Thailand has lot of things going for it which makes it arguably one of the greatest vacation spots in the world - inexpensive, amazing food, cheerful people, rich culture and of course, a huge number of sites to visit. Thailand is comprised of five regions - North, Northeast, Central, East and South. These are further divided into 75+1 provinces - each of which boasts of a unique cultural, geographical and historical identity.There are large streches of stunning beaches, hiking friendly mountains, ancient caves, tranquil monasteries and fast paced cities. Most of the travelers who visit Thailand head out to the beaches and for a good reason. These tropical beaches offer the best of nightlife, relaxation and adventure opportunities. Most travelers stick to the main 3-4 islands which has resulted in ramapant commercialism of these beaches. However, for the adventure seeker, Thailand has numerous relatively unknown islands.
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While much of the country has been turned to a run-of-the-mill tourist trap, there still exists numerous islands which have been spared from the grubby paws of commercialism. The famous tropical islands are Phuket, Ko Lipe, Ko Samui, Ko Tao and Ko Change. The are three main sets of Thai islands - between Bangkok and the Cambodian border, the one in Andaman sea and the ones in the Gulf of Thailand. But do not forget to book your International Flight Tickets before Hotel Bookings.
The Islands to Enjoy With Your Better Half!!
Koh Tarutao - Located in the far flung south coast of Andaman, this 26 km strech features a stunning ensemble of dense forest rimmed beaches. The area houses the Tarutao National Marine Park. Accomodation and food are basic, which actually makes it somewhat better. It is open only from November to mid-May.
Koh Phayam - You arrive at this remote island after a 2 hr boat ride from the sleepy town of Ranong. The island is located near the Burmese border. The island is a favourite haunt for people who want to get away from touristy spots like Phangan and Samui. The area is described by massive strech of arcing sandy beaches, no cars, plenty of hornbills and perfect snorkelling spots
Koh Jum - A close trip from the famed island of Krabi will land you in this quaint paradise. What it lacks in the glamour department, it makes up for in tranquility and is the perfect place to lose yourself for weeks - cut off from the outside world, soaking in the beauty of the place. The area is peppered with couple of bunglows, villages and inhabitated mostly by chao ley (sea gypsy) people.
Koh Phra Thong - A relatively unknown and unspoilt island located off the country's west coast in the Andaman Sea. This 16 km island is in proximity to the town of Kuraburi and features golden beaches, a sandy track and no cars. The sole resort in the island is the Golden Buddha Beach Resort which has 21 thai style wooden houses. Phra Thong is the perfect spot to swim, tan, get a massage, canoe and snorkel
Ko Rok - A pair of islands that offers amazing camping and snorkelling oppurtunities. The best way to get to Ko Rok is from Ko Ngai, Ko Kradan and Ko Muk.
Ko Lipe – A tiny island located in the southern province of Satun in the Andaman Sea. The word ' Ko Lipe' translates to 'Paper Island' in the local language. Though the island is getting discovered by more travelers, it is still relatively a secluded spot. The coral reefs off Ko Lipe are a great spot for diving and snorkelling. The friendly locals, cheap food and pristine beaches renders it one of the best spot for relaxing.
Ko Tarutao National Marine Park – The marine park is located in the Ko Tarutao island and there are no resorts, bars, lodges or restaurants in the area. The sole properties in the area are the park's canteen and a small store that is open till 8 pm. Travelers can arrange for tents or find a cheap bunglaow if they wish to camp in the island. If you're looking for an inexpensive, secluded Thai island, then this is the perfect spot for you!
Ko Chang - The Ko Chang island is a marine national park located in eastern Thailand, near the Cambodian border. The island is the second largest in the country after Phuket. Ko Chang was a sleepy little beach town until recently, however, due to surge in popularity it is far becoming one of the most sought after vacation spots. The island features high mountain peaks, white sand beaches, dense jungles and abundant wild life. Those who want to enjoy some peace and quiet should stick to the eastern side o the island.
Surin National Park – Located 60 km off the west coast of Phang Nga province, the island is an excellent spot for diving, snorkeling, hiking and game fishing. Travelers looking to escape the tourist traps will find the lack of development a welcome change. The island is inhabitated by around 150 sea gypsies who have settled on the island for several decades. The islands are protected and you will have to go through an organzied tour to reach it.
