Author & Photographer: George Mitchell
Our recommendations are not influenced by affiliate links – we have none. Our content and advice is derived from our personal experience and knowledge based on spending five months in Thailand as well as travelling for 3 years Round The World.
Why You Should Go to Ko Samet
Thirty years ago, we were one year into our three year Round The World backpacking trip. We had arrived in Thailand on January 3rd. It was time to take a vacation from the vacation.
We loved Ko Samet because there were less tourists going there at that time. Like many other islands, it provides turquoise ocean water lapping white sand beaches.
Thai Islands Map
All points of interest in this post can be found on our custom Thailand Islands Map and are suffixed by their Google Rating (G0 to G5). Anything rated >= 4.0 is very good; >= 4.4 is excellent.
Getting to Ko Samet
We took a bus from Bangkok to Rayong then a tuktuk to Ban Pae. As soon as we got off someone asked if we were going to Ko Samet. The first boat asked for THB 100, we shook our head for no thanks. The second boat asked for BHT 20. Surprisingly, the boat left right away. The only other passenger was an Aussie cancer researcher. The good old days!
Ko Samet
The first places after the pier did not appeal to us. We walked to the last beach where we got a simple cane hut THB 50 with a mattress and mosquito nets. There were better huts for BHT 150 but we were on a long term trip.
We ate at little places run by the locals. We did not bring warm clothing and it was quite cool at night. Unlike when we went, Ko Samet is now a national park. The island is full of lush jungles and lush coconut groves. However, there are also high end places now.
The sun rose over a clear sky as there was no pollution like in Bangkok. There is not much to do here besides enjoying the beautiful turquoise water lapping the white sand beach. We went for a swim in the morning, walked along the trails, went back to the beaches in the afternoons, found brown cowrie shells, ate meals and met lots of other tourists.
We went on a trail down to a rock-lined shore with pandanus trees. In the hazy distance was Rayong.
We met lots of backpackers from around the world as well as residents from Bangkok. We exchanged notes and found out one could travel to China for the first time without going with a tour group.
We spent the most time with Piek and Jean Pierre. Piek told us that Thais do not say good morning or similar greeting to people they live with. She was in boarding school since she was 3 years old! She went to school and then worked in Australia. She met Jean Pierre through her sister, who was a travel agent that had booked his trip to Vietnam. She talked about corruption in Thailand and said it was common for Thai nobility to have mistresses.
A group of Chinese-Thais from Bangkok were celebrating the Chinese New Year. Two of them worked in the family tannery business. They invited us to sit down and share food with them. They were quite friendly and happy.
Thai Islands Worth Visiting
We are researching destinations for our next trip to see the islands of Thailand. Some of the places are actually on the mainland. How do you choose where to go? If you ask other tourists on social media they will only be able to compare and comment on the few islands they may have visited for a couple of days. If you ask a travel agent they will sell you places they want you to go to or places they think you would want to visit.
Most of the time, people will promote well known places where most tourists visit like Ko Samui, Phuket, et al. We call this name recognition. From the photos of these places you can see wall-to-wall tourists on the beaches. On the plus side, these places will have lots of restaurants and night life. However, if you are looking for a tranquil vacation, going to a party island would be a wrong choice. Another factor is cost. For instance, Ko Samui is more expensive. Krabi is more affordable. There are many different styles of accommodation on the larger islands.
For those of us who prefer solitude and nature, I have done research to find what places are best to explore or relax.
Getting There
One reason people go to Phuket and Ko Samui is that you can fly directly there so it is very easy. Flights from Bangkok are either from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Muang (DMK).
Some destinations require lots of transportation transfers. The following table lists the islands with the shortest travel time (<= 3 hrs) or the cheapest travel cost. They are sorted by travel time.
The GR column is the Google Rating. Travel Time does not include waiting time. The Travel Costs are given in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and United States Dollars (USD). Use the free XE mobile app to translate Canadian Dollars (CAD) to your currency.
| GR | Place Name | Travel Time | Travel Cost CAD | Travel Cost USD |
| 4.5 | Railay Beach | 1:26 hrs | CAD 67-209 | USD 49-154 |
| 4.3 | Ko Yao Noi | 1:50 hrs | CAD 69-223 | USD 51-164 |
| 4.6 | Ko Phi Phi | 2:10 hrs | CAD 74-194 | USD 55-143 |
| 4.4 | Ko Muk | 2:24 hrs | CAD 57-159 | USD 42-117 |
| 4.7 | Koh Kradan | 2:30 hrs | CAD 80-194 | USD 59-143 |
| 4.6 | Ko Ngai | 2:55 hrs | CAD 82-166 | USD 60-122 |
| 4.5 | Koh Phayam | 3:00 hrs | CAD 54-105 | USD 40-78 |
| 4.5 | Khao Lak Beach | 3:31 hrs | CAD 40-174 | USD 30-128 |
| 4.5 | Koh Chang | 5:11 hrs | CAD 18-23 | USD 13-17 |
| 4.6 | Koh Kood | 6:45 hrs | CAD 46 | USD 34 |
Because people employ different spellings, I am using the place names defined by Google Maps. For instance, either ko and koh is Thai for island. I have sorted the islands below by their Google Rating.
