Let’s Go Island Hopping in Thailand: A Photo Essay

Today, and every day, I dream of island hopping in Thailand.

I crave sunshine, the clearest of azure waters, and untouched yellow sand that stretches as far as the eye can see. I long to see those otherworldly island formations that hover along the horizon, promising endless adventures, and the familiar, bright-colored fishing boats that make for the best photo opportunities.

These memories of Thailand cloud my mind as I struggle through long hours of school and work… Because, let’s face it, I would much rather be in Thailand. But I don’t let these memories get me down; instead, they serve as motivation, reminding me that another adventure is always just around the corner!

It’s been a few months now since we’ve visited Phuket, and island hopped to dreamy paradises like as Koh Phing Kan, Koh Phi Phi Leh, Koh Yao Noi, but I still have plenty of beachy photos to share.

Even though you’re likely stuck at work or in class, allow your mind to take a vacation. Come with me; let’s take off to a warm, sunny island, somewhere out in the Andaman Sea.

Let’s go island hopping in Thailand, shall we?

Pristine ocean waters by the beach during island hopping in Thailand
Maddy relaxing on a hammock on a sandy beach
Boat cruising around while island hopping in Thailand
Hanging out by the beach while looking at beautiful rock formations from afar
A small boat roaming around the wide ocean while island hopping in Thailand
Sandy beach and blue ocean waters under the blue sky
Tall rock formation covered with grass and moss as seen during our island hopping in Thailand
A decorated boat docked by the beach
Cruising on the ocean surrounded by tall rock formations while island hopping in Thailand
Maddy sitting on a wooden swing on the sandy beach
Beautiful rock formation in the middle of the ocean as seen during our island hopping in Thailand
Small boat in the middle of the sea surrounded by beautiful rock formations on a cloudy day
Dramatic sunset as seen from the beach during our island hopping in Thailand
Rock formations from afar as seen from the beach
Smaller rock formation in the middle of the sea while island hopping in Thailand
Rock formations as seen from afar under cloudy skies
Maddy on a woven hammock while taking a rest island hopping in Thailand
Nearby lush island as viewed from the middle of the sea
Maddy sitting on the sandy beach enjoying the gorgeous views while island hopping in Thailand
Small boat near the beach on a cloudy day

Lazing the days away on the world’s most beautiful, deserted beaches, mixed with bouts of pad Thai and Singha lagers, sounds like a distant dream right now. Because it is. But sometimes, escapism is exactly what we need.

I feel better now. Do you?

P.S. If you’re looking for transportation options to get from one island to the next, check out this website. It includes popular bookable routes from island to island, for hassle-free travel.

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Over to you! Have you ever been island hopping in Thailand? Which Thai islands are your favorite, and why? If you haven’t been to Thailand, do you dream of visiting someday? 

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29 Comments

  1. It’s been years since my feet last touched Thailand soil – no sand as my trip was void of beaches. Oh how I regret such foolery. And now, upon seeing these sublime pictures, I am much more determined to revisit this land. Why do I feel like riding a dragon into battle right now? You guys must have subliminal messages hidden in these pictures!!! Great photography and what a great trip :)

    1. That sounds like a great plan. I’ll give you my itinerary for inland Thailand and you give me your beach itinerary. Note: my itinerary included stealing green mangos from people’s backyard with a giant poking stick. I’m not sure if you’d be up for that :)

  2. You have given complete travel information to hoping island in Thailand. Interesting pictures following your article to show other travelers. Lovely article to read more from you. Best all

  3. Ohhh this looks like paradise. I would love to go to Thailand so much! Ko Tapu is something I have wanted to see for forever.

    1. It really is. Ko Tapu was definitely a highlight for us. We were there in the morning before all the other tourists arrived, too, so we had the place all to ourselves!

  4. Oh I certainly feel better looking at those pictures! Thailand was part of our honeymoon, so it will always have a very special place in my heart!:-)

  5. You don’t ever have to ask me twice about any place with gorgeous blue waters and white sand! :) I haven’t been to Thailand yet, but I want to go SO badly! Did you find it difficult to get around? How bad was the language barrier?

  6. I so needed this post! It’s the first day of spring, but the temperature feels like -6 C with the wind chill here. I definitely need to escape to a hot and sunny beach. I would love to go island hopping in Thailand someday, it looks so beautiful there! Enjoy your weekend.

    https://www.mintnotion.com

  7. I seriously feel like I should be looking at a National Geographic magazine spread with some of these photos, they’re just so beautiful! I just went to Puerto Rico and had some incredibly relaxing beach days, and I totally agree with you–when you’re stuck at work or stressed with school, sometimes a total break from your schedule is all you need (even if it’s just by looking at some amazing blog posts!)
    -Claire
    tallgirlbigworld.com

  8. Wow! Did you have perfect weather the whole time? Ko Phi Phi was my favorite! Thanks for sharing!

    xx Lauren

    1. Nope, it was raining a lot of the time we were in Thailand, so rainy that I didn’t take many photos on those days. These pictures are all from the few days we had PERFECT weather!

  9. We’re hoping to visit Thailand in November – how long would you recommend in Phuket?

    1. Exciting! Well, it depends. If Phuket will be your base, and from there you will not only explore and relax in Phuket, but also do day trips to other islands, perhaps 1.5 to 2 weeks. If it’s just Phuket that you want to experience, a week will be enough. We spent only 5 days there, and in that time we relaxed at our resorts, but also saw all of the island’s main attractions (like temples and Big Buddha), went to the old town and Patong, and also did two days of island hopping. I think anywhere between 1 and 2 weeks will be great, it just depends on how many days you want to spend relaxing at the beach/pool.

  10. We’re thinking of Thailand for this winter! These amazing pictures are making it easier for us to decide!

  11. Those are some gorgeous pictures of Thailand! Postcard-perfect pictures of Thailand. Those look like wonderful places to relax.

  12. This looks like a great idea. Those pictures speak themselves. I would very much love to do that someday. I am sure it was perfect

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