Region 1: Southern Andaman Islands
(See bottom of post for links to more regions)
The Southern Andaman Coast offers some of the best unspoiled islands, beaches, jungle and marine life in Thailand. Most visitors stay at Koh Lipe which has ample tourist facilities, though generally at premium prices. From here, day trips can be made to the nearby islands.
Table of Contents
Location & Gateway
The Andaman Sea along the south-west coast of Thailand’s Satun Province is dominated by the Mu Ko Tarutao National Marine Park. Covering an area of 1,490 square kilometres (575 mi²) immediately to the north of the border with Malaysia, the park is unquestionably one of the gems of Asia!
Three archipelagos lie within the Tarutao National Marine Park: Tarutao, Klang and Adang Archipelagos—the latter also known as Butang Archipelago. The 51 islands within these archipelagos can be divided between the Tarutao Group to the east and Adang-Rawi Group to the west.
Unspoiled beaches with great camping, and snorkelling among flourishing coral reefs.
Lying closest to the mainland is the Tarutao Group with Koh Tarutao, Koh Khai, and a few other small islands of interest to travellers. The Adang-Rawi group farther away from the coast offers the idyllic islands of Koh Adang, Koh Rawi, Koh Lipe, Koh Butang, Koh Hin Ngam, Koh Yang, and a few more.
Located to the north of the Tarutao Archipelago is Koh Bulon Leh and its sister island, Koh Bulon Don.
The two gateway cities to the region are Trang, the capital of Trang Province, and Hat Yai in Songkhla Province. Roads from both cities lead to the pier in the small village of Pak Bara from where various types of boats depart, almost all of which head to the ever-popular Koh Lipe.
Notable Islands with Lodging
Of the many islands in this region, only Koh Lipe offers a wide array of accommodation while Koh Bulon Leh also has a few places to stay. On Koh Adang, Koh Rawi, and Koh Tarutao, the local National Parks office provides basic bungalows as well as campsites with tents for rent.
1) Koh Tarutao
Koh Tarutao is by far the largest island in this region and the 4th largest in Thailand. Measuring 26 kilometres (16 mi) long and 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) wide, it is known for its limestone cliffs, former prison sites, unspoiled beaches, dense jungles and mountain peaks that reach up to 713 metres (2,339 ft) high. As the island forms part of the Mu Ko Tarutao National Marine Park, it has remained almost completely untouched over the years and has some excellent hiking trails through the dense jungle.
The best beaches are located along the north-western side and include Ao Pante, Ao Mo Lae and Ao Son. While no resorts are allowed on the island, the National Parks office, located at Ao Pante on the north-western tip, manages the bungalows and tents at all three beaches. While bungalows can be pre-booked through the National Parks website, tents are available on a first-come-first-served basis. To save money, bring along your own tent.
2) Koh Lipe
Once home to the semi-nomadic “Sea Gypsy” boat-people, also known as the Moken or Chao Le, Koh Lipe has now become one of the most sought after destinations in all of Thailand, attracting hordes of locals and foreigners alike for a very good reason—Koh Lipe and its surrounding islands are simply extraordinary!
The island has all the ingredients of an idyllic paradise: white sand beaches with palm trees, crystal clear waters, a laid-back vibe, great sunrise and sunset beaches, and a variety of accommodation, restaurants and bars. It also serves as the ideal base from which to visit several islands across the region’s three archipelagos.
Due to its distance from the mainland and its newfound popularity, it has become one of the most expensive and over-developed islands in all of Thailand. Cheaper, and less inspiring, accommodation is available, but like most lodging on the island it must be booked well in advance, in particular during peak times. Koh Lipe’s best beaches are on the eastern and northern sides of the island, as well as a few hidden coves around the south-western end.
3) Koh Adang
A short distance north of Koh Lipe lies Koh Adang, the second biggest island in the Tarutao Archipelago with its highest peak at 690 metres (2,264 ft). Unspoiled and untouched by mass tourism, this is how most islands in Thailand used to be 20 to 30 years ago. Adang offers several beaches with clear water, an abundance of offshore coral reefs, a hilly interior covered in dense jungle, the Pha Chado panoramic viewpoint, and the Namtok Chon Salat waterfall. There are no roads on the island so the best way to reach its beaches is to charter a long-tail boat.
