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There is the perfect beach vacation we all dream of. White sand under your feet, an ice cold drink in your hand and the tranquil sounds of the palm trees blowing in the wind and turquoise waves crashing on the shore. Total tranquility.
…Then there is the beach holiday that we actually get. Somehow fighting for overpriced beach chairs at crowded beaches amid blaring music, screaming children and unruly tourists, you can never live up to the seaside tranquility you envisioned.
Recently it can feel like a truly relaxing beach vacation doesn’t exist for the everyday traveler. Instagram seems to convince you that maxing out your credit cards in a private villa in the Maldives is the only way to get a true island paradise without the crowds.
But there is a better way.
Thailand is known for its incredible beaches, serious affordability and friendly locals. Although this Southeast Asian destination is a tourist hot spot with lots of bustling beach crowds, some of the 1,430 islands remain closely guarded secrets.
Here are five uncharted islands in Thailand to experience paradise without the crowds:
Ko Mac
The small island of Koh Mak, located off the east coast of Thailand, usually flies under the radar compared to neighboring backpacker hub Koh Chang. But if you’re looking for a quieter experience, Koh Mak is the island for you.
With only 10 square kilometers to its name, Koh Mak often surprises visitors with just how much virgin beaches they can find everything for themselves by walking or cycling around the island for a few minutes.
You won’t find plastic bucket drinks, nightclubs, jet ski rentals, or big resorts here. Instead, there are a few serene beach bungalows and luxury boutique accommodations spread across the main beaches of Ao Kao and Ao Suan Yai, where visitors fill their days finding their zen feeling sleepy ‘old Thailand.‘
The great activities on this small island are daily bike rides, friendly beach volleyball games and scuba diving. Instead of flashy tourist restaurants, you can enjoy first class seafood restaurants with the locals.
Travelers to Koh Mak come for the endless, pristine beaches, where not a single clump of beach chairs is to be seen. Bring an adventurous spirit and get lost among the rubber trees and palm plantations along the way your own private beaches – for free.
Koh Kood
You know that beautiful paradise Imagine fantasizing about leaving your desk behind and running to a tropical island where no one can find you? Well, that vibrant postcard image has a name: Koh Kood.
Just a few kilometers away from Koh Mak, this hidden heaven is one of Thailand’s proudest points. Visitors are often surprised to learn that the almost unheard-of Koh Kood (alt: Koh Kut) is the fourth largest island in the country.
While we have no idea how this magical island managed to avoid mainstream tourism’s attention and over-development for so long, it’s far from us to doubt the good thing.
Beaches like Ai Noi and Khlong Chao resemble the Maldives, not undiscovered Eastern Thailand. The fishing village of Ban Ao Yai (which shares a name with its more popular counterpart on Koh Phayam) is also a popular destination on the island for a taste of traditional Thai culture.
The way to reach Koh Kood is the same as from neighboring Koh Mak. Take a ferry from Trat (a mainland city accessible by plane or bus from Bangkok) or Koh Chang for about 2 hours. The best time to visit both islands is from November to February.
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Koh Phayam
Again it is a mystery how Koh Phayam escaped mass tourism – but we will take over from the tourist crowds of Phuket or Koh Samui any day. By ethereal temples Unpleasant photogenic rock formations And sunsets at Ao Khao Kwaithe views around Koh Phayam can’t be beat.
You don’t have to worry about crowds in this authentic beach gem. One traveller said of his recent trip that “there were at one point only about 100 foreigners on the island.” Whether you’re surfing in the bay or baking in the sun, you’re sure to find one quiet holiday by the sea on Koh Phayam.
Koh Phayam is located on the southeastern coast of Thailand. To reach this tropical slice of heaven, travel by plane or bus to Ranong town before taking a speedboat (40 minutes) or slow boat (2 hours) to Koh Phayam.
Koh Bulon Lae
Pristine simplicity is the name of the game on Koh Bulon Lae. You can walk from one side of this little gem to the other in about 20 minutes, so a trip to Koh Bulon Lae has only one purpose: beach relaxation.
This beauty is hidden in the Andaman Sea in the south of Thailand, near the Tarutao and Mu Ko Phetra National Parks. It’s mostly just soft white sand and thick tropical jungle… just what the doctor ordered.
There are no cars, roads, mega resorts or crowds. Electricity is touch-and-go for a few hours a day, and you can pretty much forget about Wi-Fi. These Robinson Crusoe vibes are perfect for adventure seekers, zen seekers and digital detoxers.
One tourist said this about his recent visit. “This is what I envisioned when I first started dreaming about Thailand, only this was better. There are walking paths that lead you through the center of the island and to the other coves where you will find bars and restaurants everywhere…this is truly paradise.”
It’s worth noting that accommodation here is quite limited, not usually available online and booked well in advance. We recommend booking directly with the property via phone or email well in advance.
You can reach Koh Bulon Le by a 30-minute ferry ride from Pakbara Pier, which is a short drive from nearby Hat Yai or Trang airports.
Koh Kradan
Koh Kradan is a long, thin island that makes up for its tiny size with breathtaking beaches.
Tourists love the world class snorkeling all over the island and appreciate the llong expanses of snow-white sand.
After being called the “best beach in the world” by World Guide this year, Koh Kradan won’t be a well-kept secret for much longer. The locals are scrambling to protect their island’s natural resources so that locals and tourists can continue to enjoy them for generations to come.
The coral reefs and endangered marine life in Hat Chao Mai National Park are the island’s top priority continues to welcome visitors from October to May. The beach remains closed for four months each year, from June 1 to September 30, to preserve the pristine coastline.
You can reach Koh Kradan in Thailand’s southern Andaman Sea from Trang Airport via Hat Yao Pier. Alternatively, you can take the ferry to and from other popular islands such as Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi and Phuket.
For a truly relaxing beach holiday, it’s all about finding the ideal spot between pristine, uncrowded beaches and accessibility. Each of the islands on our list is about 2 hours or less from a Thai airport.
Although they are not that difficult to get to, they do have some limitations. Ferries generally only operate during peak season (usually November to February/March). If you visit during the off season, rent your own speedboat or longtail for $50-80, depending on the destination.
There are no ATMs and a limited number of shops on these islands. It is important to bring enough cash, medicines and other necessities. Being prepared is a small price to pay for your peaceful beach paradise!
Traveler warning: Don’t forget your travel insurance for your next trip!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
