Thailand Island Hopping: The Ultimate Guide In 2024
Ready for some Thailand island hopping adventures in 2024?
From the dramatic beaches in Railay to the chilled vibes of Koh Lipe, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the different islands over the years and I can tell you that island hopping is one of the best things you can do in Thailand!
The islands are famous for their idyllic beaches and laid-back vibes but each has its own personality. As well as beach time, you can do a wide range of activities such as hiking the forests, exploring waterfalls and visiting the night markets where you can also sample delicious Thai street food.
I’ve put together this Thailand island hopping guide to help you prepare for your epic island adventure. Along with itinerary suggestions, I’ll go through the ins and outs of why island hopping in Thailand has to be near the top of your bucket list.
Thailand Island Hopping
Island hopping in Thailand is a must-do for visitors who want to experience unforgettable adventures through pristine islands, where sun-drenched beaches, lively night markets, and vibrant nightlife.
From the bustling streets of Phuket’s Patong Beach to the relaxed vibe of Koh Tao, Thailand’s island hopping experiences are the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement.
Not only will you find some of the nicest white sand beaches on the islands, but you can knock off some bucket list items such as the full moon party in Koh Phangan or Maya Bay (from the movie ‘The Beach’).
It’s not just about the beaches and parties though (although they are pretty awesome!) You can sample the local cuisine and shop for unique souvenirs at bustling night markets. There are also plenty of activities geared toward families and couples.
So whether you’re looking for fun water sports, breathtaking sunsets, or cultural encounters, there’s an island for everyone in Thailand.
Thailand Island Hopping Cost
The best thing about island hopping in Thailand is that it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Backpackers can stay in a shared room at a hostel for less than $10 in Koh Phangan while those looking for luxury and comfort can stay at beachfront resorts in Phuket costing well over $100 a night.
Getting to the islands is a similar story. Most budget travellers are happy to use the sleeper bus as this is the cheapest option but flying to Koh Samui or Phuket is the fastest. It isn’t that expensive either, although having backpacked Thailand before, I understand the value of each dollar saved!
If you stick to street food and local establishments instead of big chain restaurants you can easily spend $15 or less and eat well. Of course, there is such a big choice of good quality restaurants it would be a shame not to have the odd splurge.
One of the biggest expenses when you visit the islands is likely to be the tours and activities. The’s quite a variety as each island offers something a little different. A day trip to James Bond Island from Phuket will cost over $100 with lunch and pick up included while a snorkelling trip in Koh Tao would be $20 or less.
Then, of course, there are the little add-ons like massages for 250-300 Baht and alcoholic beverages at roughly $2 for a bottle of beer.
As a rough guide, backpackers on a strict budget can stay in a hostel, eat local street food and grab a couple of beers for $30 or less per day. This is without transport. I would personally budget higher as you wouldn’t want to miss out on any activities, day trips or bargains at the market!
Thailand Island Hopping Itinerary
Planning a Thailand island-hopping itinerary can be a little trick as the country’s long shape can choosing which islands a little confusing. You’ll most likely visit a group of islands in just one region of the country unless you have a few weeks to spare.
The two groups of islands that are the most visited in the country and the most famous are split between the Andaman Sea in the west and the Gulf of Thailand in the east. You can also include Koh Samet which is moderately close to Bangkok and Koh Chang.
Try not to ‘checklist’ as many islands as you can – you’ll never see all 1,430 islands in your lifetime!
Andaman Sea Island Hopping Itinerary
The most popular group of islands are located in the south of Thailand so let’s start there! Located on the west side of the mainland are the islands in the Andaman Sea. A typical route for these islands, from north to south, could be:
Phuket ➡️ Koh Phi Phi ➡️ Krabi ➡️ Koh Lanta ➡️ Koh Lipe
You can easily island-hop from Thailand’s biggest island, Phuket down to Koh Lipe or vice if you wish. Or you can base yourself somewhere like Phuket or Krabi on the mainland and hop around the islands from there.
Gulf Of Thailand Island Hopping Itinerary
The islands in the Gulf of Thailand can be found in the north, nearer to Bangkok, and in the south on the opposite side to the Andaman Sea. These islands (or groups of islands) each offer something a little different but are all worth visiting in their own right.
