Koh Mae Ko island is home to spectacular Emerald Lake, while Koh Wua Ta Lap, offers hikes up to unforgettable panoramas of the archipelago. The islands have coral reefs white-sand beaches lush rainforest that's home to macaques, leopard cats, monitor lizards, and pythons and limestone caves filled with intriguing stalactites and stalagmites. These 42 small islands make for a popular day trip from Koh Samui, but if you're prepared to rough it a bit, you can linger for a few nights and feel like you've escaped from it all. The south has the plushest resorts and best beaches, while there are some secluded coves in the east accessible by boat or taxi. The island's west coast is home to its longest stretch of sand, Sairee Beach, where there are low-cost lodgings, restaurants, and bars where you can sip a sunset drink or party into the small hours. It's suitable for beginners and experienced divers alike, and competition between operators keeps prices down.
Its dive sites offer a combination of good visibility, sea life that includes barracuda, scorpionfish, clownfish, corals, turtles, and whale sharks, and plenty of underwater pinnacles, swim-throughs, caves, and canyons to explore. North of Koh Phangan, little Koh Tao is one of the best places in Thailand for scuba diving. More lively beach options include Thong Nai Pan, with upmarket accommodation, and sunset-facing Haad Yao. Alternatively, take a long-tail boat to one of the many secluded beaches like Bottle Beach, Haad Sadet, or Haad Wai Nam, where you can rent a bungalow and just chill out. On Koh Samui's attractive, less-developed neighbour you can visit spas and meditation centres, learn Thai cooking, windsurf, and hike through forests to landmarks such as colourful Kuan Yin temple, from where you can look out across the island's green canopy. It's known for its monthly full-moon parties on Haad Rin's peninsula - and the half-moon and black-moon parties that fill the gaps between - but Koh Phangan also offers the antidote to such hedonistic pursuits. Wherever you base yourself, it's easy to fill your days with watersports, beach massages, or hikes to waterfalls in the mountainous, jungle-covered interior, or visits to attractions like Wat Plai Laem temple, Samui Elephant Sanctuary, and the 12-metre-tall golden Big Buddha that looms above the Gulf of Thailand. The lively resort of Chaweng, meanwhile, offers budget hostels, souvenir shops, fast food, pubs, tattoo parlours, and indoor skydiving. For calm waters and beautiful sunsets, roll out your towel on the relaxed Maenam and Bophut beaches. Its coastline is dotted with luxury hotels, smart bungalows, family-friendly resorts, yoga and spa retreats, and honeymoon hideaways. Once a haven for backpackers, Thailand's second-largest island now has much broader appeal. To give you some inspiration, here's our list of the best Thai islands, and what to see and do when you get there.
Whatever you want from a tropical holiday, Thailand has an island - or entire archipelago - for you. Or island-hop between world-class scuba diving spots, full-moon parties, and yogic rejuvenation. Follow the dawn calls of unseen creatures into the rainforest and discover hidden waterfalls, before spending the afternoon building up your tan on a white-sand beach.
Koh yao noi lonely planet full#
Treat yourself to a stay in a 5-star resort, making full use of its blissful spa facilities and fine-dining restaurant with sunset views.
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