5 less-known Thai islands you’ll be able to take pleasure in with out crowds of individuals
Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis
Ko Tarutao: Solitude on pristine Ao Son Beach
Going from north to south, Ko Tarutao could be the final island in Thailand, however for these on the lookout for an untouched escape, it is nearer to the highest of the checklist. Set off the coast of Satun Province within the Andaman Sea close to the Malaysian border, this huge island is a part of the Tarutao National Marine Park and is among the few Thai islands that’s fully protected by its nationwide park standing – which means solely nationwide park buildings are allowed.
You will not discover any resorts right here, only a few primary nationwide park bungalows close to the ferry pier, and additional down the island, solely campgrounds, every boasting a single restaurant the place you’ll be able to take your meals. Consider this a luxurious although, in comparison with what Tarutao was once like. In the Nineteen Thirties, the Thai authorities used the island as a penal colony, and it grew to become residence to 1000’s of prisoners. During World War II, the Japanese invasion of Thailand meant that the island give up receiving meals and medical provides, forcing each prisoners and their wardens to resort to piracy of passing ships to be able to survive.
Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis
Ko Tarutao: Empty Ao Pante Malacca
These days, the outdated warden’s residences and a few authentic buildings, in addition to a small museum and recreation of the jail are Tarutao’s official vacationer points of interest. But even higher are the empty white sand seashores, lush jungle and considerable wildlife that grace the island. There are just a few forest trails to observe, you’ll be able to lease bicycles to get round and the quiet campsites make you’re feeling way more such as you’re on a abandoned island somewhat than someplace in Thailand.
In truth, it feels so distant that the “Survivor” TV sequence has used it as a filming location. While you won’t be a prisoner right here anymore, chances are you’ll find yourself wanting to remain for much longer than you imagined.
Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis
Koh Kood: Islands like this in Thailand are laborious to come back by
For years, Koh Kood – an island technically nearer to Cambodia than the Thai mainland – was referred to as the Bangkok boutique island. That was primarily as a result of it solely had just a few uber-expensive luxurious resorts, the place Thais from Bangkok headed out to for lengthy weekends, taking a dear flight to Trat after which a speedboat to succeed in the island.
Over the years, extra reasonably priced lodging sprung up, in addition to a ferry and speedboat choices that sailed not solely from the mainland, however from neighboring Koh Mak and Koh Chang, making it far simpler to get right here. Yet Koh Kood stays remarkably underneath the radar, even supposing it has seashores and water that look way more just like the Maldives and continues to be fairly undeveloped in comparison with different Thai islands.
Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis
Koh Kood: Kayak heaven
The sea here’s a kayaker’s dream, with heat turquoise calm bays to paddle in, in addition to mangrove channels and the Klong Chao River resulting in stunning waterfalls. The luxurious Soneva Kiri has constructed a resort on the northern finish of Koh Kood for individuals who are prepared to shell out over $1,000 an evening. But even backpackers can make the most of this breathtaking island with easy huts for round $15-20 an evening, making Koh Kood accessible for all.
Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis
Koh Lanta: Empty sand and sea
While Koh Lanta is probably not the secluded and unknown island it was 15 years in the past, it nonetheless floats fairly far off the touristed path, so far as the Andaman Islands go. Known for its considerable marine life and huge clownfish inhabitants, you’ll be able to go diving right here (or get licensed if you happen to already aren’t) or on land, go to a village of the Chao Ley individuals.
Best of all, Lanta is an extended island at over 18 miles from prime to backside, which means that there are many seashores to select from. The northern finish close to the ferry pier is extra constructed up and has some nightlife. As you head south, all the best way all the way down to the tip of Lanta the place there’s a nationwide park, issues get fairly chilled out and you could find a strip of paradise for your self right here.
Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis
Koh Lanta: World’s greatest infinity pool at Pimalai
Koh Lanta is residence to some nifty resorts comparable to The Houben, a small Belgian-run boutique resort perched on a cliff over the Andaman, which options minimalist decor, non-public Jacuzzis and fabulous views of Kantiang Bay. Down on the southern finish of Lanta, the luxurious Pimalai boasts 3,000 ft of beachfront, expansive views and some of the gorgeous infinity swimming pools anyplace in Southeast Asia. Lanta was once all about complete seclusion and laborious to get to, however today, it is a good mix of comfort with loads of first rate white sand escapes and a much more subdued vibe than close by Ko Phi Phi.
Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis
Koh Mook: The hidden Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot)
Not solely is Koh Mook (which suggests “pearl island”) a gem of an island, it is also residence to considered one of Thailand’s most unusual options. Called “Tham Morakot” in Thai, the Emerald Cave is a sinkhole the place the roof of an underwater cave has collapsed, permitting mild to flood in and a jungle surroundings to develop up.
The solely entry into the cave is by way of a pitch-black 300-foot tunnel within the sea, which may solely be reached at low tide (tour teams swim in utilizing flashlights and buoys). Once inside, the cave opens as much as reveal a elegant jungle and white sand seaside fronted by emerald water. If you lease a kayak and go independently early within the day, you’ll probably have the cave and seaside all to your self – and actually really feel like Robinson Crusoe.
Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis
Koh Mook: Sun, sand and surf
Emerald Cave apart, Koh Mook additionally has some stunning seashores. Half of the island is a part of the Hat Chao Mai National Park and is protected space, with loads of pristine jungle surroundings. The greatest digs on the island, the Sivalai Beach Resort, sit out on a cape that feels prefer it’s in the midst of the ocean. Had Farang (Foreigner’s Beach), also referred to as Garnet Beach, is the longest seaside and one of the best spot to look at the sundown. The island is comparatively small, making it nice for strolling or getting round on a rental scooter.
Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis
Koh Kradan: Life’s a seaside on this island
If you have made it so far as Koh Mook, put aside just a few additional days to make the quick crossing over to close by Koh Kradan. Kradan can be a part of the Hat Chao Mai National Park, and Thai Tourism raves about it, primarily as a result of its attractive seashores and actually turquoise water. There aren’t any roads nor villages on the small island, only a handful of resorts, starting from primary bungalows and tenting to some fancy locations. There’s coral reef simply offshore for snorkeling, and when the water is calm, the kayaking right here is implausible.
Photo courtesy of Dave Stamboulis
Koh Kradan: Lounging in paradise
While Koh Kradan is the right place to expertise a chilled-out, nothing-to-do piece of paradise, you won’t need to come right here on Valentine’s Day. Given how stunning the ocean is right here, Trang province selected it to host their Underwater Wedding Ceremony right here annually, the place {couples} tie the knot underwater.
While it most actually could be a novel and unforgettable option to get married, getting a reservation on the handful of resorts right here could be fairly troublesome, and with solely 2 miles of island, your slice of paradise may get only a tad overcrowded. For the remainder of the yr, Koh Kradan is one blissfully relaxed spot although.
