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Samui overdone? Neighbourless, proficient value Jungle Club inward the hills behind Chaweng Noi, 2km to the beach (this shot expands).
“Please propose a bang-up isle for me”, is a pretty mutual question.
Sometimes that’s it, other times the inquire is to a greater extent than specific: “…..laid dorsum island”, “….good snorkelling”, “……great nightlife”, “….fantastic beaches”. Quite frequently it’s a combo: “…..not touristy but non equally good dead, amongst bang-up beaches, fantastic snorkelling off the beach, budget bungalows past times the sea amongst inbuilt spa as well as Jacuzzi, some nightlife but non over the top as well as amongst an international drome no to a greater extent than than thirty minutes away”. Yeah right, know a dozen of these.
Anyway I though I’d endeavour to pose the islands as well as beaches I know virtually into some variety of categorical order.
Right at the goal of this page inward WHERE THE HELL ARE THEY? I'll lay the islands' geographical locations out. There is also a department on ISLAND HOPPING before that.
LAID BACK - piffling Ko Chang Andaman side, Ko Jum, Ko Ngai, Ko Kradan, Ko Bulon Lae, Ko Mac, Khao Lak.
Not equally good many people merely about at peak beach sixty minutes 1130 inward this Dec (high season/not peak) 2012 shot of Ko Jum's chief Andaman Beach.
COMPLETELY LAID BACK - Ko Kho Khao, Ko Yao Noi, Ko Yao Yai, Ko Siboya, Ko Libong, Ko Loaliang, Ko Sukorn, Ko Whai, Ko Kut. And of course of study the National Park no-resorts islands - Similans, Surins, Tarutao, Adang. The oneS that beats them all? Ko Phra Thong as well as Ko Bu Bu.
Pretty uncrowded inward this early on Dec shot of the beach following Ha Pla Restaurant on North Beach at Ko Kho Khao.
Note at that topographic point are plenty of set dorsum beaches on non-laid dorsum islands. For example busy, commercial Samui has places similar Thong Ta Kien amidst others. Phangan has a heap - most of the E coast beaches amidst others. Ditto Tao, which is also really relaxed inward the modest bays on the due south westward of the island. Phi Phi's E coast is a placidity gem. Ditto the southern most beaches on Lanta. Buffalo Bay on Phayam. Perhaps the standout - bustling commercial Phuket has 10 km of lovely sand backed past times casuarina trees due north of the drome amongst alone a handful of depression impact resorts - Mai Khao.
Laid dorsum beach on a busy isle - Ao Toh Koh on Phi Phi's E coast
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 signal virtually the National Park islands: Similans/Surins/Tarutao/Adang - the headquarter beaches tin flame larn a flake busy on weekends as well as Thai populace holidays. As a affair of fact the Similans are so pop amongst daytrippers these days that the chief beach is busy non weekends/holidays equally is the gorgeous strip of sand at Donald Duck Bay.
It doesn't larn much to a greater extent than relaxed than Ko Laoliang Noi - no roads, no tracks, no village, few boats, ane low-profile tent resort. Yet if y'all WANT, y'all tin flame climb, snorkel, dive, fish, kayak. In this belatedly afternoon shot the awesome cliffs are shading the beach/resort area.
PARTY PLACES - Phuket, Pattaya, Samui, Phangan (Had Rin) are the large 4, You volition honour a fair flake of nightlife at Krabi's Ao Nang, Phi Phi's Ton Sai town, the start iii beaches on Samet, White Sand Beach at large Ko Chang, Pattaya Beach as well as Walking Street at Lipe, Klong Dao as well as Long Beach on Lanta.
GOOD DIVING - Ko Tao, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lipe, Khao Lak, Phuket, Ko Laoliang, Ko Phra Thong.
PRETTY GOOD SNORKELLING OFF THE BEACH - Ko Kradan, Ko Lipe, Ko Bulon Lae, Ko Ngai, Ko Whai, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Tao, Ko Phangan, Ko Raya. And of course of study places similar the Similans, Surins, Rok Nok, Laoliang. UPDATE 2013 - coral bleaching has knocked Thai coral virtually badly inward recent years. The best coral I've seen at the inward a higher house has been at Ko Tao, followed past times Kradan.
Readers Trip reporter Cocodrilo sent me this shot from the Similans.
SPECTACULAR SCENERY - few island/beach areas inward Thailand don’t lead keep overnice scenery, but the existent stand-outs of places amongst plenty of accommodation are Ko Phi Phi, Railay/Ton Sai at Krabi as well as Ko Nangyuan at Ko Tao.
Ko Nangyuan off Ko Tao - a really scenic location. There are bungalows on the far "mountain", the mid-islet as well as on the hillside below the camera. The higher balconies are proficient places to hang after sunset watching the underwater lights of the nighttime diving schoolhouse flash as well as ark. Good snorkelling off the beach hither - the fish are so used to beingness fed inward the top-right bay that they crowd merely about when y'all larn into the water.
The immediate surface area of Ko Laoliang is pretty proficient but at that topographic point is alone the tent resort.
The nearby Trang islands of Ko Ngai as well as Ko Kradan are inward a higher house average as well as lead keep plenty of accommodation.
Outlook from puddle deck of Kohngai Cliff Beach Resort's puddle deck. Outsiders welcome if they purchase a non equally good expensive beer or snack.
Phang Nga Bay islands don't larn much to a greater extent than spectacular, but y'all tin flame alone genuinely remain on ane of them, the sea gypsy fishing/restaurant isle of Ko Panyi, as well as accommodation is limited.
Um, merely remembered - if y'all consider Ko Yao Noi a Phang Nga Bay island, at that topographic point are plenty of places to remain as well as all those on the E as well as due north coasts lead keep karst isle views. Maybe non equally elevated equally the inward a higher house which I pinched off The Six Senses' website - I had to pinch it because I'd never live able to afford this joint. Have a expect at the Yao Noi Trip Reports page to run across ane budget house which has elevated views. Places downwards nigh the H2O aren't bad either.
Ang Thong National Marine Park is similarly spectacular but accommodation is ane time to a greater extent than express - to tents as well as a few bungalow rooms at the National Park HQ island. Most people see on daytrips from Samui as well as Phangan. BTW - the novel The Beach and its hidden lagoon (which most trips visit) was inspired past times this area, despite the flick beingness shot at Phi Phi Don inward the Andaman.
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Some of the dozens of islets at Ang Thong National Marine Park westward of Samui (image SeaRobin Dive Center)
Some travellers state The Lake at Khao Sok National Park is an inland Ang Thong/Phang Nga Bay landscape wise. Being midway betwixt the southern Gulf as well as the Andaman, Khao Sok is a proficient stop-over for isle fans swapping coasts.
CLIMBING - Railay/Ton Sai, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Laoliang as well as evidently Ko Yao Noi.
I accept my first-ever climb on Laoliang
ALL-ROUNDERS - ISLANDS/BEACHES WITH Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 GOOD VARIETY - some overnice beaches, set dorsum areas, some nightlife, some other activities similar snorkelling/diving/climbing/trekking (but non necessarily all or most) - Ko Lanta, Ko Lipe, Ko Phangan, Ko Tao, Ko Samui, Ko Samet, Phuket, Railay/Ton Sai/Ao Nang, Ko Muk, large Ko Chang.
BEST BEACHES - these are in all probability constitute somewhere inward the Similans, Surins, Ang Thong National Marine Park or similar. But of places amongst easily got accommodation the alternative is so bang-up it is hard to pick ane or a few. Phra Nang at Krabi would perchance larn the gong - but it is so crowded much of the fourth dimension these days.
Whitest sand? Hell, I’m non proficient hither because I don’t attention if the sand is white or yellow, both expect nice. As long equally it’s build clean as well as at that topographic point is plenty at high tide as well as the H2O is deep plenty to swim at depression tide.
I’m copping out on best beach as well as whitest sand. Although y'all could depository fiscal establishment check the following link for the pix of the beach at Donald Duck Bay inward the Similans.
For people wanting overnice beaches I pose together a page of pix of what I consider some of Thailand's to a greater extent than pristine beaches.
No shortage of overnice beaches - this ane is at Ko Nangyuan. Attractive plenty that a lot of people daytrip from nearby (1km) Ko Tao. Apparently the isle owners at nowadays lead keep a modest accuse for non-residents.
