Updated: June 2024
If you are looking for the perfect beach holiday, Thailand can offer you some of the best beaches and islands in south-east Asia.
Here is another of my Thailand itineraries for beach lovers. We’ll be island hopping from Malaysia through the Andaman Sea all the way to Phuket.
If you wish to follow this itinerary, try to plan your trip during Thailand’s high season- from November till the end of April. It becomes tricky and time-consuming to follow this itinerary off season as some boat transfers don’t run and the sea can get rough. (Transfers between Koh Lanta- Koh Phi Phi- Phuket run without problem all year around).
ITINERARY PROGRAM:
Kuala Lumpur: 2 days
Langkawi: 2 DAYS
Koh Lipe: 3 DAYS
Koh Ngai: 2 DAYS
Koh Lanta: 3 DAYS
Koh Phi Phi: 3 DAYS
Phuket: 3 DAYS
Bangkok: 3 DAYS
Andaman sea is a part of the Indian Ocean and it’s one of the best destinations in Asia for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are thousands of small islands scattered along Thailand’s west coast all the way from Malaysia to the marine borders with Myanmar.
Some islands we will be visiting are quieter than the others, but they all have its charm and each is very different.
I urge you to get out and explore the islands. You will find some secret beaches, local fisherman villages and tropical forest. Get out on the scooter, kayak or rent a boat and discover some amazing places which will stay in your memories forever!
Kuala Lumpur: 2 Days
This time we will be starting our adventure in Malaysia. There are many flight companies which offer very good deals on flights to Kuala Lumpur and while we are here there are a couple of places which are worth visiting.
Kuala Lumpur is a very modern city with its recognizable skyline. The city is divided into few districts and its main center is called the Golden Triangle.
- From the international airport, you can take a bus or hop on to KLIA Express train straight to the center or use Grab/Taxi which is also a good way of getting around the city.
Places to visit in Kuala Lumpur:
1. Petronas Twin Towers– best to visit the towers during the night as the view and lighting are spectacular and also you can watch the water show.
2. Menara KL Tower– the world’s fifth tallest structure, come here to check out the spectacular views from the viewing deck.
3. Batu Caves– 11 km north of KL is located Hindu temple located inside of the huge limestone caves.
4. Jamek Mosque- officially Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque, is one of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur, near by you can watch lighting show- the RIVER OF LIFE.
5. Jalan Alor street or Pudu Wai Sek Kai for the best street food in Kuala Lumpur.
6. Heli Lounge Bar– fantastic food and cocktails with great sunset views.
Where to stay in KL:
Luxury $
Villa Samadhi Kuala Lumpur – By Samadhi
Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Mid-range $
Element Kuala Lumpur by Westin
Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection
Star KLCC By B&B
Budget $
Langkawi: 2 days
I’d recommend taking the hour flight from KL to Langkawi. It’s usually quite cheap and you will save your precious holiday time.
There is the option of taking a bus and ferry over to the island which will be cheaper but it is time-consuming. The bus takes around 8 hours from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis port and then an additional 1.20 hour on the ferry.
Places to visit in Langkawi:
1. Skycab and Sky Bridge- The cable car ride will bring you all the way up to about 708 meters above sea level and can expect some amazing news.
2. Pulau Payar Marine Park- Just 30km south of Langkawi Island is the Pulau Payar Marine Park, which is great for snorkeling and a great day out on the water.
3. Pantai Cenang Beach Bars– chilled beach for relaxing, enjoying a couple of drinks and some cool music. The pretties and quieter beaches are located on the other side of the island- Tanjung Rhu Beach and Skull beach.
4. Waterfalls- Seven Wells waterfall (Telaga Tujuh), Air Terjun Temurun waterfall and Durian Perangin waterfall. Best to visit during rainy season, otherwise the only waterfall with some water during dry season will be most likely Durian waterfall.
Where to stay in Langkawi:
Luxury $
The St. Regis Langkawi
Four Seasons Resort Langkawi
The Danna Langkawi
Mid-range $
Royale Chenang Resort
The Smith House
The Temak Villa
Budget $
Eagleye Cottages
Sunset Bay Cottage
Langkawi Country Lodge
Koh Lipe: 3 Days
The best way to get from Langkawi to Koh Lipe during the season is by a boat. Langkawi immigration offices are located at both Telaga Harbor and the Kuah Jetty and the boat ride to Koh Lipe takes around 90-minutes.
