Koh Samui is Thailand's second largest island after Phuket and one of the most popular destinations for travelers. An island of great natural beauty and variety, Samui is home to about 40,000 full-time inhabitants, 90% of whom are Buddhist. The palm-fringed shoreline and coconut and fruit cultivation of the coastal lowlands rise to a central granite massive, the slopes of which are cloaked in virgin rainforest. The island was probably first inhabited about 15 centuries ago, settled by fishermen from the Malay Peninsula and southern China. In the early 1970s the first backpackers travelling on the back of a coconut boat arrived on Koh Samui.
Clockwise from Nathon on the west coast, the main beaches are:
Nathon - Samui's port and administrative centre, but with little to attract the tourist.
Laem Yai - set on the Northwest tip of the island, a secluded beach overlooking the islands of Ang Thong
Mae Nam - a quiet and beautiful beach on the northern coast
Bophut - known for its fisher's village, laid-back but growing fast
Bang Rak - at the northeastern tip, home of the Big Buddha
Choeng Mon - quiet north shore beach
Chaweng - the largest and most-developed beach, with a curious mix of luxury hotels and backpacker guesthouses and a hopping nightlife
Lamai - Samui's "second" beach south of Chaweng, more backpackery than Chaweng but still full of nightlife and swank resorts and restaurants
Samui South Coast - the small beaches of Ban Hua Thanon, Na Khai, Laem Set, Bang Kao and Thong Krut
Koh Phangan is an island in the Gulf of Thailand which lies to the north of ferry hub Koh Samui. It is a very interesting place and has been attracting tourists of all nationalities and intentions since the 70’s.
Ao Nang: A Central Location with a Modern Flair
Ao Nang’s central location in the Andaman Sea and many sporting activities make it a very popular all-around beach destination. Families come to Ao Nang to enjoy their favorite sports together. Hiking, snorkeling, rock climbing, kayaking, elephant trekking, cycling, Thai cooking classes – Ao Nang holds plenty of opportunities for the adventure-seeking traveler. A few low-key bars and two nightclubs provide for some entertaining nightlife as well.
Ao Nang in Andaman Sea in Thailand is known for its spectacular resorts. Its resorts take luxury, fine dining and entertainment very seriously, but for a more reasonable price than can be found in other areas nearby. Its central location makes it a perfect jumping off point for island-hopping day trips to some of the more remote locations in Thailand's Andaman Sea, such as Railay.
Most of the services and hotels in Ao Nang are located along either the main beach road or on short side streets. Highway 4203 heads west into town, then runs north along the beach about 500m, and then heads back inland for a bit before curving towards the coast again at Hat Noppharat Thara. Ao Nang is not a very big city and is relatively easy to navigate.
There are at least seven companies in Ao Nang that offer sea-kayaking tours to mangroves and islands around Ao Nang. Some companies offer personal tour guides and paper bag lunches, so it’s a good idea to inquire about what’s included in their packages.
When planning your travel to Ao Nang, book your ferry rental with us at phiphi-ferry.com. We travel between Phuket and Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Railay, Ao Nang, Krabi, and all of the other beautiful small islands in the surrounding area. It is easy to make your reservations online. We also provide shuttle services from hotels in Phuket, Krabi, Ao Nang or Railay. We provide fast, easy and reliable service. Book online, print your e-ticket and present it upon arrival at the gate for quick and comfortable service to this one-of-a-kind destination.
Koh Lanta: A Tranquil Holiday in a Timeless Place
Koh Lanta is a popular destination for tourists who are seeking a tranquil holiday. Its long beaches and breath-taking sunsets make for serene walks along the shore.
There are several islands off the coast of Koh Lanta, the two largest are Koh Lanta Noi and Koh Lanta Yai. Koh Lanta Yai (the big island) is where most of the action is. There are several beaches on the west coast lined with resorts and bungalows. However, development of the island is concentrated in certain areas, ensuring that there will always be some locations that are uninhabited and give the feeling that you are on a deserted island. Development on the island has always taken the natural beauty of Koh Lanta into account. Many resorts are situated so that they are unseen from the beach.