The only hotel is the Adang Island Resort located right on the beachfront in the south of the island. The National Parks ranger station, which has a few bungalows that can be pre-booked through its website, also rents out tents and sleeping mats, and has a restaurant, although you can bring your own tent and food.
4) Koh Rawi
Koh Rawi’s beaches on the north and western sides are among the best of all islands in the Adang Archipelago. The island has a few jungle trails and waterfalls and is uninhabited except for a campsite on a gorgeous stretch of beach, Haad Sai Khao, in the island’s south-eastern corner. This beach is home to the National Parks ranger station which offers fairly rudimentary services. Availability of tents is not guaranteed, so check before heading out, or bring your own tent and food.
5) Koh Bulon Leh
The only other island in the region that offers accommodation is Koh Bulon Leh which lies 20 kilometres (12.4 mi) west of the La-Ngu district of Satun Province. This tiny island, home to a small community of Urak Lawoi living in modest wooden houses, is a little-known gem offering a laid-back island atmosphere and a brilliant white beach with aquamarine water. Measuring only two kilometres (1.2 mi) long and on average 700 metres (2,296 ft) wide, walking is the best way to get around. Only the inhabited eastern half of the island is accessible by a few paths as much of the western side of the island is covered in thick jungle, and has two caves, “Bat Cave” and “Nose Cave”, which are only accessible by sea.
Koh Bulon Leh’s only beach is located on the south-eastern side of the island, and while the beach strip is only 1.3 kilometres (0.81 mi) long, its beauty over-compensates for its lack of length. A small school near the beach provides its unofficial name of “School Beach”. The Casuarina trees along the beach provide ample shade.
The two recommended bungalow operators are the Pansand Resort and the Bulon Resort along this beautiful white sand beach. Further away from the beach, a few basic bungalows are available for budget-minded travellers.
Its nearby sister island, Koh Bulon Don, has a long sandy beach and an Urak Lawoi village. There are no tourist facilities or accommodation but daytime visitors are more than welcome.
The Unspoiled Beaches
The region has no shortage of beautiful white sand beaches as well as clean, turquoise waters. It is also arguably the best place in Thailand for snorkelling day trips. Among the best beaches on islands with accommodation are:
1) Bulow Beach, Koh Lipe
Located at the northernmost tip of Koh Lipe, and an extension of Sunrise Beach on the east side, this small beach has fine white sand and clear turquoise waters. The rustic Heaven Bar on the beach offers a welcome escape from the midday sun and is particularly pleasant around sunset and after dark. The beach can be noisy with passing long-tail boats en route to Sunrise Beach in the east and Pattaya Beach in the south.
2) Hidden Cove Beaches, Koh Lipe
Located in three coves near the south-western end of Koh Lipe are Secret Beach, Svedo Beach and Patai Galah Beach. These beaches can be reached by hiking through the jungle on a small path that often disappears in the thick bush, or by taking a long-tail boat from Pattaya Beach.
The star of the three is the easternmost Patai Galah Beach, with beautiful sand, lots of shade, and clean waters flanked by rocks that offer protection against the small waves.
The only drawback of these beaches is the constant stream of roaring ferries and noisy long-tail boats between Pattaya Beach and Pak Bara Pier. Be here early in the morning, and sometimes for the rest of the day, and you may have the entire beach to yourself
3) Western Beaches, Koh Adang
The western side of the island has the most beautiful beaches and can easily be reached on day trips from Koh Lipe.
However, it is best to stay on Koh Adang to enjoy the island’s beaches, pristine jungles, waterfalls and sunsets; and to hike up the hills for panoramic views over Koh Lipe to the south.
4) School Beach, Koh Bulon Leh
Stretching from Pansand Resort past the school to Bulon Resort, this is one of the whitest sand beaches in the region.
When the wind is not blowing too strongly, the water is beautifully clear and the swaying palm trees offer plenty of shade.
5) Island beaches with no accommodation
Located about halfway between Koh Tarutao and Koh Lipe is tiny Koh Khai with no accommodation. The beach and water are spectacular, and the island is famous for a rock arch on the beach. Some ferries have a short (and free) stopover here between Pak Bara Pier and Koh Lipe.