NOT SO NICE BEACHES - Ko Sukorn has brownish-grey sand most places. Yao Noi as well as Jum are rocky at depression tide inward a lot of areas. Siboya is similar. But Yao as well as Jum are even so overnice islands to visit, equally is Siboya.
Very ordinary beach at Ko Siboya. But Siboya Bungalows 300m due south is the best inexpensive bungalow articulation I've stayed at inward Thailand.
CAMPING
You frequently run across people camping ground on the beaches inward Thailand, especially Thais.
All beaches are owned past times the manlike individual monarch as well as are opened upwards to the populace - at that topographic point is no such thing equally a private beach although some resorts would similar to tiddler y'all at that topographic point is. Often resorts ain the province behind the beach as well as block populace access thru their province or lead keep a modest accuse or desire y'all to piece of occupation their restaurants - such equally Ao Leuk on Lanta.
Resorts which block access to the beach tin flame larn existent pissed when someone comes inward past times boat, but they can't produce a thing. I ane time saw 2 quondam fisherman inward a tiny longtail province on a land-blocked luxury resort beach at Phuket as well as mend their nets for a few hours. The safety goons nigh died amongst frustration.
One outfit that tin flame ban camping ground is the National Parks - normally they lead keep their ain camping ground areas amongst tents for rent. And people tin flame pitch their ain tents at that topographic point for a really minimal cost, but NP sometimes don't desire people camping ground on beaches elsewhere inward their surface area which may live a flake delicate eco-wise.
National Park camping ground areas are constitute on the Surins (2), Similans(2), Ko Adang, Ko Tarutao (2), Ko Kradan as well as the Ang Thong Marine National Park westward of Samui as well as Phangan. I've got an thought y'all tin flame military camp inward the modest surface area at the southern tip of Ko Lanta as well as some other on Ko Rok. I've in all probability missed a few.
They produce pack them inward at some of the National Park camping ground areas - this is camping ground surface area #2 at Mai Ngam beach inward the Surin islands. Note a few private tents inward amongst the NP tents.
Apart from the National Park islands or NP areas of islands inward a higher house I lead keep seen people camping ground on large Ko Chang, Ko Kho Khao, Phangan, a beach merely westward of Railay/Ton Sai at Krabi as well as Ko Lipe. At times Thais walk along an open-access beach as well as pitch their tents inward a proficient spot - sometimes inward forepart of a bungalow resort.
If y'all desire a dedicated camping ground resort y'all could try Ko Ngai Camping which is pitched to a greater extent than to the budget marketplace position - or Ko Lao Liang for buoutique camping.
Some bungalow resorts lead keep tents for overflow crowds - perchance y'all could depository fiscal establishment check my Lipe page, Ko Kho Khao page, Mai Khao Phuket Trip Report page as well as Kradan Trip Report page past times wonderingstar for to a greater extent than info.
And at that topographic point is the semi-luxury tent resort on Ko Lialiang, the alone accommodation there.
Should y'all accept a tent? Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 lot of people volition state no - the bungalows are so inexpensive it's non worth the bother. But if camping ground floats your boat, why not? But depository fiscal establishment complaint trip reporter MV is a flake leery camping ground inward an surface area amongst lots of others - he reckons things tin flame disappear as well as prefers finding a deserted beach on some idyllic island.
I similar camping ground but larn my set amongst the occasional remain on a NP isle or inward ane of the budget resorts' overflow tents.
PRISTINE WATER
The nicest H2O I've seen at a beach amongst accommodation is at the National Park HQ beach at isle #4 inward the Similans. Of beaches amongst lots of accommodation, Lady Tezza's favourite spot inward the swimming enclosure following Varin resort on Ko Lipe's Pattaya beach would larn the award. Patok, the chief beach on Ko Raya/Racha Yai is spretty special too.
Deep, clear, calm, gorgeous color - the bay off the headquarters beach on Ko Miang - Similans isle #4. Because angling is banned they lead keep no fearfulness as well as tend to depository fiscal establishment check y'all out.
BUNGALOWS OVER THE WATER
I can't think of whatever bungalows on stilts over coral reefs equally constitute inward the Pacific islands or Indian Ocean. But at that topographic point are a few joints on stilts over less spectacular bits of sea . See the Ko Samet page for Ban Ploy Samed as well as its neighbours, the large Ko Chang page for Bang Bao Sea Hut as well as the Ko Maak page for Cococape.
View from my Cococape (Ko Maak) budget-priced bungalow on stilts. In my example all but the nurture bath was genuinely suspended over the bay. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 multifariousness of prices for these as well as on-land accommodation at this overnice midrange resort.
FLOATING ACCOMMODATION
Check the Kanchanaburi page for Boutique Raft Resort, the large Chang page for the boat houses as well as mini cruise liner at Grand Lagoona as well as the Khao Sok page for Tan Tuoy Raft Houses.
Boutique Raft Resort, river Kwai Noi inward the Kanchanaburi hinterland. Okay, the Kanchanari district is non precisely beaches as well as islands but many of y'all volition access LOS via Bangkok as well as this surface area is ane of the ameliorate nearby places to pass a flake of time.
WHICH IS THE BEST WET SEASON ISLAND?
For a start y'all tin flame avoid a lot of the sometime-from-lateApril/May to sometime-in-November moisture flavour past times going to the southern Gulf islands (Samui/Phangan/Tao) which tend to lead keep a dissimilar moisture season, Oct into January. Many of the shots of those islands inward this spider web log were taken July-August.
In the other areas the driest isle tends to live Ko Samet inward the key Gulf. And all but ane of the beaches on that isle are on the lee E coast which agency calmer conditions on windy days as well as less flotsam/jetsam blown onshore.
Pattaya is unopen to Samet as well as is relatively dry out too.
Samet has a dozen or so E facing beaches ranging from super laid-back Ao Nuan inward a higher house to lively political party spots.
Other islands are non out of the enquiry inward moisture flavour - I lead keep ever got plenty sunshine for a satisfactory moisture flavour vacation as well as lead keep never lost ane total solar daytime to incessant rain. But depository fiscal establishment complaint that the southern Gulf has a reputation for turning on a shocker virtually ane inward every four or v years inward Oct-Nov-Dec. Not on a regular ground unfortunately, so if concluding twelvemonth was a schocker it doesn't necessarily hateful this ane volition live okay.
Phuket page were shot inward this fortnight or on other moisture flavour trips - lots of sunshine on those. Quite a few days had no rain, some had no cloud.
Ao Toh Koh is a sheltered E coast beach, handy on those 15-25% of moisture flavour days when the air current gets up. Other Andaman islands amongst sheltered E facing beaches are Ngai, Kradan, Muk, Lipe, Bulon Lae as well as Yao Noi.
The Trat as well as Ranong islands are statistically the wettest, especially June thru October.
The Trat as well as key Gulf areas tend to goal their moisture flavour before than others.
SHALLOW AT LOW TIDE - the westward coast as well as due south coast of Phangan, Sairee as well as the due south coast of Tao, quite a few Lanta beaches (most of Long Beach DOESN’T endure this), the due south goal of Andaman on Lipe. Parts of Ting Rai as well as Luboa on Ko Jum. Loh Dalum as well as most of the due south coast of Phi Phi, Buffalo Bay at Ko Phayam, especially inward the middle of the southern beach, the chief beach on Little Chang Andaman side, especially at the southern end. Northern goal of the chief E facing beaches on Ko Ngai as well as Ko Kradan. Some parts of the middle bay as well as nearby at Ko Phra Thong. Both chief beaches at Ko Maak.
But this element doesn't worry me equally good much - I'm a keen sea swimmer for fitness as well as I never lead keep problems swimming reasonably unopen to shore at these places except for a few hours merely about lowest tide. Note that inward the Andaman most days tend to lead keep 2 depression tides roughly 12.5 hours apart as well as the daylight high tide gets roughly an sixty minutes after each day. In the Gulf at that topographic point is alone ane depression tide inward a 24 sixty minutes menstruation - as well as that gets roughly an sixty minutes after each solar daytime too. If depression tide happens to autumn merely about mid-day inward the Gulf it agency that it's going to live pretty shallow all the fourth dimension inward the peak swimming hours of 0900-1500. At to the lowest degree this shallow menstruation volition larn an sixty minutes after each day. If your Gulf see happens to autumn inward a menstruation when the depression tide is at night, y'all are laughing.
