Ko Who? The Thai Islands You Didn’t Know You Were Dreaming Of
- shannastewart4443
- Jun 27
- 16 min read
"Island hopping in Thailand is like flipping through a dream—each page a new paradise, each stop a secret worth discovering."
Far beyond Thailand’s tourist trail lies a constellation of islands that quietly rival the postcard classics. From the coral garden of Ko Lipe in Satun to the barefoot bliss of Ko Phayam in Ranong, these hidden gems invite travelers to trade crowds for castaway calm. In Trang, you’ll find Ko Muk’s legendary Emerald Cave, while Ko Kradan dazzles with untouched beaches. Drift east to Trat, where Ko Kut and Ko Mak blend slow travel with sublime beauty. Phang Nga’s Ko Yao islands bring breezy elegance, and Krabi’s Ko Lanta serves up coastal serenity with a splash of adventure. And in Surat Thani, islands like Ko Tao and Ko Phangan reveal a gentler, off-peak soul beneath their party-town reputations. Whether you're after diving, kayaking, or hammock days under palm shade, Thailand’s lesser-known islands offer a treasure map of timeless escapes.
Although, this trip could possibly be done in 2 weeks, I will base this as a three-week island-hopping journey. We will explore the following Provinces and some special islands in each. These include:
Days 1–4: Ko Phayam (Ranong)
Days 4–7: Ko Lipe (Satun)
Days 7–10: Ko Kradan (Trang)
Days 10–12: Ko Lanta (Krabi)
Days 12–14: Ko Yao Noi (Phang Nga)
Best time to visit Thailand:
☀️ Cool & Dry Season (November–February)
Best for: Beaches, outdoor adventures, festivals
Weather: Pleasant temps (18–28°C / 64–82°F), low humidity
Highlights: Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai, Loy Krathong, crystal-clear snorkeling conditions
🌿 Hot Season (March–May)
Best for: Island escapes and early-morning sightseeing
Weather: Hot and dry (up to 40°C / 104°F inland)
Tip: Head to the coast—especially the Gulf islands like Ko Tao or Ko Phangan—for sea breezes and water-based activities
🌧️ Green Season (June–October)
Best for: Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, budget travel
Weather: Afternoon showers, especially on the Andaman side (Phuket, Krabi)
Tip: The Gulf coast (Ko Samui, Ko Phangan) is drier from June to August, making it a great monsoon-season escape
Here is a map of Thailand featuring these and more fantastic islands to explore:
Days 1 -4: Ko Phayam (Ranong)
Ko Phayam is one of Thailand’s last true island hideaways—a place where time slows, shoes are optional, and the soundtrack is waves and birdsong instead of motorbikes and beach bars.
How to get there:
Fly from Bangkok (Don Mueang Airport) to Ranong Airport (UNN). Flights take about 1 hour 20 minutes and are offered by airlines like Nok Air and AirAsia.
Once in Ranong, head to the Saphan Pla Pier (main public pier) or Tai Kak Pier for boats to the island.
Speedboat:
Takes about 40–45 minutes
Runs frequently during high season (Nov–May)
Where to stay in Ko Phayam:
Flower Power Village
3-Star Hotel
Flower Power Village on Ko Phayam is a colorful, bohemian retreat that blends eco-conscious living with artistic flair—a place where jungle gardens, dome-shaped bungalows, and Italian-Thai fusion cuisine come together in a truly one-of-a-kind setting.
Buffalo Bay Vacation Club
4-Star Hotel
Located directly on the beach of Buffalo Bay at Koh Phayam island and open all the year, the hotel offers spacious, comfortable, modern bungalows at a very affordable price. From family escapes to long stay opportunities for your enjoyment, the resort suits most travel tastes. The hotel provides the privacy, services and amenities associated only with luxury resorts at very moderate prices for guests seeking quiet and relaxing beach holidays.
