If you’re looking for a way to escape the crowds and chaos of Thailand’s popular tourist destinations, then you’re in luck. The Land of Smiles has a plethora of tiny islands that are off-the-beaten-track and waiting to be explored. From secluded beaches to crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, these hidden gems offer a slice of paradise that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at seven of the best off-the-beaten-track tiny islands in Thailand that are definitely worth visiting.
Off-the-Beaten-Track Tiny Islands in Thailand
Thailand is a country with countless islands, each with its own charm and beauty. However, some of the most stunning and serene islands are hidden away from the tourist crowds. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape to paradise, then these off-the-beaten-track tiny islands in Thailand are perfect for you.
Koh Mak
Koh Mak is a small island located in the eastern part of Thailand, near the Cambodian border. It’s a perfect destination for those who want to escape from the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush green forests.
One of the most popular activities on Koh Mak is snorkeling. The island has several coral reefs that are home to a variety of marine life such as colorful fish, sea turtles, and even reef sharks. Visitors can also go kayaking or take a boat tour around the island to explore its hidden coves and secluded beaches.
Koh Mak has a few accommodation options ranging from budget-friendly bungalows to luxurious resorts. Most of them are located on or near the beach, providing stunning views of the ocean. There are also several restaurants serving delicious Thai cuisine as well as international dishes.
To get to Koh Mak, visitors can take a ferry from Trat province which is about a 4-hour drive from Bangkok. The ferry ride takes around 45 minutes to an hour depending on weather conditions.
Overall, Koh Mak is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of touristy areas in Thailand. Its unspoiled natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it one of the best off-the-beaten-track tiny islands in Thailand.
Koh Tarutao
Koh Tarutao is a hidden gem located in the Andaman Sea, close to Thailand’s border with Malaysia. This island is part of Tarutao National Marine Park and boasts unspoiled beaches, lush jungle, and abundant wildlife.
The island was once a penal colony for political prisoners, but today it offers visitors a chance to escape the crowds and enjoy nature at its best. There are no roads on the island, so visitors can explore on foot or by bicycle.
One of the highlights of Koh Tarutao is Ao Son Beach, which offers crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The beach is also home to a small restaurant serving fresh seafood caught by local fishermen.
Another must-visit spot on the island is Talo Wao Bay, where visitors can hike through the jungle to reach a stunning waterfall. The hike takes around 45 minutes each way and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
For those looking for adventure, Koh Tarutao also offers kayaking tours through its mangrove forests. Visitors can paddle through narrow channels while spotting monkeys, birds, and other wildlife.
Accommodation options on Koh Tarutao are limited but include camping sites and rustic bungalows. It’s important to note that there are no ATMs or shops on the island, so visitors should bring enough cash and supplies for their stay.
Overall, Koh Tarutao is an off-the-beaten-track destination that’s perfect for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. It’s a great alternative to more popular Thai islands like Phuket or Koh Samui.
Koh Adang
Koh Adang is a small island located in the Andaman Sea, close to the Malaysian border. It is part of the Tarutao National Marine Park and is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical forests.
One of the main attractions on Koh Adang is its hiking trails that lead visitors through the island’s dense jungle to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the sea. The most popular trail is the one that leads to Chado Cliff, where you can enjoy panoramic views of neighboring islands and even Malaysia on a clear day.
Another must-see attraction on Koh Adang is its beautiful beaches. Tawaen Beach, located on the eastern side of the island, is a long stretch of white sand fringed by swaying palm trees and turquoise waters. It’s an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing or just relaxing in a hammock with a good book.
For those who love water sports, Koh Adang offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. The island’s coral reefs are home to a diverse range of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, rays and even sharks.
Accommodation options on Koh Adang are limited but include rustic bungalows and camping sites where you can sleep under the stars surrounded by nature.
In summary, Koh Adang is an off-the-beaten-track destination in Thailand that offers visitors a chance to escape from crowds and immerse themselves in nature. With its stunning beaches, hiking trails, and abundant marine life, it’s an ideal destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Koh Kradan
Koh Kradan is a small and serene island located in the Andaman Sea, off the coast of Trang Province in southern Thailand. It is one of the lesser-known islands in Thailand, which makes it a perfect destination for travelers seeking a peaceful getaway.
The island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and boasts some of the best coral reefs in the region, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. The main beach on Koh Kradan, aptly named Paradise Beach, features powdery white sand and stunning turquoise waters that are ideal for swimming or simply lounging under the sun.
Despite its small size, Koh Kradan offers several accommodation options ranging from basic bungalows to luxurious resorts. Visitors can also indulge in Thai cuisine at local restaurants or enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset over the Andaman Sea.