Note too, inward many trips to Railay as well as Long Beach Phi Phi I had no problems swimming at depression tide. However my last visits to each coincided amongst ane of those extra depression tide periods associated amongst SPRING TIDES (the bi monthly tidal extremes associated amongst total Moon as well as no-moon) as well as I constitute each a flake shallow at lowest tide, unopen to shore. Phra Nang nigh Railay is proficient all tides.
Hat Noppharet Thara/Ton Son E of Ao Nang larn existent shallow.
Shallow mid twelvemonth inward the southern Gulf ? - good evidently lowest tides are a flake shallower mid year. But nosotros are talking mere cms inward difference according to the scientific written report someone posted. I think this has been overplayed. I’ve had bang-up swims at Mae Had as well as Had Salad on Phangan's "shallow" westward coast away from lowest tide inward June- August.
10% downwards on Samui page. This shot tin flame live expanded.
GOOD SURF - forget it inward high season. Most places are dead apartment or lead keep talocrural articulation ticklers. The alone half-decent (body) surf I've had high flavour is on Ko Phayam, ane time inward iii visits (update - Dec 2010 trip to Phuket I got some fun torso waves at Surin as well as Nai Thon. Very rare).
Uncommon dry out flavour moving ridge at Surin beach Phuket. Ever caught a torso moving ridge from a running start? Trust me, the timing is difficult. Note the Thai armed forces crackdown on unauthorised beach activities inward 2014 saw the pier disappear, addition a lot of other things.
In moisture flavour the Andaman coast gets swell. The pop Phuket beaches lead keep waves which are surfable. The Trang coast sometimes gets large swell. Wally at Paradise Lost on Ko Kradan told me the sunset beach at that topographic point attracts surfers. Note moisture flavour surf I lead keep seen is non character - sloppy onshore muck. But surfable.
BUNGALOWS RIGHT ON THE BEACH - the alone places I've seen the H2O lapping the pylons at high tide are Sinchai's at Hat Yao/Ban Chao Mai nigh Trang, Good Feeling at Ko Wai as well as at Bulone Resort, Ko Bulon Lae. But if y'all desire bungalows inside a few meters of the sand at that topographic point are lots - some I know are Paradise Resort as well as Paradise Pearl on Long Beach Phi Phi, Toh Koh Resort as well as Holiday Inn on Phi Phi's E coast, Sawasdee as well as a lot of the other resorts on piffling Ko Chang, Ko Muk Charlie, most of the places I advert on the chief beach at Ko Ngai, Leela Beach bungalows Phangan, Paradise Resort as well as Kradan Island Resort on Ko Kradan, Ko Wai Paradise, Island Hut as well as Ao Kao on Ko Mak, Mai Pen Rai as well as JS on Had Sadet, Phangan, New Hut on Lamai at Samui, Seaside Cottages on Mai Khao Phuket.
The forepart row tents at Laoliang are 25m from the water.
Note y'all are out of luck at pop Railay as well as Ton Sai (Krabi). Restaurants as well as reception dominate the beachfront - the bungalows are behind.
Absolute beachfront bungalows at Island Hut on Ko Maak.
Technically the aircon bungalows at Ao Pudsa Resort on Samet are headland - but this corner ane is virtually beachfront. Tezza's cheaper fan bungalow was on the hillside behind. Roof at far left belongs to beachfront restaurant.
Bungalows on the sand at Ao Sadet's "Mai Pen Rai" - Ko Phangan
Crikey, y'all tin flame even so larn budget backpacker bungalows on Samui's pop Lamai. "New Hut" on the due north 3rd of the beach. Last 2 pix expand.
Budget bungalows on a set dorsum white sand beach - depository fiscal establishment check Bottle Beach One's website for electrical current prices. Hey, this house has a puddle as well as midrange accomm. North coast of Ko Phangan.
GOOD FOR TREKKING - the alone islands I tin flame think of which had virtually no walking trails or roads suitable for walking when I visited are Kos Laoliang as well as Whai. Correction - y'all tin flame at nowadays walk downwards the E coast of Whai addition a loop to a cipher bay on the westward side as well as a runway to a overnice sunset viewpoint inward a narrow inlet farther north. Of the others, Ko Kradan as well as perchance Ngai would disappoint trekkers who desire to encompass big distances, but the trails are quite nice.
Siobhan from Adelaide crosses a creek on Tarutao
ADVENTURE ISLANDS
Ko Laoliang has climbing, diving, snorkelling, kayaks, angling on the doorstep (umm, brand that luxury-tent threshold). Railay/Ao Nang would live the following best bet - yeah I know it aint genuinely an isle area. All the large well-visited islands lead keep made sure they lead keep plenty of opportunity materials - I'm talking virtually Phangan, Samui, Phuket as well as Lanta.
Manager Vinnie as well as climbing-guide Elliott depository fiscal establishment check out bouldering-routes nether the cliff overhang straight behind the tent surface area on Loaliang. Climbing routes of most grades accept off along this department too.
I constitute this pic on Loaliang's website. I thought it so perfectly captures the vacation spirt, I couldn't resist including it.
ISLANDS YOU CAN FLY ON TO - Samui as well as Phuket. You tin flame also wing straight to Krabi but this surface area is non an island.
ISLANDS EASILY REACHED FROM BANGKOK - the closest nice isle past times surface carry is Ko Samet. Big Ko Chang is a lot closer than the Andaman as well as southern Gulf islands but it volition even so accept y'all 6-8 hours past times motorbus as well as ferry.
I reckon an overnight bus/sleeper develop - ferry combination represents ease of access because it wastes piffling sunshine fourth dimension as well as saves a night's accommodation cost - the quickest places to access this way are in all probability Tao, Phangan as well as Samui inward the southern Gulf. Krabi as well as Phuket are similar but don't demand a ferry (note no railway describe of piece of occupation goes nigh them - overnight buses only).
Of course, inward this solar daytime of cutting cost airline tickets, taking a flying is frequently non equally good much to a greater extent than than the bus. Phuket tends to lead keep the most frequent as well as inexpensive flights out of Bangkok, but y'all should Google other destinations - y'all could larn a overnice surprise.
OVERDEVELOPED OR STARTING TO GET OVERDONE - Phuket, Ko Samui, Pattaya, Railay/Ao Nang, Ko Samet, large Ko Chang, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Muk. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 lot of people are maxim Lipe is getting really crowded at peak flavour - sure is overnice at shoulder.
GETS BAD PRESS BUT STILL HAS SOME NICE AREAS - Phuket, Ko Phi Phi, large Ko Chang, Ko Samet, Ko Muk, Samui, Lipe as well as Railay. All are certainly worth visiting.
Slightly overdone Phuket - Kata Yai due south end, ane of the nicer areas of the "big 3" beaches - the budget restaurant/bars following the headland hither are existent overnice places to pass fourth dimension depression flavour when the crowds are downwards as well as the surf is up. This is a high flavour shot.
CULTURE - Most Thai islands aren’t precisely dripping amongst history, temples, artistic stuff, quondam architecture etc. I estimate Phuket would lead keep the most. There are also some temples as well as materials merely about Krabi.
But to run across the normal everyday fishing/farming civilization of Thai islands piffling affected past times tourism, I reckon the best would live Kos Yao Noi as well as Yai, Ko Sukorn, Ko Siboya, Ko Kut as well as Ko Libong. Jum, Phayam as well as piffling Chang are non bad away from the tourist strips.
Some of the best glimpses of everyday life tin flame live seen at the difference points for smaller islands. This is the marketplace position pier at Laem Kruat, where populace longtails depart for Ko Jum as well as Ko Siboya. The edifice far left is a eating seat where y'all tin flame sit down as well as depository fiscal establishment check the bustling scene spell waiting for your boat to depart.
Watching itinerant fruit/hot chicken etc sellers cook-up for locals on islands pop amongst Thai holidayers similar Ko Samet gives a glimps of cultural practices - non to advert some inexpensive yummy nutrient for nosotros farangs.
All y'all dudes hoping for a give away nude-pic hither - bad luck kemosabes, this is a menage unit of measurement show. So here's a give away non-nude shot of smokin'-hot Aneka.
