A relaxing island holiday: who doesn’t yearn for one? Thailand, The Land of Smiles, has 1430 islands. These small paradises are situated either on the east or the west of the mainland. Suppose you don’t care much for chaotic street markets or bustling nightlife. In that case, one of the following off-the-beaten-track and relaxing island destinations might be worth considering when planning your next itinerary:
1. Koh Bulon Lae
Koh Bulon Lae is a small island in the South of Thailand. Found in the waters of the Andaman Sea, it will take you a mere 20 minutes to walk from one end to the other. The coast is lined with palm trees, and the island has only one main swimming beach where you can spend endless days bathing in the sun, marveling at the white sands, or swimming in the crystal-clear blue waters. It is also an excellent place for snorkeling, jungle trekking, and visiting nearby bays.
There is a small fishing village on the island, so it comes as no surprise that the day’s catches will often be served as dinners at the homestays and resorts. Furthermore, the entire island is eco-friendly. Generators, powered by solar panels, are the only suppliers of electricity after dark while there is no electricity during the day.
Click on this link for a glimpse of what to expect in Koh Bulon Lae.
Location
Koh Bulon Lae is situated in the Satun Province of Thailand and lies 14 miles west of Pak Bara. The closest two airports are in Hat Yai and Trang.
Getting around
You won’t find any cars on the island, but as you can cover all ground in a mere 20 minutes, I’m sure you’ll have no complaints about exploring the island on foot. Although much of the habitat consists of thick jungle, a narrow footpath will take you around the island.
Things to do
There isn’t much to do but to relax on the island. If you do, however, get tired of lounging around sipping on cocktails, you can consider the following:
- Take a kayak or longboat and explore the diverse coral reef by snorkeling or swimming.
- Explore various bars and restaurants by taking the trails to some of the surrounding bays.
- Take a walk through the village via the Viewpoint Resort. This path will take you through the rubber plantation to Mango Bay for some rock pooling.
Where to stay
There are various bungalows and resorts to choose from in Koh Bulon Lae. Here is a brief look at two of your options:
| Name | Description | Highlights |
| Bulone Resort | This resort comprising of simple raised wooden bungalows and is situated on a white sandy beach. | They arrange a local Chow Lae boat to take you out fishing or snorkeling. If you do happen to catch a fish, they will cook it for you at the restaurant. |
| Pansand Resort | Here, spacious cottages blend into their natural environment. | At Pansand, you can take a trip to the uninhabited islands of Koh Klang and Koh Kai, where you can take photographs of purple rocks, seashells, and wildlife to your heart’s content. |
2. Koh Lanta
With its relaxing atmosphere but still plenty to do, Koh Lanta Island is a great getaway for beach lovers. The island is only 18 miles (30 km) long and has an astounding nine beaches to choose from and a national park. It’s an ideal destination for backpackers, scuba divers, couples, and tourists who simply prefer a more laid-back holiday.
The island, with its rich history, offers delicious food. Furthermore, its shallow beaches make it an excellent choice for people wanting to learn how to dive.
Watch this video for a great insight into the luscious greenery and beautiful beaches that this tiny island has to offer.
Location
Koh Lanta is at the most southern tip of the Krabi province. You will have to get to Krabi or Phuket before you can travel to Koh Lanta Island.
Getting around
Motorbikes are plentiful and readily available for hire. The island’s roads are quite hilly, though, and can become quite busy, so if you don’t trust your skills on a motorbike, there are also plenty of taxis (samloh or two rows) that can transport you around the island.
Things to do
From learning to dive to learning to cook, there are plenty of relaxing activities on offer in Koh Lanta:
- Learn how to dive in the shallow waters of one of the nine beaches.
- Once you’ve turned yourself into a diving pro, take a diving trip to some of the nearby islands with breath-taking coral reefs and unbelievable aquatic life like manta rays, leopard sharks, and dolphins.
- Almost every beach on the island offers cooking classes in the afternoons. Try out Cooking with Mon, where he will introduce you to different herbs, spices, and mouth-watering Thai flavors.
