Thailand is a highly sought-after destination for sunny holidays. The country has more than 500 islands, making the choice difficult. All are magnificent, but your experience will be even better on quiet beaches away from mass tourism.

The most famous islands, such as Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, or even Phuket, are often crowded with visitors and may lose some of their typical charm. Yet, Thailand offers numerous islands, some of which are much less known. If you wish to fully enjoy a relaxing stay, we advise you to select one of the following destinations:

Koh Chang,
Koh Kood,
Koh Mook,
Koh Lanta,
Koh Phra Thong.

This article will detail the transportation methods to reach these islands, as well as the main activities available on-site.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is an island located in eastern Thailand, near the Cambodian border. Its national park and diving spots make it an incredible destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Although it is relatively unknown, it is nonetheless the third-largest island in the country. You will therefore have numerous activities available.

How to get there

This little paradise is somewhat remote from major cities and requires a bit of planning to reach. You are probably wondering how to get to Koh Chang from Bangkok. Your journey will involve several steps:

→ The nearest airport is in Trat, 17 km from the pier to Koh Chang. Only one airline serves this route, Bangkok Airways. Flights from the capital take 1 hour and prices start at approximately 40 euros. If you choose this option, you will then need to take a minivan to the pier.

→ Traveling by bus or van is another alternative to flying. It will take approximately 6 hours, but this choice has advantages. This transportation method will take you directly from the capital city to the pier, and prices are much cheaper (around 8 euros per person).

→ The final step remains the boat crossing. There are 3 ports offering ferries to the island, but the journeys are all similar. For about 3 euros, you can board a boat and reach Koh Chang in approximately 40 minutes.

It is also interesting to note that certain companies offer combined bus and ferry services, from your departure city directly to the Koh Chang pier. This slightly increases the price but simplifies connections and the overall trip.

What to do on-site

Numerous activities are possible:

Beaches,
hiking,
diving,
fishing village,
exploring the archipelago.

→ Koh Chang has many beautiful beaches where you can relax. The sand is white, the water translucent, and the sunsets colorful. The most famous is White Sand Beach, located in the northwest. We also recommend Klong Prao Beach in the southern area.

→ If you enjoy hiking in the national parks, this activity is perfect for you. A trek through the jungle will allow you to discover numerous waterfalls and viewpoints, such as Kai Bae, which you should not miss. Accessing the national park costs just 5 euros, and believe us, it is worth it. Guides can offer you a memorable jungle trekking experience.

Once inside the park, do not miss the Khlong Phlu Waterfall, it is spectacular. Not only is it breathtaking, but you can also swim in the natural pool at its base. Than Mayom Waterfall is also worth visiting for its four levels of cascading water.

→ The archipelago consists of 46 islands in total. Visiting the smaller islands for a day or more will help you discover peaceful new areas. Our favorites are Koh Mak and Koh Wai. Boat shuttles will quickly take you there.

→ We also recommend snorkeling or scuba diving. With coral reefs and colorful fish, as well as Thailand's largest shipwreck, Koh Chang is definitely one of the best islands for these activities. Numerous qualified diving clubs can provide you with an unforgettable adventure.

→ At the southern tip, you will find Bang Bao fishing village and its pier. It is a very pleasant place for strolling, with its stilt houses, small craft shops, and seafood restaurants.

You can notably see the famous abandoned boat known as the Ghost Ship. This former luxury hotel boat, "The Galaxy," was abruptly closed. Today, it remains in the same spot, still filled with its furniture, as if everything was left as it was. It attracts many curious visitors and urban explorers.

Koh Kood

Located near Koh Chang, Koh Kood (or Koh Kut) offers postcard-worthy scenery. Again, this island is rarely talked about, even though it is truly worth visiting.

How to get there

To reach Koh Kood, you will generally follow the same route and methods as for Koh Chang. However, the transfer from Trat will be slightly longer, about 1.5 hours, as the island is a bit further offshore.

What to do on-site
beaches,
waterfalls,
walks,
fishing villages.

→ This island is perfect for a relaxing stay filled with swimming and sunbathing. The beaches are magnificent. What could be better than lounging on a stretch of white sand bordered by coconut trees and turquoise water?

