6 THAI ISLANDS FOR THE RIGHT SEASON

ME.TUDE - Following extensive coverage of the temporary closure of the famous Maya Beach on Koh Phi Phi - extremely popular with tourists thanks to the film 'The Beach' with Leonardo Di Caprio - the tourist office of Thailand wants to inform travellers about which islands they should visit in the different seasons.

by Hanan

With its unbeatable coastline, Thailand is spoiled for choice with equally beautiful, but far less touristic, alternatives than the popular Maya Beach. However, not every island is suitable for every season. That is why the tourist office now gives some guidelines and suggestions so that your beach experience in Thailand becomes even better.

Thailand generally has two seasons: a dry season from October to March and a rainy season from April to September. But the experience of those seasons is different depending on the region you are in. For example, it is not recommended to go to the Andaman Sea during the rainy season, because of the many rain and strong winds. Visiting an island like Koh Phi Phi during this period is therefore not a good idea anyway.

Rainy season

The tourist office of Thailand therefore advises tourists to visit the islands on the Gulf of Thailand during the rainy season.

1. Mu Koh Ang Tong

About 32 kilometres north of Koh Samui you will find the archipelago of Mu Koh Ang Tong. 42 islands, many of which are uninhabited. The whole area is a protected nature reserve. This means that there are hardly any buildings, making the islands ideal for hiking, as well as swimming and sunbathing on a secluded beach. The island of Koh Mae Koh is known for its emerald green lagoon and on Koh Wua Ta Lap you have a magnificent view of the entire archipelago. You can stay in one of the eco-friendly homestays in Koh Paluay.

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ABOVE: Mu Koh Ang Thong - Lagoon.

ABOVE: Mu Koh Ang Thong - Pano.

2. Koh Taen and Koh Mat Sum

A few kilometres south of Koh Samui you will find the twin islands of Koh Taen and Koh Mat Sum, both blessed with beautiful golden beaches and clear blue water. Ideal for snorkeling or sunbathing away from the crowd. You can stay in small-scale boutique hotels.

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ABOVE: Koh Taen.

ABOVE: Koh Mat Sum.

3. Koh Talu

For diving enthusiasts there is Koh Talu, about 20 minutes by speedboat from Prachuab Khiri Khan. The small-scale island has many caves and secluded beaches. The underwater world is beautiful, while the island also has many bird species. Koh Talu has only one hotel, a 3 * eco resort. Ideal for those who love peace and privacy.

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ABOVE: Koh Talu.

ABOVE: Koh Talu.

Dry season

Those who travel during the dry season, between October and March, can visit the northeast coast of Thailand or the Andaman Sea. Again, the tourist office has some suggestions for those who want to avoid the crowds.

4. Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi

These two islands are located in the middle of Phang Nga Bay and can be reached by speedboat from Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi within twenty minutes. Koh Yao Noi has beautiful beaches and a dramatic coastline, with beautiful panoramic views. Koh Yao Yai is very lively and authentic with some charming fishing villages. Here you should definitely visit one of the fish markets and eat fresh lobster. Sailing through the mangrove with a kayak is also an absolute must-do.

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ABOVE: Koh Yao Yai.

ABOVE: Koh Yao Noi.

5. Koh Muk

This island is one of the hidden gems of Trang province. White beaches, clear blue water and an authentic atmosphere is what makes this island so unique. Koh Muk is also known for its emerald green cave, which glows completely when the midday sun shines on the green water. The fauna and flora are very rich and it is one of the only places where you can spot the dugong.

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ABOVE: Koh Muk.

ABOVE: Emerald Cave near Koh Muk.

6. Koh Mak and Koh Kham

About 40 minutes from the province of Trat is the quiet Koh Mak. Visitors come here for peace and privacy. With its turquoise water and fine sandy beaches, it is a dream destination for romantics. From Koh Mak you can take a boat to the nearby Koh Kham, which with its crystal clear water and fine sandy beach is even more idyllic than its bigger brother Koh Mak.

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ABOVE: Koh Mak.

ABOVE: Koh Kham.

If you want to discover even more hidden gems of Thailand, you can always visit the website of the tourist office.

THAILAND | ME.TUDE | BACKPACKING

INFO
Tourism Thailand
www.tourismthailand.org

* This text was provided by a third party and is intented to inform you more as traveller and/or culture lover. For more info, check our content code page.

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POST BY
Thierry Hanan Scheers
With a backpack  and hiking boots Hanan travels around the world. Destination? Somewhere, nowhere and everywhere.
backpacker and storyteller

TEXT
Sound of C
​press release

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​Sound of C

16 March 2018