Where to stay
On the west coast of Koh Lanta, Phra Ae Beach is the perfect place to stay for travelers who want to relax and chill out. Similarly, if you are into yoga and meditation, look no further than Klong Khong Beach. Let’s look at some accommodation options for these two beaches:
| Name | Description | Highlights |
| Long Beach Chalet | A boutique resort consisting of 45 chalets. The beachfront chalets are only a few steps from the beach, while the garden zone chalets are hidden between luscious gardens under a canopy of coconut trees. | Rejuvenate yourself with yoga classes on the beach, or decrease your tension by booking a private session with one of the personal teachers available on the premises. |
| Riviera Boutique House | Surrounded by greenery, peace, and quiet, this is the perfect getaway for couples wanting to have a relaxed time. | The attached café offers delicious breakfasts and its own tour/excursion counter where the friendly staff will help you plan the day trip for your relaxation. |
3. Koh Lipe
Laidback bars and relaxing restaurants combined with a good mix of various tropical beaches all contribute to Koh Lipe’s charm. This small tropical island’s coral reefs are a mere 20 meters from its shores, making it a big attraction for scuba divers and snorkellers alike.
The Tarutao National Park, one of Asia’s oldest marine parks, is one reason why Koh Lipe’s reefs are in such pristine condition. If you’re looking for a relaxed start to each day, look no further than early mornings on Sunrise Beach, where the beach goes on forever, and the beauty of the rising sun will feed your soul and senses. The only walking street, paved in blue, allows you to explore the local bars, shops, and restaurants on the island.
This video will take you on a virtual tour of Koh Lipe Island.
Location
Koh Lipe is a small tropical island in the most southern part of Thailand. It’s not far from Malaysia and is on the outskirts of the Tarutao National Park.
Getting around
Unlike most Thai destinations, motorbikes are not for hire on Koh Lipe. The easiest way to get around is by foot, but longtail boats can also take you from one point to another on the island. Although not many, a few motorcycle taxis can transport you between the different beaches as they are all linked by small concrete roads.
Things to do
Whether you are most relaxed floating amongst sea creatures or meditating on the white sandy beaches, Koh Lipe has the perfect combination of to-do’s that will surely keep you entertained:
- Book a Scuba diving course with Ko Lipe Diving School and explore the spectacular marine life. 25% of the world’s tropical fish species are found around the blue waters of Koh Lipe.
- Book a beachfront Yoga class or meditation session with Keiritas Yoga while watching the sunrise on Sunset beach.
- Take a leisurely stroll through Koh Lipe Walking Street, filled with shops, bars, restaurants, and stalls.
Where to stay
Koh Lipe’s has several accommodation options varying from budget to mid-range resorts:
| Name | Description | Highlights |
| Castaway Resort | Located on Sunrise Beach, the resort offers airy, rustic bungalows with amazing views. Best of all is the rest of the island is within walking distance. | The resort organizes boat trips to deserted islands as well as the Tarutao National Park. |
| Adang Island Resort | Ideal for travelers wanting a secluded natural getaway, the resort is situated on a private beach, Koh Adang, with a panoramic view of the Andaman Ocean. | The resort has kayaks that you can take to discover Koh Adang and its surroundings, and it’s for free. |
4. Koh Mak
With almost no nightlife and only silence, sea, and sun, Koh Mak Island is perfect for that all-relaxing holiday in Thailand. This tiny island is only 6 miles (10km) wide and 3 miles (5km) from north to south. There are no jet-skis or nightclubs, and the laid-back cafes will make you feel what you came here for: relaxed. The beaches on Koh Mak are long and deserted, and its natural surroundings make it the perfect place for hiking and snorkeling.
For a look at what this island paradise looks like, click on this link.
Location
Koh Mak Island is close to the Cambodian border and is situated in the eastern Gulf of Thailand.
Getting around
Koh Mak is a primarily flat island; therefore, bicycles are the best option to explore this gem. Bicycle paths are all around the island. Motorbikes are available for hire, but because this island is so tiny, there is no real need for contributing to the destruction of the ozone layer.
Things to do
From breath-taking fauna and flora to relaxed dining, Koh Mak has something to do for all:
- Get on a bicycle and explore the magnificent natural beauty that Koh Mak has to offer. You might even encounter some of the colorful butterflies, scorpions, or spiders that make up this fauna and flora wonderland.
- Rent a glass-bottom kayak and explore the magnificent coral reefs from a different angle.
- Book a Thai cooking class with Smile Koh Mak Thai cooking school. It’s great fun to prepare and eat your culinary masterpieces.
