Thailand Islands Travel
Thailand Islands Overview
Thailand, in South East Asia is packed with beautiful islands fringed by lush palms, turquoise waters and fine sandy beaches.. The best time to visit the islands off the west coast of Thailand (Phuket, Phi-Phi etc.) is between November and May while the eastern coast (Koh Samui, Koh Tao etc.) is more suitable between March to October. The weather is tropical and if you travel off-season, you will have to reckon with rains.
Thailand Islands Main Attractions
The ‘pearl of the south’ as Phuket is popularly known has certainly become over-crowded and expensive. Yet, with over a dozen beaches and bays to choose from, it is still possible to find your quiet haven of peace. Koh Samui has white, sandy beaches, all-day sun and miles long turquoise waters. Phi Phi island with its limestone cliffs, white sandy beaches, miles of forests and turquoise waters is truly a tropical paradise.
Phuket Island has beaches like Patong, Kata, Kamala, Karon and Surin which are very developed and westernized. Koh Samui has beaches like Chaweng and Lamai which are very popular with comparatively quieter beaches like Mae Nam. Day tours to nearby beaches like Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and the Angthong Marine National Park make for interesting excursions. Big Buddha in the Northeast of the island gives very good views over the 12 meter high golden big Buddha and Koh Phangan.
Thailand Islands Activities
Diving, scuba diving, snorkeling are some of the activities of almost all the islands of Thailand. At Koh Samui, you can even do elephant trekking, canoeing, sailing, golfing, biking and fishing. Snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and climbing are most popular activities in Phi Phi Island.
Thailand Islands Accommodation & Dining
Phuket has national as well as international hotels. Food is expensive but you can cut down on costs by eating on the street. Koh Samui boasts of some stunning resorts, boutique spas and hidden jungle getaways if budget is no constraint. Budget travelers can opt for guesthouses and mid-range hotels. Restaurants and bars are aplenty. Phi Phi Island has simple beach huts, resorts as well as luxurious villas with private pools. Hotel and independent restaurants abound and authentic Thai food is easily available at local food stalls and markets.
Thailand Islands Shopping & Nightlife
Nightlife on the islands of Thailand is throbbing with full-moon parties taking place on some of them. Even a small island like the Koh Tao is thickly populated with clubs and discos. Shopping is unending and ranges from cheap rip-offs to high end ones.
Getting To & Around Thailand Islands
Phuket and Koh Samui have international airports. Koh Samui is also accessible by ferries and trains from Suratthani. In Phuket, tuk-tuks run only between Phuket town and the beaches but not between the beaches. Ferries, speed boats take you to Phi Phi island and the closest international airport is Phuket and Krabi.
