5 ISLANDS IN THAILAND MUST VISIT

The islands off the coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Siam are some of the most popular places for tourists to Southeast Asia to visit. With a cluster of islands containing emerald lagoons and secluded beaches, mountanious plains and jungle terrain, it's not suprising that Southern Thailand tops the list as one of Southeast Asia's best-known pathways to sun-drenched paradise. These islands offer numerous opportunities for recreation, spiritual exploration and relaxation.There are so many must-see islands scattered off the shores of this Southeast Asian hotspot, it's tricky to know where to begin and which ones to put at the top of your holiday wishlist. To help you out, and to make sure you don't miss a thing, here's a guide to ten islands in Thailand must visit to get you started:

5) Koh Chang

Want to venture away from the mainland but you've not got the time to go to far? A trip to Koh Chang could be the perfect solution. A five hour bus from the centre of Bangkok, or direct from its airport, and a 45 minute ferry, will bring you to an island boasting big beaches, waterfalls and a scattering of stunning green parks. 

Travelling solo? We promise you won't feel lonely, despite the name, at Lonely Beach, the premier party place on an island full of lively bars - they even host their own version of Koh Pha Ngan's Full Moon fun once a month. The small town set-up is where you'll also find chilled day-time hangouts and friendly locals who are more than willing to show you around the island on fun day trips.

4) Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is a relatively new addition to the island-hopping trail, but it's fast establishing itself as a hot destination. It's actually made up of a cluster of small islands, the two biggest being Koh Lanta Noi and Koh Lanta Yai; the latter is the one most people mean when they talk about 'Koh Lanta'. The 27-mile coastline is dotted with national parks, such as the wildlife haven of Mu Ko Lanta – perfect for spotting birds, reptiles and, if you’re lucky, some of the few wild tigers remaining in Thailand.

 Find the quieter shorelines in the south; Klong Jark Beach has only one resort and Nui Bay only one bar. Hire kayaks to explore the lush mangroves which look like a set straight out of Jurassic Park. For those really wanting to feel they have stumbled across uninhabitable land, a boat trip to nearby Koh Rok Nok and Rok Nai will bring out the explorer in you.

3) Koh Lipe

Settled by sea gypsies, Koh Lipe is located in the Adang-Rawi Archipelago in southwest Thailand. It is a small island and visitors can walk around the island in little over an hour. Koh Lipe is just outside the jurisdiction of Tarutao National Park, and as such is exempt from certain laws prohibiting development. Its three main beaches have plenty of accommodations ranging from grass huts to air-conditioned bungalows.

Koh Lipe Thailand can boast one of the nicest and cleanest beaches with white sand and crystal clear water of the Andaman Sea. People from all over the world come to Koh Lipe Island to have the best vacation time ever. Quite a few tourists insist that Ko Lipe is one of the best islands for snorkeling, diving and kayaking and this is truly so. You should try it when you get tired of sunbathing and swimming. It’s really fun!

2) Koh Samui

Koh Samui is one of the most visited islands in Thailand. There are abundant accommodations for travelers ranging from small bungalows to exclusive villas on the island. There are several festivals that take place every year on Koh Samui, including the Buffalo Fighting Festival, the Ten Stars Samui Art Party, and several street fairs with vendors selling local delicacies, clothing, and souvenirs. Sailing enthusiast also gather for the yearly Samui Regatta, the triathletes and their supporters flock to Samui for the annually Triathlon Event.

1) Koh Phi Phi

 

 Ko Phi Phi is a small archipelago in the Krabi Province in Southern Thailand. Ko Phi Phi Don is the largest island of the group, and is the only island with permanent inhabitants while the smaller Ko Phi Phi Leh is famous as the filming location for the 2000 movie “The Beach”. Ko Phi Phi was severely hit by the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004, when nearly all of the island’s infrastructure was destroyed. Redevelopment has, however, been swift, and services are back with building regulations in place to limit the height of new hotels and other buildings to preserve the island’s stunning views.