A recent surge in new and creative transplants has resulted in a number of interesting new resorts. The Narima, which is owned by an academic & bureaucrat from Bangkok has been featured in Elle Décor, and consistently receives glowing reviews from guests. Two Frenchmen redesigned an abandoned resort at Relax Bay and quickly transformed it into a stylish haven for international artists and business executives. There are 100 small resorts on the island’s western coast, catering to different tastes and styles.
Travelers come to Koh Lanta for snorkeling and diving. The island’s dive sites are featured on top ten lists around the world. Koh Lanta is characterized by some of the best beaches in Thailand, with magical sunsets and verdant jungle. It's an island where time easily passes watching the antics of hermit crabs. It is possible to rent a bike or a jeep and spend days exploring the beaches, rivers, caves and waterfalls. The island is only 25 km long, but travelers will find a wide range of things to do and see when they take the time to explore it.
When planning your travel to Lanta, book your boat rental with Phi Phi Ferry - we travel between Phuket and Lanta and to other beautiful small islands in the surrounding area including: Railay, Ao Nang and Krabi. We make your online reservations easy. We also have shuttle services between Phuket hotels and Railay and to Krabi and Ao Nang. Fast, easy and reliable service! Book online, print your e-ticket and produce it upon arrival at the gate for quick and comfortable service to this one-of-a-kind destination.
Railay: Far and Away the Best Place for Romance and Adventure
Railay is also home to two of Southeast Asia’s finest beaches, Phra Nang and West Railay. The peninsula’s two other beaches, East Railay and Tonsai are also beautiful destinations. East Railay Beach is where the nightlife is happening and Tonsai Beach is a premiere rock climbing destination.
Adventure seekers and families will both feel right at home on Railay, but it is primarily a place that was made for romance. The unique and quiet landscape, beautiful sunsets, glorious beaches and emerald green waters beckon visitors to slow down and enjoy the view in the company of loved ones.
It is easy to make your sailing reservation to Railay online! You can book a ferry boat rental with us. We travel between Phuket and Railay and to Koh Phi Phi Island, Krabi, Ao Nang and Koh Lanta. Visit other beautiful exotic islands in the Krabi Province area. We provide shuttle services from and to hotels. Phi Phi Ferry offers fast, easy and safe travel in the Phuket area island destinations. Book online, print your e-ticket and produce it upon arrival at the gate for quick and comfortable service to this one-of-a-kind destination.
Krabi: One Province is Home to some of the Most Exotic and Entertaining Attractions in the World
The province is divided into eight districts : Amphoe Muang (Krabi Town), Khao Panom, Khlong Thom, Plai Phraya, Ko Lanta, Ao Luk, Lam Thap and Nhua Khlong. Much of the province has been the seat of several national parks. Kayaking, sailing, bird watching, snorkeling, diving, cycling and trekking are just a few of the top activities to experience here. The many festivals, safaris, treks, restaurants, clubs, resorts, golf courses, cooking classes and sight-seeing adventures to discover throughout the province guarantee fun for all ages to experience in a setting that is beyond breath-taking.
Attractions that include hot springs, a wildlife sanctuary, sea caves, flourishing coral reefs and exotic marine life, limestone cliffs, world-class rock climbing and national parks that include the island paradises of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta are just a few of the reasons travelers from all over the world visit the province. The optimal time for a visit is between October and April. May – September are monsoon months.
Krabi Town is the somewhat sleepy provincial capital of Krabi. It’s a charming riverside town. The hilly streets feature a number of cozy cafes. One can also find some of the best authentic (and inexpensive) Thai cuisine at the outdoor, riverside evening market. Krabi’s charm lies in its friendly people, delicious food and relatively low traffic compared with other destinations in the province.
