Updated: June 2025
I’m a beach lover, palm tree admirer, sun worshipper, seaside regular, thalassophile, sunset stalker, and coconut collector. Basically—if it involves the sea, I’m all in. ☀️🌴🌊
So, it’s no surprise that my dream vacation involves island hopping in the tropics—and southern Thailand is exactly the place to do it.
Thailand is home to so many stunning islands, each with its own vibe, beaches, and hidden gems. But with so many to choose from, it can feel overwhelming deciding which ones to visit. My tip? Don’t rush it.
If you have 20 days, I recommend visiting 4–5 islands at most, and staying 3–4 days on each. This gives you enough time to:
Explore the beaches and viewpoints
Try local food and nightlife
Discover hidden coves and snorkel spots
Actually relax and enjoy the island life
🧳 Warning: Trying to squeeze in 10–15 islands in 20 days sounds exciting—but trust me, it turns your vacation into a stressful checklist of boats, check-ins, and ferry rides. You’ll end up missing the magic of each place.
Choosing the Right Islands for Your Trip
Southern Thailand is famous for its tropical archipelagos, pristine beaches, and some of the most breathtaking islands in all of Asia. It’s a sun-soaked playground for snorkelers, divers, and anyone who’s happiest with salty hair and sandy toes. 🐠🌞
But with so many options, the big question is:
How do you choose the right islands for your trip?
To help you narrow it down, I’ve handpicked a few of my absolute favorite islands in the Andaman Sea—chosen for their:
Natural beauty
Crystal-clear waters
Laid-back tropical vibe
These are places where you’ll truly feel like you’ve escaped to paradise.
🛥️ Important Tip:
If you’re planning to island hop, make sure to travel during Thailand’s high season (November to May). Outside of this window, many boat routes shut down due to rough seas and strong winds—and your island-hopping adventure could turn into a logistical headache.
TRAVEL PLAN:
Phuket Airport ARRIVAL
Koh Yao 4 nights
Koh Phi Phi 5 nights
Koh Mook 4 nights
Koh Lipe 5 nights
Hat Yai Airport DEPARTURE
⚓️DAY 1: Getting from Phuket Airport to Koh Yao
Once you arrive at Phuket International Airport, getting to Koh Yao is straightforward and hassle-free.
🚕 Step 1: Taxi to Bang Rong Pier
Right outside the airport, you’ll find plenty of taxis ready to take you to Bang Rong Pier — the main departure point for boats heading to Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi.
💰 Cost: Around 500 THB (~15 USD)
🕒 Travel time: Approximately 30 minutes
🛥️ Step 2: Boat to Koh Yao
From Bang Rong Pier, boats to Koh Yao leave regularly, with departures almost every hour. You can choose between:
Speedboats (faster and more comfortable)
Longtail boats (more scenic and traditional)
💡 Tip: No need to book in advance — just show up at the pier, buy your ticket, and hop on the next available boat.
🧳 After checking into your hotel on Koh Yao, take it easy. Grab a fresh coconut, walk along the beach, and settle into island time — your adventure has officially begun.
🏝️ Days 1–5: Exploring Koh Yao Yai & Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao is truly one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets — and I absolutely love it here. The island is actually made up of two separate islands:
Koh Yao Yai (the “big long island”)
Koh Yao Noi (the “small long island”)
Both are beautiful, peaceful, and perfect for travelers looking to escape the crowds. You can easily visit both during your stay — boats run frequently between them, and you can even bring your motorbike across by boat!
🛵 Best way to get around?
Rent a motorbike and go exploring.
Drive through quiet rural villages, past water buffalo in green rice fields, and find your way to hidden beaches and secret viewpoints. It’s the kind of place where you’ll rarely see another tourist on the road.
🌅 Where we stayed
We based ourselves on Koh Yao Noi because I adore the views of Phang Nga Bay. The sight of limestone karsts rising dramatically from the sea gives the whole place a prehistoric, almost dreamlike vibe — it’s truly unforgettable.
