Are you getting sick and tired of grey skies, cold weather, long dark nights, and a distinct lack of sunshine in your life?
If so, then rest assured that you’re not the only one. If the winter blues have got you feeling glum, how about booking yourself a holiday in the sun?
Sounds tempting doesn’t it?
We certainly think so, but the only real problem now – besides putting together the required budget – is going to be deciding on where to go. You could go to Spain, Italy, Portugal, or Greece like most other people, or you could think slightly outside the box and try somewhere new.
Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet today, and when you consider the fact that the country is littered with islands just begging to be explored, you can see exactly why that is.
We’ll assume that you’re now sold on the idea of Thailand, so the only real issue now is deciding on which island/islands in Thailand to visit. Here are 7 suggestions to get you started.
Koh Phi Phi
Our first offering for you is the beautiful island of Koh Phi Phi. If you close your eyes and visualize a tropical paradise in the sun, Koh Phi Phi is the island that you’ll be picturing, whether you realize it or not.
Koh Phi Phi has it all: Golden sands, clear blue seas, dense greenery, and some very impressive development.
This island is inhabited by some of the friendliest locals you could ever wish for. Because of this, it means that facilities here are plentiful. You’ll find cafes, shops, bars, and restaurants, all whilst being isolated from the mainland.
If you’re looking to party and want to experience one of Thailand’s infamous Full Moon Parties, Koh Phi Phi is like nothing you’ll ever have seen before. Those familiar with the Leo Di Caprio movie, The Beach, will instantly recognise the island.
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Ko Kradan
Next up we have the island of Ko Kradan. This is the perfect island to escape to if you want to enjoy some peace and tranquillity away from civilisation.
This island is what you might expect from, well, an island in the sun. There are no villages like on some of Thailand’s larger islands, nor are there any roads.
It is basically a stunning beach resort offering white sandy beaches on one side, and lush green jungle to the other. This isn’t just any old greenery, though, this is Hat Chao Mai National Park, which is home to some of the most amazing wildlife you could ever imagine.
Just to be clear, if you’re looking for an island beach holiday which provides you with endless adrenaline-fuelled activities and things to do, Ko Kradan is not the island for you. It’s allure is based around the fact that it is so peaceful and tranquil. Simply kick back, grab a cocktail, pull out a good book, and listen to the waves gently lap at the shore.
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Phuket
If Koh Phi Phi is a little too busy for you, but Ko Kraden sounds a little too quiet and isolated, you’ll want something in between. This is where Phuket comes into the mix.
The island of Phuket offers stunning picturesque surroundings, white sandy beaches, green jungles, coves, cliffs, and a touch of luxury, this is an island that is hard to beat.
It also happens to be the biggest in all of Thailand. This is the perfect getaway for family, or people looking to get in shape, as there are plenty of detox and wellness facilities located on and around the island.
Ang Thong Islands
Stop giggling like schoolchildren, you’re better than that. Yes, the islands here may indeed share the name with a popular piece of underwear, but trust us, the islands here are way more beautiful.
The Ang Thong Islands gained National Park status during the 1980s and are instantly recognizable thanks to the limestone cliffs, coral reefs, white sandy beaches, and jungles scattered around the area.
These islands must be visited as part of a day trip only, and some are actually off-limits. If you’re looking to enjoy a spot of snorkelling, hiking, or exploring some of the lakes, waterfalls, and coves, be sure to book your trip to the Ang Thong Islands nice and early, to see what they have to offer.
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Ko Lanta
Ko Lanta is located close to the Krabi province on the mainland, but is tucked away enough so as to offer an abundance of peace and tranquillity.
Ko Lanta is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing family holiday in the sun, as it is isolated, yet still in close proximity to civilisation.
Here, there are 9 individual beaches to enjoy, each a little more beautiful than the last.
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Koh Jum
Up next for you, we have the island of Koh Jum. Ko Jum is surrounded by dense and luscious jungle along with some of the clearest blue seas you ever did, erm, see.
The locals here are amongst the friendliest and most welcoming in the country, and the seafood is truly exquisite. Seriously, if you’re a fan of seafood and Thai food in general, Koh Jum.
In Koh Jum, there are plenty of villages to explore, and beaches to relax on. Why not head down to Golden Pearl Beach and enjoy an ice-cold fruity cocktail at Fu Bar, or take a stroll down Coconut Beach, under the palm trees, and see how many coconuts you find along the way?
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Ko Samet
Last, but certainly not least, we have Ko Samet. Ko Samet is located along Eastern Thailand on the coast, and offers the perfect weekend getaway for those of you staying in or around Bangkok.
Ko Samet actually gets its name from the trees which grow on the island, and despite being a protected site, secluded and tucked away, it actually offers very impressive nightlife.
With BBQ beach parties, to fire juggling, and everything in between, the nightlife here is extremely enjoyable.
During the day, why not kick back on some of the island’s many golden white sandy beaches and soak up the sun before taking a dip in the sea? If that sounds a little too mundane, you can hire jet skis, go diving, snorkelling, parasailing, or off-roading in order to get your daily adrenalin hit.
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As you can see, Thailand is not short of islands to explore, and we haven’t yet scratched the surface. If you want to head to Thailand to escape the gloomy weather and mundane aspects of life in the rat race, why not book your stay now and begin counting down the days until your island break in the sun? Until then, don’t stop wandering!
