Bamboo Butterfly

During a trip to Thailand, there’s nothing else quite like island-hopping to all of the beautiful offshore islands in the area. To get to and from some of the best known islands, there are a few ways in which you may opt to travel, including by ferry boat or by air. Make the most of your tropical island experience by taking advantage of these tips and visiting each island that interests you with ease during your holiday away from home. A Thailand experience will take you to places that you have only once dreamed of!

Selecting Islands to Visit

The first thing  you will want to do before visiting Thailand is to become familiar with the different off-shore islands located around the country and what each one brings to the table. By planning what islands to visit in advance, you will have less stress and confusion while on holiday in Thailand. Some of the most popular island destinations include Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, the Phi Phi Islands and Samet Island. By making a stop at each one, you will experience how people on each island live out the tropical paradise lifestyle.

Ko Samui is s great place to enjoy the sea and the sand, along with a wide selection of restaurants and shopping destinations. Ko Pha Ngan is more laid-back with a secret hideaway feel. The Phi Phi Islands are ideal places to discover living coral reefs and sandy white beaches, while Samet Island offers more luxurious resorts for travelers on holiday.

 Traveling by Air

Because many of Thailand’s off-shore islands are so far spread apart, many people choose to fly to each one of their destinations. Before embarking on your adventure, make sure to look into the different airlines flying routes from one island to another. Check out the cost, first and foremost.  And know beforehand that availability may be limited.

Traveling by Ferry boat

Travel with ease with a ferry boat. Many ferry boats are available to take travelers from the mainland to off-shore islands. A half- hour ferry boat ride from Surat Thani can take you directly to Ko Samui. Ferry boats are an ideal method of transportation because they are not only a fast and efficient way of traveling, but are typically less expensive than flying from point A to point B.

 Water Taxi Services

Getting from island to island is also made possible through water taxi services. These water taxis offer ports at each island and can take you to other destinations within close proximity. Be sure to pay close attention and follow signs to your desired destination so that you do not end up on lost on another island  you are not familiar with.

Taxi Cab Services

Getting around Thailand’s many off-shore islands on land can be confusing for the first time traveler. Because renting a car is not always an option on small islands, taxi cab services are ready and able to take you around. Typically, taxis are waiting at ferry and boat ports that can take you to your hotel for a small fee. Once at the hotel, complimentary bus services may be available for island use or taxi cab stations can be found in select areas around the island. Note: When using a taxi in Thailand, you are responsible for all highway toll fees the driver may encounter (I didn’t know this my first visit and had an embarrassing moment).

These are just a few tips for getting around the country.  If you have any other suggestions, please feel free to share them below!