💡 Good to know
Koh Yao remains incredibly quiet and authentic. You’ll find one 7-Elevens, a few ATMs, and that’s about it — no big resorts, no traffic, and definitely no party scene.
It’s still hard to believe a place this peaceful exists so close to bustling Phuket and famous Krabi, yet feels like time has stood still here.
The beaches here are often completely deserted, even during high season — it feels like you have the entire island to yourself. Your biggest decision of the day might be choosing which cocktail to sip while watching the sun go down.
If you’re dreaming of tranquil vibes, soothing massages, yoga by the sea, quiet reading sessions, and soul-stirring sunsets, then Koh Yao is your ideal escape.
This island might just be one of the last truly unspoiled places in Thailand — peaceful, authentic, and blissfully slow-paced.
🌴 15 Best Things to Do on Koh Yao Yai & Koh Yao Noi: The Ultimate Guide
From hidden beaches and stunning viewpoints to unforgettable boat trips and local culture — here are 15 handpicked activities to help you make the most of your time in this tropical paradise.
🏡 Where to Stay in Koh Yao?
Koh Yao Noi offers a wide range of accommodation options — from budget-friendly beach bungalows to ultra-luxurious resorts that attract honeymooners and even the occasional celebrity.
We personally stayed in a budget bungalows at Sabai Corner Bungalows, and we absolutely loved it.
The owner kindly let us stay there with our small dog, and the experience was perfect from start to finish. The manager was incredibly helpful and welcoming — she gave us insider tips on the best places to visit, helped us organize a boat trip, and truly made us feel at home.
They also have a charming little restaurant serving some of the tastiest food I’ve ever had in Thailand — simple, delicious, and full of flavor.
✨ Looking for luxury?
Koh Yao is home to some of Thailand’s most stunning luxury resorts. If you’re in the mood to splurge, check out:
Six Senses Yao Noi– world-renowned eco-luxury resort
Coastal Escape Villas – beachfront elegance with private pools
Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort and Spa – Thai-style opulence with epic sea views
Whether you’re after a peaceful bungalow by the beach or a five-star romantic escape, Koh Yao has something for everyone.
KOH YAO NOI HOTELS
Luxury $$$:
Cape Kudu Hotel
Tree House Villas- Adults Only
Coastal Escape Koh Yao Noi
Mid-range $$:
Purana Resort Koh Yao Noi
Awana Villa Resort YaoNoi
Hill House Koh Yao Noi
Budget $:
The Khao Bay View
Antonio’s Ko Yao Noi BED & BBQ
Sabai Corner Bungalow
KOH YAO YAI HOTELS
Luxury $$$:
Anantara Koh Yao Yai
Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa
Elixir Koh Yao Yai
Mid- range $$:
Esmeralda View Resort
Yao Yai Beach Resort
Resting Place Koh Yao Yai
Budget $:
Koh Yao Modern Inn
Koh Yao Yai Sea Breeze House
Green Mountain Resort Koh Yao
🌟 Highlights of Koh Yao Island
There are a few experiences on Koh Yao that truly stand out and make this island unforgettable:
🏖 Lam Haad Beach (Koh Yao Yai) – This stunning beach peninsula is one of the most picturesque spots on the island. When the tide is low, a long sandbar appears, creating a dreamy beach path.
🐟 Incredible seafood – Koh Yao is a paradise for seafood lovers. Freshly caught and cooked to perfection.
🌴 Rubber tree fields – Drive through the island’s interior and you’ll come across peaceful rubber plantations, a unique and beautiful part of Koh Yao’s local charm.
🚤 Boat trip to Koh Hong – Don’t miss this! A short ride away, Koh Hong is known for its emerald lagoon, dramatic limestone cliffs, and snorkeling opportunities. You can easily book a half-day or full-day trip from Koh Yao Noi.
🚤 Day 5: Travel from Koh Yao to Koh Phi Phi
The fastest and easiest way to get from Koh Yao to Koh Phi Phi is by speedboat.