Other gorgeous beaches on islands without accommodation can be found to the north and north-west of Koh Lipe. Koh Hin Ngam, which means “Island of Beautiful Stones”, has an exceptionally rare coloured stone beach.
The snorkelling and diving in this region are among the very best in Thailand.
Practical Information
Getting there: Access from the mainland is mainly via the public pier at Pak Bara, 100 kilometres (62 mi) directly south of the town of Trang, capital of Trang Province. Pak Bara can also be reached from Hat Yai in Songkhla Province, 210 kilometres (130 mi) to the east. Both Trang and Hat Yai have domestic airports, as well as long-distance train and bus stations.
From Pak Bara, the most frequent ferries are to Koh Lipe, some of which offer a quick stop at Koh Tarutao and also at Koh Khai. Direct ferries also operate to Koh Tarutao.
Koh Bulon Leh currently has no regular ferry service so visitors must rely on infrequent long-tail boats from Pak Bara Pier. Private speedboats and long-tails can be boarded at Pak Bara Pier to several islands in the region.
Getting around: The only island with roads fit for a motorbike or bicycle is Koh Lipe. As this island is so small, wheels are more of a convenience than an essential. Only some islands have hiking trails and these may involve a bit of climbing.
Sleep, eat and drink: Koh Lipe is by far the most developed island in the region with a wide range of accommodation, restaurants and bars. Pattaya Beach in the south and Sunrise Beach in the east are packed with tourist facilities while the northern side of the island offers more upscale accommodation and is less crowded.
Koh Adang, Koh Rawi, and Koh Tarutao offer accommodation at the National Parks’ bungalows and campsites while Koh Bulon Leh has a couple of resorts, of which only Pansand and Bulon Resorts are on the beautiful white sand beach.
Links to all island regions of Thailand
Overview and map of Thailand’s Islands
Region 1: Southern Andaman (Koh Lipe area) – YOU ARE HERE
Region 2: Lower Central Andaman (Koh Mook area)
Region 3: Upper Central Andaman (Koh Lanta area)
Region 4: Northern Andaman (Koh Phayam area)
Region 5: Central Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui area)
Region 6: Eastern Gulf of Thailand (Koh Chang area)
Region 7: Northern Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samet area)
10 Best Beaches on Thailand’s Islands
Notes when reading the details in each region
- In the Thai language, “koh” means “island”, so the correct way to refer to the island of Phuket, for example, is “Koh Phuket” rather than “Koh Phuket Island”. “Ao” means “beach”, so “Ao Nang” means “Nang Beach”. “Mu koh” means “archipelago”, so “Mu Koh Ang Thong” means “Ang Thong Archipelago” .
- Some of Thailand’s islands have the same or similar names. Some examples include Koh Chang in the Gulf of Thailand, and Koh Chang Noi along the northern Andaman Coast; and Koh Ngam Yai and Koh Ngam Noi near the town of Chumphon, which is far from Koh Ngam at the southeastern tip of Koh Chang near Cambodia.
- Covid-19 is decimating the tourist infrastructure on Thailand’s islands. Most tourist services, including accommodation and transport services, available pre-Covid are not currently accessible, and may not be restored for a while.
- While some islands can be reached by public ferries, speedboats and long-tail boats, some are only accessible by private boat rental.
- Much effort has been made to provide information that is as accurate as possible, but please do your own extensive research to get the latest information.
- This article focuses on the best beaches on islands with accommodation, though islands managed by the National Parks offering tents for rent are also included. We also include noteworthy islands and beaches of interest with no accommodation.
- This article is not intended as a comprehensive guide to all islands of Thailand.
☛ Read more: Blog posts of Thailand
Additional Reading
CNN Traveler: The 11 best islands in Thailand
Top 10 Best Thai Islands that need to be on your bucket list
Blog post and photos by Peter who has been travelling almost full-time since 2005 and has been to over 122 countries. He visited several countries, such as Japan, more than 20 times. Peter is Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of GlobeRovers Magazine, an independent travel magazine focused on intrepid destinations.