Khlong Chao Beach is popular for its small restaurants and beach cafés. Ao Tapao Beach is probably the best spot to watch the sunset, thanks to its perfect exposure. Ngamkho Beach is rarely crowded and allows for relaxing activities such as meditation. Finally, you will find a few tourists at Bangbao Beach, which offers a very pleasant landscape with its charming pier.

→ Several waterfalls are found on the island, but Khlong Chao is the one you absolutely must visit. Its lagoon allows you to cool down while listening to the sound of water cascading over the rocks. You will need to venture into the forest to find Huang Nam Kaew, hidden deep in the jungle, but it is also worth seeing.

→ You should also enjoy forest walks or even scooter rides. Coconut tree forests offer cool shade, and small sandy paths invite leisurely strolls. The trails behind Ao Tapao Beach are particularly suited for a relaxing morning.

Renting a scooter for the day is also an excellent way to explore the island at your leisure. You can make several stops along your route to have a coffee, dive into the refreshing sea, or admire beautiful viewpoints.

→ Lastly, you can discover authentic fishing villages, where locals still earn their living from fishing. Stilt houses and wooden piers offer perfect spots for wandering. A nice bonus: the restaurants will serve you fresh seafood and fish at very low prices. We recommend Ao Salat or Ao Yai villages.

Koh Mook

Also spelled Koh Muk, this destination is located in the very south of the country, below Phuket and Krabi. This island is small but full of charm. Once again, it is somewhat remote from cities, so several steps will be necessary to reach it.

How to get there

→ The closest city to the island, Trang, is located approximately 50 km from the coast. The most practical way is certainly to fly from Bangkok, or another major city, to Trang Airport. Flights from the capital take around 1.5 hours and cost approximately 20 euros per person.

→ Buses are also an option from other cities in Thailand. This solution is often cheaper but takes longer.

→ Whether you arrive at the airport, railway station, or bus station, the simplest option to reach the island is to book a combined minivan and boat transfer. For approximately 19 euros per person, you will be taken to the Kuan Thung pier, and from there a longtail boat, the traditional Thai boat, will drop you on the island. The total duration will be between 1.5 and 2 hours.

If you are on a nearby island such as Koh Lipe, you will simply need to take a boat between the two destinations.

What to do on-site

You will certainly not get bored with the following activities:

Beaches and relaxation,
emerald Cave,
hiking,
baan Ko Muk.

→ The beaches of Koh Mook can clearly be described as superb. White sand, calm sea, and coconut trees, the perfect combination for pleasant swimming. Sivalai Beach is undoubtedly the most notable due to its pointed shape, which creates a long white sandbank at low tide.

Charlie Beach is also worth visiting. Green hills on both sides and the wide expanse of sand make it a little paradise. As a bonus, beachfront restaurants and bars allow you to enjoy a refreshing drink while watching an unforgettable sunset.

→ North of Charlie Beach is the stunning Emerald Cave. This small clearing hidden within the mountain shelters a sandy beach, a touch of jungle, and a lagoon. To reach the cave, you will need to swim approximately 80 meters through a small opening in the mountain. We advise you to go early in the morning to avoid tourists arriving from Phuket or Krabi for day trips.

→ If you enjoy trekking, reaching Sabai Beach via a jungle hike will definitely please you. It takes about one hour of walking through nature from Koh Mook village. Along the way, you will pass a viewpoint, perfect for catching your breath.

→ The island's village, Baan Ko Muk, is very typical and still relatively undeveloped. You will find a few restaurants and small shops, but it retains its authentic Thai village atmosphere.

Koh Lanta

Located above Koh Mook, Koh Lanta is famous for its national park and wild nature.

How to get there

Travelers generally pass through Krabi to reach Koh Lanta. It might be interesting to spend a few days there visiting the beautiful beaches of Railay before heading to the island.

From Bangkok, you can fly directly to Krabi. Flights last approximately 1.5 hours and start at 23 euros. You will then need to take a minivan to the port and a ferry. This transfer takes around 2.5 hours and costs around 11 euros. Many companies offer combined journeys to facilitate your travel.

It is also possible to take a boat transfer from Phuket or other surrounding islands if you are already in the area. From Phuket, a speedboat takes approximately 1.5 hours and costs between 35 and 45 euros per person. For budget travelers, a slower ferry takes around 4 hours but costs just 20 euros.