4.8 Ko Similan
The main reasons to come to Ko Similan are coral reefs, scuba diving and snorkelling. The island also provides rainforests and beaches protected by Similan Islands NP. Two of the islands have accommodation. The islands are difficult to reach taking over 5 hours excluding wait time to get here from Bangkok BKK airport. The islands close every year between May and October.
Ko Similan Travel Time 5:05 hrs from Bangkok BKK airport.
Travel Cost CAD 208-369 = USD 153-272
Fly from BKK to Phuket 1:20 hrs CAD 35-170; Airport bus to Family Mart 5 mins. CAD 1-2; Bus or Taxi to Khao Lak 1:10 hrs CAD 95-120; ferry to Ko Similan 1:30 hrs CAD 77
4.7 Koh Kradan
Koh Kradan is one of the most beautiful and natural islands. It does not have a village, big hotels, or shops. It is a peaceful place without cars. It is not a place for people wanting nightlife or parties.
There are limited places to eat and stay with 5 main hotels along the 1.5 km east coast beach. Koh Kradan has been named the world’s best beach in the “Top 100 Beaches On Earth (2023)” by the World Beach Guide.
Koh Kradan Travel Time 2.5 hrs
Travel Cost CAD 80-194 = USD 59-143
Fly from BKK to Krabi airport 1:20 hrs CAD 35-140; Airport shuttle bus to Krabi 19 mins. CAD 4; Walk 10 mins. to Chao Fah Pier; ferry 30 mins. CAD 35-50 but only twice daily. Some sources stated that ferries only operate from November to April.
4.7 Koh Lanta
This is one of the best islands for an all-around Thai experience as well as for all budgets. It has morphed from backpacker to midrange and package tourist getaway. While close to Ko Phi Phi, it has remained far calmer. Hat Phra Ae and Ban Ko Lanta, the old port, have restaurants. Budget places can be found near Hat Khlong Nin.
The town of Trang is a great place for culture and cuisine. Try their crispy barbecued pork and coffee.
Koh Lanta Travel Time 4:15 hrs from Bangkok DMK airport.
Travel Cost CAD 87-168 = USD 64-124
Fly from DMK to Trang 1:20 hrs CAD 35-110; Shuttle to Pak Meng Beach 1 hr CAD 35; Car to Krabi Pier 1:25 hrs CAD 13-19; car ferry 0:30 hr CAD 4.
4.7 Khao Sok
Khao Sok is an amazing National Park (NP) located near the Andaman Coast two hours north of Krabi. It’s not a beach area. It’s home to the oldest virgin rainforest populated with 300 species of birds. Dramatic rock formations pierce the lake. Hotels, such as Khao Sok Riverside Cottages, will arrange trips into the NP, including on overnight stay on floating raft houses. The dry season is from November to February.
Khao Sok Travel Time 3:17 hrs
Travel Cost CAD 51-195 = 38-144
Fly from DMK to Surat Thani 1:10 hr CAD 30-150; Airport shuttle to Surat Thani Train Station 15 mins. 5x per day CAD 7-30; bus to Khao Sok 1:45 hrs once daily CAD 10; taxi to hotel 7 mins. CAD 4-5
4.7 Mu Ko Ang Thong
Do this trip to the National Marine Park as part of an organised tour.
Mu Ko Ang Thong Travel Time 2:02 hrs
Travel Cost CAD 75-270 = 55-199 + tour THB 1,800-3,000
Fly from Bangkok BKK to Koh Samui 1:10 hr CAD 75-270; boat to NP 52 mins.
4.6 Koh Kood
Koh Kood (Koh Kut) is located near Trat and the Cambodian border. It is an idyllic island with a peaceful atmosphere without the huge crowds of tourists. It offers beautiful white sand such as Ao Tapao Beach, White Beach, Bang Bao Beach, and Khlong Chao Waterfall.
Koh Kood Travel Time 6:45 hrs
Travel Cost CAD 46 = USD 34
Bus 5 hrs from Khao San Boonsiri to Koh Kood Transfer, ferry 45 mins. 6:45 hrs dep 05:00 h arr 11:45 h CAD 46
4.6 Ko Ngai
Koh Ngai is known as a high-end Thai island, popular with honeymooners and couples. It is not a place for backpackers and families.