Where to stay
Koh Mak Island offers a fantastic choice of 24 resorts. Most have direct access to the sea, and accommodation varies between bungalows and rooms:
| Name | Description | Highlights |
| Plub Pla Koh Mak Retreat | Accommodation includes 5 Beach Front Jacuzzi Villas and 8 Deluxe Sea View Villas at this private beach resort. The grounds are immaculate, and sipping bubbly while marveling at the beautiful ocean view from the comfort of your own jacuzzi is priceless. | The retreat has an infinity pool that appears to flow directly into the sea. |
| Mira Montra Beachfront Resort | This beachfront resort offers different villas and rooms, each with a private terrace. | Mira Montra has its own private beach called Ao Pra. It is well-known as the most beautiful beach on the island. |
5. Koh Pha Ngan
Koh Pha Ngan Island is well-known for its various trekking routes through which you can explore the beautiful scenery made up of mountains, waterfalls, and jungle. Bungalows and other accommodation are right on the sandy shores of the various beaches. With the sun rising in the east and setting in the west, you have plenty of options choosing between wanting to wake up with incredible sunrises in the mornings or be inspired by the indescribable beauty of sunsets in the evenings.
This video shows Koh Pha Ngan in all its splendor.
Location
Koh Pha Ngan, also known as the land of coconut trees, is in the southern part of Thailand, situated halfway between two other islands: Ko Samui and Ko Tao.
Getting around
There is plenty to see on the island, and probably the best and easiest way to get around is by hiring a motorbike. The hiring price per day gets cheaper if you rent for more than 24 hours. Alternatively, you can hop on a songthaew (taxi) that can take you around the island.
Things to do
Whether on foot or wheels, there is an abundance of things to do in Koh Pha Ngan:
- Join a workshop at a meditation school. There are various meditation schools on the island where you can learn to practice Vipassana meditation.
- Hop on a boat and explore the waters surrounding the island. In the open sea, you will have the chance to discover the underwater beauty of Thailand while swimming or snorkeling.
- Take a hike to the various viewpoints and waterfalls that form part of Koh Pha Ngan’s natural beauty.
Where to stay
Sunrise Beach is well-known for its Full Moon parties, so if you’re looking for a more laid-back, quiet, and relaxing time, you can instead opt for the sandy white beaches of Haad Khom or Salad Beach:
| Name | Description | Highlights |
| Ocean Retreat | Situated on Haad Khom beach, the retreat offers only six bungalows, each carefully placed around a tranquil oasis. | The retreat has a yoga temple nestled between the jungle and the sea. |
| Cookies Salad Resort | The resort’s beauty lies in its relaxing design made up of a mix between Balinese and modern Thai. Each carefully decorated bungalow has a picture-perfect view of the beauty of Salad Beach. | With the help of the friendly staff, there are various activities you can embark on like a fishing trip, island boat trip, and windsurfing course, but to name a few. |
6. Koh Phayam
Koh Phayam Island is relatively underdeveloped, making it the perfect destination if you want to keep clear of the tourist masses. This small island is ideal for just chilling on your hammock while reading a book or getting in touch with nature. Koh Phayam is well-known for its delicious vegetarian dishes that almost always include the island’s premiere crop: cashew nuts. The mostly-deserted wide sandy beaches combined with the breath-taking sunsets make Koh Phayam the perfect destination for finding your inner peace.
This YouTube video will give you an idea of what to expect in Koh Phayam.
Location
Situated in the Andaman Sea, Koh Phayam is off the coast of the Ranong Province and near the southern tip of the Myanmar border.
Getting around
The roads are not suitable for cars as they are incredibly narrow, so motorbikes and bicycles are the only means of transportation. You can either hire a motorbike or use motorbike taxis, which are found all around the island.
Things to do
711s and ATMs are either non-existent or few and far between on Koh Phayam, so no real shopping. However, various other activities will make your visit worthwhile:
- Explore the beaches. The mangrove forest, rock formations, and masses of tiny white-and-pink shells of Buffalo Beach (Aow Khao Kwai) will keep you busy for hours.
- Surf the waves of Ao Yai Beach and eat at one of the many restaurants along the way.
- Practice your photography skills by capturing the natural beauty created by the contrast between jungle and beach.
