Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful experiences of Thailand is to escape to one of the smaller islands that offer some of the best and most unspoilt beaches, as well as clear waters and a laid back pace of life. Despite being a little more off the beaten track, standards are in no way compromised. Some of the finest hotels are located on the islands and offer stunning views and a relaxed and peaceful environment.
Small Island Hideaway Highlights
• Koh Phi Phi is set 1-2 hours (dependent on whether transfer is by speedboat or ferry) by boat from Phuket and is perhaps the most famous of the smaller islands. The heart of Phi Phi is Tonsai Bay, which is a busy area for daytrippers, but the island also has many other stunning beaches. Its smaller, uninhabited sister island, Koh Phi Phi Leh, was made famous by the film 'The Beach' and a trip to its famous white sands is best taken early in the morning before the daytrippers arrive.
• Koh Yao Noi is one of the least developed islands yet boasts one of Thailands finest hotels... Six Senses Yao Noi. The island boasts simply breathtaking views of limestone rock formations protruding from the water and sunrise is a spectacle. From each featured hotel you can enjoy a bike ride, rock climbing or water sports. Taking some time to cycle through the small local villages and vegetation is a unique experience of an undeveloped Thai island. Koh Yao Noi is just 45 minutes by speedboat from Phuket and can also be accessed from Krabi on request.
• Koh Lanta represents Koh Samui 25 years ago: a truly unspoilt paradise where laid back local life fuses with stunning beaches and clear waters. The journey to Koh Lanta is around 45 minutes by road from Krabi and then around 1-2 hours either by speed boat or car ferry. April to November offers incredible value for money on Koh Lanta to compensate for higher rainfall and rough seas at times.
• Koh Naka Yai is a small island just 15 minutes by speedboat from Phuket and is home to one of the world's most exclusive Destination Spas - a haven of wellbeing and indulgence.
• Koh Racha lies in some of the clearest waters in the Andaman Sea and boasts stunning white sands. This really is a picture perfect island with just one international standard hotel hemming a bay that is popular for snorkelling. The island is reached by speedboat from Phuket within 35 mintues.
• Koh Chang is Thailand's second largest island after Phuket, but is much less developed. Lying in the Gulf of Siam, unspoilt rainforest covers much of the island - a perfect place for those seeking space to explore as well as the tranquility of an off the beaten track Thai island. Koh Chang is reached by flying one hour from Bangkok to Trat then taking a 25 minute ferry ride to the island before transferring by car to your hotel, the contemporary Dusit Princess.
• Koh Phangan might be best known for its lively Full Moon parties, but this island paradise offers so much more. Tranquil beaches and glorious sunsets provide the ultimate in relaxation, while the clear, deep waters at Sail Rock are a diver’s delight. Koh Phangan can be reached by flying from Bangkok to Koh Samui, then travelling 40 minutes by speedboat.
View our full range of small island hideaway hotels.