Travel
Whether you want to scale beach boulders, snorkel above the reef or kayak in bioluminescent waters, there’s a Thai island for every outdoor adventure.
ByRichard Franks
Published October 5, 2023
• 4 min read
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
While Thai islands such as Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui may be popular for their fly-and-flop beach scenes, there are dozens of others that cater to travellers seeking a more adventurous getaway. Scattered between the Gulf of Thailand to the east of the mainland and the Andaman Sea to the west, these jungle- and palm-cloaked islands are framed by deep bays, coral-rich waters and limestone karst cliffs riddled with caves ripe for exploration by water or on foot.
1. Climb on Koh Tao
While the beaches of Railay and Tonsai, in Krabi, scoop up most keen climbers, the island of Koh Tao, off Thailand’s eastern coast, is growing in popularity thanks to a quieter location and its 200-million-year-old granite rocks. Novice climbers can scale boulders on beaches, in the jungle and at various elevation levels around the island.
Top tip: Book tours through Goodtime Adventures.
2. Dive off the Surin Islands
This archipelago sits within the jewel-like waters of Mu Ko Surin National Park. It’s wonderfully quiet as the remote dive sites, like Hin Rap and Koh Chi, are only accessible via a handful of liveaboard boat hotel operators (running October to May), including sail-based The Junk. Eagle-eyed divers may spot blueface angelfish and tomato clownfish.
Top tip: Visit between February and April for the chance to spot manta rays and whale sharks.
3. Hike on Koh Adang
Serene Koh Adang, just a 10-minute boat ride from popular Koh Lipe, sits in the Tarutao National Marine Park and is blanketed in rainforest, making it an ideal destination for hikers and nature-lovers. Climb 690m to the island’s highest point for an undisturbed sunrise over the Andaman Sea.
Top tip: A 200 TH (£4.50) entrance fee applies to visitors, but is valid for five days and covers all 51 islands in the Tarutao National Marine Park.
4. Snorkel off Koh Hae
At Koh Hae’s Banana Beach, monitor lizards roam the white sands and tropical fish whizz around an abundant coral reef. Part of the beach’s charm lies in the fact that accessing it takes some effort: after a 25-minute crossing from Rawai or Chalong, on Phuket, a 20-minute off-road hike or additional boat ride is required.
Top tip: Pool together with other travellers to make the long-tail boat crossing (around 1,500 TH/£34 return) more affordable.
5. Sail around the Racha Islands
Wind whips through the channel between Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi, making sailing here a joy. Koh Racha Yai’s white-sand beaches are backed by rak talay trees (home to green tree frogs), while Koh Racha Noi’s west coast is a top spot for fishing. Companies in Phuket such as Sailing Phuket can get you there with crewed boat charters.
Top tip: Dock at Ao Tawan Tok, on Koh Racha Yai, a pristine, U-shaped bay.
6. Kayak in Phang Nga Bay
Having launched his first kayaking company in 1983, Californian John Gray is quite the expert on sea tours. He knows the tidal sea caves and cliff-backed lagoons around Phang Nga Bay like the back of his hand and runs a number of tours, including a glide through bioluminescent plankton at night.
Top tip: The bioluminescent plankton is best viewed during a new moon between November and April.
Published in the October 2023 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
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