Overlooking Krabi Town is a mistake, as Krabi offers travelers easy access to a number of sport adventure tours, modern conveniences, medical facilities and other opportunities that can only be found in a larger town. Also, like Ao Nang (which is the place that locals call “Town,” located about 20 min. away), it’s a great place to establish as a home base for island-hopping day trips. After spending a day out in the wild, it’s nice to come back to a fine meal, soft bed and relaxing massage, which are easily found in and around Krabi Town.
Learn more about specific islands throughout the province in the articles throughout the site. We offer more details about some of the best features and must see attractions throughout the Krabi Province, including the best places in Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Railay and Ao Nang.
Plan your trip from Phuket to Krabi or any of the beautiful small islands in the surrounding area with us. We travel between Phuket and Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Railay, Ao Nang and Krabi. Making your online reservations is easy. Shuttle services from hotels in Phuket, Krabi, Ao Nang or Railay also provided. Phi Phi Ferry offers safe, fast and reliable service. Book online, print your e-ticket and produce it upon arrival at the gate for quick and comfortable service to this one-of-a-kind exotic holiday destination.
Koh Tao: A tropic island for the adventuresome at heart…
Many travelers want to go somewhere exotic, but to live the way that they do at home. A large proportion of tourists, however, go abroad with the express intent of getting away from their regular lives. There are certainly a number of rustic and pristine destinations all over the world to foot this bill, but they are always decreasing in number as more people discover and exploit them.
Nowadays, you will find Koh Tao to be a lovely, unspoiled spot. It is rough around the edges without being too harsh. Posh accommodations are indeed available, but if you choose to be totally pampered on Koh Tao you are missing out on its greatest offerings. The diving and fishing here are just about the best you can find anywhere in the world.
The other industry, deep sea fishing, is driving people in droves to Koh Tao. Anywhere else in the world, the fishing excursions available here would probably cost twice or three times as much. Tao is right on the border of the continental shelf and the deep sea drop off, a perfect point to launch your very own deep sea fishing expedition. Marlin, sailfish, and mackerel are the most popular quarry.
A place to party like no other….every full moon on Koh Phangan!
In the electronic music scene, there are very few internationally recognized festivals which compare with Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party.
Recent increased police presence, a focus on public safety, and greater overall regulation of behavior has not stifled the spirit of fun and harmony on the island of Phangan. Quite to the contrary, as a matter of fact… it has served to bolster this beautiful and naturally abundant place’s profile as a destination for the entire family. Sure, you can still oscillate and gyrate to the latest rave hits at the beautifully lit beaches on a monthly basis, but you can also feel ok about bringing your kids along for the ride.
Phangan is a very tolerant place, and people from many different religious and cultural backgrounds call the island home. Unlike much of southern Thailand, which is primarily Muslim, Phangan is home to a large and flourishing Buddhist population, which considers this island to be something of a sacred place.
Visit Koh Lipe for a diving and snorkeling paradise
This earthly paradise is so small that even a child could walk around it in around an hour. Yet there are dozens of diving outfitters ready for your business. The number of ferries connecting here has proliferated greatly in recent years.
Koh Lipe is right on the edge of one of the world’s most pristine and beautiful maritime parks, Tarutao.
There’s no other place like it in the South Andaman.
Whatever your plans are in Koh Lipe, or anywhere else in Thailand, make sure that you consult with phiphi-ferry.com for all your over-the-water traveling needs. Nothing spells disaster to an otherwise great vacation like poor planning does. phiphi-ferry.com offers sailings to Phuket, Koh Phi Phi island, places in Krabi province, various other ferry destinations and has the resources and experience in the Thai travel industry to make your trip as pleasant and exciting as it could possibly be.
Bangkok
Hua Hin
Khao Lak
Khao Sok
Koh Libong
Koh Samet
Langkawi
Pattaya
Chumphon
Donsak
Hat Yai
Koh Chang
Koh Jum
Koh Kood
Koh Kradan
Koh Mak
Koh Mook
Koh Nangyuan
Koh Ngai
Koh Phayam
Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Yai
Nakhon Si Thammarat
Rayong
Surat Thani
Trang