im currently in Australia, have been for about 6 weeks now. i fly to thailand on the 23rd Jan, to the north, and am making my way down south. i want to visit some good islands, but its hard choosing as theres so many!
so far ive whittled it down to...
Ko Jum
Ko Rok
Ko Ra
Ko Lanta
Ko Chang
Ko Muk
Koh Adang
Koa Lao Liang
Ko Mak
Ko Tao
Ko Phi Phi Don/Lei
are there any that aren't worth going to as one of the others are better etc? or are the same?
i definately want to go to Phi Phi, but im open to the rest. id like nice beaches with lots of turquoise water etc... you get the picture :-D
any help greatly appreciated
thanks
Reply to this I prefer the islands in the southwest as they have more dramatic kharst scenery. The islands in the Gulf of Thailand are less scenic (Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, and Ko Tao are the major ones but without kharst, although a nearby national park does have such scenery), but are still very nice, especially for snorkeling or diving.
You arrive at the southwest islands either through:
- Phuket, which is a large island with plenty to do, with wild nightlife at Patong Beach, and more peaceful settings along the many bays. Phuket has the shortest access to Ko Phi Phi. Phi Phi is a favorite with backpackers, although more expensive than most islands
or through
- Krabi, next to Ao Nang beach on the mainland. Krabi/Ao Nang is closest to Railay Beach. While Railay is not an island, it appears so as the kharst mountains separate it from the mainland, so no roads and traffic. Railay is in my opinion the most beautiful "island," which caters to rock climbers at one end and to couples and families on the beaches. Railay is expensive for Thailand, but you can find some cheaper accommodations. Krabi also is the gateway to Ko Lanta, which is very peaceful and cheap.
I wouldn't compare Ko Chang to any of the southern islands. I don't know about the others on you list. Perhaps other bloggers can help.
Reply to this Some of the islands on that list don't have accommodation of any kind.
The best web resource on the islands of Thailand, showing both cheap bungalows and high-end resorts, is this www.thebeachfrontclub.com
It shows exactly where each of the bungalows are situation on each island.
Have fun.
Reply to this My personal preference would be for Ko Adang or Ko Taratao. Both these islands, especially Ko Adang, have the turquoise water you require, and you can enjoy it on a beach that you will most likely have to yourself. You will have to stay in national park accommodation or a tent, but it is well worth it. Both islands still have almost complete forest cover and plenty of animals, as well as some spectacular viewpoints if you're willing to put in the leg work. If all this sounds gets too remote, then you can hop over to the more developed Ko Lipe, for cocktails and great food!
India this is not. Reply to this 
