KNOW YOUR KOHS
Pick the best Thai island for you
WHEN IT COMES TO PARADISE islands, there are literally hundreds upon hundreds to choose from in Thailand, each the stuff of
Cast Away fantasies, each offering something different. While most of us have heard of, or visited, larger “koh” (Thai for island) such as Phuket and Koh Samui, there are plenty of other options. In fact, these popular holiday destinations are just the tip of the iceberg.
PHUKET
BEST FOR: FIRST-TIMERS AND FOODIES
There’s a reason why millions of Aussies return here annually. While synonymous with sunshine and sun loungers, there’s much more to it. You might not know it, but Phuket is a surprising culinary capital. As a result of its unique (literal) melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Thai cuisine, the island (specifically its old town) was named by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy.
MUST DO: Eat! You can taste street food staples (all for next to nix) either on your own steam, or with Phuket Food Tours. phuketfoodtours.com
KOH PHI PHI
BEST FOR: ISLAND-HOPPING BEACH BUMS
It’s easy to escape the crowds of Phuket given the wealth of sparsely populated islands a short boat ride away. And at the top of most visitors koh hit lists is Koh Phi Phi.
A 45-minute speedboat ride from Phuket, Phi Phi has been a longtime pit stop on the backpacker Thailand trail since appearing in
The Beach. However, the actual beach used in the blockbuster movie (Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh) became a victim of its own success and was closed in 2018 by the Thai government in a bid to allow its ecology to recover. Set to remain off limits until at least next year, tourists can still visit Leh and the other five islands (each endowed with a string of blissful beaches) that comprise the mini-archipelago. Koh Phai, also known as Bamboo Island, is a standout.
MUST DO: Join an island-hopping tour. Phuket Sail Tours avoids the usual haunts in favour of hidden lagoons, deserted beaches and stalagmite-filled caves. phuketsailtours.com
KOH PHANGAN
BEST FOR: HEDONISTS You’ve heard the stories, and you’ve seen the pictures, but Koh Phangan’s famed full moon party needs to be experienced to be believed.
This monthly event, tied to the lunar calendar, lures an international crowd of 20,000-plus hedonists to gather on the beach and dance the night away.
MUST DO: While we’re not advocating intoxication, to get the FULL full moon experience, you’ll need to try one of the notorious “buckets”. A few dollars gets a literal plastic bucket filled with ice, Thai Red Bull, and a bottle of local whisky or vodka. Make sure you share with your friends and take it easy – seriously, they’re lethal!
KOH SAMUI
BEST FOR: FAMILIES
Probably the second most popular beach destination after Phuket, Koh Samui went from remote fishing haven to backpacker hangout. However, for the past few decades, this Thai isle has become one of the most family-friendly destinations in the country. Not only is it easy to get to (an hour’s flight from Bangkok, so perfect for restless little ones), Samui also has a raft of family-friendly activities and plush resorts, each offering kids’ clubs and on-site babysitting. At Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, the Kids for All Seasons program is guaranteed to keep tykes busy.
MUST DO: For tourists of yesteryear, elephantriding was part and parcel of the Thailand experience. These days we know better. Get your kids up close with these gentle giants the right way via an ethical encounter at Samui Elephant Home, the largest elephant sanctuary and hospital on the island. samuielephanthome.com
KOH MIANG
BEST FOR: DIVERS
The Similan Islands is among the world’s top 10 diving locations. Divers can swim over untouched coral and see whale sharks and turtles, guitar and manta rays. There are many sites but if you take the plunge just once, make sure it’s at Richelieu Rock.
Accommodation in the national park is limited. Koh Miang, at the centre of the miniarchipelago, offers bungalows and camping.
MUST DO: If you’re a seasoned diver then consider maximising the wealth of aquatic viewing by joining a liveaboard boat for a few days. There are various operators in the area offering overnight trips through to 10-day dive safaris.
KOH KRADAN
BEST FOR: SERENITY SEEKERS
If hazy, lazy days spent lounging on a hammock, strung up between palm trees, while sipping a freshly cracked coconut is your thing, then unspoilt Koh Kradan is the place for you. Channelling a serious Robinson
Crusoe vibe this slice of paradise is tranquillity personified. Part national park, part resort island, here there’s no tacky commercial tourism, no crowds, no noise, no traffic, no ATMs, and no shopping centres. It’s the perfect destination to get away from it all.
MUST DO: As little as possible. However, if you do tick off one item then make sure it’s a lazy circumnavigation of the island by kayak.
KOH LIPE
BEST FOR: ROMANTICS
At Koh Lipe you can say “sawatdee” (hello) to dazzling white sand beaches, coral reefs and crystal-clear aquamarine waters. A dreamy combination of good looks, remoteness, beaches said to be some of the most beautiful in Thailand, and luxury hotels. This littleknown isle is the best honeymoon destination you’ve never heard of. Action here primarily involves doing, well, nothing, but when you’re bored of snuggling there’s various boat cruises and snorkelling trips on hand.
MUST DO: Ensure extra brownie points from your belle or beau by booking a couples treatment at a plush resort. Bundhaya Spa & Wellness offers an A to Z of treatments, plus a private jacuzzi and steam room made for two. bundhayaresort.com
KOH KOOD
BEST FOR: LUXURY
Head southeast and hit Thailand’s fourth largest (yet least populated) island, Koh Kood. Here, all the classic hallmarks of a paradise island are present and correct – pristine whitesand beaches and lush rainforest included – but for luxury-lovers this island is the location of another big drawcard: Soneva Kiri.
One of the country’s most plush resorts, this five-star property has seen Chris Hemsworth, Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Pitt check in for R&R.
MUST DO: The Treepod Dining experience. Seated in a private wicker pod, you’re hoisted into the rainforest canopy to enjoy a meal suspended in the air with a bird’s-eye view across the shoreline. soneva.com
KOH LANTA
BEST FOR: SURFERS
Thailand is better known for its beaches rather than its breaks, but the swell here will satisfy every level of surfer. Less than an hour by boat from Krabi, Koh Lanta’s waves attract surfers the world over.
For the best ride, head to Klong Dao Beach (a 2km stretch of shoreline perfect for beginners and pros) and time your visit from June to July.
MUST DO: Break up your break sessions with a hike in the lush Mu Koh Lanta National Park. There’s a small entry fee, but the wealth of trails and epic views to choose from make it more than worthwhile.