If you don't know exactly where to go in Thailand or what to visit, here there are more destinations to make the most of you trip.
On the southeast of the mainland there is a set of islands called Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Koh Samui. Today I will talk about the smallest islands of the set: Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. Tropical flowers everywhere. Beautiful colorful butterflies. Exotic snakes, warm turquoise water and sea shells with beautiful natural patterns on them that look almost handmade. A community that survives thanks to its frequent tourism. Spicy food is very popular, along with fresh juicy fruit.
This is Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint in Koh Tao island.
This is also a good destination to avoid the party islands that lack of authenticity and encourages negative tourism: islands on the west of the mainland like Phuket, for example that are extremely comercial and one of the most common ways of the entertainment offered is related to prostitution. This is also a very famous spot as well because the movie “The Beach” was filmed in Maya Bay, very close to Phuket.
How to get to Koh Tao and Koh Phangan?
If you really want to visit these islands, first take a bus from Bangkok. There are two main terminals Mo Chit and Chatuchak. It takes between ten and twelve hours. The bus leaves you at the ferry port that will take you to the island of your preference. The yucky is bought in person at the kiosk. Remember to be clear with your destination at the time of booking your bus ride, and same at the time of getting your ferry ticket.
Another option is the train station Hua Lampong, this train goes to Suratthani, from there you walk to a travel agency or kiosk (there are many and if you ask a local and look like a tourist they will send you there) and book a bus ride to the port and once there you buy your ferry ticket. This option also takes about 12 hours. The price for the bus from Bangkok to the port is 700 baths. The train from Bangkok to the south is 160 baths, plus bus fare 400 baths plus ferry ticket for 200 baths. Always negotiate the price of the bud in the little kiosks.
You can also book a flight, which is the least economic way, but the shortest.
Koh Tao
Koh Tao in my opinion is the best for its beaches. This is also a good place to stay if you are a big fan of only staying at resorts and relax. This island is so small it feels like it. It can be very quiet and perfect to relax. Weather: it is always warm but that doesn’t mean that as a tropical place doesn’t have rainy seasons, and it’s good to avoid that one, which is from December through March.
Where to stay in Koh Tao?
Koh Tao Cabana Resort
This is right by the Sairee beach, walking distance to the port, which makes it perfect to be able to visit other islands easily. The beach is wonderful, warm, calm waters.
What to do in Koh Tao?
Get a Scuba Diving Certificate: Koh Tao is the cheapest place in the world to get a suba diving certificate.
Hike to Summit View Point
Mango bay is a beautiful beach.
Sairee Beach.
Nang Yuan Island: you can take a 5 min boat to the tiny islands next to Koh Tao to enjoy one of the best beaches, and to hike to the Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint. The sandbanks along the sea draw beautiful shapes enhancing the landscape. The boat cease the service very early in the day. It is very convenient to go in the morning for this reason.
How to navigate Koh Tao?
Koh Tao is really really small, which makes it very walkable.
Koh Phangan
Where to stay in Koh Phangan?
I would stay in Koh Phangan because offers the perfect balance, no too small to get bored quickly, not to big to feel overwhelmed. Although there are also good reasons to stay in Koh Tao.
The part of the Island I liked the most is Haad Baan Tai Beach, and I stayed right there. There are a few hotels located by this beach.
Summer Resort
Bodega Koh Phangan for a more affordable option
They have shared and private rooms, even tree houses.
My mission on this island was more than tourism, it was to be part of an non governmental organization helping rescue stray animals, and wild wounded animals. If you want to volunteer for over a month they offer accommodation, upon availability, and one meal per day. The organization name is PACS, Phangan Animal Care for Strays.
How to navigate Koh Phangan?
Renting a scooter, or renting a bike -the road made of dirt and rocks might make it tough-. Just taking taxis, although they are very expensive and adds up very quickly. To avoid using this method I would suggest, either staying in a hotel by the beach that is in an area of restaurants and markets to have access to food, bars. Or stay in a resort that will provide everything for you so you don't need to go out and take a taxi every time you need food.
What to do in Koh Phangan?
Visit Amstardam Bar for a wonderful sunset view. This Bar is high up, and it requires a 5 minute hike to get there. As soon as the sun sets make sure to leave so it won't get pitch dark getting out.
Snorkel: To see the most exotic sea life, you can snorkel almost in every beach.
Phangan Elephant Sanctuary This is a verified spot where elephants are well cared. It is very important that you research about the place you want to visit when it comes to see wild animals and make sure they are not being exploited.
Full Moon Party: Koh Phangan hosts this party very full moon of the month. This is well known for being a huge party that attracts thousands of tourists. Neon paint is very common along with interesting costumes.
Temples: In Koh Phangan there are a lot of temples. When you arrive to the island port make sure to grab a map. On it there will be temples distributed all over the island. If you have been seeing a lot of temples in Bangkok and Chiangmai before arriving, these temples won’t look as great in comparison. People here is more focused on the beaches than on actually visiting temples.
If time is on your side I would say 2 days in Koh Tao, 3 days in Koh Phangan. The color of the water varies according to the season of the year, the temperature is very warm and pleasant.
Enjoy your time in Thailand!
The Wild Voyage