Ko Ngai Travel Time 2:55 hrs
Travel Cost CAD 82-166 = USD 60-122
Fly from DMK to Trang 1:20 hr CAD 35-110; Taxi to Hat Yao Pier 50 mins. CAD 15-19; ferry 45 mins. 4x per day CAD 32-37
4.6 Ko Pha Ngan
With its boutique bungalows, Ko Pha Ngan is an alternative to Ko Samui. It is best for party seekers. infamous parties to its pristine beaches, The best time to visit the island is between February and September, when the weather is dry and sunny.
Ko Pha Ngan Travel Time 2:35 hrs
Travel Cost CAD 152-257 = USD 112-190
Fly from BKK to Koh Samui 1:35 hrs CAD 152-257; then ferry for one hour.
4.6 Ko Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi Don is very beautiful! You can visit Tonsai Village Market and Loh Dalum, Ao Toh Ko, and Long Beaches. You can watch the sunset from Long, Laem Tong, and Nui Bay Beaches.
You can hike 20-40 minutes up stairs for an aerial view from the Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint. You can take a boat tour to Koh Phi Phi Leh and spectacular Maya Bay — when it reopens. Ko Phi Phi Leh is best for party people.
Ko Phi Phi Travel Time 2:10 hrs
Travel Cost CAD 74-194 = USD 55-143
Fly from Bangkok BKK to Krabi 1:20 hrs CAD 35-140; Airport shuttle to Chao Fah pier 19 mins every 3 hrs CAD 4; ferry for 30 mins. 2x per day CAD 35-50.
4.5 Railay Beach, Krabi
Railay Beach is absolutely worth visiting! Krabi Peninsula has some of Thailand’s most beautiful karst formations with white sand beaches. The only way to access Railay Beach is by boat. You can catch a boat to see Koh Poda. Everyone can get to Ao Nang, which is more crowded.
Railay Beach Travel Time 1:26 hrs
Travel Cost CAD 67-209 = USD 49-154
Fly from Bangkok DMK or BKK to Krabi 1:20 hrs CAD 59-199; taxi to Nuea Khlong 6 mins CAD 8-10
4.5 Khao Lak Beach
Khao Lak is definitely worth visiting! It is on the Andaman Sea with plenty of beaches, waterfalls, tropical forests, and national parks. The charming and calm beach town is located along the stunning Phang Nga Bay coastline Khao Lak Beach is low key area but with plenty of shopping and other facilities. Besides beaches, one can also visit Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park. Khao Lak is south of Khao Sok.
Khao Lak Beach Travel Time 3:31 hrs
Travel Cost CAD 40-174 = USD 30-128
Fly from DMK to to Phuket 1:20 hrs CAD 35-160; Phuket Airport Bus to Thalang Public Health Office 15 mins. CAD 2-7; bus to Phuket Bus Terminal 2 30 mins. CAD 1-3; bus to Khao Lak 1:26 hrs every 4 hrs CAD 2-4
Budget travellers can Bus from Bangkok Mochit to Phuket 12 hrs CAD 23-35, bus to Khao Lak 1:26 hrs every 4 hrs CAD 2-4
4.5 Koh Chang
Koh Chang offers beautiful beaches and snorkelling. For affordable food and accommodation prices, avoid the west coast where tourism is booming. Go to the night market for cheap and delicious food. One source said to go to Had Sai Noi Beach, Salakkok Bay for a traditional fishing village, and a hike through the jungle to waterfalls.
Koh Chang Travel Time 5:11 hrs
Travel Cost CAD 18-23 = USD 13-17
Bus from Bangkok to Trat 4:30 hrs CAD 11-14, car to Center Point Pier 22 mins CAD 4-5; car to Koh Chang 19 mins, CAD 3-4
4.5 Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is a paradise for stunning beaches, coral reefs, snorkelling, and tranquility. Its’ location near the Malaysian border means it’s harder to reach. Tourism on Koh Lipe is exploding with boutique resorts and parties, following in the footsteps of Koh Phi Phi. Best during wet season (May-June).
Koh Lipe Travel Time 5:55 hrs
Travel Cost CAD 69-219 = USD 51-161
Fly from DMK to Hat Yai 1:25 hrs CAD 35-180, ferry to Koh Lipe 4:30 hrs 2x per day CAD 34-39
4.5 Koh Phayam
Koh Phayam is off the Andaman coast. It is worth going to if you want a very quiet place away from the crowds. The island is fringed with beautiful sand like Ao Yai Beach. The spectacular NW and SW coasts are dotted with beach bungalows. The island comes with monkeys, snakes, and birds (toucans and hornbills).