From Bangkok, you can easily travel to Koh Samet, Koh Si Chang, or all the way to Koh Chang. An easy route for those heading south could be
Koh Tao ➡️ Koh Pha Ngan ➡️ Koh Samui
This route can also be done in reverse depending on which ferry terminal you arrive at. You would need to check your ticket or ask your tour agent for the details.
Thailand Island Hopping From Bangkok
If you’re staying in Bangkok and want to hop around glorious islands in the south you’ll have to make a small effort to get there.
Don’t worry though! Thailand’s transport system is excellent and you can get to just about anywhere in the country by bus, train or plane!
Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui all have international airports but there are only a handful of direct flights available from Europe/U.S. Most people fly into Bangkok and make their way to the islands from there. From Bangkok, you have a few options depending on your budget and how quickly you want to get there.
Bangkok To Phuket
✈️ Bangkok To Phuket Flights
The easiest and fastest way to Phuket is by plane. There are regular departures and the flight time is only around 1.5 hours. It’s also normally the most expensive but airfares in Asia typically cost less than a train or bus ride in Europe.
You would have to add on check-in baggage if you fly with a low-cost airline such as Air Asia or Lion Air which can cost the same or even more than the flight itself.
Bangkok has two international airports – Don Mueang Airport (DMK) and Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Make sure you know which one you need to get to! DMK serves more low-cost airlines so this can save you money but many flights from BKK have luggage included.
🚞 Bangkok To Phuket Sleeper Train
A sleeper train might sound like the stuff of nightmares but there are many advantages of using this popular mode of transport. For a start, you can choose the level of comfort and it’s usually quite affordable. You also save on a night’s accommodation and see a side of the country you may not have if you had flown.
To make your way to the Andaman Sea, you can take the train to Surat Thani. However, from there, you have to your own way by bus to either Phuket, Krabi, etc (unless you have a combo ticket from an agency.) Trains normally leave from Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok. Try booking a ticket for the evening so you arrive in the morning as journeys take around 11-13 hours!
Tickets are split into classes depending on the level of comfort you’re after or your budget. The best seats are the first-class sleepers that come with air-con and have a max of 2 people per compartment.
These tickets book up fast so you need to get in early. Second-class sleepers are either air-con or fan-only but do not have compartments. Berths are arranged on either side of the aisle but you do get a curtain for a bit of privacy.
➡️ Check The Latest Sleeper Train Ticket Price At 12Go
Bangkok To Koh Samui
✈️ Bangkok To Koh Samui Flights
Like Phuket and Krabi, there’s an international airport located on one of the islands in this area – Koh Samui. These flights are usually from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and cost a little more than to Phuket but the price usually includes check-in baggage allowance. You can also fly between Koh Samui and Phuket.
If you want to visit the islands towards the north of the Gulf then you don’t really need to fly. Koh Samet is only a few hours from Bangkok after all. Koh Chang is a little further away, towards the Cambodian border and you can fly to Trat for around $80/£60. It’s then another couple of hours from Trat Airport to Koh Chang.
💡Pro Tip: As plans can change quickly in Thailand, you can easily walk into any tour agency to check their prices for flights, buses, etc. Many combination tickets include pick-up and onward transfers.
🚞 Bangkok To Koh Samui Sleeper Train
Like the islands in the Andaman Sea, your last stop on the way to Koh Tao, Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Samui will be Surat Thani. But, as the islands you’re after are in the east, the journey to them is much shorter and many people choose to stay in Surat Thani for a day or two to break up the travelling. From Surat Thani, it’s very easy to arrange a ferry from the city’s port. Ferry tickets cost around 400 THB ($12/£9) to Koh Samui, 500 THB ($15/£11) to Koh Pha Ngan, and 750 THB ($23/£16) to Koh Tao.
So whether you’re heading to the Andaman Sea or the Gulf of Thailand, you’ll be on the same train down to Surat Thani. You can buy your tickets at Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok but I recommend getting them in advance as these routes are super popular. You can book up to 90 days in advance on sites like 12Go.
There are no direct trains to Koh Samet or Koh Chang and the easiest way to get to these islands from Bangkok is to get a bus and then ferry.
