samui Island Hopping Trips

• Koh Madsum day trip from Koh Samui
• Koh Nang Yuan island trip 

Koh Samui has an international airport with daily flights from several Thailand cities. If you are on a budget, there are several overland options. For example, Bangkok to Koh Samui costs 1,450 baht and takes 10.5 hours (bus and ferry). When looking at flights, look at flight prices to Surat Thani, which is located on the mainland. Note there are two ferries on Koh Samui, so prices and schedules vary.

If you plan on island hopping in the Gulf of Thailand, the best kicking-off point would be Koh Samui. From here, you can make your way to all the below islands.  There are tons of activities in Samui to keep you busy for well over a week. Click here to see more. Ring in the Thai New Year April 13-15th on the island and partake in the fun & crazy Songkran festival.

We love taking a day on the incredibly beautiful water of the Gulf of Thailand, seeking out the exquisite aquatic life with some snorkeling around the nearby Koh Tan (Koh Taen) and ending at the smaller Koh Madsum for some relaxation on the beach.

It is also one of the best places to hire a private snorkeling and picnic tour if you’re looking to find some more secluded areas to enjoy. It’s definitely one of our favorite smaller islands to spend some quiet time together and experience the beauty the islands of Thailand have to offer.

Hire a private longtail boat for the day in Koh Samui to bring you to Koh Madsum or jump on a group island trip.

During the full moon party, Haad Rin Beach is covered by thousands of party-goers covered in neon paint, but just 24 hours later, after the beach has been cleaned up, it is transformed back into a pristine Thai beach with white sand and glistening waters. Besides partying, there’s a lot more to this slice of paradise than first meets the eye.

For rest, relaxation, and soothing of the soul, stay at some of the Koh Phangan beaches on the North end of the island, where you will find quiet, pristine beaches, yogis, amazing little vegetarian cafes, as well as some of the clearest water this side of Thailand.

If you like snorkeling, scuba diving, boat trips, or lounging in a hammock with a good book, you will feel at home on Koh Phangan. Be sure to rent a scooter and spend a day exploring all the island’s hidden gems – you’ll never want to leave!

Koh Phangan ferry schedule & tickets click here

If you are planning on traveling for the full moon party, take note several Koh Phangan hotels have a 3-night minimum. There are several small island trips bookable when on Koh Phangan.

Known as the cheapest destination to learn how to scuba dive, Koh Tao has a very chilled vibe, and even though there’s a lot of heavy parties going on, you can still find your inner state of mind. The marine life you will encounter here is very diverse, although for a place whose name means “Turtle Island,” the number of Sea Turtles in Koh Tao has been declining in recent years. 

Plus, if you love hiking, you can always go and explore some epic viewpoints, such as the John Suwan Viewpoint, from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the island, including some of its many beaches. Also, did I mention that Koh Phangan of the infamous Full Moon Party is just mere minutes away by ferry?

Koh Tao ferry schedule & tickets click here

If you’ve never dived before, there is no better place to try it out than in Koh Tao. Explore the underwater world on a discovery dive, where you get an introduction to diving with a divemaster. If you happen to love it, getting dive certified in Koh Tao is one of the best and cheapest places in the world. 

You can rent a lounge chair with an umbrella on the beach for 150 THB (strangely, you aren’t allowed to lay out your beach towel) and swim or snorkel in the three lagoons around the island. If you’re into diving, Japanese Gardens is a fantastic shore dive right off the beach.

There’s a dive shop on the island where you can rent gear and sign up for fun dives. Be sure to hike up to the viewpoint overlooking the beach: it’s a complete stunner! And for maximum enjoyment, try to get to Koh Nang Yuan early to avoid the snorkel tour crowds that hit the island around 9:30. 

Hire a private longtail boat for the day in Koh Tao to bring you to Koh Nang Yuan or jump on a group island trip.

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Trat Province Islands

Trat has a small airport that is privately owned by Bangkok Airways and is located 20 minutes from the pier. The easiest way to get to Trat is by bus. The buses to Trat from Bangkok are only 5 hours and cost 350 baht.