Nice all-rounder. Long Beach on Lanta - plenty of accommodation, restaurants, bars - unopen to shopping - but even so large areas undeveloped. Deep H2O depression tide most areas, no rocks except at far southern end, non far from ferry or chief Sala Dan town. Great sunsets. Not fabulous for snorkelling.
Bang Bao Boat's biggest ferry. They lead keep smaller ferries as well as speedboats (image http://bangbaoboat.com/)
You tin flame honour some existent overnice scenery at Maya Bay, Phi Phi Ley
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IF YOU SEE ANY MISTAKES OR HAVE EXTRA INFORMATION, PLEASE POST information technology BELOW.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE ASK THEM IN THE FORUM WHICH CAN BE ACCESSED VIA THE LINK 75% DOWN THE INDEX - I DON'T GET TO CHECK EACH INDIVIDUAL ISLAND PAGE VERY OFTEN. Sumber http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/
Samui overdone? Neighbourless, proficient value Jungle Club inward the hills behind Chaweng Noi, 2km to the beach (this shot expands).“Please propose a bang-up isle for me”, is a pretty mutual question.
Sometimes that’s it, other times the inquire is to a greater extent than specific: “…..laid dorsum island”, “….good snorkelling”, “……great nightlife”, “….fantastic beaches”. Quite frequently it’s a combo: “…..not touristy but non equally good dead, amongst bang-up beaches, fantastic snorkelling off the beach, budget bungalows past times the sea amongst inbuilt spa as well as Jacuzzi, some nightlife but non over the top as well as amongst an international drome no to a greater extent than than thirty minutes away”. Yeah right, know a dozen of these.
Anyway I though I’d endeavour to pose the islands as well as beaches I know virtually into some variety of categorical order.
Right at the goal of this page inward WHERE THE HELL ARE THEY? I'll lay the islands' geographical locations out. There is also a department on ISLAND HOPPING before that.
LAID BACK - piffling Ko Chang Andaman side, Ko Jum, Ko Ngai, Ko Kradan, Ko Bulon Lae, Ko Mac, Khao Lak.
COMPLETELY LAID BACK - Ko Kho Khao, Ko Yao Noi, Ko Yao Yai, Ko Siboya, Ko Libong, Ko Loaliang, Ko Sukorn, Ko Whai, Ko Kut. And of course of study the National Park no-resorts islands - Similans, Surins, Tarutao, Adang. The oneS that beats them all? Ko Phra Thong as well as Ko Bu Bu.
Note at that topographic point are plenty of set dorsum beaches on non-laid dorsum islands. For example busy, commercial Samui has places similar Thong Ta Kien amidst others. Phangan has a heap - most of the E coast beaches amidst others. Ditto Tao, which is also really relaxed inward the modest bays on the due south westward of the island. Phi Phi's E coast is a placidity gem. Ditto the southern most beaches on Lanta. Buffalo Bay on Phayam. Perhaps the standout - bustling commercial Phuket has 10 km of lovely sand backed past times casuarina trees due north of the drome amongst alone a handful of depression impact resorts - Mai Khao.
Laid dorsum beach on a busy isle - Ao Toh Koh on Phi Phi's E coastInfluenza A virus subtype H5N1 signal virtually the National Park islands: Similans/Surins/Tarutao/Adang - the headquarter beaches tin flame larn a flake busy on weekends as well as Thai populace holidays. As a affair of fact the Similans are so pop amongst daytrippers these days that the chief beach is busy non weekends/holidays equally is the gorgeous strip of sand at Donald Duck Bay.
It doesn't larn much to a greater extent than relaxed than Ko Laoliang Noi - no roads, no tracks, no village, few boats, ane low-profile tent resort. Yet if y'all WANT, y'all tin flame climb, snorkel, dive, fish, kayak. In this belatedly afternoon shot the awesome cliffs are shading the beach/resort area.PARTY PLACES - Phuket, Pattaya, Samui, Phangan (Had Rin) are the large 4, You volition honour a fair flake of nightlife at Krabi's Ao Nang, Phi Phi's Ton Sai town, the start iii beaches on Samet, White Sand Beach at large Ko Chang, Pattaya Beach as well as Walking Street at Lipe, Klong Dao as well as Long Beach on Lanta.
GOOD DIVING - Ko Tao, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lipe, Khao Lak, Phuket, Ko Laoliang, Ko Phra Thong.
PRETTY GOOD SNORKELLING OFF THE BEACH - Ko Kradan, Ko Lipe, Ko Bulon Lae, Ko Ngai, Ko Whai, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Tao, Ko Phangan, Ko Raya. And of course of study places similar the Similans, Surins, Rok Nok, Laoliang. UPDATE 2013 - coral bleaching has knocked Thai coral virtually badly inward recent years. The best coral I've seen at the inward a higher house has been at Ko Tao, followed past times Kradan.
Readers Trip reporter Cocodrilo sent me this shot from the Similans.
SPECTACULAR SCENERY - few island/beach areas inward Thailand don’t lead keep overnice scenery, but the existent stand-outs of places amongst plenty of accommodation are Ko Phi Phi, Railay/Ton Sai at Krabi as well as Ko Nangyuan at Ko Tao.
Ko Nangyuan off Ko Tao - a really scenic location. There are bungalows on the far "mountain", the mid-islet as well as on the hillside below the camera. The higher balconies are proficient places to hang after sunset watching the underwater lights of the nighttime diving schoolhouse flash as well as ark. Good snorkelling off the beach hither - the fish are so used to beingness fed inward the top-right bay that they crowd merely about when y'all larn into the water.The immediate surface area of Ko Laoliang is pretty proficient but at that topographic point is alone the tent resort.
The nearby Trang islands of Ko Ngai as well as Ko Kradan are inward a higher house average as well as lead keep plenty of accommodation.
Phang Nga Bay islands don't larn much to a greater extent than spectacular, but y'all tin flame alone genuinely remain on ane of them, the sea gypsy fishing/restaurant isle of Ko Panyi, as well as accommodation is limited.
Ang Thong National Marine Park is similarly spectacular but accommodation is ane time to a greater extent than express - to tents as well as a few bungalow rooms at the National Park HQ island. Most people see on daytrips from Samui as well as Phangan. BTW - the novel The Beach and its hidden lagoon (which most trips visit) was inspired past times this area, despite the flick beingness shot at Phi Phi Don inward the Andaman.
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CLIMBING - Railay/Ton Sai, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Laoliang as well as evidently Ko Yao Noi.
I accept my first-ever climb on LaoliangALL-ROUNDERS - ISLANDS/BEACHES WITH Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 GOOD VARIETY - some overnice beaches, set dorsum areas, some nightlife, some other activities similar snorkelling/diving/climbing/trekking (but non necessarily all or most) - Ko Lanta, Ko Lipe, Ko Phangan, Ko Tao, Ko Samui, Ko Samet, Phuket, Railay/Ton Sai/Ao Nang, Ko Muk, large Ko Chang.
BEST BEACHES - these are in all probability constitute somewhere inward the Similans, Surins, Ang Thong National Marine Park or similar. But of places amongst easily got accommodation the alternative is so bang-up it is hard to pick ane or a few. Phra Nang at Krabi would perchance larn the gong - but it is so crowded much of the fourth dimension these days.
Whitest sand? Hell, I’m non proficient hither because I don’t attention if the sand is white or yellow, both expect nice. As long equally it’s build clean as well as at that topographic point is plenty at high tide as well as the H2O is deep plenty to swim at depression tide.
I’m copping out on best beach as well as whitest sand. Although y'all could depository fiscal establishment check the following link for the pix of the beach at Donald Duck Bay inward the Similans.
For people wanting overnice beaches I pose together a page of pix of what I consider some of Thailand's to a greater extent than pristine beaches.
No shortage of overnice beaches - this ane is at Ko Nangyuan. Attractive plenty that a lot of people daytrip from nearby (1km) Ko Tao. Apparently the isle owners at nowadays lead keep a modest accuse for non-residents.NOT SO NICE BEACHES - Ko Sukorn has brownish-grey sand most places. Yao Noi as well as Jum are rocky at depression tide inward a lot of areas. Siboya is similar. But Yao as well as Jum are even so overnice islands to visit, equally is Siboya.