➡️ Check The Latest Sleeper Train Ticket Price At 12Go
Thailand Island Hopping From Bangkok Sleeper Bus
Just like sleeper trains, these buses are a very popular way to get around Thailand. It’s always recommended to book in advance, especially if you’re attending the Full Moon Party or other festivals. At any other time, you can sometimes book a sleeper bus the day before you want to leave or even last minute if you’re flexible.
The most popular buses will take you to Phuket, Krabi, or Surat Thani. From there you will have to decide which of the islands you want to visit and book a separate ferry. To reach Koh Samet, you need to take a bus from Ekkamai Station or the hourly minibus from Khao San Road to Nuan Thip Pier in Ban Phe. Buses for Koh Chang also leave from Ekkamai Station and arrive at Laem Ngop Pier.
There are a couple of ways to book your ticket. Book in advance online using 12Go, or simply walk into an agency. If you’re staying in the Khao San Road area you’ll see travel agencies all over the place. They may have slight variations in prices but most will be using the same bus company so don’t worry about which bus you’ll get. I recommend getting a combo ticket that includes transfers and ferries as this can be cheaper than booking separately.
If you’ve booked through an agency, you will be waiting for your bus at one of their offices. There’ll be a lot of waiting around and sometimes you’ll be chatting to other confused backpackers about the hell is going on but your bus will eventually turn up!
➡️ Check The Latest Sleeper Bus Ticket Price At 12Go
Best Time To Go Island Hopping In Thailand
For most of the year, the majority of Thailand experiences tropical, humid weather. Like most of Southeast Asia! Even though the islands are spread up and down the coast, they all follow a similar weather pattern to the rest of Thailand – the dry, cooler season and the wet monsoons.
The dry season in Thailand is from November to May making it the best time to go island hopping in Thailand!
Temperatures range from 28°C to 30°C and can reach up to 34°C from March onwards. Then the wet season, or monsoons, runs from June to October when the humidity is at its worst and this is usually the worst time to visit.
It’s possible to visit the southern islands on the Gulf of Thailand side as they generally get much less rainfall than those on the west in the wetter months of May to October.
Best Islands In Thailand
How many islands are there in Thailand? Around 1,430 so don’t even think about how many you can see. Instead, choose an island or region that you’d like to explore and go from there.
You may even find that you love an island so much that you don’t want to leave! Here are some of the most popular Thai islands that most travellers include in their itinerary.
Phuket
Thailand’s most famous island, Phuket sometimes has a bad reputation but don’t let that stop you from visiting. The island is popular for its crazy nightlife where places like Patong take center stage.
Phuket isn’t all nightclubs and loud music though. Being the largest island (roughly the size of Singapore) means it’s not difficult to escape the crowds as there are plenty of areas to stay and places to visit such as the elephant sanctuary and James Bond Island.
The beach areas of Karon and Kata are perfect for families while you can find some culture in Phuket Old Town.
Koh Phi Phi
Anyone who has ever seen The Beach (all of us?) will want to visit Koh Phi Phi. The island is one of the most popular and with good reason. Not only do you get the usual stunning beaches but you also get jaw-dropping views with Phi Phi’s jagged cliffs surrounding you at every turn. Mix that in with some excellent nightlife and you have a recipe for an awesome island adventure.
Krabi
Although Krabi is not an island, it’s still a popular route on many people’s island-hopping routes. Krabi town is a great place to base yourself but the real star of this place is Railay Beach.
Located just outside of Krabi town, Railay Beach, with its stunning limestone cliffs, is one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll see in Thailand. If you want to try your hand at a bit of rock climbing against a stunning backdrop then this is the place to go.
Koh Lanta
If you’re looking for somewhere with peaceful island vibes then you definitely want to put Koh Lanta on your list. Even though the island is a popular stop on most people’s routes, the beaches (which are golden but still beautiful) are far less crowded.
You can snorkel on most of the beaches on the island or you can just relax in your hammock and just enjoy the slower pace that Koh Lanta offers.
Koh Lipe
Let’s face it, a small island with squeaky white beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters wasn’t going to stay secret for long. But due to Koh Lipe’s location, it’s still far less crowded than some of the other popular islands in Thailand.