However, beaches and watersports aren’t the only draws for this island, as 70% of Koh Chang is covered in rainforests and mountains. Its dense and lush jungle makes it a great island for adventure seekers and nature lovers like ourselves to go jungle trekking or waterfall chasing when we get tired of being beach bums.

But what we love most about Koh Chang isn’t the beaches, backpacker vibes, or the popularity, but the ability to escape the touristy areas and enjoy slower-paced, nature-rich, and the less-developed countryside without the crowd and hoards of backpackers. If that is something you look for while traveling, you should definitely visit Koh Chang!

Koh Tao bus schedule & tickets click here

There are two ferries to Koh Chang and two ferries in Trat. They are car ferries and take 30-45 minutes and cost 80 baht a person. 

Koh Wai

Recommended by: Claudia Tavani My Adventures Across The World  

I thought I had found myself a little piece of heaven on earth in Koh Chang, but little did I know that paradise was actually a 20 minutes boat ride away in Koh Wai. One of the smallest islands of Thailand, Koh Wai is hardly a major tourist hot spot.

There’s no sight of flashy lights, elegant (and less elegant) restaurants (just a couple of small, modest, but good restaurants), rooftop bars, beach clubs, and spas. There are no cars or ever-present scooters that zip around on all of the other islands: the only way to go around the island is via a footpath through the forest that connects the two beaches and the various huts that are spread around.

Come to think of it, there’s no electricity other than a few generators, and there’s no internet either. Koh Wai is a place to relax, rest, and relax some more. Other activities to be entertained in Koh Wai are: sunbathing; sleeping under a palm tree; kayaking around the island; and snorkeling in the incredibly clear waters that are packed with marine life. 

Ferries from Koh Chang (Kai Bae pier) to Koh Wai costs 400 baht and take 45 minutes. You can also hire longtail boats to bring you to Koh Wai. 

If you’re looking for tons of nightlife, this probably isn’t the island for you. Koh Mak is more of a relaxing and quiet place. Although, there is an annual 12-day rave that happens on the island if you are looking for a party in this paradise.

The island itself takes up only 16 square km making it easy to access most of the island by foot. You can find a range of accommodations for any budget, from posh villas to cozy budget bungalows right on the beach. 

One of the more quirky activities on the island includes a love temple that consists of x-rated statues and water fountains tucked away in almost a hidden cluster of palm trees. This attraction is not for the faint of heart, be aware that the man who operates the love temple likes to turn on the fountains on unsuspecting visitors, where you will get a “wet surprise” from one of the suggestive female statues.

If you’re looking for the perfect palm tree-lined dream beach to relax on, then you’ve found it at Koh Mak.

Ferries from Trat-Laem Ngob pier to Koh Mok costs 45o baht and takes 45 minutes.  Koh Chang to Koh Mak costs 600 baht and takes 1 hour.

Yes, it’s (still) quieter than most Thai islands. If you’re out to party, this may not be the place to go. If you’re looking to relax and enjoy some solitude, definitely consider a visit to Koh Kood.

Koh Kood boasts several pristine beaches along its western coast. On top of our list is the beach in Bang Bao Bay, a crescent-shaped bay lined with wooden piers and shaded by palm trees. Another great beach to explore on Koh Kood is the centrally located Khlong Chao Beach. It is one of the longest stretches of beach on Koh Kood and remains the most popular. It’s the closest beach to most budget accommodations and the best spot for watching the sunset.  

Ferries from Koh Mak to Koh Kood costs 400 baht and take 1 hour. Ferries from Koh Chang (Kai Bae pier) to Koh Kood costs 900 baht and take 1.5 hours. Ferries from Trat-Laem Ngob pier to Koh Kood costs 60o baht and take 1-1.5 hours. 

Other Thailand Island Destinations

If you want to get away from the big tourist crowds with some nice beaches and an interesting hippy scene, then this is the ko for you. I liken Phayam to “like Pai, with a beach.” There is an alternative scene on the island, but it is nothing on the scale of, say, Ubud. It’s very relaxed, with rustic, organic cafes sitting beside cashew trees (of which there is an abundance of).

