Island Hopping Thailand: How to Actually Do It

It’s easier than it looks on a map

Looking at Thailand’s islands for the first time, it seems impossibly complicated — dozens of islands, multiple ferry operators, different piers, different seasons. I spent an embarrassing amount of time planning my first island-hopping trip. Then I did it and realized it’s basically one decision tree.

Choose your coast first

Gulf of Thailand (east): Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao. Better for diving (visibility is excellent), more budget options, the Full Moon Party if that’s your thing. Season: December through April.
Andaman Sea (west): Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lipe. More dramatic limestone scenery, prettier snorkeling in many spots, generally more expensive. Best season: November through April.

Don’t island-hop between coasts — you’d have to go back through Bangkok.

A Gulf Coast loop that works well

Bangkok → overnight train → Surat Thani → ferry to Koh Tao (3–4 nights for diving) → ferry to Koh Phangan (2–3 nights) → ferry to Koh Samui (2–3 nights) → fly back to Bangkok. The whole thing costs surprisingly little — ferry transfers between the Gulf islands are ฿300–500.

An Andaman route I love

Fly Bangkok to Krabi → Ao Nang base for 2–3 nights → speed boat to Koh Phi Phi (2 nights) → ferry to Koh Lanta (3–4 nights for a slower pace) → fly Krabi to Bangkok. More scenic than the Gulf route, slightly pricier, but the Andaman limestone scenery is hard to beat.

What I’d skip

Trying to hit more than 3–4 islands in two weeks. Each ferry transfer is half a day — travelling more than you’re staying ruins the rhythm. I’ve met people who spent more time on boats than on beaches. Pick fewer, stay longer.