| Islands
Overview
 Searching
for the most gorgeous tropical island? the ultimate in idyllic beaches and the
most breathtaking scenery? Look no further than the south of Thailand.
Just
beyond Bangkok, the Kra Isthmus, provides an extensive coastline with hundreds
of tropical islands and perfect beaches on both sides. On the west coast the Andaman
Sea has the well known islands of Phuket and Phi Phi, while on the opposite coast
in the Gulf of Thailand - you'll find Samui, Koh Phangan, Pattaya and some of
the upcoming and lesser known islands like Koh Chang. Difficult
to choose? Take a look below and check out our quick guide to the islands.... The
Andaman SeaPhuket
 The
Andaman sea is home to Phuket, Thailand's largest island, which offers great beaches,
international facilities, good hotels and delicious food. Phuket also makes a
good base for visiting some the many outlying islands located close to Phuket's
east and south-east coast and the great dive sites around the Similan Islands.
Just north of Phuket is Phang Nga - an area of wild mangroves and limestone scenery.
Definitely worth a visit.
Phi
Phi Islands
The
Phi Phi islands (think picture postcard beaches - white powder sand, crystal clear
water and sundowners) are just a 90 minute boat trip away from Phuket. The utimate
in idyllc beaches. Stay in a beach bungalow or small resort by the sea and simply
relax under a shady tree. Excellent shallow water snorkelling around the sister
island of Phi Phi Ley. Coral
Island
Within
a day trip from Phuket is Coral Island (only 30 minutes by boat.) Known
locally as Koh Hae, it's one of the most popular destinations for day and overnight
stays. The colourful coral reefs that surround the island, and easy access from
the beach make it perfect for novice snorkellers. Other water-sports are available. Racha
Islands
Popular
with divers and snorkellers, the two Racha Islands have wonderfully clear water
and close offshore coral reefs. About 45 minutes by speedboat south of Phuket,
its a great place to to read books, sleep and simply relax. Not developed with
only a small track and a few bungalows. Gets quite busy, at lunchtimes with diveboats
and day-trippers, but this doesn't last long and the tranquility at night is perfect.
Lanta
Island
Off
the tourist trail, Lanta Island, between Krabi province and Phuket island, offers
relaxing beaches and little coves surrounded by rugged mountains. Not as easily
accessible as Phi Phi, there's no crowds, no hustle and bustle - just peace and
quiet. Lanta is also home to a community of ethnic sea gypsies who still follow
the old ways and traditional customs. Krabi
 The
stunning coastal province of Krabi about 3 hours by road from Phuket, also has
outstanding natural beauty, great beaches, waterfalls, caves, and strange limestone
rock formations. Much of the province has been designated a national park which
incorporates many of the mainland beaches and over 80 islands. Great for snorkelling,
scuba diving and relaxing. Head for the main beaches at Ao Nang and Rai Ley for
a beach lifestyle which can be basic or 5 star. It's also a popular destination
with rock climbers. Instruction and equipment is available.
Khao
Lak
Not
an island, but long stretch of coastline just north of Phuket, in the mainland
province of Phang Nga. The area, relatively new to tourism, has miles of untouched
beach fringed by forest, on the edge of 3 national parks. Most accommodation is
brand new, low rise and comfortable. Nightlife very low key. Much quieter than
Phuket - it's an ideal getaway. It's also a convenient departure point for the
Similan islands, one of the world's top 10 dive sites. Similan
Islands
Divers,
don't miss the opportunity to see the unique Similan Islands Brilliant underwater
scenery varying from soft corals to large boulders; big fish Sharks, Rays, Groupers
plus, visibility of up to 30 metres give the Similans a top 10 rating in the world.
Many local diveshops in Phuket offer on board (liveaboard) trips on well equipped
dive-boats lasting from around 4-7 days. PADI dive courses also available. Tarutao
Travel
south down the Adnaman coast and you'll find even more islands!. Off the coast
of Trang province in the far south
you find islands well out of the grip of tourism. Undeveloped and demanding more
finely tuned travel skills, the island of Tarutao,
recently the location for the "Survivor" TV series, is beautiful but
basic. If you watched the series, you'll know. Limited accommodation but you'll
have the beach to yourself.
