10 Pristine Islands That Will Redefine Your Image Of Thailand

The first mention of Thailand brings to mind, more often than not, crowded, infamous Bangkok. And Bangkok brings with it chaos, ladyboys, massage parlours, sleazy/fun activities that must not be spoken of and of course, great food. But well, we’re not talking about Bangkok here; Thailand is also blessed with very many gorgeous islands. Pristine beaches, hordes of beach activities or some of the best beach parties, each of these islands pack quite a punch in themselves.

Take a look.

1. Ko Phi Phi Don

The Don of all islands

A short ferry ride away from Phuket pier, this azure island is a traveler’s paradise. If you feel crowd shy then you could choose to relax by the green waters of Loh Moo Dee Beach. For a panoramic view of its stunning beaches, a hike to the viewpoint is a must to get that “WOW” feeling. Indulge in the magic of nature with a star-lit trip to Maya Bay and view the gorgeous plankton lit sea. For the more adventurous ones, night snorkeling is highly recommended.

2. Ko Phi Phi Le

Make your own version of “The Beach”

The gorgeous backdrop for the world famous movie “The Beach”, this uninhibited island is surrounded by green capped cliffs and gorgeous lagoons. The day trips to this Island from Ko Phi Phi Don are hugely popular. Snorkel to see the beautiful coral life and visit the Viking caves enroute.

3. Koh Larn

The Coral Isle of Thailand

A two hour drive from Bangkok brings you to its closest beach spot – Koh Larn in Pattaya. You can make a day trip out of it by indulging in one of the many water sports available or you can choose to lose yourself in the beauty of this island by extending your stay over a couple of days. Comprising of six main beaches, the island is every water sport enthusiast’s wet dream.

4. Ko Pha Ngan

Life is one big beach party

In a game of word association, the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of a full blown beach party is the “Full Moon Party” on the Haad Rin Beach. Every month, around 30,000 revelers descend on this island to celebrate the glory of the full moon, music and of course, some good ol’ alcohol. For those willing to enjoy the island in its true sanctity, the trick would be to travel there post a full moon party. Ferries from Koh Samui are the best transport options to this Island.

5. Koh Samui

The celebrity amongst all the islands of Thailand

A short flight away from Bangkok, Koh Samui is another stellar chapter in the book of Thailand. So, whether you are on a budget or in the mood to splurge on some luxury, this Island will fulfill your expectations. Let the natural beauty of Namuang Waterfall overwhelm you with its grandeur. It’s a perfect island for a family vacation with activities to keep the kids engaged. Enthrall yourselves with Koh Samui’s nightlife and tongue tingling street food.

6. Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park

The white diamonds of the sea

Comprising of 42 small islands, the marine park is a true gem in the crown of Thailand. Accessible from either Koh Samui or Ko Pha Ngan, one can either explore this as part of a day trip or spend a night in a gorgeous beach tent. One of the best activities is to sail around these islands exploring each of them individually as they are pretty close to each other. Their limestone composition and climatic conditions have given each of them a peculiar structure which in turn has contributed to their peculiar names.

7. Ko Samet

The Local’s choice for a weekend gateway

When in Rome, do as the Romans, hence when in Thailand, holiday where they would. Just 2 hours from Bangkok, Ko Samet is the local favorite when it comes to beach gateways. Being part of the Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park keeps this island unspoiled. It’s a great place to holiday with your family and you have a wide range of family run guesthouses to luxury apartments to choose from. The beaches have the usual set of activities to keep kids of all ages occupied.

8. Ko Kut

Take a break from it all - literally

In stark contrast to the many islands of Thailand, this island offers no night life what so ever, the presence of ATM’s here is under debate. So for those looking to truly unwind and rejuvenate themselves, this Island provides you with the perfect setting of pristine beaches, soulful sunsets and a break from the usual madness of touristy beaches. Trat Airport would be the closest to get to this island.

9. Ko Chang

The Elephant Island

 You can literally swim with the elephants here at Ban Kwan Chang, an elephant preserve on the island. Its flora consists mostly of rainforests with abundant fauna in the form of marine and wild life, both. Endless white beaches and beautiful waterfalls will leave you spellbound. You can choose between arrays of water and land activities. A short flight from Bangkok to Trat followed by minibus transfers should get you here easily.

10. Ko Tao

The one with mystery in its name and shady in its past

This island which was once a pirate’s hideout is now one of the most reputed scuba diving spots in the world. With shallow waters, smooth seas and hordes of marine life, it is indeed a scuba divers’ paradise. If you get lucky, you could possibly spot a whale of two during your dives. For the ones averse to water, the island has many training centers offering yoga and other forms of fitness. Whether this Island got its name due its turtle shape or due to the large number of turtles that breed at its shores is still a mystery. You can choose between a flight from Bangkok to either Chumphon or Ko Samui to get to here.

Comments

comments