Koh Phayam Travel Time 3.0 hrs
Travel Cost CAD 54-105 = 40-78
Fly from DMK to Ranong 1:20 hrs CAD 29-80; bus ferry 1:40 hrs 3x per day CAD 25
4.5 Ko Samui
Is Koh Samui worth visiting? The answer largely depends on the kind of experience you are looking for. It feels more urbanized than laid-back island. Koh Samui has exorbitantly priced resorts. However, there are also backpacker-priced places. Prices in Chaweng Beach (G4.4) range from CAD 24 to 440; Lamai Beach (G4.3) from CAD 22 to 779; and Bo Phut from CAD 19 to 186.
Ko Samui Travel Time 3:20 hrs
Travel Cost CAD 115-326 = USD 85-240
Fly from BKK to Ko Samui 3:20 hrs CAD 115-326. Budget travellers can go by bus/train and ferry 13:18 hrs for CAD 42-134
4.4 Ko Yao Noi
Koh Yao Yai is the much busier island but Ko Yao Noi is more relaxing and authentic. One source recommended Klong Jark Beach. Another source said the beaches are poor but the scenery is great with lots of birdlife. Do a tour to see Phang Nga Bay with its spectacular archipelago of limestone islands.
Ko Yao Noi Travel Time 1:50 hrs
Travel Cost CAD 69-223 = 51-164
Fly from BKK to Phuket 1:20 hrs CAD 35-170; Phuket airport bus to Ao Po Pier, 11 mins once daily, CAD 15-18; ferry 0:20 hrs CAD 19-35
4.4 Ko Muk
Ko Muk Pronounced mook, Also known as Koh Muk, this stunning island paradise in the Andaman Sea is far less touristy than its neighbours such as Koh Phi Phi and Phuket, and that is what makes it so special. Walking around the traditional fishing village Baan Koh Mook gives a fascinating insight into how the local Thai people live,
Ko Muk Travel Time 2:24 hrs
Travel Cost CAD 57-159 = USD 42-117
Fly from DMK to Trang 1:20 hrs CAD 35-110, car to Hat Yao Pier 49 mins. CAD 8-11; ferry to Ko Muk 15 mins. 4x per day CAD 14-29
4.4 Ko Tao
Close to famous Koh Samui and Koh Phangnan, Koh Tao is located in the Gulf of Thailand. While it has become more upscale, Ko Tao is not as bad as Ko Samui. It is very popular for scuba diving.
Ko Tao Travel Time 5:40 hrs
Travel Cost CAD 122-335 = USD 90-247
Fly from BKK to Ko Samui 1:10 hrs CAD 80-280, taxi to Lomprayah Pralarn Pier 17 mins. CAD 22-27; ferry to Ko Tao 1:30 hrs. every 4hrs CAD 20-27.
Budget travellers could take bus and ferry from Khao San Lomprayah, Bangkok 11:45 hrs 3x per day CAD 30-60
Custom Maps and Facts to Plan your Itinerary
TH is the ISO Country Code for Thailand.
THB is the ISO Currency Code for Thai Bahts.
THB 100 = CAD 3.86, EUR 2.59, GBP 2.25, USD 2.83
Best Thai Islands to Visit to Avoid Tourists, Culture Trip
Best Thai Islands to Visit, Tour Radar
Rome2Rio for transportation planning
10 Lesser Known Places in Thailand, Tourism Thailand
12goAsia for transportation planning
Other Posts You May Like
If you only have a day in Bangkok on the way to or from one of the islands then be sure to see Wat Phra Kaew.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
Based on average maximum temperatures from NOAA:
| Month | Season | Max Temp | Rain Days |
| Nov-Feb | Cool | 30 to 33°C | Nov = 4 |
| Mar-May | Hot | 34 to 35°C | 5 to 13 |
| Jun-Oct | Rainy | 31 to 33°C | 9 to 17 |
The data supports the fact that Nov-Feb is the best season to visit. November and April strike the best balance between less tourists and best weather. The east coast is best to visit January to March and July to September.
The high season is November to March when the weather is “cool” and dry. Prices will be higher and tourists will be numerous.
The shoulder season is April to June and October. The weather varies but is generally pleasant but hotter. It is more pleasant to be along the coast than inland.
The low season is from July to September. It coincides with short afternoon showers or monsoons. The east coast (Koh Samui) experiences heavy rainfall from October to December.
Is Thailand Safe?
According to the Numbeo Safety Index, Thailand is a very safe country.
Terra Encounters 
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