This also means that Koh Lipe is a little pricier than the other islands. For those looking for dreamy beaches and excellent snorkelling then Koh Lipe is simply unmissable!
Koh Phangan
If you haven’t heard of Koh Phangan, then where have you been? Koh Phangan is home to the world-famous Full Moon Party that happens every month during the full moon(when else?) Thousands of people gather on Haad Rin from all over the world to party along the beach till the early hours.
The rest of the month is a great time to visit if you’re not interested in partying. The island has some great beaches and the atmosphere is chilled and relaxed.
Koh Tao
This little island is famous for its diving and is littered with dive schools. You may feel a little out of place if you’re not diving but there’s plenty to do to add this island to your itinerary.
You can also find some of the best snorkelling in Thailand here and on the surrounding islands. One of the best things to do in Koh Tao is to visit nearby Koh Nang Yuan, a tiny little island with the most beautiful sandbar you’ve ever seen.
Koh Samui
If Koh Pha Ngan is for backpackers and Koh Tao is for divers, then Koh Samui is the all-rounder. Popular with families and couples, there’s a little bit of something for everyone on this developed island.
There are the usual white beaches and clear waters but you also have with it comes larger hotels, shopping centres, and better road conditions.
Koh Samet
Did you know that there are islands near Bangkok? The closest island to Bangkok is also the easiest to get to. Koh Samet is the perfect place for a weekend island getaway.
Koh Samet is only a few hours away by car and ferry so the place can get quite busy at times. There are enough white beaches on the island though which makes this the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.
Koh Chang
Thailand’s second-largest island is famous for having some of the best beaches in the country. Koh Chang, or Elephant Island, is rather underdeveloped compared to Phuket and Koh Samui but can still get busy at peak times.
Around 70% of the island is covered in rainforest, so it’s a popular place for nature lovers and adventure seekers who also want that chilled-out island vibe.
FAQ: Thailand Island Hopping
Now that you have all the details you need to plan your epic island-hopping adventure, let’s dive into some FAQs.
What Is The Best Way To Island Hop In Thailand?
There is no best way to island hop in Thailand but a combination of ferries and buses will get you to where you need to go!
Island hopping in Thailand is super easy and each island is full of tour agencies that can arrange travel to your next destination. Just rock up to an agency, or even your hotel reception, a day or two in advance and tell them where you want to go!
There always seems to be a ferry/boat/bus available in Thailand and many people choose to stay flexible and book things a little last minute.
Where To Start Island Hopping In Thailand?
One of the best places to start island hopping in Thailand is Phuket. The closest southern island to Bangkok is easily reachable and, as it’s the largest island, it’s well connected to the rest of the islands in the Andaman Sea.
The the Gulf of Thailand, the most northern island is Koh Tao so you can travel south from there. Alternatively, you can fly into Koh Samui and travel north.
Is Koh Samui Or Phuket Better?
This will depend on preference but generally speaking, Phuket is larger and has more to offer beaches and variety. Koh Samui is better for snorkelling and beach club vibes.
Koh Samui also has better weather during the wet season, making it more accessible when Phuket may be too wet to visit.
What Is The Most Efficient Way To Travel In Thailand?
The most efficient way to travel in Thailand has got to be by bus. It’s usually the cheapest option and with the added bonus of saving on accommodation on sleeper buses.
Having said that, flights are quite well-priced in Asia and are the better choice for those who don’t want to be on a bus for 8 hours.
Wrapping Up: Thailand Island Hopping
Island hopping around Thailand is one of the coolest things to do in Southeast Asia and super easy to do!
I still remember my first night in Koh Pha Ngan all those years ago. It was the start of my first island-hopping adventure and it will certainly live long in my memory. The chilled island vibes, parties, and beaches are just some of the reasons to get yourself to these small patches of paradise. And don’t forget about the incredible food!
Island-hopping is like a right of passage for any traveller and is one of the many reasons that make Thailand worth visiting! Thailand’s tourist agencies and network of ferries make it very simple to get from one island to another so you can explore and discover as many islands as you wish. The only problem is, which one do you visit first?