Very ordinary beach at Ko Siboya. But Siboya Bungalows 300m due south is the best inexpensive bungalow articulation I've stayed at inward Thailand.CAMPING
You frequently run across people camping ground on the beaches inward Thailand, especially Thais.
All beaches are owned past times the manlike individual monarch as well as are opened upwards to the populace - at that topographic point is no such thing equally a private beach although some resorts would similar to tiddler y'all at that topographic point is. Often resorts ain the province behind the beach as well as block populace access thru their province or lead keep a modest accuse or desire y'all to piece of occupation their restaurants - such equally Ao Leuk on Lanta.
Resorts which block access to the beach tin flame larn existent pissed when someone comes inward past times boat, but they can't produce a thing. I ane time saw 2 quondam fisherman inward a tiny longtail province on a land-blocked luxury resort beach at Phuket as well as mend their nets for a few hours. The safety goons nigh died amongst frustration.
One outfit that tin flame ban camping ground is the National Parks - normally they lead keep their ain camping ground areas amongst tents for rent. And people tin flame pitch their ain tents at that topographic point for a really minimal cost, but NP sometimes don't desire people camping ground on beaches elsewhere inward their surface area which may live a flake delicate eco-wise.
National Park camping ground areas are constitute on the Surins (2), Similans(2), Ko Adang, Ko Tarutao (2), Ko Kradan as well as the Ang Thong Marine National Park westward of Samui as well as Phangan. I've got an thought y'all tin flame military camp inward the modest surface area at the southern tip of Ko Lanta as well as some other on Ko Rok. I've in all probability missed a few.
They produce pack them inward at some of the National Park camping ground areas - this is camping ground surface area #2 at Mai Ngam beach inward the Surin islands. Note a few private tents inward amongst the NP tents.Apart from the National Park islands or NP areas of islands inward a higher house I lead keep seen people camping ground on large Ko Chang, Ko Kho Khao, Phangan, a beach merely westward of Railay/Ton Sai at Krabi as well as Ko Lipe. At times Thais walk along an open-access beach as well as pitch their tents inward a proficient spot - sometimes inward forepart of a bungalow resort.
If y'all desire a dedicated camping ground resort y'all could try Ko Ngai Camping which is pitched to a greater extent than to the budget marketplace position - or Ko Lao Liang for buoutique camping.
Some bungalow resorts lead keep tents for overflow crowds - perchance y'all could depository fiscal establishment check my Lipe page, Ko Kho Khao page, Mai Khao Phuket Trip Report page as well as Kradan Trip Report page past times wonderingstar for to a greater extent than info.
And at that topographic point is the semi-luxury tent resort on Ko Lialiang, the alone accommodation there.
Should y'all accept a tent? Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 lot of people volition state no - the bungalows are so inexpensive it's non worth the bother. But if camping ground floats your boat, why not? But depository fiscal establishment complaint trip reporter MV is a flake leery camping ground inward an surface area amongst lots of others - he reckons things tin flame disappear as well as prefers finding a deserted beach on some idyllic island.
I similar camping ground but larn my set amongst the occasional remain on a NP isle or inward ane of the budget resorts' overflow tents.
PRISTINE WATER
The nicest H2O I've seen at a beach amongst accommodation is at the National Park HQ beach at isle #4 inward the Similans. Of beaches amongst lots of accommodation, Lady Tezza's favourite spot inward the swimming enclosure following Varin resort on Ko Lipe's Pattaya beach would larn the award. Patok, the chief beach on Ko Raya/Racha Yai is spretty special too.
BUNGALOWS OVER THE WATER
I can't think of whatever bungalows on stilts over coral reefs equally constitute inward the Pacific islands or Indian Ocean. But at that topographic point are a few joints on stilts over less spectacular bits of sea . See the Ko Samet page for Ban Ploy Samed as well as its neighbours, the large Ko Chang page for Bang Bao Sea Hut as well as the Ko Maak page for Cococape.
View from my Cococape (Ko Maak) budget-priced bungalow on stilts. In my example all but the nurture bath was genuinely suspended over the bay. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 multifariousness of prices for these as well as on-land accommodation at this overnice midrange resort.FLOATING ACCOMMODATION
Check the Kanchanaburi page for Boutique Raft Resort, the large Chang page for the boat houses as well as mini cruise liner at Grand Lagoona as well as the Khao Sok page for Tan Tuoy Raft Houses.
Boutique Raft Resort, river Kwai Noi inward the Kanchanaburi hinterland. Okay, the Kanchanari district is non precisely beaches as well as islands but many of y'all volition access LOS via Bangkok as well as this surface area is ane of the ameliorate nearby places to pass a flake of time.WHICH IS THE BEST WET SEASON ISLAND?
For a start y'all tin flame avoid a lot of the sometime-from-lateApril/May to sometime-in-November moisture flavour past times going to the southern Gulf islands (Samui/Phangan/Tao) which tend to lead keep a dissimilar moisture season, Oct into January. Many of the shots of those islands inward this spider web log were taken July-August.
In the other areas the driest isle tends to live Ko Samet inward the key Gulf. And all but ane of the beaches on that isle are on the lee E coast which agency calmer conditions on windy days as well as less flotsam/jetsam blown onshore.
Pattaya is unopen to Samet as well as is relatively dry out too.
Samet has a dozen or so E facing beaches ranging from super laid-back Ao Nuan inward a higher house to lively political party spots.Other islands are non out of the enquiry inward moisture flavour - I lead keep ever got plenty sunshine for a satisfactory moisture flavour vacation as well as lead keep never lost ane total solar daytime to incessant rain. But depository fiscal establishment complaint that the southern Gulf has a reputation for turning on a shocker virtually ane inward every four or v years inward Oct-Nov-Dec. Not on a regular ground unfortunately, so if concluding twelvemonth was a schocker it doesn't necessarily hateful this ane volition live okay.
Phuket page were shot inward this fortnight or on other moisture flavour trips - lots of sunshine on those. Quite a few days had no rain, some had no cloud.
Ao Toh Koh is a sheltered E coast beach, handy on those 15-25% of moisture flavour days when the air current gets up. Other Andaman islands amongst sheltered E facing beaches are Ngai, Kradan, Muk, Lipe, Bulon Lae as well as Yao Noi.
The Trat as well as Ranong islands are statistically the wettest, especially June thru October.
The Trat as well as key Gulf areas tend to goal their moisture flavour before than others.
SHALLOW AT LOW TIDE - the westward coast as well as due south coast of Phangan, Sairee as well as the due south coast of Tao, quite a few Lanta beaches (most of Long Beach DOESN’T endure this), the due south goal of Andaman on Lipe. Parts of Ting Rai as well as Luboa on Ko Jum. Loh Dalum as well as most of the due south coast of Phi Phi, Buffalo Bay at Ko Phayam, especially inward the middle of the southern beach, the chief beach on Little Chang Andaman side, especially at the southern end. Northern goal of the chief E facing beaches on Ko Ngai as well as Ko Kradan. Some parts of the middle bay as well as nearby at Ko Phra Thong. Both chief beaches at Ko Maak.
But this element doesn't worry me equally good much - I'm a keen sea swimmer for fitness as well as I never lead keep problems swimming reasonably unopen to shore at these places except for a few hours merely about lowest tide. Note that inward the Andaman most days tend to lead keep 2 depression tides roughly 12.5 hours apart as well as the daylight high tide gets roughly an sixty minutes after each day. In the Gulf at that topographic point is alone ane depression tide inward a 24 sixty minutes menstruation - as well as that gets roughly an sixty minutes after each solar daytime too. If depression tide happens to autumn merely about mid-day inward the Gulf it agency that it's going to live pretty shallow all the fourth dimension inward the peak swimming hours of 0900-1500. At to the lowest degree this shallow menstruation volition larn an sixty minutes after each day. If your Gulf see happens to autumn inward a menstruation when the depression tide is at night, y'all are laughing.
Note too, inward many trips to Railay as well as Long Beach Phi Phi I had no problems swimming at depression tide. However my last visits to each coincided amongst ane of those extra depression tide periods associated amongst SPRING TIDES (the bi monthly tidal extremes associated amongst total Moon as well as no-moon) as well as I constitute each a flake shallow at lowest tide, unopen to shore. Phra Nang nigh Railay is proficient all tides.
