Five Undiscovered Thai Islands

No trip to Thailand is complete without spending at least a week on one or two of the incredible islands sitting just off the mainland. World-famous for their beauty and endless unspoiled sands, lush vegetation and crystal clear waters (not forgetting the unbelievable marine life) there are so many incredible destinations that it is difficult to know how to narrow it down. One way to decide is to opt to avoid those islands which have become massively over-developed or might be a bit too noisy if you are seeking a tranquil escape. Consequently if you are heading to the islands in the Andaman sea, on the western coast, then you would want to avoid the frenetic atmosphere of Phuket. If you were going to the islands between Bangkok and Cambodia then you should steer clear of Ko Samet or Ko Chang and if you are going to the southern Gulf of Thailand then give Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngnan a wide berth.

However, with hundreds of other islands to choose from, which ones have the perfect combination of no crowds, endless beautiful scenery and beaches and two or three different options for accommodation. We think the following five islands are currently the best place to head for that slice of paradise and tranquillity:

(1) Ko Maak – Definitely one for those looking to escape their lives for a week or two, Ko Maak is a lush tropical getaway that has managed to avoid the ills of development completely. A tiny island with a few budget bungalows and long empty beaches of dazzling white sand and gentle clear waters lapping at your feet. Included in the Top Ten Beaches in the World by the Sunday Times, this island will not be a secret for many years more so get there soon! Wander through the virgin forests or lie on a hammock under coconut trees – snorkel or dive amongst incredible marine life or simply fall asleep on the beach with no one to be seen in any direction. With accommodation available to suit all budgets, from backpackers to all inclusive resort lovers, this is close to paradise.

(2) Ko Phra Thong – Another island for solitude, Ko Phra Thong has just a single resort and one backpacker option and that’s all. It also has turtles, monkeys and an eleven kilometre beach which has to be seen to be believed. Untouched and beautiful.

(3) Kho Kho Khao – If you want solitude and privacy but fancy a little bit of western pampering too then Kho Kho Khao is just that little bit busier than the first two islands and has a sprinkling of resorts that are discrete enough to make it still feel like an untouched paradise. With no taxis or hawkers, hotel touts or ‘car hire representatives’ haranguing you when you jump off the boat this is a Thai island experience without the hustle and bustle. The beaches are magnificent and the sunset here is one of the best in all of Asia, an all consuming giant orange that will stop you in your tracks every evening. Throw in the curiosity of an old world war two Japanese runway and a couple of small but beautiful waterfalls and this island is truly a treat.

(4) Ko Adang – Ko Adang is perfect if you want to escape the crowds but still want a bit to see and do. With waterfalls (Ratana Falls and Pirate’s Falls both are worth a visit) and endless flora and fauna, lush vegetation and miles of hiking trails, as well as parts of the island that are only accessible by boat, Ko Adang feels like a tropical adventure in Technicolor. This is particularly true when you swim amongst the fantastic coral in shapes and colours that have to be seen to be believed or take a boat out around some of the tiny islands and inlets in Tarutao National Marine Park. Again, head there now before it’s too late!

(5) Coral and Raya Islands – Of all the islands off Phuket’s south coast, Raya Island and Coral Island are the only ones that are even slightly developed and worth visiting if you need to escape the madness and development of Phuket. Both have limited accommodation and dining options and most importantly, both offer the ability to escape into peace and tranquillity. You can only stay on Coral Island through the Coral Island Resort but it is a decent and well-featured resort and a nice escape. Raya Island has three resorts (although there is little sign of over-development) and a few bungalows for those on a budget. The two islands offer an amazing collection of reefs, populated by hundreds of thousands of darting colourful fish and endless marine life, so snorkelling is a must. Despite the quiet nature of the islands you can still access beach activities like parasailing, banana boats and diving, as well as the occasional massage or trip out on a speed boat or yacht. Indeed Raya Island is a stop off for a number of yachties who are there for the diving. On the island itself you can head out on a mountain bike, horse or motorbike around the dirt tracks and trails for a bit of adventure but as with the other islands, really, the best thing to do is just find yourself an empty spot (not difficult) and fall asleep on the beach, wishing you didn’t have to go back to work in a couple of weeks.

Alex is a travel writer and journalist. He loves writing about exotic places whilst lying on the beach but he is actually stuck in England writing about cheap fares and on the beach discount codes .