Unraveling Paradise: 2-Week Thailand Island Hopping Guide

Created by Tuan Luong at 2024-08-06 11:05:56 , Updated by Tuan Luong at 2024-08-20 08:21:15
Experience Thailand's most amazing island hopping in 2 weeks! Get to see these fairytale-like islands, including Phuket, Phi Phi, Koh Samui, and more

Introduction

One of the most talked-about travel trends is island hopping, mainly because many experience varied beauty within a country's archipelagos. And it’s becoming famous in Thailand, home to the most beautiful islands in the world. 

A 2 weeks Thailand island hopping itinerary should wisely consider the islands to visit and the time to spend on each. In that way, individuals will get a little of everything that best describes these beautiful Thai islands. Let’s make an unforgettable 2 weeks of island hopping in Thailand with Asia King Travel!

Thailand island hopping itinerary in 2 weeks

Thailand island hopping itinerary in 2 weeks Credit: Live Journal

The best time to visit Thai islands

We recommend the dry season as the suitable period to explore because the skies are clear and the amount of rainfall is negligible. However, it brings more tourist traffic, raising prices and possibly leading to overcrowding.

The rainy season, obviously, is a time of scattered showers, but the advantage of traveling then lies in the fact that it is the off-season for crowds and gives cost-effective travel. Indeed, there is sun on the islands even when it rains, and this is a great time to travel cheaply. The caveat is that some businesses and services may reduce operations, so research should be extensive at this point.

The best time for island hopping is the dry season

The best time for island hopping is the dry season Credit: Freepik

The 2-week island hopping itinerary in Thailand

Day 1–4: Phuket, Phang Nga Bay and Phi Phi Islands

Day 1: Discovering Phuket

Start your journey to Phuket with the iconic Big Buddha. This 45-meter-high statue sits atop Nakkerd Hill and gives stunning views of the island; it should be just the place one wants to begin one's adventure on the very first morning in Thailand. En route, halt at Wat Chalong, the largest Buddhist temple in Phuket. It's rich in history and culture, with ornate architecture makes for an impressively beautiful sight. 

Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong Credit: iStock

For lunch, you can leisurely walk in Phuket Old Town to really absorb the culture, which is essentially a fusion of influences defining Phuket. And in the evening, drive to Patong Beach, Phuket's most famous beach. Take your dinner at one of the seafront restaurants with fresh produce, and an evening stroll down Bangla Road, where Phuket nighttime happens.

Tourists are taking pictures in Phuket Old Town

Phuket Old Town Credit: Mandarava Resort and Spa

Day 2-3: Adventure in Phang Nga Bay and Journey to the Phi Phi Islands

The next day begins with an early start to Phang Nga Bay. Take a cruise and drive around some of its most famous spots, including “James Bond Island” Koh Tapu, and Koh Panyee, to experience local culture and enjoy fresh seafood lunch in one of the restaurants within the village.

James Bond Island, Koh Tapu

James Bond Island, Koh Tapu Credit: Travelone.io

After lunch, explore Phang Nga Bay further by sea kayak paddling. Take the opportunity to paddle through secret caves, lagoons, and around high limestone cliffs. Plus, consider visiting the highlight of the day: Hong Island, famous for its beautiful lagoon with cliffs all around it and crystal water inside it, and head back to Phuket in the late afternoon.

Hong Island from above

Hong Island Credit: Digital Travel Couple

On the third day, check out of the hotel and take the morning ferry or speedboat to the Phi Phi Islands. After getting settled, head over to Maya Bay—one of the most famous spots in Thailand due to the inclusion of this place in the movie “The Beach”. You can spend the morning swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking in the beauty of this pristine bay.

Maya Bay

Maya Bay Credit: Phuket 101

Afterward, return to Phi Phi Don for lunch at one of the many beachfront restaurants—excellent choices for Thai food and fresh seafood. As the day winds down, hike up to the Phi Phi Viewpoint. Quite steep, great panorama views over the twin bays make it absolutely worth it for one of the most beautiful sunset views you will ever see.

