When it comes to the beautiful beaches of southern Thailand, many people instantly think of Phuket, Krabi, Ko Phi Phi Le (where the filming of The Beach is forever etched in the earth) or the general west side of the coast from there Less known but more adventurous is the east side of the peninsula. There you will find three main islands: Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, surrounded by many smaller islands.
The ace move here is to hit each of the main three, stay overnight for a day or two, then day hike the smaller ones as you go. That’s right, we’re talking about an island trip within an island trip. For this reason, you may want to leave some room in your schedule for that last-minute desire to extend your trip and stay a little longer.
Most travelers start their journey by flying from Bangkok to Koh Samui, known as one of the most beautiful airports in the world. Without the occasional plane flying by, you’d barely recognize this oasis as an airport. A river flows through this open-air design, which looks more like a picturesque mall with parks, swings, shops, Thai food stalls and beach bars where passengers can sit and savor their last Singha before heading back to house
Once in Koh Samui, the adventure of island hopping begins, which is as casual and easy as taking the ferry from Manhattan to Staten Island or from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, except for the obvious: you’re in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. You’ll be surprised how a quick 50-minute flight from Bangkok changes the landscape as you enter an oasis where traffic lights are non-existent and Starbucks cups are replaced by fresh coconuts. Here’s what to do on each of the three islands.
Overlap Stone has rewarding views. | Bangprikphoto/Shutterstock
We celebrate in Koh Samui
After being a ghost town for the past two years, Koh Samui’s ‘party district’, Chaweng Beach, is back in a big way. Although this area leans more towards the touristy vibe and backpacker culture, it’s great for a drink on the beach, listening to local DJs and meeting other travelers who are here for equal parts relaxation and to the agitation You can hang out at most resorts along the coast for free with the purchase of a drink, enjoy your smoothies and fresh fruit cocktails on the beach’s floating daybeds.
Many places, like The Stay Chaweng Beach Resort, have kayaks and SUP boards for rent, so you can enjoy the blue water between intermittent naps and mojitos. You’d be remiss not to treat yourself to the best Thai massage of your life (for only about US$7) at one of the pop-up tables on the beach. At night, places like the Ark Bar turn into beachfront nightclubs with impressive fire shows.
The temple of Wat Plai Laem attracts attention. | Sandro Bisaro/Moment/Getty Images
For a more relaxed beach day, head north of the island to Maenam Beach or Hat Mae Nam. In this area, you’ll find laid-back tiki bars, Fishermen’s Village and a lively night market. String lights and music will draw you in as you browse food stalls with curries, handmade dumplings, fresh uni, mango sticky rice and even fried scorpion skewers if you dare. One of those who have loaded the best dining experience on the island, reserve a bag of beanbags on the beach in front of Coco Tam’s. The two-story bar and restaurant boasts one of the island’s most impressive DJ sets and fire shows that boats line up to see.
While the beach continues to call your name on these islands, you won’t want to miss cultural landmarks like the Big Buddha and the Buddhist temples of Wat Plai Laem. And don’t leave without immersing yourself in the island’s jungle life with an all-terrain vehicle tour, a visit to the elephant sanctuary, a hike to Na Mueang Waterfall or the Overlap Stone Lookout (which is a steep walk and not for the faint of heart), see some naughty rock formations nicknamed Grandpa and Grandma Rocks, and escape to the hidden beach of Crystal Bay.
Went up or under the water in Koh Tao. | sititap/Shutterstock
Underwater diving in Koh Tao
Next is Koh Tao, which is the smallest of the eastern islands of Thailand and is known for its world-renowned diving spots. While lying on the beach may never get old for many of us, this island will take you deep into the ocean. Depending on the level of adventure you’re looking for, companies like Goodtime Adventures offer a host of activities ranging from snorkeling cruises to deep-sea diving. Sign up for one of their day trips, which will take you on an island cruise (so you don’t have to organize your own water taxi) and show you some of the most sought-after places to see near the underwater fauna. .
The Snorkel Party Cruise is perfect for those who want a relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to explore Koh Tao both under and above the water. Enjoy a day of snorkeling, swimming, lying on the top deck of the boat with an ice-cold Leo and a stop at another island, Koh Nang Yuan, where you can sunbathe on the beach or go up to the viewpoint to enjoy an amazing view of Koh. Tao from the coast.
Feel like a mermaid in these waters. | Good weather Thailand
Do you want to go deeper? The company, like many others on the island, also offers introductory, advanced and open water diving lessons and day trips. Get certified (at a much better price than in the US) and swim among the world’s most incredible fish and reefs. And if that’s not daring enough, check out the island’s Shark Bay to swim with baby sharks or a more remote spot like the rocky Tanote Bay to spot hidden marine life or cliff jump – mowed
If your sea legs aren’t up to it, that’s okay; There are also many entertainment activities on land. Rock climbing will take you to the top of Koh Tao’s mountains, or you can enjoy a day in town exploring the windy streets lined with local restaurants, surf shops and beach bars.
For an excellent meal, Sang Ka Koh Tao is a beloved family-owned restaurant that offers delicious whole fish and Khao Soi (a delicious northern Thai dish of noodles, coconut curry broth, and juicy chicken). But our favorite hidden gem was a food stall, across the street from the pier and across from 7/11 that was whipping up drool-worthy satay skewers. If you’ve had too many spicy Thai peppers or just want to add some variety to your meals, Thaita offers amazing Italian food, like shrimp and squid topped tortellini or blue cheese gnocchi. Places like Koppee and Natural High are great for taking in the views with a coffee or cocktail, and a night at Fish Bowl is a must for karaoke and partying alongside all the island tourists.
Koh Phangan has more than just a full moon party. | Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock
Escape to quieter areas of Koh Phangan
Before you say, wait, isn’t this a well-known party island?, hear us out. Yes, Koh Phangan is home to the monthly Full Moon Party that takes place at Sunset Beach. And while you probably haven’t traveled the world to drink buckets of gin with backpackers and boarders, it’s definitely a show to see if you’re on the island for one. The all-night extravaganza includes face painting, DJs, fire shows, dancing on the beach and a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise if you make it to the end.
But what many tourists don’t know about Koh Phangan is that the north coast is much quieter, full of white sand beaches, beautiful rooftop restaurants, lush mountains, rocky cliffs and secret waterfalls. If you’re looking for a break from the party scene, visit the fishing village of Ao Chaloklum, the golden sands of Haad Khom (also known as Bottle Beach), the rainforests surrounding Thong Nai Pan Beach and Secret Beach. A reservation at Tomorrow X High Life Villas is a must for rooftop dining, tropical cocktails, lounging by the infinity pool and enjoying an epic sunset.
Many more islands to go. | Phangan boat trips
And finally, like the others on this list, the island hopping doesn’t stop once you reach your destination. Companies like Orion Boat Trips offer full-day tours that take you offshore to the famous islands of Ang Thong National Marine Park. One of Thailand’s national parks, this famous archipelago of 42 islands is teeming with wildlife, hidden caves, crystal blue lagoons and is the backdrop for several films, including the James Bond island of The Man With the Golden Gun.
Local Orion guides pack in a fun-filled day with several stops for snorkeling, kayaking, a visit to Ta Le Nai Lagoon (known as the Emerald Lake or Blue Lagoon) and a hike to Wua Ta Lookout Lap, which offers a Spectacular panoramic view over all the islands. Back on the ship, you’ll enjoy local cuisine and watch a killer sunset from the top deck on your way home.
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Abby Maddigan is Thrillist’s social media manager, who recently moved to Denver and accepts all local coffee shop recommendations. Follow her on Instagram.