Blue Sky Resort
4-Star Hotel
Tucked along the tranquil shores of Ko Phayam, The Blue Sky Resort is often dubbed “The Maldives of Thailand”—and for good reason. With its overwater villas, serene lagoon views, and polished tropical design, it offers a rare blend of barefoot luxury and island seclusion.
Things to do in Ko Phayam:
🌊 Beaches & Nature
Ao Yai (Long Beach) – The island’s most iconic stretch: wide, wild, and perfect for sunsets, surfing, or lazy beach days.
Buffalo Bay (Ao Khao Kwai) – A calm, horseshoe-shaped bay ideal for swimming, kayaking, and spotting hornbills.
Ao Kwang Peeb – A secluded cove with dramatic rocks and jungle backdrop—great for solitude and snorkeling.
Jungle Trekking – Trails wind through cashew groves and mangroves, offering glimpses of monitor lizards and tropical birds.
🚤 Water Adventures
Kayak the Mangroves – Paddle through peaceful waterways and spot wildlife in the island’s lush interior.
Snorkeling & Diving – Explore coral reefs off nearby islets like Ko Khang Kao or join a dive trip with local operators.
Island Hopping – Charter a longtail boat to explore nearby uninhabited islands for a true castaway experience.
🧘 Wellness & Creativity
Yoga & Meditation – Join a class at PAUSE Surf & Yoga House or practice solo on the beach at sunrise.
Massage & Spa – Treat yourself to a Thai massage at Surathee Health or unwind with a sauna and ice bath at Flower Power Village.
Art & Craft – Visit the quirky Bottle Castle or browse handmade jewelry and natural soaps at Magic Shop.
🛵 Explore by Scooter
Rent a scooter and cruise the island’s narrow concrete paths—no cars, just breezy rides through jungle and beach.
🏛️ Culture & Local Life
Wat Ko Phayam – A seaside temple with a giant golden Buddha and ocean views.
Moken Village – Learn about the sea gypsy culture and their sustainable way of life.
🍽️ Eat, Sip & Chill
Hippy Bar – A driftwood masterpiece and island icon, perfect for sunset drinks and reggae vibes.
Local Cafés – Try Burmese curries, Thai seafood, or wood-fired pizza at Flower Power Village’s farm-to-table restaurant.
Night Markets – Small but lively, with grilled seafood, fruit shakes, and handmade crafts.
Days 4–7: Ko Lipe (Satun)
Ko Lipe is a tiny island with a big soul with a laid-back, bohemian twist. Tucked into the southern tip of the Andaman Sea near the Malaysian border, it’s part of the Tarutao National Marine Park, surrounded by coral reefs, turquoise water, and nearly untouched islets.
How to get there:
Take a speedboat (40–45 min) from Ko Phayam to Ranong Pier. Fly from Ranong to Hat Yai or Trang (1.5–2 hours), Take a speedboat (1.5–2 hours) to Ko Lipe Pattaya Beach.
Where to stay on Ko Lipe:
Wapi Resort
3-Star Hotel
Wapi Resort is located in the middle of Sunrise Beach (Hat Chao Ley) on Koh Lipe, a small island in the South of the Thai Andaman Sea. It is conveniently located near the end of Walking Street. The resort is set in a mature Pine Tree garden, that provides shade and a gentle breeze throughout the day. The beach faces East, allowing for amazing views of the sunrise.
Akira Lipe Resort
4-Star Hotel
Akira Lipe is located on the Pattaya Beach of Koh Lipe overlooking the white sandy beach and the clear waters of the Andaman Sea near Walking Street. It only takes 5 minutes to walk. Akira Lipe has 1 large outdoor swimming pool and 2 large swimming pools behind the room with modern rooms. Full facilities The service is excellent.
Irene Pool Villa Resort, Koh Lipe
5-Star Hotel
The Irene Luxury Beach Resort invites you to indulge in serene elegance—where tranquility meets unparalleled luxury. This exclusive pool villa resort on the pristine shores of Koh Lipe, Thailand, offers a sanctuary of calm, relaxation, and refined comfort.