Tourists admire the scenery from Phi Phi Viewpoint

Phi Phi Viewpoint Credit: Booking.com

Day 4: Phi Phi Islands and return to Phuket

The fourth day is coming. You can welcome your great day out by boat to Bamboo Island, a small island that is a little paradise with white sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters, and spend the morning snorkeling, swimming, or simply relaxing on the beach.

Bamboo Island

Bamboo Island Credit: Access Travels

Next, take a stop at Monkey Beach—what could be more unique to any island, with its playful monkey population? Enjoy, but bear in mind to be safe and keep a good distance from them.

Monkeys are waiting for food at Monkey Beach

Monkey Beach Credit: iStock

Finally, return to Phi Phi Don for lunch at leisure in one of the beachside cafes. Spend some time exploring the shops, or just relax in the laid-back island atmosphere before catching a ferry back to Phuket in the early afternoon, and spend your fourth day relaxing or enjoying local services as much as you want.

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Day 5–7: Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe

Day 5-6: Travel from Phuket to Koh Lanta

You'll begin the day with a morning ferry ride from Phuket to Koh Lanta, after settling, explore the numerous secluded beaches of Koh Lanta. 

Long Beach (Phra-Ae Beach) is a great place to start your adventure with its wide stretch of fine sand and transparent waters, ideal for refreshing swims. Alternatively, visit Kantiang Bay for a more secluded and tranquil beach amidst lush green surroundings. The pace of life in Koh Lanta is slow, so it's the ideal place for unwinding after traveling.

Long Beach or Phra-Ae Beach

Long Beach, Phra-Ae Beach Credit: Nontawat Navathong

Moreover, consider visiting Mu Koh Lanta National Park at the southern end of the island, or just relax on the very pristine Bamboo Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches of the park. Then, head to Koh Lanta Old Town, stroll along these narrow streets, and drop into the various local shops that come your way

A part of Koh Lanta Old Town

Koh Lanta Old Town Credit: Thailand Holiday Homes

Finally, take a brief ride into Relax Bay to view the sunset. This quiet beach, as opposed to some of the island's more popular spots, is less crowded and allows one to situate themselves in an ideal way at the end of the day. 

Relax Bay

Relax Bay Credit: Places of Juma

Day 7: Journey to Koh Lipe

Check out from your hotel early and board a ferry from Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe. Upon arrival, you shall be struck with the striking turquoise waters and animated marine life of Koh Lipe.

After checking into your accommodation, go to Pattaya Beach, the most famous beach on Koh Lipe. With fine white sand and crystal-clear water, this is just the place to spend your first afternoon on the island. 

If you are looking to spice up your vacation with some adventure, then take a snorkeling day trip to the nearby Koh Usen and Koh Kra islands. Located just off the coast of Pattaya Beach, these locations are famous for their underwater colorful coral reefs and lush marine life.

Pattaya Beach

Pattaya Beach Credit: kohlipeisland.org

Later in the evening, drop by Walking Street, the food and shopping hub of Koh Lipe. End your day with a drink at one of the beach bars, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere that Koh Lipe is famous for.

Koh Lipe Walking Street

Koh Lipe Walking Street Credit: Thailand Magazine

Day 8–11: Koh Lipe–Krabi 

Day 8: Exploring Koh Lipe

Continue to explore one of Koh Lipe's loveliest spots—Sunrise Beach. These calm, glassy waters are perfect for some snorkeling, so take your gear and just offshore, discover colorful coral reefs. You are likely to see all sorts of fish in different colors and maybe even some sea turtles!

Well, if you want to spend your morning in a more relaxed way, just enjoy the atmosphere of tranquility on the beach during sunrise and swim in clear waters.

Sunrise Beach

Sunrise Beach Credit: Places of Juma

After lunch, take a boat ride to the islands of Koh Adang and Koh Rawi. These islands belong to the Tarutao National Marine Park and are less developed compared to others. They have pristine beaches and great snorkeling spots. You can pack some snacks and refreshments to enjoy a picnic on the beach as you soak in the surrounding beauty.

Tarutao National Marine Park

Tarutao National Marine Park Credit: Alamy

Day 9-10: Travelling to Krabi and discovering Railay Beach

Check out of the hotel early, and catch a speedboat or ferry from Koh Lipe back to Krabi. After checking in, spend your afternoon on  Ao Nang Beach. 

