Long-haul
Thailand island hopping: the route, the boats and the hotels
The longtail boat thuds across turquoise water towards limestone cliffs. How to plan Thailand island hopping in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, and where to stay on each island.
The longtail boat thuds across the turquoise water, the engine hammering and spray flying over the side. Ahead, limestone cliffs rise straight out of the sea, draped in green jungle. The skipper points to a beach you can only reach by boat, and you understand why people come back to Thailand year after year.
Thailand has hundreds of islands, and the best way to see them is to visit several. Here is the route we would follow, when to go and the hotels on each island.
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The Andaman Sea or the Gulf of Thailand?
Thailand has two island regions with different climates, and that decides where you should go.
Andaman Sea (west coast): Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Koh Yao. Dramatic limestone cliffs. Best from November to April.
Gulf of Thailand (east coast): Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Calmer seas and palm-lined beaches. Often driest from January to August, wettest October to December.
For a winter or Christmas trip, the Andaman Sea is the safer choice. In summer the Gulf is better. Read more in our guide to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
The route: two weeks in the Andaman Sea
Phuket or Krabi: fly in, stay a night near the airport or take the boat straight out.
Koh Yao Yai: a quiet island in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, looking out on the karst islands.
Railay: the peninsula near Krabi reachable only by boat, with climbing cliffs and caves.
Phi Phi: the best known island group, with Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh, which is sometimes closed to let nature recover.
Koh Lanta: long beaches, a relaxed feel and great sunsets.
Ferries and speedboats between the islands run often in high season, and many hotels will help arrange transfers.
Book the experience: See boat trips and island hopping from Krabi
The hotels on the islands
Pick one hotel with a little extra on each island and stay at least two nights, so you have time to swim and not just pack.
Koh Yao Yai
Anantara Koh Yao Yai looks out over Phang Nga Bay.
Koh Yao Yai: Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort and Villas
Koh Yao Yai lies between Phuket and Krabi and is still quiet, with rubber plantations and small villages. The resort sits on a hillside overlooking the bay and the karst islands.
It is a good first stop to land after the long flight, with a pool and several restaurants.
Book your stay: See rooms at Anantara Koh Yao Yai
Railay
Rayavadee sits on the Railay peninsula near Krabi.
Railay: Rayavadee
Railay can only be reached by boat, and Rayavadee sits in a coconut grove between three beaches and the cliffs. In the morning you see climbers hanging on the walls above the sand.
The pavilions are spread through the gardens, and guests praise the staff. Read more in our guide to Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands.
Book your stay: See rooms at Rayavadee
Phi Phi: SAii Phi Phi Island Village
On Phi Phi Don, SAii has its own beach on the northeast side, away from the parties in the village. From here you take boats to Maya Bay and snorkelling around Phi Phi Leh.
Book your stay: See rooms at SAii Phi Phi Island Village
Koh Lanta
Layana sits on a long sandy beach on Koh Lanta.
Koh Lanta: Layana Resort and Spa
Koh Lanta is calmer than Phi Phi, with long beaches along the west coast and sunsets over the Andaman Sea. Layana is an adults-only resort with a pool leading down to the beach.
It is a good place to end the trip with a few days without plans.
Book your stay: See rooms at Layana Resort
Koh Tao
Jamahkiri sits on the rocks above Shark Bay on Koh Tao.
Bonus in the Gulf: Jamahkiri Resort, Koh Tao
If you travel in summer, Koh Tao in the Gulf is one of Asia’s best known places to learn to dive. Jamahkiri sits on the rocks above Shark Bay, with a pool and sea views.
Book your stay: See rooms at Jamahkiri Resort
When is the best time for island hopping in Thailand?
In the Andaman Sea, November to April is high season, with calm seas and the most sunshine. May to October is monsoon season on the west coast, with bigger waves and some boat routes running less often. In the Gulf of Thailand it is often driest from January to August.
When should you book?
Christmas, New Year and February half-term: book hotels four to six months ahead.
Boats: speedboats and ferries can be booked a few days ahead, but book early around holidays.
Flexibility: choose hotels with free cancellation so you can adjust the route as you go.
Thailand island hopping FAQ
Which islands should you choose for island hopping in Thailand?
In the Andaman Sea, Koh Yao Yai, Railay, Phi Phi and Koh Lanta make a classic route. In the Gulf, you can combine Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
When is the best time for island hopping in Thailand?
The Andaman Sea is best from November to April. The Gulf of Thailand is often driest from January to August. Choose your coast by when you travel.
How long should you stay on each island?
At least two nights per island, ideally three. Four stops fit well into two weeks.
How do you travel between islands in Thailand?
By ferry, speedboat and longtail boat. Tickets are sold at the piers, through agencies or your hotel, and many routes run several times a day in high season.
Where should I stay when island hopping in Thailand?
Stay at Anantara Koh Yao Yai for peace, Rayavadee on Railay for the cliffs, SAii on Phi Phi and Layana on Koh Lanta to finish on the beach.