Things to do in Ko Lipe:
🌅 Beach Bliss
Sunrise Beach – Calm waters, soft sand, and a breezy vibe perfect for morning swims or yoga. It’s the island’s most serene stretch.
Sunset Beach – Quieter and more rugged, ideal for golden-hour cocktails and peaceful evenings.
Pattaya Beach – The liveliest of the three, with beach bars, restaurants, and the main arrival point for ferries.
🌊 Snorkeling & Diving
Coral Garden & Jabang Reef – Teeming with colorful fish and soft corals, these spots are perfect for snorkelers.
8-Mile Rock & Stonehenge – Top dive sites with dramatic underwater landscapes and pelagic sightings.
Ko Adang – Just across the channel, this larger island offers snorkeling, hiking, and a stunning viewpoint overlooking Ko Lipe.
🚤 Island Hopping
Take a longtail boat to nearby gems like:
Ko Rawi – Pristine beaches and picnic-perfect coves
Ko Hin Ngam – A mysterious island of smooth black stones
Ko Yang – Great for snorkeling and solitude
🧘 Chill & Wellness
Beach massages under the palms
Yoga classes at sunrise or sunset
Spa treatments at boutique resorts like Ten Moons or Serendipity
🍜 Eat, Sip & Stroll
Walking Street – The island’s pedestrian hub, lined with cafés, seafood grills, and handmade crafts
Elephant Restaurant – A cozy spot for Thai fusion and cocktails
Mojito Bar – For sunset drinks and live music
🌿 Nature & Culture
Tarutao National Marine Park – Ko Lipe is part of this protected area, so expect rich marine life and eco-conscious vibes
Local Sea Gypsy Culture – Learn about the Urak Lawoi people, the island’s original inhabitants
Days 7–10: Ko Kradan (Trang)
Ko Kradan is the kind of island that feels like it was plucked from a dream and gently placed in the Andaman Sea. Tucked within Trang Province and part of Hat Chao Mai National Park, it’s a slender, forested gem fringed by powdery white sand and translucent turquoise water—and it’s still blissfully under the radar.
How to get there:
Speedboat (Most Direct & Popular)
Duration: ~1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
Departure: From Pattaya Beach on Ko Lipe
Where to stay on Ko Kradan:
Reef Resort
3-Star Hotel
Your transformation into a place to spend unforgettable holidays in absolute relaxation, on the amazing island of Koh Kradan in Thailand. The Reef Resort in Koh Kradan Thailand is a corner of paradise and with 18 luxury beachfront and sea view rooms will allow you to enjoy the crystal emerald Andaman Sea and the lush tropical gardens.
Mali Resort
3-Star Hotel
Fronted by 200 meters of white sand, with direct access to more than one kilometer of beach, Mali Resort Koh Kradan offers over 20 luxuriously appointed beachfront bungalows, set against the exotic natural beauty of unspoiled tropical forests. Pristine white beaches with laid back Island charm are at the heart of this exquisite paradise.
The Seven Seas Resort
4-Star Hotel
Sevenseas Resort is a tropical paradise located on one of Thailand’s last untouched islands, Koh Kradan, it offers a peaceful retreat with gleaming white sands, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant house reef full of colorful marine life. The resort is surrounded by lush nature and breathtaking views, making it the perfect place to relax, explore, and experience the true beauty of Koh Kradan.
Things to do in Ko Kradan:
🏖️ Beach Bliss
Ao Kradan Beach – The island’s main beach and the one that earned it the title of World’s Best Beach in 2023. Powdery white sand, shallow turquoise water, and coral reefs just offshore.
Sunset Beach – A short jungle walk away, this west-facing cove is perfect for golden-hour swims and quiet reflection.
Ao Niang – A peaceful, lesser-visited beach with great snorkeling and fewer footprints.
🌊 Snorkeling & Water Adventures
Snorkel right off the beach – No boat needed. Just wade in and explore vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish.
Kayak the coastline – Paddle along the island’s edge or to nearby islets like Ko Ngai or Ko Mook.