💰 Cost: around 1300 THB per person
⏰ Duration: approximately 1.5 hour (depending on sea conditions and company)
📍 Departure: Most boats leave from Manoh Pier (Koh Yao Noi) or Chong Lard Pier (Koh Yao Yai)
Tip: It’s a good idea to book in advance, especially during high season, as boats can fill up quickly.
🏝 Day 5-10: Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi Don is the largest of the Phi Phi Islands, but still incredibly compact — just 8 x 3.5 km. The main village, Ton Sai, is walkable from one side to the other in about 20 minutes. Despite its size, this little island packs a punch when it comes to adventure, fun, and tropical beauty.
During the day, there’s no shortage of activities:
🤿 Snorkeling or scuba diving with reef sharks
🛶 Kayaking along limestone cliffs
🎣 Fishing trips with local guides
🥾 Short hikes to viewpoints
🌞 Lounging on white-sand beaches
🏊♂️ Joining one of the island’s legendary pool parties
👉 READ HERE: READ HERE: HOW TO SPEND 3 DAYS IN KOH PHI PHI
🌟 Highlights of Koh Phi Phi
🦈 Scuba diving & snorkeling – Spotting small reef sharks and colorful coral reefs is a must-do. Phi Phi has some of Thailand’s best dive sites.
🏝 Day trip to Bamboo Island – A postcard-perfect escape with white powder sand and crystal-clear water.
🌊 Exploring azure lagoons – Take a private boat to see Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Beach, and Loh Samah Bay.
🌅 Sunrise hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint – One of the most iconic photo spots in Thailand. The early wake-up call is 100% worth it.
🔥 Beach parties & fire shows – After sunset, the island turns lively with beach bars, fire dancers, and good vibes.
🚤 Day 10 – Transfer from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Mook
Getting from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Mook is surprisingly easy during high season.
The most convenient way is by speedboat, which takes around 2.5 hours and costs approximately 1,400 THB per person. Boats typically run once per day, so it’s a good idea to book in advance.
🛑 Traveling in low season?
During the off-season (typically June to October), direct boat services may be limited or unavailable due to rough sea conditions.
In that case, the best route is:
🛥 Phi Phi to Krabi by boat
🚐 Land transfer from Krabi to Trang Province (about 2.5 hours)
🛶 From Kuan Tung Ku Pier, take a 30-minute longtail or speedboat to Koh Mook
🏝️ Day 10–14 – Koh Mook
Koh Mook is another hidden gem in the Andaman Sea. It’s a little bigger than some of its neighboring islands, which means there are more accommodation options — but it still holds on to that raw, untouched charm.
The island has a relaxed atmosphere, chilled vibes, and incredibly friendly locals. Compared to the more developed Thai islands, Koh Mook feels like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse of what many islands were like 20 years ago.
There are two main beaches on the island:
Had Farang Beach (on the west coast): A great spot to enjoy the sunset, with a few laid-back restaurants and bars.
Sivalai Beach (on the east coast): A jaw-dropping stretch of soft white sand curving into turquoise waters — one of the most stunning beaches you’ll ever see.
Koh Mook is just 11 km from Koh Ngai and 8 km from Koh Kradan, making it a perfect base for island-hopping day trips and some of the best snorkeling in the area.
🛏️ Where to Stay in Koh Mook?
If your budget allows, treat yourself to a few nights at Koh Mook Sivalai Resort,. Waking up on that dreamy stretch of white sand is absolutely priceless.
We personally stayed at Inhale @ hill which is a fabulous and pet-friendly option — highly recommended if you’re traveling with your furry friend.
If you’re traveling on a budget, don’t worry — Koh Mook has some great affordable stays too. Check out:
SeaSide Home- cozy and close to the beach
Mook Montra Resort Seafront– budget-friendly with sea views
Cashewnut Bungalow – charming and tucked away in nature
🌟 The Highlights of Koh Mook:
Exploring the Emerald Cave (a hidden lagoon only accessible by swimming through a cave)
Island trekking to the viewpoint and Secret Beach
A boat trip to Koh Kradan for more snorkeling and crystal-clear waters
Dinner at Ko Yao Viewpoint Restaurant (great food with a view)
And if you’re lucky… dugong spotting off the coast!