One of the unique features of Koh Kradan is its bioluminescent plankton that illuminates the water at night with a blue-green glow. Visitors can take part in night-time kayaking tours to witness this natural phenomenon up close.
Koh Kradan’s remote location means that there are limited transportation options available. The island can only be reached by long-tail boat from Pak Meng Pier or Trang town, which takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on weather conditions.
Overall, Koh Kradan is an idyllic destination for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty away from crowds. Its pristine beaches, clear waters, and diverse marine life make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Koh Phra Thong
Koh Phra Thong is a hidden gem located in the Andaman Sea, off the western coast of Thailand. Unlike its popular neighboring islands such as Phuket and Koh Phi Phi, Koh Phra Thong remains largely untouched by tourists, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful and secluded getaway.
The island’s name translates to “Golden Buddha Island,” owing to its stunning golden sand beaches that stretch for miles. Visitors can enjoy long walks along the beach, soak up the sun, and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. The island is also home to lush mangrove forests, which are best explored on a kayaking tour.
One of the highlights of Koh Phra Thong is its diverse wildlife. The island is home to numerous species of birds, reptiles, and mammals including monkeys and deer. Visitors can take a guided tour of the island’s wildlife sanctuary to learn more about the local flora and fauna.
Accommodation options on Koh Phra Thong are limited but unique. Visitors can choose from eco-friendly bungalows that blend seamlessly into their surroundings or luxury tents with all modern amenities. There are no big resorts or hotels on the island, ensuring that visitors have a truly authentic experience.
In terms of dining options, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood caught by local fishermen or try traditional Thai dishes at one of the island’s small restaurants.
Overall, Koh Phra Thong offers an off-the-beaten-track experience for travelers looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature. Its pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and unique accommodation options make it an unforgettable destination in Thailand.
Koh Bulon Lae
Koh Bulon Lae is a small and quiet island located in the Andaman Sea, near the border with Malaysia. This tiny paradise is perfect for those who seek to escape from the crowds and enjoy a peaceful holiday surrounded by nature.
The island has only one village where visitors can find accommodation options such as bungalows and guesthouses. The local community is very welcoming and friendly, making tourists feel at home during their stay.
One of the main attractions of Koh Bulon Lae is its beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming, snorkeling or simply sunbathing. There are also several hiking trails that lead to viewpoints where you can admire stunning panoramic views of the island.
In addition to its natural beauty, Koh Bulon Lae offers visitors the opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions. The island has a small fishing community that still practices traditional fishing methods using wooden boats and nets.
Moreover, there are several restaurants on the island where tourists can taste delicious Thai cuisine made with fresh seafood caught by the local fishermen. Some of the most popular dishes include grilled fish, spicy curries, and stir-fried vegetables.
Overall, Koh Bulon Lae is an amazing destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from mass tourism. Its natural beauty, cultural richness, and friendly community make it an unforgettable experience for any traveler looking for an off-the-beaten-track adventure in Thailand.
Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi is a small island located in the Phang Nga Bay, between Krabi and Phuket provinces. It is one of the least developed islands in Thailand, making it an ideal destination for travelers who seek peace and tranquility away from the crowds.
The island is known for its stunning natural beauty, with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush green forests. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities on the island, including snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and cycling.
One of the most popular attractions on Koh Yao Noi is the Klong Jark Waterfall. This beautiful waterfall is located in the heart of the island’s dense jungle and offers a refreshing retreat from the tropical heat. Visitors can swim in the cool pools at the base of the waterfall or hike to its upper levels for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Another must-visit attraction on Koh Yao Noi is Laem Had Beach. This secluded beach is accessible only by boat or a short hike through thick jungle. Once there, visitors can relax on its soft white sand and swim in its tranquil waters while enjoying views of limestone cliffs rising out of the sea.
Koh Yao Noi also offers visitors a unique cultural experience with its traditional fishing villages. Visitors can witness local fishermen using traditional methods to catch fish and other seafood that are then sold at local markets.
Accommodation options on Koh Yao Noi range from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts. One of the most popular places to stay on the island is Paradise KohYao Resort, which offers stunning views of Phang Nga Bay and easy access to Laem Had Beach.
Overall, Koh Yao Noi offers visitors an authentic Thai experience with its natural beauty and traditional way of life. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to escape from busy tourist destinations and immerse themselves in nature and culture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Thailand is a country with many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of busy cities and tourist hotspots, then these off-the-beaten-track tiny islands are perfect for you. From the serene beauty of Koh Kradan to the untouched wilderness of Koh Tarutao, there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to relax on pristine beaches or explore unspoiled nature, these islands offer an immersive experience that will leave a lasting impression on your mind. So why wait? Plan your trip today and discover the magic of these amazing Thai islands!