Thailand
ISLAND HOPPING
Pick and mix
With a proliferation of charming islands just off shore, Thailand is the perfect place for relaxed exploration
for exploring neighbouring islands. Koh Wai and Koh Mak are popular for day trips and Koh Kood (or Koh Kut) boasts upmarket accommodation (see below).
Trang ~ Up-and-coming Trang, south of Krabi offers great island hopping in Hat Chao Mai National Park. Koh Muk, which has an ‘Emerald Cave’ tunnel to a lagoon and the pretty beaches of Koh Kradan are particularly popular.
Twin-centres ~ Base yourself in any of the major beach resorts and you can split your stay with a small, relaxed island nearby.
Koh Chang and Koh Kood Koh Kood (or Kut)’s stylish hotels including Soneva Kiri Six Senses, WEB and X2.
www.x2residences.com
Why? Island hopping widens the variety of beaches and sights you can enjoy from your base resort and in Thailand it’s easy.
How? Excursions ~ Look out for flyers advertising island-hopping day trips. A combination of three, four or five nearby islands may be offered, usually with snorkel stops and a packed lunch.
Boat hire ~ Ask longtail boat services if they’ll take you to your preferred island. Haggle the price.
Ferries ~ Longtails and larger boats take scheduled routes with set prices, though note, not all run in low season.
Liveaboards ~ The Similan and Surin Islands and the Merui Archipelago are commonly dived from liveaboards booked through UK dive operators.
Cruises ~ Star Clippers offers island hopping by tall ship (see Cruising).
Sailing ~ Sunsail has bases in Koh Chang, Koh Samui and Phuket from which you can sail your own boat or
24 Thailand Travel Guide 2012
charter one with a crew.
www.sunsail.co.uk
Air ~ Destination Air flies daily between Phuket International Airport and popular islands including Phi Phi, Krabi, Yao Noi, Racha and Koh Lanta.
www.destination-properties.com/da.html
Where from? Phuket & Krabi ~ Close to both resorts is scenic Phang Nga Bay, filled with craggy limestone islands called karsts where you can snorkel or sunbathe. Some, like Hong Island, have hidden lagoons to kayak. ‘James Bond Island’, from The Man with the Golden Gun and the Phi Phi islands, setting for The Beach, are particularly popular.
Koh Samui ~ Ang Thong Marine National Park is about 90 minutes from Samui. Its 42 islands include Koh Mae Ko with a lagoon within a mountain. Often visited individually are Kao Tao, good for snorkellers and beginner divers and Koh Pha Ngan, famous for full moon parties.
Koh Chang ~ Recently developed for tourism, Koh Chang is a low-key base
“The most popular islands would be Phuket and Koh Samui but you’ve got the smaller islands that aren’t really where you stay but where you visit. There are also ones you can stay on like Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi which are a bit quieter. The best way to visit is to take organised trips. There are longtail boats and ferries, if you’re a bit more adventurous you can kayak as well, the water’s really nice.”
JAMES HORSFIELD, HALSBURY TRAVEL
Bangkok or Pattaya and Koh Samet/Samed Koh Samet is a small, laid-back island with white sand beaches and upmarket villa resort Paradee.
www.kohsametparadee.com
Phuket and Koh Racha Koh Racha is a sleepy island to contrast with buzzy Phuket. Minimalist The Racha
www.theracha.com is among hotels.
Phuket and Koh Yao Noi Off Phuket’s Eastern coast, Koh Yao Noi has the Evason Six Senses Hideaway
www.sixsenses.com and an eco-homestay (see Eco-tourism).
Phuket or Krabi and Phi Phi Phi Phi is well served by boats, has good snorkelling and ancient cave paintings. Accommodation is clustered around lively Tonga Bay and Loch Datum. Eco-conscious Zavala
www.zeavola.com is a ‘barefoot luxury’ alternative.
TOP TIP The same islands can be reached from
Phuket and Krabi.
Krabi and Koh Lanta Lanta’s home to upscale retreats like Pimalai
www.pimalai.com with good nearby diving at the King Carrier wreck and Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.
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