{"id":5015,"date":"2021-12-16T10:26:37","date_gmt":"2021-12-16T10:26:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.designerjourneys.com?p=5015"},"modified":"2024-08-06T03:00:54","modified_gmt":"2024-08-06T03:00:54","slug":"thailand-island-hopping-itinerary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.designerjourneys.com\/blog\/thailand-island-hopping-itinerary\/","title":{"rendered":"Thailand Island Hopping: The Best 2-Week Itinerary with Local Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

You may not need much more convincing that Thailand<\/a> is one of the best tropical destinations in the world. With jungle-clad islands fringed with white-sanded beaches with incredible marine life beneath the azure lagoons and lip-tingling culinary delights, the draw of Thailand island hopping speaks for itself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you seek the famous movie-scene beaches and the spiritual home of the full moon party, or it\u2019s the less-trodden paths, remote isles and authentic, local experiences that intrigue you, there\u2019s a Thailand island hopping itinerary to suit every type of traveller.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Thailand has an iconic reputation which can make choosing which islands to visit difficult. That\u2019s why, with the help of our trusted, in-destination Local Designers, we\u2019ve put together this guide to the best island hopping in Thailand. Filled with tips, tricks and everything you need to know (including the best time to visit), this guide also includes an island-hopping itinerary that you can customise!<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s dive in!<\/span><\/p>\n

Weather and Seasons in Thailand Islands<\/span><\/h2>\n

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Choosing your island hopping in Thailand route will largely be dictated by the time of year you\u2019re looking to travel and the weather. Whilst Thailand is a year-round destination, avoiding the rain is a skill in itself in this tropical destination.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember:<\/i><\/b> There are never any guarantees when it comes to tropical weather, anything can happen at any time of the year!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Generally, Thailand has three seasons \u2013cool, hot\/dry and rainy\u2013 which you can read in-depth about in our <\/span>Thailand Travel Guide<\/span><\/a>. However, the islands don\u2019t follow the same rules as the rest of the country and vary from coast to coast.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Planning a Thailand Island Hopping Trip?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Designer Journeys’ network of in-destination Local Designers will use their expert knowledge, local insight and travel planning skills to design your ultimate Thailand experience. Begin designing your journey today!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Best Time to Visit Gulf of Thailand Islands<\/span><\/h3>\n

The Gulf of Thailand includes Koh Samui<\/a>, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan among others.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are familiar with the rules for the rest of Thailand weather-wise, you can bank on the Gulf of Thailand being the exact opposite. The gulf is affected by the monsoon season from November to December. The dry season is between January and April which is the best time to come if you\u2019re looking for little chance of rain, good visibility and warm weather.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Best Time of Year to Visit Thailand\u2019s Andaman Coast<\/span><\/h3>\n

On the west coast, you\u2019ll find Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe and of course Phuket<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Like the rest of Thailand, the best time to visit the Andaman Coast is December through to March. Whilst this is peak season and can be busy, this is still the best time to visit as further into the year (April, May and June), it gets extremely hot with high humidity and frequent \u2013yet short\u2013 storms.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Go Island Hopping in Thailand<\/span><\/h2>\n

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Planes, Ferries and Boats<\/span><\/h3>\n

In most cases, you\u2019ll arrive in the main hub on either coast (Phuket or Koh Samui) then take boats and ferries to reach your chosen island destination. Moving between the Thai islands is very easy if you\u2019re looking to hop from one island to another by boat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember: <\/i><\/b>The time of year can affect your enjoyment of the ferry ride. If it\u2019s monsoon season, that\u2019s going to be a bumpy ride and ferries may sometimes be cancelled.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Private Tours<\/span><\/h3>\n

Whilst the main transport links between the islands are planes, ferries and boats, once on the island, you can opt to be met by a private guide and car so that you can explore the islands in luxury. This way, you\u2019ll be able to get to your hotel hassle-free and then quickly go r to that secret sunset spot or the waterfall that\u2019s on the other side of the island.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The best way to organise your private tour island hopping around Thailand<\/a> is to connect with our trusted, in-destination Local Designers who will be able to design your dream trip perfectly suited to your budget, travel style and interests and fill it with unique, local experiences that you won\u2019t find anywhere else.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Don’t Miss Our Exclusive Offers! Subscribe Today!<\/b><\/h4>\n

For the ultimate travel inspiration, local insight straight from our expert Local Designers and exclusive offers you won’t find anywhere else from Designer Journeys, sign up today! Don’t miss out.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The 2-Week Thailand Island Hopping Itinerary<\/span><\/h2>\n

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Day 1: Sawasdee – Welcome to Bangkok!<\/span><\/h3>\n

Touching down in Bangkok, you\u2019ll be welcomed by your driver who will whisk you through the city to your five-star hotel in the heart of the Silom district. After your long journey, you\u2019ll have the day to relax, taking a much-deserved dip in the hotel\u2019s stunning rooftop pool overlooking the city skyline.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Day 2: Bangkok City Tour and Evening Chinatown Tour<\/span><\/h3>\n

Today, you\u2019ll embark on a private Bangkok discovery tour with your local expert guide. The first half of your tour will be spent visiting the iconic landmarks of the city, including the <\/span>Grand Palace, which is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. In the afternoon, you\u2019ll swap the roads of Bangkok for the canals of Thon Buri as you cruise along in a traditional klong (long-tail boat) stopping at Wat Arun, one of the most emblematic symbols of the capital.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The evening will bring a change of space as you head to Yaowarat’s Chinatown and the lively flower market where nightfall transforms the street into a giant canteen surrounded by incredible street cuisine!<\/span><\/p>\n

Day 3: Fish Market in Mahachai, Rickshaw Ride, Train to Mae Klong and Seafood Market<\/span><\/h3>\n

Get ready for a busy one today as you say goodbye to Bangkok for the night and enjoy a taste of rural, authentic Thailand before journeying south to the islands. On the way to Amphawa, you’ll stop at Mahachai to visit the fish market, then you’ll go for a rickshaw ride around the town and then hop onto a train to Mae Klong to marvel at the famous train market. Later, that day, you\u2019ll be able to fill your belly Thai-style at the seafood market.<\/span><\/p>\n

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