What to do on-site

First, renting a scooter on the island is essential to move around easily and enjoy the stunning landscapes visible from the roads. It will also be useful for various activities:

Mu Koh Lanta National Park,
beaches and relaxation,
lanta Old Town,
four-Island Tour.

→ The journey to the national park, located on the southern tip of the island, is incredible and worth it for its stunning scenery alone. Entry to the park costs approximately 5 euros, which is absolutely worth the price considering the wildlife, beautiful beaches, and picturesque lighthouse you will see. Khlong Chak Waterfall is an ideal spot for cooling off, and the more adventurous can enjoy a mini 1.7 km jungle trek.

→ The island is calm, and the main activity is enjoying the beaches, reading a book in the shade of coconut trees, accompanied by the sound of waves. We recommend Bamboo Beach without hesitation, as it perfectly represents the ideal dream beach: wild, uncrowded, white sand, coconut-filled meadows, incredibly calm and beautiful.

Klong Nin Beach is also recommended. Located in a livelier area of the island with hotels, bars, and restaurants, it remains picturesque with its vast expanse of sand and tranquil atmosphere.

We also advise you to visit Kantiang Bay, which is incredible for its fine sand and turquoise water. Additionally, several restaurants and bars located higher on the hill provide spectacular elevated views of the beach.

Many other beaches, such as Klong Khong, are also worth exploring.

→ The picturesque village of Lanta Old Town is unmissable. Wooden houses by the sea, restaurants serving fresh seafood, and charming cafés invite visitors to linger. Colorful boutiques selling typical items are also attractive.

→ Finally, the Four-Island tour is essential for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. It includes visits to Koh Chuek, Koh Waen, Koh Muk, and Koh Ngai, which offer incredible spots to observe colorful corals, barracudas, and other remarkable marine species. You will also have free time to explore small villages.

Koh Phra Thong

Koh Phra Thong is probably the least visited island on this list. However, it is highly interesting and retains the typical feeling of being a remote corner of the world.

In Thai, Phra Thong means Golden Buddha. The island is named after a legend suggesting that around a hundred years ago, a solid gold Buddha image was buried somewhere here.

How to get there

The nearest and most convenient airport is in Phuket, which itself is a holiday destination filled with interesting activities but still 150 km away. To give you an idea, the cheapest flights from Bangkok start around 12 euros per person, varying according to the season.

Once in the region, we usually recommend spending one or more nights in Khao Lak, located halfway, to enjoy the beautiful scenery in that province. If you prefer to go directly to Koh Phra Thong, you will need to take a minibus or van, which takes around 2.5 hours to reach the pier.

For the final step, the boat, it is easier to ask your hotel on the island for a private transfer. They will arrange a private longtail boat to transport you and your luggage directly to your accommodation.

There are also local ferries, but their schedules are very approximate and not easy to use.

What to do on-site

This island is very wild and offers only a few activities in its savannah-like setting. Nature lovers will appreciate a simple experience on deserted beaches.

Abandoned village,
Koh Ra,
safari tour.

→ Baan Lion is what you might call a ghost village. Formerly inhabited by the Moken people, it was unfortunately destroyed by the last tsunami. Although it has since been rebuilt, only a few families remain, as most inhabitants preferred to move to the mainland.

Former schoolrooms have been left abandoned, vegetation has reclaimed empty houses, and an atmosphere of isolation hangs over the village. Visiting it is both a tribute to its former residents and a chance to experience the unique sensation of being in an abandoned village.

→ Another recommended activity is visiting the neighboring island, Koh Ra, known for its amazing national park. You can spend the day there, traveling by longtail boat. Mangroves, dense forest, jungle, and savannah, all these ecosystems coexist in one place.

→ Koh Phra Thong is renowned for its landscape, strongly reminiscent of African savannah. Taking a safari tour is a must to appreciate its unique flora and fauna. You will see high grass meadows, white-trunked trees, and rare birds. Indeed, the island is home to 18 unique bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Thailand is filled with magnificent places, especially islands waiting to be explored. Whatever you seek, you will find a location matching your wishes and activities tailored to your interests.

And if you also wish to discover islands off the beaten path, please do not hesitate to contact us, so we can organize your tailor-made trip!