Islands Of The Familiar Thailand You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Phuket, Samui and Phi Phi are usually a major tourism destination. But if you are looking for something special, visit lesser known Koh Chang, Koh Mak, and Koh Kut islands in Trat Province. We will tell you why they are worth spending at least 2-3 days.

Koh Chang

Why this island will be of interest for you. Because it is a part of the Mu Ko Chang National Marine Park, the most ecologically clean Thailand’s region. On 650 sq. km. of this huge nature reserve, you can find quiet turquoise water, coral reefs, jungles, and 40 islands. It is almost impossible to see everything it suggests during one visit, but you surely should not miss Khlong Nonsi, Than Mayom, and Khlong Plu waterfalls. The last one is the most impressive. It is located near the Khlong Prao Beach. If you get hungry, there is an excellent local cuisine Rhim Had restaurant just twenty minutes far.

If you are an early bird even on holiday to do sports, take a walk to the Lonely Beach (Hat Tha Nam). Here they practice yoga with experienced gurus. Never practiced this ancient art before?  Don’t worry. There are lessons for all levels. After the lesson they will treat you to a delicious smoothie made from bananas, mango, pineapple, and coconut milk.

If you again want to dive into the social life and entertainments after a few days of silence in the heart of nature, we can recommend to visit the White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao). It is the longest and most posh beach on the island with numerous cafes and restaurants.

You can have a short trip: the island is right on Cambodia border with its stunning Angkor temple complex and incredible history!

How to Get There. You can take a ferry of two companies (Ferry Koh Chang и Centrepoint Ferry  from Laem Ngop village in Trat Province. The first option will take you half an hour, the second – 45 minutes. The ticket price to both ferries is almost the same: THB 150 (about $ 5).  

Where to Stay. Koh Chang is one of the largest islands of Thailand after Phuket and Samui, but unlike these tourist monsters it is not overloaded with holidaymakers. Thick rainforests, steep highlands, and picturesque waterfalls: this is how you can describe Koh Chang, which in Thai means “Elephant Island”. If you want something special, rent a modern Thai style villa, where the living space blends in the nature.

What to Eat. You won’t have problems with finding anything you want as there are numerous restaurants and cafes. (переклад вище)

Especially in the north of White Sand Beach, where you can find a table standing just on the sand.

You will never forget a candlelight dinner at Independent B.O. or Rock Sand. But the best seafood is served in the fishing village of Bang Bao, not far from the place where it was caught.

How to Travel Around the Island. Want to explore the island? Rent a motorcycle at one of the many bike rentals. You even do not need to show a driver’s license! The rent is about THB 200 per day and there will be no problems with fuel: they sell it in bottles right along the road.

Koh Mak

Why this island will be of interest for you. Because the island with lots of coconut palms, the quiet Ao Nid bay and the deserted white sand Ao Pai beach with white sand is the best to correspond to the idea of a small tropical island lost in the ocean. It is one of the best places for a beach holiday.

Tourist who get tired of living in the metropolis come here to relax with a book in a hammock, go on a kayak trip, go fishing in the open sea, take a bike ride in the jungle, or climb the mountain tops.

Most of the bars, cafes and hotels are located on Ao Kao beach. Clubbers and party-lovers will prefer the neighboring island of Koh Kood, which is much larger than Koh Mak.

How to Get There. You can arrange a charter from Chang to Mak at any hotel. But if you are a spontaneous and impatient person, you can get a boat or a ferry and in fifty minutes you are where you wanted to get, I mean on Koh Mak island. 

Where to Stay. If to speak about the secret corners of Thailand, we can’t but mention Koh Mak where you will find coconut plantations and mangrove forests, as well as secluded bungalows and beaches half-empty even in high season. (переклад вище) Tourists like bungalows located just a short walk from the beach with outdoor showers and hot tubs blending in the nature. On the east coast, the jungle bear down on the territory of the hotels. Nothing will disturb you, except perhaps ooks.

What to Eat. Ask at the reception desk how to get to Sweet Cake Bakery as this route will bring you not only to the charming café that serves smoothies but also to Koh Mak temple. Plan your trip so as to stay for dinner. The temple and the café are just near Koh Mak Seafood restaurant serving fantastic seafood, where you can also enjoy splendid views of Cambodia mountains. (переклад вище)

How to Travel Around the Island. Unlike the more visited Koh Chang, there is no heavy traffic on the relaxed Mak island so the roads there are relatively free. (переклад вище) They call it the island of semi-wild tropics, but don’t worry: in fact, Koh Mak is small and even enough to comfortably explore it on a bicycle that you can rent at the hotel. You will certainly like to ride around interesting places taking breaks for swimming and having drinks.

Koh Kut

Why this island will be of interest for you. For no reason Ko Kut with its virgin beaches preserved from prehistoric times and a minimum of nightclubs is unpopular among tourists. (переклад вище) However, if you are looking for Zen holidays, authentic fishing villages, untouched nature and white beaches – this is the place for you. Almost every piece of the island is like a scene for admiring the sunset or morning meditation. Ao Bang Bao Beach, near Siam Beach Resort, is ideal for romantic walks at sunset. Almost 1,000 meters of white sand framed by a palm grove make Ao Prao Beach one of the longest and most beautiful beaches on the island. When you decide to make a break between sunbathing on the beach, eating at a seafront restaurant and relaxing at a spa, you will surely want to break this “Samsara wheel” and go sightseeing. Go to Klong Chao, Klong Jao, and Klong Yai Kee waterfalls where you can go swimming, kayaking, and hiking.

How to Get There. To get to Thailand’s most eastern island, Koh Kut, right on the Cambodian border, you just need to take a ferry or hire a boat. In such a case, the trip will be more comfortable as you can ask to take you right to your resort. Anyway, ferry also arrives at a fairly lively place, Ao-Salad, where the majority of all resorts, hotels, and popular beaches is concentrated. If you take a boat or a ferry from the nearby Mak island, the journey will take only 40 minutes.

Where to Stay. Of course, in spacious villas thatched with straw with large open verandas, bamboo furniture, and an outdoor jacuzzi. Better to have all these right near the beach. For example, Khlong Chao (Millionaire’s Row) Beach. Those who like beach holidays will find a lot of cozy bungalows right near the sea. Whichever resort you choose, they are all surrounded by thick coconut groves.

Where to Eat.At Ban Ao Yai restaurant. Ban Ao Yai is an excellent seafood restaurant located right in the fishing village where they have the freshest seafood. So you can choose all you like on the counter and they will immediately cook it for you. (переклад вище) Those who prefer classic Thai cuisine may drop into Chonthicha, one of the best restaurants on the island. Explore the village after lunch: take a picture of unusual pile-supported houses or chat with locals who can arrange a private fishing session for you.

How to Travel Around the Island. A bike, a motorboat or a boat are the three main kinds of transport to travel around Kut island and scuba diving is your must do here. Brisk boats and brightly painted ferries regularly depart to the neighboring Koh Yak Yai and Koh Yak Lek islands with their magical underwater world. Do not miss the chance to look at it closer.