Hat Noppharet Thara/Ton Son E of Ao Nang larn existent shallow.
Shallow mid twelvemonth inward the southern Gulf ? - good evidently lowest tides are a flake shallower mid year. But nosotros are talking mere cms inward difference according to the scientific written report someone posted. I think this has been overplayed. I’ve had bang-up swims at Mae Had as well as Had Salad on Phangan's "shallow" westward coast away from lowest tide inward June- August.
10% downwards on Samui page. This shot tin flame live expanded.
GOOD SURF - forget it inward high season. Most places are dead apartment or lead keep talocrural articulation ticklers. The alone half-decent (body) surf I've had high flavour is on Ko Phayam, ane time inward iii visits (update - Dec 2010 trip to Phuket I got some fun torso waves at Surin as well as Nai Thon. Very rare).
In moisture flavour the Andaman coast gets swell. The pop Phuket beaches lead keep waves which are surfable. The Trang coast sometimes gets large swell. Wally at Paradise Lost on Ko Kradan told me the sunset beach at that topographic point attracts surfers. Note moisture flavour surf I lead keep seen is non character - sloppy onshore muck. But surfable.
BUNGALOWS RIGHT ON THE BEACH - the alone places I've seen the H2O lapping the pylons at high tide are Sinchai's at Hat Yao/Ban Chao Mai nigh Trang, Good Feeling at Ko Wai as well as at Bulone Resort, Ko Bulon Lae. But if y'all desire bungalows inside a few meters of the sand at that topographic point are lots - some I know are Paradise Resort as well as Paradise Pearl on Long Beach Phi Phi, Toh Koh Resort as well as Holiday Inn on Phi Phi's E coast, Sawasdee as well as a lot of the other resorts on piffling Ko Chang, Ko Muk Charlie, most of the places I advert on the chief beach at Ko Ngai, Leela Beach bungalows Phangan, Paradise Resort as well as Kradan Island Resort on Ko Kradan, Ko Wai Paradise, Island Hut as well as Ao Kao on Ko Mak, Mai Pen Rai as well as JS on Had Sadet, Phangan, New Hut on Lamai at Samui, Seaside Cottages on Mai Khao Phuket.
The forepart row tents at Laoliang are 25m from the water.
Note y'all are out of luck at pop Railay as well as Ton Sai (Krabi). Restaurants as well as reception dominate the beachfront - the bungalows are behind.
Absolute beachfront bungalows at Island Hut on Ko Maak. Technically the aircon bungalows at Ao Pudsa Resort on Samet are headland - but this corner ane is virtually beachfront. Tezza's cheaper fan bungalow was on the hillside behind. Roof at far left belongs to beachfront restaurant.
Bungalows on the sand at Ao Sadet's "Mai Pen Rai" - Ko Phangan
Crikey, y'all tin flame even so larn budget backpacker bungalows on Samui's pop Lamai. "New Hut" on the due north 3rd of the beach. Last 2 pix expand.
Budget bungalows on a set dorsum white sand beach - depository fiscal establishment check Bottle Beach One's website for electrical current prices. Hey, this house has a puddle as well as midrange accomm. North coast of Ko Phangan.GOOD FOR TREKKING - the alone islands I tin flame think of which had virtually no walking trails or roads suitable for walking when I visited are Kos Laoliang as well as Whai. Correction - y'all tin flame at nowadays walk downwards the E coast of Whai addition a loop to a cipher bay on the westward side as well as a runway to a overnice sunset viewpoint inward a narrow inlet farther north. Of the others, Ko Kradan as well as perchance Ngai would disappoint trekkers who desire to encompass big distances, but the trails are quite nice.
Siobhan from Adelaide crosses a creek on TarutaoADVENTURE ISLANDS
Ko Laoliang has climbing, diving, snorkelling, kayaks, angling on the doorstep (umm, brand that luxury-tent threshold). Railay/Ao Nang would live the following best bet - yeah I know it aint genuinely an isle area. All the large well-visited islands lead keep made sure they lead keep plenty of opportunity materials - I'm talking virtually Phangan, Samui, Phuket as well as Lanta.
Manager Vinnie as well as climbing-guide Elliott depository fiscal establishment check out bouldering-routes nether the cliff overhang straight behind the tent surface area on Loaliang. Climbing routes of most grades accept off along this department too. I constitute this pic on Loaliang's website. I thought it so perfectly captures the vacation spirt, I couldn't resist including it.ISLANDS YOU CAN FLY ON TO - Samui as well as Phuket. You tin flame also wing straight to Krabi but this surface area is non an island.
ISLANDS EASILY REACHED FROM BANGKOK - the closest nice isle past times surface carry is Ko Samet. Big Ko Chang is a lot closer than the Andaman as well as southern Gulf islands but it volition even so accept y'all 6-8 hours past times motorbus as well as ferry.
I reckon an overnight bus/sleeper develop - ferry combination represents ease of access because it wastes piffling sunshine fourth dimension as well as saves a night's accommodation cost - the quickest places to access this way are in all probability Tao, Phangan as well as Samui inward the southern Gulf. Krabi as well as Phuket are similar but don't demand a ferry (note no railway describe of piece of occupation goes nigh them - overnight buses only).
Of course, inward this solar daytime of cutting cost airline tickets, taking a flying is frequently non equally good much to a greater extent than than the bus. Phuket tends to lead keep the most frequent as well as inexpensive flights out of Bangkok, but y'all should Google other destinations - y'all could larn a overnice surprise.
OVERDEVELOPED OR STARTING TO GET OVERDONE - Phuket, Ko Samui, Pattaya, Railay/Ao Nang, Ko Samet, large Ko Chang, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Muk. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 lot of people are maxim Lipe is getting really crowded at peak flavour - sure is overnice at shoulder.
GETS BAD PRESS BUT STILL HAS SOME NICE AREAS - Phuket, Ko Phi Phi, large Ko Chang, Ko Samet, Ko Muk, Samui, Lipe as well as Railay. All are certainly worth visiting.
Slightly overdone Phuket - Kata Yai due south end, ane of the nicer areas of the "big 3" beaches - the budget restaurant/bars following the headland hither are existent overnice places to pass fourth dimension depression flavour when the crowds are downwards as well as the surf is up. This is a high flavour shot. CULTURE - Most Thai islands aren’t precisely dripping amongst history, temples, artistic stuff, quondam architecture etc. I estimate Phuket would lead keep the most. There are also some temples as well as materials merely about Krabi.
But to run across the normal everyday fishing/farming civilization of Thai islands piffling affected past times tourism, I reckon the best would live Kos Yao Noi as well as Yai, Ko Sukorn, Ko Siboya, Ko Kut as well as Ko Libong. Jum, Phayam as well as piffling Chang are non bad away from the tourist strips.
Some of the best glimpses of everyday life tin flame live seen at the difference points for smaller islands. This is the marketplace position pier at Laem Kruat, where populace longtails depart for Ko Jum as well as Ko Siboya. The edifice far left is a eating seat where y'all tin flame sit down as well as depository fiscal establishment check the bustling scene spell waiting for your boat to depart.
Watching itinerant fruit/hot chicken etc sellers cook-up for locals on islands pop amongst Thai holidayers similar Ko Samet gives a glimps of cultural practices - non to advert some inexpensive yummy nutrient for nosotros farangs. CAVES - Railay, Lanta, the surface area nigh Hat Yao lead keep caves. So equally good does the lake trip at Khao Sok, but this is non such a proficient house to live inward or unopen to moisture season, equally the recent tragedy attests. There are sure to live others - I'm non a large seeker of caves.
Flooded caves y'all tin flame paddle a kayak into (or fifty-fifty larn into past times longtail boat) are widespread inward Phang Nga Bay. In some the top has caved inward to shape a HONG - a sun-drenched inner lagoon.
Emerald cave at Muk is similar - this ane y'all swim into. Magic place.
Locals' tour grouping emerges from Emerald Cave Ko Muk. Most Thais can't swim, thus flotation vests as well as ropes.
Flooded caves y'all tin flame paddle a kayak into (or fifty-fifty larn into past times longtail boat) are widespread inward Phang Nga Bay. In some the top has caved inward to shape a HONG - a sun-drenched inner lagoon.
