Thailand islands route: Ko Muk, Ko Phi Phi and Ko Samui
Explore Thailand's 19 most beautiful islands across the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, from the quiet pearl island Ko Muk with its famous Emerald Cave to the iconic Ko Phi Phi archipelago. The route covers major destinations including Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, Ko Tao, Ko Chang, and Phuket, showcasing diverse island experiences from pristine diving sites to vibrant beach communities.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Ko Muk (Koh Mook)
- End
- Ko Phangan
- Stops
- 19
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Ko Muk (Koh Mook)
- Emerald Cave highlight — Hidden lagoon accessible only by swimming through a tunnel, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and emerald waters.
- Ko Lanta Yai — Largest island of the Ko Lanta archipelago, perfect mix of developed and uncrowded areas with tourist facilities.
- Ko Phi Phi comparison — Twin islands famous for dramatic granite peaks, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs attracting snorkelers and divers.
- Similan Islands diving destination — Archipelago of nine granite islands renowned for world-class diving, abundant marine life, and exceptional underwater visibility.
- Horseshoe Bay beaches
- Ko Samui (second largest, airport)
- Patong nightlife district
- Ko Phangan full moon parties — Beach island famous for monthly full moon celebrations featuring electronic music, bonfires, and thousands of international visitors.
- Ko Chang (third largest, near Cambodia)
- Ko Chang Marine Park — Protected marine reserve surrounding Ko Chang with pristine ecosystems, coral gardens, and diverse tropical fish populations.
- White Sand Beach — One of the most popular beaches on Ko Chang island.
- Ko Lipe island — Remote southern island known for crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and excellent snorkeling opportunities.
- Tarutao National Park
- Ko Tao diving island — Popular dive training hub with shallow reefs, wreck dives, and affordable PADI certification courses for all skill levels.
- Chumphon ferry access — Coastal mainland town serving as primary ferry gateway to nearby island destinations and diving excursions.
- Monkey Beach (surrounding islets) — Beach inhabited by native monkeys, surrounded by scenic limestone islets accessible by longtail boat from nearby towns.
- Phuket — One of the most popular islands in Thailand, located in the Andaman Sea.
- Ko Phangan — Island in the Gulf of Thailand, famous for full moon parties and nightlife events.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Take a 45-minute ferry from the town of Trang to reach Ko Muk
- Timing
- Visit Ko Lipe during low season (May to October) to enjoy beautiful sandy beaches without crowds, though some hotels may be closed
- Transport
- Access Ko Tao by high-speed ferry from the mainland city of Chumphon
- Tip
- Ko Samui has its own international airport, making it easily accessible for travelers
- Where to stay
- Ko Lanta Yai is popular with older tourists seeking a quieter holiday away from parties compared to nearby Ko Phi Phi
- Avoid
- Phuket is not ideal for travelers looking for solitude due to high tourism infrastructure and nightlife focus
- Tip
- Ko Muk is nearly half national park and home to fishing villages with unusual stilted houses perched above the sea
- Tip
- White Sand Beach on Ko Chang's northwestern corner is the longest beach on the island
- Tip
- Ko Tao certifies around 7000 new divers annually, making it one of the world's most popular destinations to learn diving
- Tip
- Hire a longtail boat to explore Ko Phi Phi's six islands and surrounding islets like Monkey Beach with tree-swinging monkeys
Video on this route
10 Most Beautiful Islands in Thailand - Travel Video