Where to stay
Accommodation on Koh Phayam comprises mainly of beach accommodation in the form of modest bamboo bungalows or furnished tents:
| Name | Description | Highlights |
| Friends | The resort is situated on the north of Aow Yai beach. The various bungalows are all far enough from the bars should you long for quiet and relaxed evenings. | The restaurant is famous for its Burmese specialties as well as its own homemade cakes and baguettes. |
| Flower Power Farm Village Restaurant & Spa | This 2021 Travellers’ Choice winner offers various bungalows and guesthouse rooms, all tastefully decorated and situated in beautiful private gardens. | One of the highlights of this village is the Pizzeria that boasts a 2019 ‘Best Pizza’ award. |
7. Koh Samet
If windsurfing, snorkeling, and water skiing are your means of relaxing, then Koh Samet Island is your destination. This island, with its lush jungle and coconut trees, enjoys good weather all year round. It is furthermore well-known for the quality of its tropical fruit and seafood. Koh Samet has ten beautiful beaches. However, a popular destination for tourists from Bangkok, the quiet beach of Ao Phrao on the west side of the island is the perfect getaway for peace and tranquillity.
Click on this link to see what awaits you at Koh Samet.
Location
Koh Samet is located in the Rayong Province southeast of Bangkok, which is only three hours away. It is the third-largest island in Thailand.
Getting around
The main form of transportation on the island is motorbikes as the various beaches are not within walking distance from each other. Depending on what beach you want to visit, you can also hop on a songthaew (taxi) that can take you to your destination.
Things to do
There are various activities available on the island, so your choice greatly depends on what you regard as relaxing while on holiday:
- Go night fishing for squid. Koh Samet is the only island that offers this rare fishing experience.
- Take a kayak late afternoon and explore the beautiful coastline and crystal-clear waters.
- Get a beachside massage. There are plenty of masseurs on the beaches, so all you need to do is choose the ideal spot.
Where to stay
As mentioned previously, Ao Phrao on the island’s west side is much quieter than the other beaches on the island. For guaranteed peace and tranquillity, let’s have a look at some options:
| Name | Description | Highlights |
| Ao Prao Resort | Wooden cottages are tastefully decorated and hidden away in a gorgeous jungle environment. They all have private terraces looking out on the tropical gardens. | The swimming pool and restaurant have gorgeous views over the adjacent beach and turquoise waters. |
| Le Vimarn Cottages and Spa | Accommodation varies between garden view or ocean view high-ceiling cottages. The Premier Villas even offer a luxurious outdoor plunge tub where you can enjoy the beautiful sunsets while sipping on a cocktail. | The restaurant offers pizza making as well as Thai cooking classes. |
8. Koh Jum
Koh Jum is a small island with only a handful of secluded beaches. Days primarily consist of snorkeling in the lukewarm waters and lazing around in the low-key bars with Bob Marley in your ears. In the main village, you can awaken your tastebuds with excellent coffee and exotic fresh fruits. The entire length of the island can be covered by bicycle in an hour. If your favorite pastime is daydreaming with your toes in the sand, then Koh Jum is the perfect place for you.
This YouTube video is probably enough to convince you to include Koh Jum in your next Thai adventure.
Location
Koh Jum is a small tropical paradise on the west coast of Thailand. It’s situated between Ko Lanta and Krabi Town.
Getting around
Koh Jum has a few simple roads and not much traffic. It’s perfect for hiring a motorbike and driving along the island’s muddy and sometimes quite rocky roads. Most resorts offer motorbikes for rent.
Things to do
With very little to do on the island, most forms of entertainment involve snorkeling, sunbathing, and swimming, but if you get too relaxed, here are some pointers:
- Take a walk along the beautiful beaches in Koh Jum. It’s renowned for its breath-taking sunsets and has even made The Telegraph’s list of the Top 17 best beaches in Thailand.
- Hire a guide and trek up the Koh Pu mountain for an authentic jungle experience.
- Ask your resort to assist you in booking a longtail boat tour where you can experience the beauty of Koh Jum from a distance.
Where to stay
From modest bungalows to treehouses and resorts, Koh Jum offers a vast array of accommodation choices:
| Name | Description | Highlights |
| Koh Jum Beach Villas | Guests have a choice between 19 luxurious villas. Each villa is either set on the beach or in the lush tropical gardens. | Take a walk through their organic garden, where you can handpick various herbs, fruits, and vegetables. The chef will then include your harvest in your lunch or dinner. |
| Banyan Bay Villas | Set in the lush jungle, each villa (6) overlooks the dozens of islands in the Andaman Sea. Furthermore, each one is practically right on the beach. | Banyan Bay offers a variety of exciting activities like rubber tree cutting and fruit and soap carving. |
