From Phuket to Ko Lipe, Ko Samui to Ko Tao and from one Ko Chang to another, there are more islands across Thailand than anyone would care to remember. What is certain is that any visitor to this tropical paradise will never forget their experience. There are very few places on earth that can offer such an array of white sandy blankets for visitors to lie back and enjoy.

If you are thinking of visiting the region and do not have the time of Galápagos tortoise to explore then you may have to limit the number of islands you choose to descend upon. If you speak to anyone who has visited Thailand and ask where you should go to first you will almost always be given a different response. It is simply a question of finding the best island for you.

Thailand has three main sets of islands; those to the east of Bangkok, between Bangkok and the Cambodian border, those in the southern Gulf of Thailand and finally those in the Andaman Sea, off the west coast of Thailand, between the Burman and Malaysian frontiers.

You will find that in each of these areas there are usually just a few islands where the weight of the numbers choose to visit. To the east of Bangkok you have Ko Samet and Ko Chang, in the Gulf you have Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao, and in the Andaman you have Phuket and Ko Phi Phi. These areas are very well developed and have received visitors for almost twenty years. The result of such large numbers of individuals going to these islands means you will find a fantastic selection of hotels and restaurants as well as more established shops and markets. However you must expect the hustle and bustle that comes with the experience. If you do wish to escape though, a little local advice will normally lead you to a quieter spot or you could always take a boat trip to one of the lesser known islands which are never far away.

If you have little interest in visiting anywhere but deserted beaches then you're going to need to wander further than you'd have needed to ten years ago. Don't make the mistake of assuming the entire island needs to be deserted, both Ko Samui and Phuket have totally deserted beaches that run for mile after mile, but for a real island experience, consider Ko Rok, Ko Phra Thong, Ko Ra, Ko Lipe, Ko Chang and Ko Tarutao.

If you have a family and are considering how suitable Thailand will be for children then we would suggest visiting Phuket or Ko Samui. You will find that the entertainment suitable for a younger audience is extensive.  Activities such as mini-golf , watersports and go-karts are in abundance and most leading hotels will offer child care services. If you kid's idea of a beach holiday is more sedate, a few buckets and a sand castle perhaps, then both Ko Lanta and Ko Bulon Lae are excellent choices, as is the southwest coast of Ko Pha Ngan.

For those looking for the ultimate paradise escape, you will be pleased to hear that there is a huge choice of spa and lifestyle resorts across Thailand, and again Phuket and Ko Samui are the premiere destinations for these types of self-contained resorts. Some particularly tasteful ones have also appeared on Ko Lanta, and, more recently, Ko Chang.

We appreciate that for some it is essential to escape the more commercial areas and see more of the real Thai experience. There are plenty of islands where you will see few tourists and you will certainly be in the minority. You may have to do without a few of the luxuries but the locals will always make up for it with their welcoming personalities. Ko Yao Noi is an excellent choice, as is Ko Jum, Ko Libong and Ko Kut. These islands offer a refreshing change from most Thai islands.

One of the most famous and iconic islands is undoubtedly Ko Phi Phi. Mr Di Caprio’s ‘The Beach’ scenes have resulted in millions of requests to see the stunning location. Be prepared to be shocked by the beauty of the location but the popularity has led this area becoming a little unlike what you see in the movie.

When islands have the waters surrounding them like Thailand does it is almost unthinkable not to at least consider the diving experience. Ko Tao issues more PADI Open Water Certificates than anywhere else in the world except Cairns, Australia. It is, for better or worse, Thailand's diving mecca. Phuket is also popular with divers, but mainly for its live aboard cruises and trips out to the Similan Islands. Diving is also possible from Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lanta, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Samui, Ko Chang and Ko Lipe.

You may have been told how beautiful Thailand is and how it is a place that you visit and never want to leave. You may have heard that the food is unlike anything you will try anywhere in the world and the people have an unforgettable attitude to life. You may have been staring at that screensaver of the clear waters and endless sandy shores and just thought to yourself, is this place really as good as I’m being told? ...

You needn’t worry, it really is this good. 

 

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