Emerald cave at Muk is similar - this ane y'all swim into. Magic place.
NUDE BEACHES - for some people topless women are nude. In that example all the tourist beaches inward Thailand except perchance the domestic Hua Hin as well as Cha-Am are nude beaches.
But for full-on nudity, amongst people parading similar inward the Greek Islands, forget it. Thai people tend to frown on such displays. However at that topographic point are plenty of lonely stretches of beach as well as stone platforms inward Thailand where dedicated naturists tin flame become nude as well as encompass upwards good before whatever locals come upwards near. I lead keep seen nudists on many islands inward Thailand.
All y'all dudes hoping for a give away nude-pic hither - bad luck kemosabes, this is a menage unit of measurement show. So here's a give away non-nude shot of smokin'-hot Aneka. NO ROADS - of the places detailed inward this spider web log Whai, Kradan, Adang as well as Ngai lead keep narrow walking tracks alone as well as Lipe, Railay/Ton Sai, Phi Phi as well as Bulon Lae lead keep wider tracks/laneways but virtually no motor vehicles (Update Dec 09 - quite a few of the tracks on Lipe had been paved as well as at that topographic point is at nowadays a fair few motorcycles. Not many 4-wheeled vehicles - a fair department of the cross isle paved path is closed to all traffic come upwards sunset - called WALKING STREET). Even the walking tracks at Whai are limited. There are no walking tracks on Laoliang.
NOT MUCH LONGTAIL NOISE
The beaches I constitute relatively placidity were at Ko Phra Thong, Ko Bu Bu, Ko Kho Khao, Ko Libong Beach Resort, Ko Sukorn Beach Resort, Ko Siboya Resort, Laoliang as well as the chief beaches at piffling Ko Chang Andaman side as well as nearby Ko Phayam. The E coast of Samet has mainly speedboats which hummmm - I didn't listen ane longtail inward my Feb08 visit. There was non much longtail dissonance on Ko Mak. Nor at Long Beach on Lanta (come to think of it, most Lanta beaches lead keep non offended), Had Salad on Phangan, Thong Ta Kien on Samui. I don't think I heard a longtail anywhere on Ko Kho Khao's 20km of sea beach.
The bungalows at Ton Sai following to Railay don't larn a lot of longtail dissonance because they are upwards the runway away from the beach.
All the sea-traffic to Samet's beaches seems to live placidity speedboats or chug-chug ferries
All the sea-traffic to Samet's beaches seems to live placidity speedboats or chug-chug ferries PLACES I COULD SPEND Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 LOT OF TIME - (if I had to pick an isle to remain on for several months) - Ko Phangan, Ko Lanta, Ko Tao, Ko Lipe. The start 2 are large as well as lead keep lots of dissimilar areas to motility to each calendar week or so. Tao aint large but has lots of interesting piffling bays etc. Lipe is tiny, but I merely similar the house as well as would savor watching the turnover of tourists over time).
Noosa Heads inward South East Queensland.
The isle I've enjoyed most inward the past times 10 years is Pulau Kapas inward north-east peninsula Malaysia.
ISLANDS TO RETIRE TO - (I lead keep had several PMs re this - I figure y'all desire something big for variety, amongst proficient carry links including an drome non equally good far away, proficient services, proficient wellness facilities as well as reasonably inexpensive long term accommodation) - Ko Phangan, Ko Lanta, as well as fifty-fifty if they aint my personal picks - Ko Samui as well as Phuket.
Okay, what virtually the BIG KAHUNA of questions?
LAID BACK, NOT TOO TOURISTY BUT WITH Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 BIT OF NIGHTLIFE.
Hell, how many times does this larn asked?
Okay, if y'all are talking islands perchance Lanta as well as Lipe away from peak-peak would larn the gong. And fifty-fifty at busiest times on Lipe y'all could remain at Sunset or Sunrise Beach as well as walk across to Pattaya after black for some set dorsum beach bars as well as restaurants.
I reckon it is easier to pick a beach than a whole island. Thong Nai Pan on Phangan. Long Beach, Khlong Khong as well as Khlong Nin on Lanta.
But at that topographic point are plenty of other places amongst merely ane or a few bars/restaurants where if at that topographic point is the correct mixture of travellers/locals things tin flame larn existent mellow. Hell sometimes this tin flame spill out at your bungalow’s restaurant.
Noosa Heads inward South East Queensland.
The isle I've enjoyed most inward the past times 10 years is Pulau Kapas inward north-east peninsula Malaysia.
ISLANDS TO RETIRE TO - (I lead keep had several PMs re this - I figure y'all desire something big for variety, amongst proficient carry links including an drome non equally good far away, proficient services, proficient wellness facilities as well as reasonably inexpensive long term accommodation) - Ko Phangan, Ko Lanta, as well as fifty-fifty if they aint my personal picks - Ko Samui as well as Phuket.
Okay, what virtually the BIG KAHUNA of questions?
LAID BACK, NOT TOO TOURISTY BUT WITH Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 BIT OF NIGHTLIFE.
Hell, how many times does this larn asked?
Okay, if y'all are talking islands perchance Lanta as well as Lipe away from peak-peak would larn the gong. And fifty-fifty at busiest times on Lipe y'all could remain at Sunset or Sunrise Beach as well as walk across to Pattaya after black for some set dorsum beach bars as well as restaurants.
I reckon it is easier to pick a beach than a whole island. Thong Nai Pan on Phangan. Long Beach, Khlong Khong as well as Khlong Nin on Lanta.
But at that topographic point are plenty of other places amongst merely ane or a few bars/restaurants where if at that topographic point is the correct mixture of travellers/locals things tin flame larn existent mellow. Hell sometimes this tin flame spill out at your bungalow’s restaurant.
Nice all-rounder. Long Beach on Lanta - plenty of accommodation, restaurants, bars - unopen to shopping - but even so large areas undeveloped. Deep H2O depression tide most areas, no rocks except at far southern end, non far from ferry or chief Sala Dan town. Great sunsets. Not fabulous for snorkelling. ISLAND HOPPING
Tao to Phangan to Samui has been the quondam favourite - for years these lead keep been linked past times several ferry operations. Thesy tend to run all twelvemonth except inward periods of really bad weather.
Coming from Bangkok, the logical mainland difference is Chumpon amongst solar daytime as well as nighttime ferries - from the due south or the Andaman, Surathani (also solar daytime as well as nighttime ferries although most solar daytime ferries run from Ban Don pier virtually an sixty minutes east) is normally best. Both places lead keep motorbus as well as develop connections to Bangkok. You tin flame also wing into Surathani as well as Samui.
In the Andaman a logical high flavour circuit is Phuket-Phi Phi-Lanta-Jum-Krabi town (or to nearby Railay/Ton Sai/Ao Nang) past times fast ferry. You tin flame cutting whatever of these out of a planned circuit. At introduce moisture flavour cuts Lanta as well as Jum out of the circuit, but certainly this is merely a affair of time.
It is possible to produce Phuket-Yao Yai-Yao Noi-Phuket. Or go on on from Yao Noi to either Krabi via the tiresome ferry to Ao Thalen or the speedboat to Ao Nang - or go on on to Phi Phi past times the novel speedboat service started high flavour 09/10 (UPDATE - non sure if this has survived).
It is possible to produce Phuket-Yao Yai-Yao Noi-Phuket. Or go on on from Yao Noi to either Krabi via the tiresome ferry to Ao Thalen or the speedboat to Ao Nang - or go on on to Phi Phi past times the novel speedboat service started high flavour 09/10 (UPDATE - non sure if this has survived).
Lanta has been linked to the Trang islands of Ngai, Muk as well as Kradan for years inward high flavour past times the Trang Island daytrip ferries out of Ban Sala Dan, as well as past times longtails from the Lanta town pier. From southern beaches it is possible to hop downwards to the Trang islands on daytrip longtails as well as of course of study y'all tin flame charter one.
Daytrip speedboats also run out of Lanta to the Trang islands as well as volition accept travellers shifting betwixt islands.
Daytrip speedboats also run out of Lanta to the Trang islands as well as volition accept travellers shifting betwixt islands.
Naturally it is also possible to hop betwixt all the Trang islands including using some of these daytrip boats or local longtails.
