Thai islands W
With hundreds of islands to choose from, how do you find your perfect patch of paradise in Thailand? PAUL EWART writes
HEN it comes to paradise islands, there are literally hundreds upon hundreds to choose from in Thailand. Each the stuff of “Castaway” fantasies, and each offering something different. While most of us have heard of – or visited – larger “koh” (that’s 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.
BEST FOR ROMANTICS: KOH LIPE
At Koh Lipe you can say “sawasdee” (hello) to dazzling white sand beaches, coral reefs and crystal clear aquamarine waters. A dreamy combination of good looks, remoteness, pictureperfect beaches (said to be some of the most beautiful in Thailand), and luxury hotels. This little-known isle is the best honeymoon destination you’ve never heard of. Action on this romance-sodden isle primarily involves doing, well, nothing, but when you’re bored of snuggling there’s various boat cruises and snorkelling trips on hand.
BEST FOR LUXURY: KOH KOOD
Head southeast and you’ll 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 white-sand 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 plus resorts, this fivestar property has seen Chris Hemsworth, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Brad Pitt check in for some R & R.
BEST FOR FIRST-TIMERS AND FOODIES: PHUKET
There’s a reason that 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 it’s old town) was named by UNESCO as a ‘City of Gastronomy.’
BEST FOR HEDONISTS: KOH PHANGAN
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.
BEST FOR SERENITY-SEEKERS: KOH KRADAN
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. Untouched by development, it’s the perfect destination to get away from it all.
BEST FOR SURFERS: KOH LIPE
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 from all over the world. For the best ride, head to Klong Dao Beach (a 2km stretch of shoreline that’s perfect for both beginners, and pros) and time your visit between June and July.
BEST FOR DIVERS: KOH MIANG
The Similan Islands is among the top 10 diving locations on earth. Here, divers can swim over untouched coral and see whale sharks, turtles, and manta rays. There’s plenty of sites but if you’re taking the plunge just once then make sure it’s at Richelieu Rock. Being a national park, accommodation is very limited. Koh Miang – at the centre of the mini-archipelago – offers basic bungalows and camping.
BEST FOR FAMILIES: KOH SAMUI
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, which makes it perfect for restless little ones), Samui also has a raft of family-friendly activities, and an array of plush resorts, each offering kids clubs and onsite babysitting. At Four Seasons Resort Koh
Samui, the ‘Kids for All Seasons’ program is guaranteed to keep tykes busy.
BEST FOR ISLAND-HOPPING BEACH BUMS: KOH PHI PHI
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 an attempt 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.