Island hopping – Charter a longtail boat to explore nearby gems like Ko Libong, Ko Waen, or the iconic Emerald Cave on Ko Muk.
🌿 Nature & Exploration
Jungle trails – Walk across the island through shaded forest paths connecting east and west coasts.
Stargazing – With no roads or light pollution, the night sky here is dazzling—perfect for a beach blanket and a bottle of wine.
🧘 Slow Travel & Wellness
Beach yoga – Many resorts offer sunrise or sunset sessions right on the sand.
Digital detox – There’s no ATM, limited Wi-Fi, and no cars—just the sound of waves and birdsong.
🍽️ Eat & Unwind
Beachfront dining – Enjoy grilled seafood, Thai curries, and fresh fruit shakes with your toes in the sand.
Sunset cocktails – Sip something tropical while watching the sky turn gold at Paradise Beach or Sunset Beach.
Days 10–12: Ko Lanta (Krabi)
Ko Lanta, in Krabi Province, is where Thailand’s island magic slows down and stretches out. It’s a place of long, golden beaches, lush jungle hills, and a laid-back rhythm that feels worlds away from the party scenes of nearby Phi Phi or Phuket.
How to get there:
By Speedboat (Most Direct)
Duration: ~1 to 1.5 hours
Departure: From Ao Niang Beach or the main beach on Ko Kradan
Arrival: Saladan Pier (north Ko Lanta) or Old Town Pier (east coast)
Where to stay on Ko Lanta:
The Lazy Lodge
3-Star Hotel
Situated a 10-minute ride from Phra Ae Beach, the 4-star The Lazy Lodge Koh Lanta hotel features Wi-Fi in public areas, and a car park on site. This hotel is a good starting point for Koh Lanta's sports attractions, including Muay Thai at Klong Dao Stadium, which is a 15-minute ride away.
Located merely 13 minutes' walk from a long beach, the property is right in the busy area of Koh Lanta. Lanta Animal Welfare is 2.5 km from the Lazy Lodge in Koh Lanta. Nature lovers will appreciate the proximity to Lanta scorpion massage.
The property has 9 rooms, comprising a seating area. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels, along with tea/coffee making equipment, are offered. Bathrooms, equipped with a walk-in shower and a separate toilet, also feature hairdryers and toiletries. Guests can enjoy views of the sea from this Koh Lanta hotel.
There is a free continental breakfast served at the property. The snack bar is ideal for a relaxing drink. The bar area includes a lounge. The seafood restaurant Holy Cow lies just a minute's drive from this hotel.
The Houben - Adult Only
4-Star Hotel
As far as we’re concerned, the main thing you want from a Thai beachside boutique hotel is just the right amount of isolation. For while this vast coastline and this sublime seascape are still as stunning as they’ve always been, there are places where it’s a bit of a struggle to see through the crowds to the scenery itself. The Houben Hotel, Adults Only, fair to say, suffers from no such problem. Here on a hillside overlooking the coast of Koh Lanta, the Andaman Sea is the star of the show — beaches are nice, but we all know elevated views are the best views.
The Houben goes out of its way to call itself a resort, and in spite of its very small size — no more than fifteen rooms — it offers a fairly complete, if pleasantly small-scale, resort experience. A small spa, a gorgeous red infinity pool, and a seafood-focused Thai restaurant and bar make up the public spaces, and they’re spaces you’ll spend a fair bit of time in — the beach, while certainly within walking distance, isn’t something you’ll stumble upon straight from your front door.
Rooms and suites are quite contemporary in an understated way, stylish but far from over-designed. There’s something about aggressive modern design that occasionally cuts against the spirit of relaxation, and the Houben chooses relaxation every time. Fortunately,
it’s a conflict that doesn’t arise often — for most of us, this is right in that sweet spot where the architecture and the environment are perfectly in balance.
Pimalai Resort & Spa
5-Star Hotel
The main calculation in traveling to Thailand is where exactly on the continuum between civilization and seclusion you want to end up. Though there’s no real desert-island experience to be had anymore, there’s a compromise to suit just about any taste — from the domesticated ex-wilderness of a Phuket to the nearby and much more tranquil Koh Lanta, home to the Pimalai Resort and Spa.
