Looking for some inspiration for your next holiday destination? Pick one of these four lesser known Thai islands to really get away from it all.
Thailand is lucky to be blessed with vast swathes of coastline and some stunning islands. Phuket and Koh Samui are the top island destinations but there are many other lessen known Thai islands scattered across the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand. If you are looking somewhere not on the tourist trail to you to feel the sand between your toes then pick one of these gems to discover. And you maybe surprised to learn that they are all relatively easy to get to.
1. Koh Phayam
Koh Phayam is one of those islands that even those who have lived in Thailand for a lifetime have not heard about. Situated by the lesser known Koh Chang in the Andaman Sea (not to be confused with Koh Chang in the Gulf of Thailand) Koh Phayam is literally a stone’s throw from Myanmar. In fact the locals look Burmese and apply Thanaka to their faces to cool themselves down.
Rumoured to be what Koh Samui was like in the 1970s, Koh Phayam has long wide beaches. Home to many cashew plantations, there is even a Cashew Festival in April. Due to its very unknown persona, the island lacks luxury accommodation but it makes up for it in charm. Transport across the island is on motorbikes and if you are lucky you can hitch a lift with a local. This is one place to head to if you really want to get away from it all. Get to Koh Payam by flying into Ranong, 35 minute transfer to the pier and aboard a speedboat for the 35 minutes for the last leg of the journey.
2. Koh Jum
Situated off the Krabi coast is Koh Jum. A low key island with some of the most welcoming islanders you’ll find. The sandy shores are situated on the west coast of this lesser known Thai island offering some incredible sunsets over Koh Phi Phi. Koh Jum is great for those who want a quiet holiday with none of the all night party action. When the tide rolls out, the rock pools emerge, which may not provide ideal swimming conditions but they are great for exploring and also keeps the crowds out to save the island from over development.
To reach this island paradise fly into Krabi, 25 minute transfer on land and then a 40 minute boat to the island through mangroves. Koh Jum is a great base for boat trips to explore Phang Nga Bay for some fantastic snorkelling and diving experiences. There is a range of accommodation on offer, the majority beachfront and some serious luxury options for those wanting a treat.
3. Koh Yao Noi
Land in Phuket and most people don’t travel much further than to their resort. But a quick taxi journey to the pier and 35 minutes in a speedboat and you have arrived on Koh Yao Noi. Set amongst the backdrop of stunning limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay, Koh Yao Noi is ideal for those wanting to escape the bustle of Phuket. This is the place to get the local Thai experience and a great island to explore on bike.
Koh Yao Noi’s relaxed vibe caters for all travellers. From backpackers, families, yogis and those seeking ultimate luxury in a private pool villa and butler on hand. Head out and visit the beaches of Phang Nga Bay or stay and learn some cooking skills on a Thai cooking course. However the setting is clearly the winning formula on this island and hours can be spent just getting lost in the view.
4. Koh Kood
Dubbed the Maldives of Thailand, Koh Kood has some of the whitest sand and turquoise waters to dream of. Fringed with some staggeringly tall palm trees, Koh Kood sits in the Gulf of Thailand practically in Cambodia. One of the longer islands to get to, (unless you splash out for a private jet to take you straight there) the journey is really well worth it. Fly to Trat, transfer to Laem Sok Pier and then finish with a boat journey of 1 hour 15 minutes.
There is a vast choice of accommodation on Koh Kood ensuring there is something for everyone. Some on the beach and even a few options set amongst the mangroves. This really is the picture perfect place to unwind and is definitely the lesser known Thai island to visit to make your friends jealous.
