Thailand island guide - which to choose?

Well hello to you my reader chums! On any trip to Thailand, you can't miss out on the incredible island scene. Picture crystal clear waters, powdered white sands, an electric party scene and secluded hideaways - the islands are dream-worthy. Whether you want to relax or party till sunrise, there's a Thai island for you, and if you're unsure where to visit, here's a little rundown.

For the chilled break

Koh Lanta 

Koh Lanta is an island I absolutely adored and left wanting more. Despite tourism being present, it wasn't crowded in the slightest and there were secluded areas as you ventured around the island, including vacant beaches and the long road stretches. Koh Lanta isn't a massive island, however, to explore it all, I'd highly recommend hiring a motorbike to find the quietest spots.

Thailand island guide - which to choose?

Koh Lanta's beaches were some of my favourites in Thailand! The waters were honestly like a bath and I could have easily spent hours soaking up the sun and drinking cocktails on the soft-sanded beaches. Everywhere had a lovely quiet vibe and the pace of life was slow and chill, perfect for a relaxing few days. Koh Lanta is also known for its rainforests and nature park, that you get the combination of both nature and beaches on your trip.

To get to Koh Lanta, you can either get a boat from Krabi or Phuket as main ports or the many surrounding islands. Booking a boat can easily be done at any tourist centre and the timetable is usually pretty regular.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is like the miniature version of  Koh Lanta with the same level of beauty. The island is renowned for its incredible diving and snorkelling scene due to its location and insanely clear waters. If you're a water baby it should be top of your list!

Thailand island guide - which to choose?

I loved exploring Koh Tao; it's that small, you could easily ride around the island on a bike in an hour, but you'll come across the most beautiful beaches, quaint eateries and swimming spots. I've honestly never seen such clear water and thinking back to it now makes me want to re-live it again and again. 

Thailand island guide - which to choose?

There were busier areas on the island, I suppose you'd call them the 'tourist spots' but where we stayed it wasn't heavily populated and we got to experience that slower pace of life.

Likewise, with Koh Lanta, you can get a boat from Krabi or the surrounding islands. We got a boat from Koh Lanta to Koh Tao.

Krabi

Krabi I would describe as the gateway for different day trips, depending on where you're staying of course. I stayed in Krabi Town which gave us easy access to the more touristy places to go, and cheap day trips to the beautiful surrounding beaches. For example, I took a day trip to Railay beach and the surroundings were stunning.

Thailand island guide - which to choose?

If you stay in the more beachy areas of Krabi, then it's likely to be a little busier than Krabi Town. The town was incredibly quiet with only a handful of restaurants, bars and tourist attractions to fill the time that the day trips are the highlight for me.

For the best package holiday spot

Koh Samui

If you're backpacking or not, and would like a more package holiday type vibe for your island leg of the trip then Koh Samui is a perfect choice. Koh Samui is one of the larger islands in Thailand, and if you'd like to explore it all fully a mode of transport is essential.

Thailand island guide - which to choose?

Koh Samui's beaches are practically built on resorts which I was quite surprised about, however, made it the ideal holiday spot to lap up the sunshine and drink cocktails. Like every island, there are more party areas including Chaweng to quieter areas such as Choeng Mon and Maenam Beach. It all depends on what you want for your holiday break. I stayed near Bohput Beach, which was also right next to Fisherman's Village - the cutest hub of restaurants, shops and bars.

Thailand island guide - which to choose?

I managed to get a feel of the majority of beaches on the trip, and I drove to each on a bike. It gave me a real insight into the island and I'm excited to share it all on a beach guide.

Koh Samui can be reached by plane or boat, depending on where you're coming from of course. The airport is very small, but one of the most complimentary I've ever been to.

For the party goer

Phuket

Phuket is one of the largest islands in Thailand and pretty well known for a bustling party life, powder-white beaches and sunbathing galore. There is more to Phuket than first meets the eye with its quaint old town and rich history to learn. However, the majority of people go there to party and enjoy the beaches and I can see why. Patong is the heart of Phuket's busy lifestyle with plenty of bars day and night to choose from, whilst Kata and Karon Beach are the quieter neighbours with a lighter party scene. 

Thailand island guide - which to choose?

As Phuket is quite big, where you stay is vital to what you want to do. If it is partying, then stay near to Patong Beach, or if you still want to party but not go crazy, choose one of the quieter beaches.

You can fly to Phuket from pretty much anywhere and domestic flights are easy to book. If you're coming from other Thai islands, you can book a boat from one of the tourist centres.

Phi Phi 

The prime party island of Thailand, Phi Phi is known for its late-night beach parties and endless bars. The party vibe in Phi Phi is something you probably won't experience anywhere else. It's wild, crazy and everything a good night out should be.

Thailand island guide - which to choose?

Although it's predominately known for partying, there is a quieter side in the day fro beautiful beach days, day trips and good restaurants. You can really get the best of both worlds if you explore the right way.

Koh Phangan

Thailand island guide - which to choose?

As the key spot for a full moon party, Koh Phangan should be top of every party-goers list. The full moon parties are only on certain days so if you really do want to do it, research before your trip otherwise you'll miss out. Other than the full moon, the island is a hub for cool bars and restaurants, and also has one of the most chill vibes ever.

I hope you enjoyed this island guide. Which ones will you add to your agenda?

Thank you for reading <3

2 comments

  1. Reading this post wants me to have a lovely summery getaway right now haha

    franalibi.blogspot.co.uk

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