Gulf of Thailand
Koh Samui - Gulf of Thailand
 On
the east coast in the Gulf of Thailand, is Ko
Samui. Once on the backpacker's trail with basic facilities, the island
has developed into an international resort. Despite development Samui still retains
its friendly charm, beach lifestyle and local flavour. The main beaches of Chaweng
and Lamai, have a great nightlife with clubs, discos, live music, cool bars and
restaurants while Bophut, Maenam and Buddha beach are for those who enjoy a simpler,
less hectic lifestyle.
Koh
Phangan
Just
north of Ko Samui and about two-thirds its size, Ko Phangan has beautiful beaches
and inexpensive, basic bungalows. It's the simple beach life which attracts many
tourists each year, and also the island's reputation for full moon parties and
hedonistic culture. Popular with budget tourists seeking paradise and cheap accommodation,
the Full Moon parties, once a spontanous event, now attract up to 7,000 party-goers.
Although there have been changes caused by development, Koh Phangan still has
plenty of remote beaches, surrounded with beautiful coral and protected by the
spirits of old temples. Koh
Tao Island
Ko
Tao, north of Phangan and about 2 hours by boat from Samui is becoming popular,
thanks partly to Hollywood films like "The Beach," and also to the Full
Moon parties established some years ago which still continue to draw visitors.
Faster and safer ferries are making both Ko Tao and Ko Phangan, more accessible.
Lots of coconut lined beaches. The mainland opposite the Ko Tao has a number of
"seaside towns" the favourite of local Thais and Europeans seeking a
more local flavour. These include Chumporn and Hua Hin.
Gulf of Thailand East CoastPattaya
Beach
 Located
on the mainland on the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya has always been a traditional
holiday getaway for Bangkok residents. Only two hours drive from Thailand's capital
city, this multi-facted resort with neighbouring Jomtiem beach has lots to offer.
Famous for its hedonistic night life, Pattaya has good beaches, windsurfing, and
lots of family attractions. It also has lots of offshore islands with good coral
reefs - for snorkelling, diving or exploring in glass bottomed boats.
Koh
Samet
Less
developed than Pattaya, the island of Ko Samet is the centre of one marine national
park, has been a favourite with young Thai's and international travellers for
several years. Still unspoilt, it has a few resorts, restaurants and entertainment. Koh
Chang
Further
away towards the Cambodian border in the Gulf of Thailand is Ko Chang, part of
the Koh Chang Marine National Park and the second largest island after Phuket.
Recently promoted by the Tourist Authority of Thailand, there are now more ferries,
better infrastructure and more upmarket hotels. The area is quietly being upgraded
to accommodate activities including diving, fishing and elephant trekking. Koh
Kood
Part
of the Ko Chang Marine National Park which incorporates some 52 islands. Many
are covered in forest and surrounded by spectacular coastlines with gorgeous beaches
and offshore coral reefs. Ko Kood is the fourth largest island in Thailand
and the closest to the Cambodian border. The island is covered by tropical rainforest
(about 70%) with development mainly around the coastal areas. Most resorts generate
their own electricity as fuel and solar energy are the primary sources of electricity.
The west coast is lined with a series of lovely beaches and wonderful views. Diving
Areas
The Similans,
located about one hundred kilometers northwest of Phuket, in the Andaman sea.
are composed of nine granite islands with an amazing variety of underwater scenery
and fish. Soft corals and huge boulders combined with varying sea conditions make
it one of the worlds top 10 dive sites. Phuket's
west coast has a number of good divesites, accessibel year round. South of Phuket,
the twin islands of Koh Racha Yai
(big) and Koh Racha Noi (small) offer gentle drift dives, schools of false barracudas,
octopus, cuttlefish and the more common tropical fish. Divers of all levels and
snorkellers can visit Racha Yai as the diving is easy and gentle. Water depths
range between 3-30 metres. Almost all diving operators offer one day trips to
both of the islands. On the Gulf of Thailand coast,
the Ang Thong
Marine National Park, close to Samui island, offers good reef diving and submerged
rocks. Many dive shops operate trips from Samui, Ko Tao and ko Phangan. | 
