Island Hopping & Coastal Drift
When someone mentions island hopping in Thailand, what do you think of? Languid trees swaying over long stretches of soft sand, as clear waves gently break against the shoreline? Sleepy beach-side stalls serving freshly-grilled seafood and ice cold beer, eaten al fresco as the sun sets over the horizon? Yes, us too. That’s the idyllic image, isn’t it?
There’s no doubt that many of Thailand’s legendary beaches have become victims of their own success, in terms of overcrowding and mass tourism, but there are still plenty of spots that feel like the low-key Thailand of 20 (maybe even 30) years ago; calm stretches of coastline and idyllic island hideaways that make the perfect start or end (or even middle!) to a Thailand holiday, as long as you know where to look.
Whether you want to add a few days of coastal chill onto a broader route exploring Thailand’s depths, or focus in for a longer journey exploring a selection of out-of-the-way island shores, our specialists know how to make your Thailand beach time totally seamless. There are dozens of beaches and islands to choose from, so we’ve picked out a few absolute peaches below as examples of what’s out there…
What to expect from Thailand’s less-known islands and beaches:
Unspoilt sands and quiet coves where you can fully unwind.
Wanders through the seaside streets of small island communities and fishing villages, discovering local traditions and coastal rhythms.
Fresh seafood and coastal fare eaten piping hot straight from the grill, or served in cosy local eateries with a warm welcome.
Snorkelling & diving in clear waters from the side of a boat, or just by swimming out from the shore.
Koh Chang
Getting to Koh Chang is a breeze. The ferry from Trat takes just 45 minutes, and the island’s jungle-covered peaks are visible from the mainland. Whilst mainstream tourism has definitely hit Koh Chang, it still has a rugged beauty and is home to idyllic waterfalls, vibrant night markets, and calmer fishing villages such as Salakphet on the south east coast. If you can drag yourself away from the wide sandy beaches, you can hike through Mu Ko Chang National Park, home to around 110 bird species as well as the rare Indochinese lutung monkey. Many of the park’s waterfalls are on easily accessible paths, while others need a bit more effort to get to, but the rewards are worth it.
Head back to the coast wander along by the waves or just sit soaking it all in. It compliments other, much quieter islands well, combining the cut-off remoteness of the smaller islands with Koh Chang’s wider range of dining options and accommodation.
The perfect pair…
Ko Mak and Koh Kood feel like much of Thailand did 30 years ago – laid-back and relatively uncommercial. As it’s much harder to find quiet beaches in Thailand these days, Selective Asia’s Kate was genuinely surprised at how naturally beautiful they still are, and how peaceful and sleepy they felt. For some, they’re perfect places to relive the more remote moments of their backpacking heyday. For others, they’re secret hideaways for escaping the tourist crowds.
Koh Mak
Unlike Ko Chang, there are no shopping centres, supermarkets or even banks on Koh Mak, just a handful of bijou bungalows, boutique resorts and miles of stunning coastline. There’s no vehicle ferry to Koh Mak (or Koh Kood) so the roads are very quiet even in high season. Laze on isolated, wild beaches, swim in emerald green seas, eat the freshest possible seafood and, if you are feeling energetic, take a snorkelling trip to nearby Koh Rang (the biggest in an archipelago of 12 uninhabited islands) which is home to spectacular marine life and coral formations. If you’d rather stay above water, go kayaking out on the crystal seas. At night, sit by shoreline and watch the twinkling lights of the fishing boats bobbing out at sea.
Koh Kood
Just a short speedboat ride from Koh Mak, Koh Kood makes a great finale to an island hopping experience. At your arrival point, Ao Salad Bay, you are greeted by a giant gold Buddha statue on the pier instead of the usual hawkers, hotel reps and souvenir shops, and the drive to your resort takes you through mangroves and thick jungle. The beaches on Koh Kood are in general a little longer and wider than those on Koh Mak, and it has a few more amenities, but that feels like splitting hairs!
The highlights are uncomplicated which, in this case, hits the nail on the head: relaxing on the sand, swinging in a hammock and enjoying memorable sunsets. Enjoy sweeping views from beachfront bars, and stay at a handful of sublime retreats looking over the north west coast. If you’re keen to explore further, hire a songthaew and head out to nearby waterfalls and working fishing villages.
Beyond the Horizon…
Koh Libong, Koh Lipe and Koh Kraden are about as far from the madding crowd as you can get. Further south than most of Thailand’s better-known resorts, these islands are definitely a more intrepid choice, and hopping between all three can be a fantastic way to spend your Thailand r&r time.
Lesser-known Koh Libong offers a glimpse of local life against a backdrop of peaceful coastal scenery. Days here revolve around exploring fishing villages, strolling through rubber plantations and relaxing on quiet beaches. Welcoming and family-friendly, this idyllic island is a place to spend unhurried time together, away from busier resorts.
Tucked into Thailand’s far southwest near the Malaysian border, Koh Lipe combines lively stretches with quieter corners. White sands and clear turquoise waters encircle the island, with different beaches where you can find perfect spots for watching sunrise or sunset, offering distinct moods to suit either end of the day. Offshore, snorkellers can explore reefs alive with parrot fish, clams and branching coral, giving you a window into the area's the rich marine life.
Koh Kraden is best known for its long sweep of white sand, once voted the world’s best beach! Despite its growing popularity, it retains a quiet, tropical atmosphere. Swim in clear shallows, snorkel among coral patches and enjoy unhurried walks along the shore.