Phayam has a mix of mid-range hotels along with budget bamboo shacks. There is a ferry from Ranong, and from the ferry pier, there are motorbike taxis ready to take you around the island.

Traveling to Koh Phayam from Phuket will involve a 5.5-hour bus and then a 45-minute ferry from Ranong. 

Tourism has not yet become the defining characteristic of Koh Chang, which makes it a rarity among the beautiful and popular islands of Thailand — especially those in the Andaman Sea like Phuket and Koh Phayam. A handful of resorts dot the white and black sand beaches on the sunset-facing west coast. The atmosphere of the island is quiet, rural, and tranquil.

Koh Chang is very affordable. Food and accommodations tend to be cheaper than on neighboring Koh Phayam. Wifi on Koh Chang is slow* and the power is usually only on for a few hours per day. So, if you want to unplug, slow down, and unwind, this is the place to do it.

Koh Chang is only accessible by boat, long tail taxi boats run from Ranong daily. Tickets roughly cost 200 baht. Protip: Pop a prepaid AIS sim card in your phone and buy a data package. This is the fastest Internet in the islands, though coverage is variable.

The next destinations is a very popular weekend getaway for local Thais and expats. It is easily accessible from Bangkok. If you’re looking for an easily accessible beach destination from Bangkok, this is it. For those travelers looking for a quick, easy visa run from Thailand to Ranong is a popular and easy option.

Ko Samet

Recommended by: Namita Kulkarni Radically Ever After 

Koh Samet was quite a delightful surprise to me on my Thailand trip a few years ago. A three-hour day trip from Bangkok, it offers a great contrast to the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. White sands and turquoise waters are a given on most Thai islands, but Koh Samet has a super relaxed holiday vibe that stays with you long after you’ve left the island. Roughly 200 km southeast of Bangkok, it’s a 3-hour congested drive (and a 20-minute ferry from Ban Phe). You will be glad you made it once you reach here.

Koh Samet is part of the Khao Laem Ya, the Koh Samet National Park, so don’t be surprised if you run into some exotic wildlife here. Of its 14 beaches, the longest and most well-known is Sai Kaew. It can get fairly crowded here, so you may want to head to some of the quieter beaches to enjoy the natural charm of the island.

Ao Tubtim is one of the quieter beaches on the island. Being a small island, Koh Samet can be explored quite easily on foot or by bike. I came across several quirky cafes and shops on my long walks here, sprinkled with lazy cats now and then. Having spent a few days in Bangkok, I was hoping for a break from the city, and Koh Samet was just the right antidote. 

Bangkok to Koh Samet schedule & tickets click here 

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If you’re spending two weeks in Thailand, plan on spending a week on the islands, 3 days in Bangkok, and a few days in northern Thailand like Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai.

Thailand Travel Resources

• Booking.com, if you’re traveling during high season, we suggest booking your room in advance.
• 12go.Asia for booking buses/trains/ferries around Thailand and Southeast Asia
• Viator.com for day trips to even trips across the country
• SafetyWing travel insurance, always have insurance when traveling abroad

If you are starting or ending your trip to Thailand, you’ll more than likely find yourself in Bangkok. Bangkok is our favorite city in the world and one everyone should explore. We recommend three days in Bangkok as the right amount of time. Our favorite area of Bangkok to stay in is Sukhumvit but check our where to stay in Bangkok guide to see what’s best for you.

Recommended Bangkok Hotels We’ve Personally Stayed At

• Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok Affordable Luxury on Sukhumvit Check Prices Booking.com
• Maduzi Hotel Boutique Hotel on Sukhumvit – Check Prices Booking.com
• Lub’d Hostel Budget Siam Hotel/Luxury Hostel Check Prices Booking.com
• W Bangkok Luxury Silom Hotel Check Prices Booking.com
• Amari Watergate Hotel Affordable Luxury Siam Hotel Check Prices Booking.com

Safe travels!