We’re down with Koh Phi Phi… by Ben & Jenny

While planning my trip to the beaches in Thailand, I’ve been wondering just what type of destination I’m looking for - quiet and relaxing, famous and worthy of a hollywood movie, filled with activities…the possibilities seem endless. So I’ve gathered some highlights RealTravelers have shared about different islands that may be helpful to anyone planning an upcoming trip:

On the beaten path
Sometimes, you just want to see what the fuss is all about:

Ko Phi Phi Don

“We got to enjoy doing many of the things that people enjoy doing on pretty beaches, like laying out on the sand and swimming in the pristine ocean.” (more…)

Like Jan and Lee, you may be inclined to say “We were originally going to stay in Phi Phi for 2 nights but ended up staying 6!” (more…)

Ko Samui

“It’s Thailands 2nd largest island and relatively touristy but the soft sands and bath water temperature seas that make it so popular, are truly magnificent.” (more…)

Partying Under the Moon
The half moon, the full moon, there’s always something to celebrate here:

Koh Phangan

“The hour long crossing brought us to Had Rin, the southernmost town and most developed, as well as the location of the world famous Full Moon Party in two days. We caught a minibus, which took us to a sawngthew that brought us the rest of the way to Ao Thong Nai Pan Yai on the northeast corner of the island. The drive was crowded and bumpy, but it afforded us some spectacular scenery, as we crossed through the dense jungle interior of the island, littered with bizarre, enormous boulders and occasional lookouts. An hour and a half after departing Had Rin, we arrived at the paradise we had been looking for.” (more…)

Under the Sea or up the Cliff
Bored of lazing about on the beach? Theses island are known for their sports:

Railay - Rock climbing

“This beach was quite unique in its location and type of tourist. For one it is every rock climber’s dream place to climb as the beach is surrounded by inviting mountains just begging for attention. For even though it is not an island it feels like one as it is coved in by huge rocks making it accessible only via boat or a treacherous hike/climb across the rocks.” (more…)

Ko Tao - Diving

“Koh Tao is very Dive orientated, the beach is lined with dive schools and the two main roads heading up from the beach are busy with beach wear shops, bars and restaurants. We stayed at the Insome, a small little hotel 5 minutes from the beach/dive school which proved a perfect location for us, but it could have done with some air conditioning! The shop and restaurant fronts are lined with sandals as it is courtesy to removed your shoes when going inside. They whole place had a really nice atmosphere, the locals were really friendly and the community was small enough that you kept bumping into people you met on the dive course.” (more…)

Niamh and Cathal recommend Scuba Junction:

“Really good diving school. They couldn’t be more helpful or professional. When I was worried, they just the skills day again until I was confident, meaning we’d be taking up an instructor for a whole extra day at no extra cost.

They ensure that there are no more than 4 people in a group, so you get really good attention from the instructor and all the other instructors keep an eye on you as well. The equipment is in really good condition as well. Highly recommended if you want to do a dive course.” (more…)

If you just want to relax…

Koh Lanta

“This island is completely different to Koh Tao. Its all very beach orientated, and has got much more of a hippy vibe. The sunsets are the best here. Every evening at around 5.30 we go to the coffee asylum on the beach as it is happy hour, and we sit in hammocks sipping SangSong and coke whilst watching the sunset…. not a bad life. The night life isnt as lively here as on Koh Tao, but never the less we’ve enjoyed the sunbathing, hanging out in Irie ( the rasta bar), chilling in the hammocks watching the fire throwers, or having our own beach parties with our crew that have joined us from Koh Tao with a few cheap bottles of Thai whisky!” (more…)

See you there!

Useful Links
Thailand Travel Blogs
Beaches in Thailand

Have your own favorite beaches and islands in Thailand to share? Go the the RealTravel forums and share your favorites.