It’s not Robinson Crusoe, but it’s definitely not the big city either. Here the designers had the sense to stay out of the way, and let the gardens, the woods, and the beach take center stage. No bold design statements, just a warm, contemporary and identifiably Thai style, with full-length windows and wraparound terraces or balconies on all 121 rooms, suites and villas.
You can score a private pool if you feel like splashing out on a villa, or keep it simple with a standard room — even the latter affords plenty of space, close proximity to the beach, and it’s no great hardship sharing the hotel’s central infinity pool. Spa treatments and snorkeling or diving expeditions are an option, as always, and the restaurants offer not just fresh seafood-based Thai cuisine but cookery classes as well.
Things to do in Ko Lanta:
🏖️ Beach-Hopping Bliss
Klong Dao – Family-friendly and walkable, with calm waters and sunset views.
Long Beach (Pra Ae) – The island’s longest stretch, perfect for swimming, beach bars, and golden-hour strolls.
Kantiang Bay – A romantic, crescent-shaped beach backed by jungle cliffs—less crowded and wildly scenic.
Nui Bay & Bamboo Bay – Hidden gems in the south for those who love a secluded cove.
🌿 Nature & Adventure
Mu Ko Lanta National Park – Hike to the lighthouse, spot monkeys, and explore dramatic coastal cliffs.
Khao Mai Kaew Cave – A guided spelunking adventure through limestone chambers and underground pools.
Khlong Chak Waterfall – A short jungle trek leads to a seasonal waterfall and bat cave.
🌊 Water Activities
Scuba Diving – Dive world-class sites like Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, and Ko Haa with top-rated operators like Lanta Diver or Hidden Depths Diving.
Snorkeling Tours – Join a 4-island tour to the Emerald Cave on Ko Muk or explore coral reefs around Ko Rok.
Kayaking – Paddle through mangrove forests or along the coast near Lanta Old Town.
🧘 Wellness & Culture
Yoga & Massage – Join a beachfront yoga class or unwind with a Thai massage at a spa like Oasis or Serenity.
Lanta Animal Welfare – Volunteer or visit this heartwarming rescue center that’s become a community favorite.
Lanta Old Town – Wander wooden stilt houses, browse local crafts, and enjoy seafood with a sea view.
🍜 Eat, Sip & Explore
Night Markets – Sample grilled seafood, mango sticky rice, and Thai street food at rotating local markets.
Cooking Classes – Learn to make authentic Thai dishes with local chefs.
Beach Bars & Fire Shows – Chill out with a cocktail and watch fire dancers light up the night on Khlong Khong Beach.
Days 12–14: Ko Yao Noi (Phang Nga)
Ko Yao Noi is one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets—a peaceful, palm-fringed island floating in the heart of Phang Nga Bay, halfway between Phuket and Krabi. It’s the kind of place where rice paddies meet limestone karsts, and the loudest sound is the rustle of coconut palms in the breeze.
How to get there:
Direct Speedboat (Fastest & Easiest)
Duration: ~2 to 2.5 hours
Departure: From Saladan Pier on Ko Lanta
Arrival: Manoh Pier on Ko Yao Noi
Where to stay on Ko Yao Noi:
Purana Resort Koh Yao Noi
3-Star Hotel
With a warm and friendly service, you can feel as you are staying at your own home. Purana Resort is nestled amidst the private tropical gardens, decorated both interior and exterior with contemporary tropical style, while overlooked to Andaman Sea and Beautiful Phang-Nga Bay giving you the most memorable view of the sunset.
Villa Lydia
4-Star Property
Villa Lydia is the perfect place for those whose dream is to live the real "Island Feeling". The Villa is located at 100 meters’ distance from the beach with amazing views of the breathtaking Phang Nga Bay
Staying in the Villa, you can easily be on your own, taken care of by our villa Butler and the villa staff, at the same time enjoying the true life of an islander.