But the BIG DADDY of isle hopping is at nowadays possible - the novel high flavour Tigerline Travel ferry service out of Phuket via Phi Phi via Lanta/Ngai/Kradan/Muk/Hat Chao Mai-Hat Yao, Lipe as well as so Langkawi inward Malaysia agency y'all tin flame at nowadays isle hop all the way from Phuket or Krabi/Railay to north-west Malaysia. Actually at that topographic point is some other fast ferry joining Langkawi amongst Penang farther south.
You tin flame bring together the Tigerline service at the Ban Chao Mai/Hat Yao pier on the Trang coast after the company's minibuses lead keep brought y'all from places similar Trang drome or city, Krabi as well as others.
There is also a speedboat service operated past times SPB from Phuket to Lipe which volition drib inward at other islands including Ko Bulon Lae.
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Satun surface area mini-loop is ferry/speedboat out of Pak Bara to Tarutao as well as so on to Adang/Lipe, speedboat to Bulon Lae as well as so ferry dorsum to Pak Bara.
In the eastern Gulf, big Chang, Whai, Muk, Kham as well as Kut are joined inward high flavour past times the Island Hopping Service as well as Bang Bao Boat addition quite a few other speedboat operators.
Bang Bao Boat's biggest ferry. They lead keep smaller ferries as well as speedboats (image http://bangbaoboat.com/) Can y'all island-hop from the big Chang surface area or Samet across to Samui/Phangan/Tao?
This enquiry is frequently asked on the forums. The response is no, at that topographic point is no ferry service.
Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 few years dorsum y'all could wing from U Tapoa non equally good far from Samet as well as unopen to Pattaya to Samui on Bangkok Air, so this powerfulness live worth checking. And y'all tin flame wing from Trat drome nigh large Chang to Bangkok as well as so onwards to Samui or Surathani. Otherwise it's the motorbus to Bangkok as well as so develop or bus/ferry routine.
WHERE THE HELL ARE THEY?
The Andaman Coast Islands as well as Beaches
Starting inward the due north nigh the Burmese edge are the Ranong Islands - little Ko Chang as well as Ko Phayam
Ko Kho Khao is virtually thirty km due north of Khao Lak nigh Takua Pa.
Ko Phra Thong is forthwith due north of Ko Kho Khao.
Khao Lak is a serial of beaches on the mainland non equally good far due north of Phuket.
The Similans are E of Lak as well as the Surins north-east.
Islands/beaches due north of Phuket. I did this map before I visited Ko Kho Khao - it is straight due north of Khao Lak's place-marker as well as left of that modest rectangle really unopen to the coast. And Ko Phra Thong is the following isle north, forthwith below that darkish inverted arrow of an isle which is Ko Ra - ane I haven't checked yet.
Ko Yao Noi (and Yai) are merely to the E of Phuket.
Ko Raya/Racha is straight due south of Phuket.
Krabi/Railay/Ao Nang/Ton Sai are on the mainland due south of Ko Yao.
Ko Phi Phi is a Krabi surface area isle to the due south E equally is Ko Lanta to the south.
Kos Siboya as well as Jum are betwixt Krabi as well as Lanta.
Ko Bu Bu is betwixt Lanta as well as the mainland
Phuket surface area islands + Krabi/Railay. Ko Raya/Racha is that dot really bottom of map nether Phuket.
The Trang Islands start merely due south of Lanta - Kos Ngai, Kradan, Muk, Libong, Sukorn as well as Laoliang.
The Trang islands
Near the Malaysian edge are the Satun surface area islands - Kos Bulon Lae, Tarutao, Lipe as well as neighbours similar Adang .
Satun surface area islands
------------------------------------------------------------
The Southern Gulf Islands as well as Beaches
Starting E of Surathani is Ko Samui as well as so heading due north is Ko Phangan as well as so Ko Tao.
Northwards on the Gulf's westward coast are the largely domestic vacation beaches of Hua Hin* as well as Cha Am*.
The southern Gulf islands
----------------------------------------------------------
The Eastern Gulf Islands
Ko Samet is to a greater extent than key Gulf, non equally good far from Bangkok. Further east, nigh the Camobodian edge are big Ko Chang as well as so to the south, Ko Wai, Ko Mak as well as Ko Kut.
The eastern Gulf islands
WHERE THE HELL ARE THEY?
The Andaman Coast Islands as well as Beaches
Starting inward the due north nigh the Burmese edge are the Ranong Islands - little Ko Chang as well as Ko Phayam
Ko Kho Khao is virtually thirty km due north of Khao Lak nigh Takua Pa.
Ko Phra Thong is forthwith due north of Ko Kho Khao.
Khao Lak is a serial of beaches on the mainland non equally good far due north of Phuket.
The Similans are E of Lak as well as the Surins north-east.
Islands/beaches due north of Phuket. I did this map before I visited Ko Kho Khao - it is straight due north of Khao Lak's place-marker as well as left of that modest rectangle really unopen to the coast. And Ko Phra Thong is the following isle north, forthwith below that darkish inverted arrow of an isle which is Ko Ra - ane I haven't checked yet.Ko Yao Noi (and Yai) are merely to the E of Phuket.
Ko Raya/Racha is straight due south of Phuket.
Krabi/Railay/Ao Nang/Ton Sai are on the mainland due south of Ko Yao.
Ko Phi Phi is a Krabi surface area isle to the due south E equally is Ko Lanta to the south.
Kos Siboya as well as Jum are betwixt Krabi as well as Lanta.
Ko Bu Bu is betwixt Lanta as well as the mainland
Phuket surface area islands + Krabi/Railay. Ko Raya/Racha is that dot really bottom of map nether Phuket.The Trang Islands start merely due south of Lanta - Kos Ngai, Kradan, Muk, Libong, Sukorn as well as Laoliang.
The Trang islandsNear the Malaysian edge are the Satun surface area islands - Kos Bulon Lae, Tarutao, Lipe as well as neighbours similar Adang .
Satun surface area islands------------------------------------------------------------
The Southern Gulf Islands as well as Beaches
Starting E of Surathani is Ko Samui as well as so heading due north is Ko Phangan as well as so Ko Tao.
Northwards on the Gulf's westward coast are the largely domestic vacation beaches of Hua Hin* as well as Cha Am*.
The southern Gulf islands----------------------------------------------------------
The Eastern Gulf Islands
Ko Samet is to a greater extent than key Gulf, non equally good far from Bangkok. Further east, nigh the Camobodian edge are big Ko Chang as well as so to the south, Ko Wai, Ko Mak as well as Ko Kut.
The eastern Gulf islands Pattaya* is a mainland beach surface area a flake closer to Bangkok than Ko Samet.
Okay, at that topographic point are others but I think I've covered the chief ones.
* This denotes islands/beaches which don't appear on this blog, either because I haven't visited or haven't for some time. I'm taking Lady Tezza to Samui inward August 09 so should lead keep a page upwards on that inward September, addition some updates on Phangan as well as Phuket.
If y'all lead keep extra data or run across mistakes, delight post service below. I don't larn to depository fiscal establishment check private pages equally good frequently so if y'all lead keep questions, delight post service them on the FORUM page accessed via the INDEX top correct of this page. I endeavour to depository fiscal establishment check that ane daily when I'm non travelling
Okay, at that topographic point are others but I think I've covered the chief ones.
* This denotes islands/beaches which don't appear on this blog, either because I haven't visited or haven't for some time. I'm taking Lady Tezza to Samui inward August 09 so should lead keep a page upwards on that inward September, addition some updates on Phangan as well as Phuket.
If y'all lead keep extra data or run across mistakes, delight post service below. I don't larn to depository fiscal establishment check private pages equally good frequently so if y'all lead keep questions, delight post service them on the FORUM page accessed via the INDEX top correct of this page. I endeavour to depository fiscal establishment check that ane daily when I'm non travelling
You tin flame honour some existent overnice scenery at Maya Bay, Phi Phi Ley--------------------------------------------------------------
IF YOU SEE ANY MISTAKES OR HAVE EXTRA INFORMATION, PLEASE POST information technology BELOW.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE ASK THEM IN THE FORUM WHICH CAN BE ACCESSED VIA THE LINK 75% DOWN THE INDEX - I DON'T GET TO CHECK EACH INDIVIDUAL ISLAND PAGE VERY OFTEN. Sumber http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/