Koh Lipe belongs to one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand with white sand beaches and amazing snorkeling. The island is not very big and you can get anywhere by walking or taking one of the motorbike taxis for a flat fee of 50THB.
There are many small islands you can visit from Koh Lipe so if you get bored bumming around on the beach hire a boat and explore the neighborhood.
More about Koh Lipe island here:
10 THINGS TO DO IN KOH LIPE
Where to stay in Koh Lipe:
Luxury $$$
Irene Pool Villa Resort
Bulow Casa Grand View
Serendipity Beach Resort Koh Lipe
AKIRA Lipe Resort
Mid-range $$
Castaway Resort Koh Lipe
Wapi Resort
Mali Resort Pattaya Beach
Lipe Banyan Apartment
Budget $
The Chic Lipe
The Sunflower Lipe
Forra Dive Resort Sunrise Beach
Bloom Cafe & Hostel
READ THE WHOLE POST HERE:
12 BEST REVIEWED HOTELS IN KOH LIPE
Koh Ngai: 2 days
Transfer between Koh Lipe and Koh Ngai runs daily and the boat ride takes around 2 hours.
Koh Ngai is another gem in the Andaman ocean, much quieter than most of the islands so expect empty beaches and early evenings. There is only a handful of accommodation and the island it is still very much underdeveloped and local. There are no proper roads and shops on the island. Only a couple of resorts, tranquility and gorgeous beach scenery.
Koh Ngai is a place to disconnect with civilization and allow yourself to truly relax.
What to do in Koh Ngai:
Apart from the obvious, snorkeling, swimming and enjoying the beach you can make a boat trip to the neighboring islands Koh Mook and Koh Kradan which are equally pretty.
In Koh Mook, you can visit the Emerald Cave which has a small beach inside and the legend has it, it used to serve as a hiding place for pirate treasures in the older days.
Where to stay in Koh Ngai:
Luxury $
Thanya Beach Resort
Mid-range $
Koh Hai Fantasy Resort & Spa
Mayalay Beach Resort
Koh Ngai Cliff Beach Resort
Thapwarin Resort
Budget $
Koh Ngai Seafood
Koh Lanta: 3 days
The boat transfer from Koh Ngai to Lanta leaves daily in the morning time. All boats will arrive at the main port in Lanta- Saladan pier, which is on the very north part of the island.
Ko Lanta is a beautiful island with a variety of landscape. On the island, you will find both beautiful beaches and jungle with waterfalls. The island of Lanta is one of the more quiet islands in the region of the South of Thailand and even during the high season, it is never too crowded.
There are many reasons to visit Koh Lanta – the peaceful and chilled atmosphere, long empty beaches, forest-covered mountains and beautiful sunsets are some of them. On the island, there are plenty of amazing places to discover and you can find a good variety of activities.
Where to stay in Koh Lanta:
Luxury $
Pimalai Resort & Spa
Layana Resort & Spa – Adults Only
Rawi Warin Resort And Spa
Mid-range $
Coco Lanta Resort
Lanta Castaway Beach Resort
Long Beach Chalet
Koh Phi Phi: 3 Days
If you are looking for turquoise water, great snorkeling and scuba diving then you will love Phi Phi Island.
The boat from Koh Lanta’s Saladan pier runs twice a day during the season and take just over an hour to reach Phi Phi’s Tonsai port.
The island is very small and the only way to get around is walking or by a boat. Koh Phi Phi is one of the most popular islands in Thailand so don’t expect empty beaches. The island is lively but if you are looking for quiet spot then pick one the hotels on the east side of Phi Phi Don. Or the beautiful Long Beach, which is just a 5 min boat ride to the town.
At night, you can enjoy plenty of nightlife here as the town is full of bars and restaurants.
Found out more about Phi Phi here:
How to spend 3 DAYS IN KOH PHI PHI?