The Similan Islands - Consists of nine granite islands washed by a turquoise waters and blessed with some of the world’s finest beaches. Despite being left in a state of decline for many years, the reefs have recently recovered from overuse. All the boats entering the islands have to adhere to strict rules and have to use special moorings and use closed waste water systems to avoid any pollution.
Ko Lanta – Not really much of a secret island but Ko Lanta is well worth a visit if you are looking to get away from the party in the nearby Ko Phi Phi. Travelers to the island are usually looking to take a walk on the beach watching the sunset. Though the island gets crowded during the peak season, you can rest assured of finding a cozy, secluded spot.
Ko Mak - One of Thailand's best kept secret, this tiny island is home to a fishing community set amongst 10,000 palm trees, rubber plantations and two secluded beaches. The island rarely gets visitors, except for the odd couple and few divers which renders it the perfect spot for those looking for some peace and quiet.
Monkey Beach - A 40 minute kayaking from Ao Lo Dalam will bring you to this stunning, secluded beach. The only other living being you will encounter here are furry, longtail monkeys.
Ao Lo Moo Dee - An absolutely stunning bay with plenty of snorkeling spots and fishes. To reach the beach, walk to Long Beach, continue on to Phi Phi The Beach Resort and keep going down the road. You will reach a spot where the road takes a sharp bend; from here follow the rough trail straight ahead that will lead you to the coconut plantation near the beach. Make sure you pack water as the sole shack in the area charges almost thrice the normal amount.
Secret Beach - This is not exactly a secret beach considering the fact there is a resort in the vicinty and you can spot few fishermen hanging around. To reach the beach, keep going right from Ao Lo Dalam, past the Sunflower Bar and Sunset Pavillion. Keep going, and eventually a road appears, follow the road. You will reach the back yard of Sunset Resort, from here you can make your way down to the beach. You will reach a 10 foot high ridge which you must climb over to reach the crescent-shaped sandy bay. There is a good snorkeling spot which you can have all for yourself.
Ao Poh – This beach can be reached either by land or sea; but we would advise the latter. There is a single bunglow in the vicinity which is closed during off season. The sand is clean and there are ample snorkeling oppurtunities, make sure you steer clear of the spiny urchings. Oganized tours bring in travelers from Phuket for a buffet lunch during peak seasons, apart from that Ao Poh is totally desolate.
So there you have it, few of the unexplored, secluded islands where you can experience peace, quiet, clean beaches and crystal clear water in your Thailand Holidays.
While much of the country has been turned to a run-of-the-mill tourist trap, there still exists numerous islands which have been spared from the grubby paws of commercialism. The famous tropical islands are Phuket, Ko Lipe, Ko Samui, Ko Tao and Ko Change. The are three main sets of Thai islands - between Bangkok and the Cambodian border, the one in Andaman sea and the ones in the Gulf of Thailand. But do not forget to book your International Flight Tickets before Hotel Bookings.
The Islands to Enjoy With Your Better Half!!
Koh Tarutao - Located in the far flung south coast of Andaman, this 26 km strech features a stunning ensemble of dense forest rimmed beaches. The area houses the Tarutao National Marine Park. Accomodation and food are basic, which actually makes it somewhat better. It is open only from November to mid-May.
Koh Phayam - You arrive at this remote island after a 2 hr boat ride from the sleepy town of Ranong. The island is located near the Burmese border. The island is a favourite haunt for people who want to get away from touristy spots like Phangan and Samui. The area is described by massive strech of arcing sandy beaches, no cars, plenty of hornbills and perfect snorkelling spots
Koh Jum - A close trip from the famed island of Krabi will land you in this quaint paradise. What it lacks in the glamour department, it makes up for in tranquility and is the perfect place to lose yourself for weeks - cut off from the outside world, soaking in the beauty of the place. The area is peppered with couple of bunglows, villages and inhabitated mostly by chao ley (sea gypsy) people.
Koh Phra Thong - A relatively unknown and unspoilt island located off the country's west coast in the Andaman Sea. This 16 km island is in proximity to the town of Kuraburi and features golden beaches, a sandy track and no cars. The sole resort in the island is the Golden Buddha Beach Resort which has 21 thai style wooden houses. Phra Thong is the perfect spot to swim, tan, get a massage, canoe and snorkel
Ko Rok - A pair of islands that offers amazing camping and snorkelling oppurtunities. The best way to get to Ko Rok is from Ko Ngai, Ko Kradan and Ko Muk.
