Thailand is one of the best places to visit in the world. It is cheap, has friendly people, great food, a rich culture and an amazing variety of sites to visit. You can relax on amazing beaches, hike great mountains, dive spectacular coral reefs, visit ancient historical sites, explore great caves, and hang out in exciting and fast paced cities. However, most people come for the beaches and, these beaches and tropical islands are the best reason to come to Thailand. However, Thailand has hundreds of tropical islands to choose from. Most tourists stick to a few of the popular Thai islands and with good reason. They wouldn’t be popular if they weren’t good. However, despite Thailand being firmly on the tourist trail, there are still some undiscovered islands in Thailand. Here’s some tropical Thai islands that are relatively undeveloped:
Ko Lipe is a small island in the Southern Thai province of Satun and is situated in the Andaman Sea. The island is part of the Tarutao National Marine Park. The name “Ko Lipe” means paper island in the local Chao Ley language. Though this island is slowly becoming more discovered, it is still a relatively hidden place. There are reefs for diving right off the island, white sand beaches, cheap food, and a very friendly populace. Most places only have electricity until midnight, giving you a nice place to watch the stars at night. Avoid the holiday season when the crowds peak.
Ko Tarutao National Park consists of 51 islands in the Andaman Sea. Ko Tarutao is the main island in the park and where the park has its headquarters. There is not accommodation here but the park tents and dorms and the only food here is the island canteen. Electricity goes out at midnight. It’s a very rustic experience but a great way to avoid crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet.
The island of Ko Chang is a tropical marine national park. Situated in the east near the Cambodian border, it’s Thailand’s second largest island after Phuket. Recently, with the surge in development and popularity, Ko Chang is Thailand’s new popular tourist destination. With its chain of white sandy coves and beaches, pristine rain forests, abundant wildlife, coral reefs, high mountain peaks, waterfalls, and great nightlife, Ko Chang is one of Thailand’s most sought after holiday destinations. If you stick to the east side of the island, there is very little development and you can still enjoy a holiday away from the crowds.
The Similan Islands are composed of nine granite islands washed by a clear blue tropical ocean and blessed with some of the world’s finest beaches. Despite a rough start, the Similians and all its reefs have recovered from earlier calamities and overuse. Boats entering the Similan Islands have to follow strict rules imposed and controlled by the national park officials, have to use the moorings prepared by the national park and use closed waste water systems to avoid any pollution.
Ko Lanta is popular with tourists seeking a holiday away from the parties. It’s popular with a more relaxed crowd than nearby Ko Phi Phi: more walking on the beach and watching the sunset than drinking and dancing. And even when the island is at its fullest, there will be a quiet place for you to relax – the beaches are never full.
Thailand is a great place to visit tropical islands. If you really want tropical paradise, you need to avoid the major tropical islands and visit some of the destinations above. You’ll beat the crowds, pay less money, and have a more relaxing time.
