Thailand is located between 2 oceans – the Gulf of Thailand on the right and the Andaman Sea on the left.
The Gulf of Thailand is connected to many more provinces such as Trat, Chanthaburi, Rayong, Chon Buri(Pattaya city), Chachoengsao, Samut Prakan, Bangkok(Bang Khun Thain)Samut Sakhon, Samut Song Khram, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Kiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Song Khla, Pattani, Narathiwat.
The Andaman side is connected to fewer provinces including Ranong, Phang-nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun.
Both have different pros & cons. You’ll find the Gulf of Thailand side beaches are indeed beautiful and charming, but the water is not as crystal clear as the Andaman’s. However, it can’t be denied that it’s much easier when it comes to commuting to them.
It’s closer to the centre of Thailand like Bangkok, etc. You’ll find it’s super convenient for a quick few days getaway or just a day trip to get an amazing seafood meal by the beach.
While Andaman has much more well-known beaches and Islands for a more extended stay or holiday for foreigners. That’s the reason why many travellers prefer to have their full vacation here. Here are some of the top islands in our opinion:
Koh Lipe (Satun Province)
This hidden gem is a small island and just stunning for its’ crystal clear water (when we say crystal clear I really mean it!!) and extremely white beaches. It’s a bit challenging to travel here as no direct flights to the island, and the only transport that you could reach by a local speed boat from the mainland.
But the views and how peaceful it is makes it all worth it. You will feel disconnected from the busy outside world, yet comfortable enough. You have a range of hotels and resorts to suit your budget. Oh!! Be aware of tons of mosquitoes when you are away from the beach, as the island is small and still reserved with nature and tropical, trees. Don’t worry, most hotels and restaurants provided mosquito cream and spray.
Koh Samui (Surat Thani province)
If you are hesitating about whether you should keep yourself busy partying or should you just want to take it easy by the beach? Then look no further! Koh Samui offers you both! It’s a medium-large size island where you could find loads of restaurants (including big chains like KFC/Hard Rock Cafe or even Hooters).
Easily to rent your own motorbike, use the local tuk-tuk service, or even use the transport apps like ‘Grab’ for wandering around the island. The big advantage is they’re many direct flights daily from Bangkok with Bangkok Airways so it’s super convenient for getting to Kho Samui. Be aware that it’s only one airline that operates the flights in & out.
So you could expect the ticket price to be much more than expected (If you find a cheap one, grab it ASAP). The beach is nice and clean. You can find a big range of hotel pricing and amenities that suits your lifestyle.
Koh Tao (Surat Thani province)
Paradise for the diving lover – From the beginner to master level. Its reserved underwater nature is still rich. There’re many professional diving schools providing their services, and at the end of the course, you will be getting an international certificate too.
You can expect to commute to the island by boat, speed boat, and the daily ferry. The local store provides a rental motorbike and moped for you to use while on the island. Lots of local bars and restaurants for foodies. You’ll easily see a lot of foreigners as it’s one of the most famous vacation destinations.
Koh Phi Phi (Krabi province)
You can’t say you have properly been to Thailand without visiting Phi-Phi island. It’s a well-known island for the classic lovable movie “The Beach”. So this island is a landmark for many tourists. They used to close the island and the beach usage in the past few years to recover all the nature damage done over the years from scores of tourist visitors.
As of now 2023, The island is back to welcome everyone for its iconic beauty again. If you have time and plan to visit Thailand, especially in the south, Don’t forget to put this island on your bucket list. You can travel to the island by boat or speed boat from both Krabi and Phuket. One day trip is a good option for a quick visit. Also, there are hotels and resorts if you prefer to stay over.
Koh Lan (Pattaya city)
A lovely getaway and only around 3 hours from the busy city of Bangkok. Koh Lan is located near Pattaya city where nightlife happens, so many tourists who seek quieter and nicer beaches found Koh Lan as their go-to. Locals provided small chic resorts, hotels, and hostels. So you’ll easily find accommodation that is friendly to your budget.
Rental mopeds and motorbikes are easy to find and more convenient to get around the island and the roads are quite narrow and small, The parking could be an issue sometimes for the car user. There are a few local markets that sell street foods and fresh catch of the day seafood for the one who loves doing a Barbecue party at their own place.
Koh Pha Ngan (Surat Thani province)
Party lover’s paradise, That’s all we can say! The one and only original world-famous Fullmoon party happening here monthly. Please check the event schedule here and plan ahead of time as many decent hotels are all booked up very quickly. Good news lately the event giving you additional choices for half-moon parties too.
Feel free to check out our posts on the North of Thailand or even about the best Shopping malls in Bangkok.