The island hop: Exploring Thailand

The very best to see, eat, and shop across four different islands in Thailand

Our pathfinders, Anushee and Ayla Hashwani, hop across four different islands in Thailand, listing the very best to see, eat, and shop



Koh Phi Phi Islands

Recommended for:

Adventurers or outdoor sport enthusiasts



Activities:

This island has plenty of high and low cliff terrains, making cliff jumping a popular sport on the island.

Diving is a leading activity on the island and has a number of professional PADI dive centers, which offer top-notch courses and guidance. We recommend the Sea Bees Dive Centre at the Holiday Inn Resort, which has the top instructors in the region.

Tonsai Tower, located at the western end of Tonsai Bay, is the rock climbers’ haven in Phi Phi; this is a 200m high limestone tower that has over 48 different bolted routes.

The shark-watching tours will leave you with unforgettable memories as you get up close and personal with Blacktip reef sharks that are gentle and harmless. We recommend booking a tour with the Adventure Club that hosts the top tours on the island.



Where to stay

The Zeavola Island Resort 



Where to eat

Head out to the Ton Sai Seafood Restaurant that has an endless boat-like display featuring the freshest array of seafood you can ask for. The venue has a busy open kitchen, where customers can watch their food being cooked. We recommend the kingfish steak, which is grilled to perfection in scrumptious Thai spices.





Where to eat

Be sure to try a banana pancake from mobile vendors all around town. The pancakes are spread with condensed milk, stacked and then cut into wedges with coconut cream and flakes.

The Soi Food Court is in the Parong Promenade. Offering enormous portions of lip-smacking barbeque delights, bottomless root beers and live music, this place has a waiting list every night and is definitely worth the wait.



Phuket

Recommended for:

Night-life lovers

Activities:

The Safari Elephant Club takes you on an elephant trekking tour through the mountain overlooking Relax Bay.

Phuket FantaSea is a cultural theme park with spectacular shows every hour, an array of restaurants, and a shopping street all inspired by Thai mythology, folklore and legends.



The limestone cliffs of Phang Nga are a sight to see, as the sheer limestone juts vertically out of the emerald-green water. This quiet cruise will allow you to enjoy peaceful swims in the shallow waters, with many opportunities for fantastic photos.

Bangla Road comes to life after sunset and turns into a 400-meter festival of neon lights, blazing music and inexpensive food and drink. The lively outdoors setting allows you to mingle with the locals, and hop around from place to place into the late hours of the night.

Tao Nightclub Phuket offers non-stop entertainment and live performances, and the place is crowded throughout the night. The Chinese-style table tops and tuk-tuk roof decoration creates a unique theme for an eclectic style of entertainment.



Where to stay

Radisson Blu Plaza Resort Phuket Panwa Beach



Koh Samui 

Recommended for:

Family bonding

Activities

The Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo has Thailand’s tropical favourites above and below the water. This is the ideal place for animal lovers, who can see an array of beautiful animals they have never seen before.



The Snake Farm showcases impeccable shows with snake wranglers that goad the most poisonous and scary snakes in Asia.

The picturesque Na Muang Waterfall has rocks and tree roots forming a natural staircase leading to the base of the fall. There is also a natural pool under the waterfall that provides a cool escape from the heat.

The Sky Fox Cable Ride is ideal for those who desire speed and thrill. Experience pure freedom as you fly like a bird, and slide along the cables from platform to platform.



Where to stay

Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa



Where to eat

Head to Food Point to eat some deliciously unhealthy food and carb-loaded traditional late-night treats after a hectic day out. The joint serves affordable eats and huge servings for big groups to share. Try its customary kebabs that melt in your mouth, ending with some good old creamy homemade ice cream.



We recommend heading to Nikki Beach, which is a trendy beach club with an expansive buffet, live band and performances, beach barbeques, and film screenings. This festive arena offers top service, thus attracting a fashionable crowd and partygoers who rave through the day with friends and family. Their extensive menu is appealing for all tastes, offering Thai, Italian, French and Japanese cuisines.



Ko Phangan 

Recommended for:

Hedonists

Activities:

The Full Moon parties are a major attraction for tourists on the little island of Ko Phangan. Most of the action takes place on Haad Rin Nok (Sunset Beach). The beach is lined up with speakers playing all genres of music. If you don’t like the music on one part of the beach you can simply move to another. There are also plenty of fire shows to keep you entertained.

The island bears beautiful locations for mountaintop and beachside yoga and meditation where many enjoy pursuing their inner self. Recommended is the Koh Tahm Meditation Centre.

Haad Rin Nok beach is great for a swim during the day as well. At night the right side of the beach is lit up with restaurants and bars serving Thai and international cuisines.

Bottle beach is an isolated beach, for access you need to hop onto a long-tail boat to get there, but if you are in the mood for an adventure there is also a two-hour jungle trail to this beach.

Haad Salad beach used to be a pirates’ hideout, where they waited until their ships were full of booty and slaves before setting off. Set in a cove surrounded by high jungle hills, this beach basks in beauty and serenity.

In Thong Sala, the main town on Ko Phangan, vendors set up shop selling local goods, fruits, vegetables, delicious Thai food, new and secondhand clothes, hair accessories, sunglasses, CDs by local bands, and jewellery.



Where to stay

Chantarama Resort and Spa

Havana Beach Resort Phangan



Where to eat

Vintage Burgers is a Portugese gourmet burger joint with a laid-back vibe, offering six different types of burgers with homemade salt-oregano French fries.

Bamboo Hut offers cushions for you to lounge on and enjoy the breeze and view of the bay. Delicious Thai food, considered the best on this bay, can be had in large portions and with fair prices.