Leaving the Villa, you will find yourselves immersed in the life of the locals. Returning to the Villa is like coming back home, to the place, where there are only you and your friends, separated from the rest of the world by the sea, small river, forest and green fence.
Experience eco-friendly elegance with our solar-powered retreats, providing you with a guilt-free getaway surrounded by pristine nature.
Villa Lydia is very well located within walking distance to the beach, bars, restaurants, cafes & shops. If you would like to explore the island further, you have a complimentary taxi service included in the rate at your disposal for the duration of your stay. Alternatively, you have the option to rent motorbikes or bicycles.
Six Senses Yao Noi
5-Star Hotel
The Six Senses group’s relentless expansion across the Far East continues apace; as long as they’re this luxurious and well-located, though, then we’ll continue to welcome their arrival without complaint.
This particular Six Senses is located on the island of Yao Noi, in Phang Nga Bay — in the general neighborhood of Phuket, though crucially not on Phuket proper, which is an island that’s nearing maximum capacity already. Here you’re surrounded by calm seas, sheltered by the bay, with views of the jutting limestone formations that rise out of the waters — think of that pointy rock from The Man With The Golden Gun and you’re basically there.
An idyllic location is just one-third of the formula. Next on the list are the villas, fifty-six of them, with private sun decks and infinity-edge pools, each traditional on the outside (thatched roofs and all) and contemporary on the inside (satellite TV, DVD players, bathrooms with indoor-outdoor showers. Nothing revolutionary, just everything in its place, and nothing left off the list.
And the last third is the Six Senses Spa. The variations in philosophy from spa to spa matter less than their marketing departments would like to think — what’s important above all is that the therapists are skilled and the environment welcoming and suitably sedate, two bases a professional operation like this one has no problem covering.
Things to do in Ko Yao Noi:
🚲 Explore by Scooter or Bicycle
Cruise past rice paddies, rubber plantations, and sleepy fishing villages.
Stop at roadside cafés for coconut shakes or fresh roti.
The island’s size makes it perfect for a full-day loop with plenty of scenic detours.
🏝️ Beach-Hopping & Island Views
Tha Khao Beach – Great for sunrise and views of the bay’s iconic karsts.
Pasai Beach – Lively by local standards, with beach bars and restaurants.
Laem Kor Beach – Quiet and undeveloped, ideal for solitude and shell collecting.
🚤 Island Hopping & Longtail Adventures
Visit nearby gems like Ko Nok, Ko Ku Du Yai, and Ko Hong for snorkeling, swimming, and jaw-dropping scenery.
Charter a private longtail boat or join a small-group tour for a full-day escape.
🛶 Kayak the Mangroves
Paddle through lush estuaries and hidden lagoons on the island’s east coast.
Spot hornbills, monitor lizards, and maybe even a sea otter if you’re lucky.
🧘 Wellness & Creativity
Join a yoga class or retreat at Island Yoga or Jaiyen Eco Resort.
Try a Thai cooking class or unwind with a beachfront massage.
Many resorts offer art spaces, meditation decks, and even musical instruments for guests.
🌅 Sunset Spots
The Viewpoint at Tha Khao Pier – A local favorite for golden-hour magic.
9 Hornbills Tented Camp – Even if you’re not staying there, the view is worth a visit.
🍜 Eat, Sip & Stroll
Chaba Café & Gallery – Great coffee, local art, and a breezy garden setting.
Rice Paddy Restaurant – Dine with a view of the fields and karsts.
Local markets – Try grilled seafood, sticky rice, and tropical fruit straight from the source.
How to return to airport:
Ko Yao Noi → Phuket (Bang Rong Pier)
Take a speedboat from Manoh Pier on Ko Yao Noi to Bang Rong Pier in Phuket.
Duration: ~30–45 minutes
Bang Rong Pier → Phuket International Airport
Taxi or private transfer from the pier to the airport
Duration: ~25–30 minutes
Fly home
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