🧭 You can find the full guide here: KOH MOOK ULTIMATE GUIDE
🚤 Day 14: Boat from Koh Mook to Koh Lipe
Getting from Koh Mook to Koh Lipe is straightforward during the high season. Daily speedboats run between the islands, and the journey takes around 2 hours.
💡 Tip: Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak months (December to March), as boats can fill up quickly.
🏝️ Day 14–19: Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is one of my absolute favorite islands in Thailand. I come here a couple of times a year — it’s the perfect place to escape and catch up with friends.
There are no cars on the island, but if you’re feeling lazy, you can hop on a motorbike taxi. After the peaceful, undeveloped vibe of Koh Mook, arriving on Koh Lipe will feel like a return to civilization — but don’t worry, it’s still very relaxed and charming.
The island has two main beaches:
Pattaya Beach – beautiful but very shallow during low tide, so it’s not ideal for swimming all day.
Sunrise Beach – my personal recommendation if you want good swimming conditions and easy access to off-the-beach snorkeling.
There’s also a smaller Sunset Beach, which is more quiet and secluded — perfect for those wanting a peaceful retreat.
All the restaurants, bars, and shops are conveniently located along Walking Street, the lively pedestrian lane that connects all the beaches.
Koh Lipe is so beautiful that you’ll be perfectly happy just soaking up the island vibes without needing to do much else. Swimming in the crystal-clear turquoise waters and rolling around on the soft, powdery sand will keep you content all day long. Every now and then, sneak off for a relaxing massage, sip on a cool coconut, and enjoy some people watching.
If you’re in the mood for a little nightlife, Koh Lipe has you covered. The scene is mostly chill — think laid-back beach bars and a couple of cool reggae spots with beanbags right on Pattaya Beach, perfect for sipping a mojito or two under the stars.
🏨 Where to Stay in Koh Lipe?
Koh Lipe has accommodation for every budget. On Sunrise Beach, you’ll find some fantastic resorts like Mali Resort Sunrise Beach, Ten Moons Lipe Resort , and the luxurious Serendipity Beach Resort.— perfect if you want comfort and style.
If you’re on a tighter budget, I recommend Forra Dive Resort, also on Sunrise Beach. It offers simple bamboo huts but has an amazing beachfront location — ideal for those who want to be close to the sea without spending too much.
Luxury $$$:
Serendipity Beach Resort Koh Lipe
AKIRA Lipe Resort
Mid-Range $$:
Castaway Resort Koh Lipe
Wapi Resort
Mali Resort Pattaya Beach
Lipe Banyan Apartment
Budget Hotels $:
The Chic Lipe
The Sunflower Lipe
Forra Dive Resort Sunrise Beach
Bloom Cafe & Hostel
READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE:
⇒ WHERE TO STAY IN KOH LIPE
🌟 The Highlight of Koh Lipe:
The stunning sandy bank at the end of Sunrise Beach 🏖️
Kayaking & snorkeling adventures 🛶🤿
Delicious breakfast at Cafe Tropical 🥐☕
Happy hour vibes at Zodiac Bar 🍹🎶
Day 20 ✈️
From Koh Lipe to Hat Yai Airport
To get back to the mainland, I recommend booking a combined ticket for both the boat transfer and airport shuttle — it’s an easy way to save some money.
The closest airports to Koh Lipe are Hat Yai and Trang. Some airlines, like Nok Air, even offer through-ticketing from Lipe all the way to Bangkok (and back), making your journey hassle-free.
So… this would be my ideal plan for spending 20 days island hopping in the south of Thailand 🌴🌊✨
You can always throw in a couple of days on Koh Lanta, Koh Kradan, or Koh Ngai — they’re all beautiful spots worth exploring. The best thing about Thailand? You don’t need to over-plan. Just go with the flow and let the islands surprise you! 🛶🌅
Feeling inspired and ready to visit Thailand? 🇹🇭✈️
Check out my guide on How to find a cheap flight to Thailand and start planning your adventure without breaking the bank! 💸🌴