The ultimate guide: 10 things to do in Koh Phi Phi
Where to stay in Koh Phi Phi:
Luxury $ (away from the main town):
Saii Phi Phi Island Village
Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island
Zeavola Resort
Luxury $ (closer to the town):
Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort
Phi Phi Coco Beach Resort
Phi Phi The Beach Resort
Mid-range $
U Rip Resort
Phi Phi Villa Resort-SHA Extra Plus
P2 Wood Loft
Viking Nature Resort
Budget $
Uphill Cottage
P P Garden Home Bungalow
Sweed Dee Hostel
Phi Phi Don Chukit Resort
Phuket: 3 days
Ferries and speed boats run many times daily from Phi Phi to Phuket’s Rassada Pier. Phuket is a large island with developed infrastructure of a big town. Most of the beaches are scattered on the west coast of the island.
You can find any type of accommodation you wish for from budget-friendly rooms, fan cottages to super chic villas and luxury resorts.
I personally prefer the south of the island which has a more local feel and beaches like Kata Noi or Nai Harn are nice to stay. You can get around the island by public transport, Grab or if you are brave enough, you can rent a scooter.
Things to do and see in Phuket:
- Big Buddha in Chalong– a nice landmark to visit while in Phuket with some stunning views from the top.
- Karon View Point– great viewpoint with some excellent views of Kata, Kata Noi and Karon beaches.
- Phuket Town/ Night market– if you want to immerse yourself in the local night market scene in Phuket, Naka Market is the place to go. It only opens at the weekends and there is plenty to see and taste.
- Bangla Road/ Patong– must see for all the party animals and ping-pong show fans. Patong is the most commercial part of Phuket, but it’s worth visiting for a night out and checking out some local clubs.
- Trip to Phang Nga Bay– you can rent a private boat or join a group. You will see some stunning scenery and iconic views such as well-known James Bond Island and Ko Panyi (floating Muslim village).
- Promthep Cape– one of the best locations to watch the sunset & enjoying a beautiful sea view. Stunning part of the island, but expect many people around sunset time.
- Temple Wat Chalong– Chaithararam Temple is a beautiful temple in the Chalong area of Phuket with many lovely statues with beautiful architecture and design
- Visit some of the smaller islands for nice beaches and snorkeling off the Phuket coast. Coral Island (Koh Hae), Koh Bon, Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi.
- Speedboat trip to Similan Islands for a day of snorkelling.
Where to stay in Phuket:
Luxury $
Sri Panwa Phuket Luxury Pool Villa Hotel
The Shore At Katathani – Adult Only
Keemala
Mid-range $
Kantary Bay Hotel Phuket
Phuket Riviera Villas
The Elements Boutique House
Budget $:
Thira House
Kata White Villas
Naka Resort
L&P Guesthouse
Bangkok: 3 DAYS
Phuket airport is located the very north of the island and there are flights from here to Bangkok every hour. You can fly to either of the airports and use public transport or taxi to get to your hotel.
- From smaller Don Muang airport you can take the A1 bus from outside the terminal to Mochit BTS station and then take the Skytrain directly to wherever you have to go in the city.
- And the Airport Rail Link City Line is the fastest way to travel back and forth between Suvarnabhumi Airport and central Bangkok. The train station can be found at Basement B of the passenger terminal.
Things To Do And See In Bangkok:
Bangkok is a big and vibrant city and you don’t need to worry about getting bored in here.
- One day you can spend on visiting all the famous temples: The Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun also known as the ‘Temple of Dawn’.
There is plenty to do in Bangkok for next following day. You can just relax and enjoy massages or you can see some of the top activities and places to see below:
- Day trip to the historical city of Ayutthaya.
- Sunset River cruise Manohra Luxurious Dinner Cruise, or a cheaper more casual option, Chaophraya Cruise
- Baiokye or Lebua Sky Bar for cocktails and amazing views of the city
- Visit a floating market or the railroad market.
- Watch a traditional puppet show at Khlong Bang Luang Artist House.
- Take a cooking class: Thai Cooking Class with Market Visit by Maliwan.
- Eat street food in Chinatown
- Visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market.
- Evening drinks in Khao San Road
Where to stay in Bangkok:
Luxury $$$
Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse
Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok
Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai
Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit
Mid-range $$
Villa De Khaosan by Chillax
Vera Nidhra
Shama Yen-Akat Bangkok
Hope this help you while planning your tropical adventure and don’t forget, you always add, skip or edit this itinerary to suit your needs. Most of the transfers will be done by a boat so don’t forget to pack some seasick pills if you are suffering from motion sickness.
Happy island hopping!