Ao Nang is Krabi's main tourist area and has a lively beachfront scene with restaurants, shops, and activities. Afterwards, you can try dinner at one of the many good-quality beachfront restaurants lining the promenade, and have a romantic walk along the beach or drop by one of the many local bars for a final drink.

Ao Nang Beach

Ao Nang Beach Credit: Tripadvisor

On the next day, you will have a short ride from Ao Nang to Railay Beach on a long-tail boat. Railay is one of the most famous beaches in Krabi, renowned for its dramatic limestone cliffs, clear blue waters, and even a few caves.

When you get there, head straight for Phra Nang Cave Beach, one of the most beautiful sites surrounded by cliffs, with an impressive cave dedicated to the spirit of Phra Nang; perfect for swimming and for views that could take your breath away.

Phra Nang Cave Beach

Phra Nang Cave Beach Credit: islander.io

Rock climbing is a must-try activity for Railay, with lime routes graded from easy to expert: If you've got an adventure side, you could do a rock climbing course and tackle some of the famous limestone cliffs. On the other hand, one could overland this area, hopping to and fro on rocks, by hiking over to the Railay Viewpoint for panoramic views of the peninsula.

Railay Viewpoint

Railay Viewpoint Credit: Jackson Groves

Day 11: Island Hopping to nearby Krabi 

Include one of the most popular sites on your last day of Krabi trip, which are Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Tup Island, etc., and enjoy this exotic day of swimming, snorkeling, and exploring these isles. On this day including a picnic on one of the islands. This will give you much time to enjoy the surroundings, the scenery, and the clear waters.

Return to Ao Nang in the late afternoon and depending on guest preference, be free to shop in the local shops or lay at the beach at leisure. For a more physical indulgence, proceed to the Emerald Pool or Hot Springs for an invigorating bath. After a long trip, it’s time for some rest to store your stamina on the next day of the itinerary.

The Emerald Pool

The Emerald Pool Credit: Pelago

Day 12–14: Koh Samui - Departure

You can take a morning flight or ferry to Koh Samui after checking out of your Krabi accommodation. It's going to take you some hours, so the earlier you travel, the better to use up all of your time on the island. 

The Koh Samui trip starts with the main attraction - the Buddha statue, located in Wat Phra Yai. This huge golden sculpture sits atop a small rocky island connected by a causeway and stands 12 meters tall. Next, is the significant Wat Plai Laem, a local temple complex known for its striking statues, especially that of an 18-armed Guanyin—the Goddess of Mercy. 

Wat Phra Yai Buddha statue

Wat Phra Yai Buddha statue Credit: KohPlanner

After the temples, you can head to Ang Thong National Marine Park, famous for its striking contours of limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and diverse marine life. Also, enjoy hiking to the viewpoint on Koh Wua Talap, and witnessing beautiful panoramic views over the whole archipelago. On your return, you can spend some time snorkeling in the translucent waters or riding kayaks through the 'hidden' caves and lagoons.

Ang Thong National Marine Park

Ang Thong National Marine Park Credit: Shutterstock

Then, go back to Koh Samui in the early afternoon and spend some time at Lamai Beach You can swim in the warm waters, pamper yourself with a massage on the beach, or simply sit on the sand with your refreshing drink.

If you are more adventurous, try visiting the nearby Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks—otherwise, the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks which have an odd shape are worth exploring.

Hin Ta - Hin Yai Rocks

Hin Ta - Hin Yai Rocks Credit: Koh Samui Space

The trip will end with Phuket, the last stop in your Southern Thailand island-hopping adventure. In the finale, return to the hotel to pack and prepare yourself for the return. Make sure, of course, that there is prearranged transport to the airport, and leave with plenty of time to check in and unwind before the flight.

Conclusion

This itinerary will take you to some of Thailand’s most beautiful islands and coastal areas. We hope this itinerary will offer you the best island hopping route.

If you want to immerse in an island hopping trip in Thailand, please contact us and let us help you build up your own private trip and ensure the perfect itinerary. Start the trip now with Asia King Travel! See you at the land of smiles!

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