Saved in this browser, on this device. Shared across the nine languages.
Loading your Thailand…
From the Thailand World / Itineraries
Thailand’s parks, islands and Andaman coast
Khao Sok and Khao Yai offer forest visits, while Ko Chang, Ko Samet, Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Lipe offer different island settings. Krabi and Phuket frame Andaman coast choices.
Compare landscapes before choosing a direction. Khao Yai’s waterfalls and observation points suit a land-based park plan; Khao Sok adds rainforest and Cheow Lan Lake. The eastern Gulf islands of Ko Chang and Ko Samet differ from the Samui and Pha Ngan group farther south. Ko Lipe, Krabi and Phuket shift the trip to the Andaman Sea. Pick a coherent cluster; boats and long land transfers make the whole set unsuitable as a single route.
Useful to know
Build an island plan around one coast and check each boat leg.
Treat Khao Sok’s lake and rainforest areas as separate visits.
The route, stop by stop
Times are planning estimates. Unknown visit durations start at an editable 30 minutes; access is checked separately.
Khao Sok is a rainforest and limestone landscape in Surat Thani Province, with Cheow Lan Lake forming a distinct water-based outing. Park-office access and lake access should be planned separately.
Khao Yai is a large forest and grassland park spanning several provinces. Haew Narok and Haew Suwat waterfalls, Km 30 Viewpoint and Nong Phak Chi Observation Tower are spread across different park routes.
Ko Chang is a large island on Thailand’s eastern Gulf coast, with beaches, forested interior and a southern fishing-village setting. White Sand Beach, Klong Plu Waterfall and Laem Bang Bao call for different island outings.
Ko Samet is a compact Gulf island off Rayong, with several distinct sandy bays. Hat Sai Kaew, Ao Tubtim and Ao Wong Duean give visitors alternatives beyond a single main beach.
Ko Samui is a Gulf island with beach districts and a built-up north coast. Chaweng and Lamai offer different shore bases; Bo Phut’s old shophouses add a town walk to the beach choices.
Ko Pha Ngan lies in the Gulf between Ko Samui and Ko Tao. Rin Nok Beach has a party association, but Tan Sadet waterfall and Tong Nai Pan beaches offer different reasons to cross the island.
Ko Lipe is a small Andaman island south of Ko Adang and Ko Rawi, known for beaches and nearby reefs. Its remote position makes the boat journey a central part of the visit.
Krabi Province pairs mainland Andaman beaches with limestone cliffs and offshore islands. Ao Nang is a practical boat departure point; Railay, Phi Phi and Ko Lanta require different journeys.
Phuket combines Andaman beaches with Chinese-influenced town streets and southern viewpoints. Patong, Karon and Kata are busier west-coast choices; Phuket Town and Laem Phromthep make different outings.