Ko Lipe – A tiny island located in the southern province of Satun in the Andaman Sea. The word ' Ko Lipe' translates to 'Paper Island' in the local language. Though the island is getting discovered by more travelers, it is still relatively a secluded spot. The coral reefs off Ko Lipe are a great spot for diving and snorkelling. The friendly locals, cheap food and pristine beaches renders it one of the best spot for relaxing.
Ko Tarutao National Marine Park – The marine park is located in the Ko Tarutao island and there are no resorts, bars, lodges or restaurants in the area. The sole properties in the area are the park's canteen and a small store that is open till 8 pm. Travelers can arrange for tents or find a cheap bunglaow if they wish to camp in the island. If you're looking for an inexpensive, secluded Thai island, then this is the perfect spot for you!
Ko Chang - The Ko Chang island is a marine national park located in eastern Thailand, near the Cambodian border. The island is the second largest in the country after Phuket. Ko Chang was a sleepy little beach town until recently, however, due to surge in popularity it is far becoming one of the most sought after vacation spots. The island features high mountain peaks, white sand beaches, dense jungles and abundant wild life. Those who want to enjoy some peace and quiet should stick to the eastern side o the island.
Surin National Park – Located 60 km off the west coast of Phang Nga province, the island is an excellent spot for diving, snorkeling, hiking and game fishing. Travelers looking to escape the tourist traps will find the lack of development a welcome change. The island is inhabitated by around 150 sea gypsies who have settled on the island for several decades. The islands are protected and you will have to go through an organzied tour to reach it.
The Similan Islands - Consists of nine granite islands washed by a turquoise waters and blessed with some of the world’s finest beaches. Despite being left in a state of decline for many years, the reefs have recently recovered from overuse. All the boats entering the islands have to adhere to strict rules and have to use special moorings and use closed waste water systems to avoid any pollution.
Ko Lanta – Not really much of a secret island but Ko Lanta is well worth a visit if you are looking to get away from the party in the nearby Ko Phi Phi. Travelers to the island are usually looking to take a walk on the beach watching the sunset. Though the island gets crowded during the peak season, you can rest assured of finding a cozy, secluded spot.
Ko Mak - One of Thailand's best kept secret, this tiny island is home to a fishing community set amongst 10,000 palm trees, rubber plantations and two secluded beaches. The island rarely gets visitors, except for the odd couple and few divers which renders it the perfect spot for those looking for some peace and quiet.
Monkey Beach - A 40 minute kayaking from Ao Lo Dalam will bring you to this stunning, secluded beach. The only other living being you will encounter here are furry, longtail monkeys.
Ao Lo Moo Dee - An absolutely stunning bay with plenty of snorkeling spots and fishes. To reach the beach, walk to Long Beach, continue on to Phi Phi The Beach Resort and keep going down the road. You will reach a spot where the road takes a sharp bend; from here follow the rough trail straight ahead that will lead you to the coconut plantation near the beach. Make sure you pack water as the sole shack in the area charges almost thrice the normal amount.
Secret Beach - This is not exactly a secret beach considering the fact there is a resort in the vicinty and you can spot few fishermen hanging around. To reach the beach, keep going right from Ao Lo Dalam, past the Sunflower Bar and Sunset Pavillion. Keep going, and eventually a road appears, follow the road. You will reach the back yard of Sunset Resort, from here you can make your way down to the beach. You will reach a 10 foot high ridge which you must climb over to reach the crescent-shaped sandy bay. There is a good snorkeling spot which you can have all for yourself.
Ao Poh – This beach can be reached either by land or sea; but we would advise the latter. There is a single bunglow in the vicinity which is closed during off season. The sand is clean and there are ample snorkeling oppurtunities, make sure you steer clear of the spiny urchings. Oganized tours bring in travelers from Phuket for a buffet lunch during peak seasons, apart from that Ao Poh is totally desolate.
So there you have it, few of the unexplored, secluded islands where you can experience peace, quiet, clean beaches and crystal clear water in your Thailand Holidays.
Well, if you have a plan of spending a family vacation at Thailand, then you should find out the best deals for Bangkok airport camper rentals through CarHireThailand, and book a suitable vehicle beforehand so that it helps starting a comfort-filled journey in a land that is popularly known as a cheap and best honeymoon destination.
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