It can't be more fitting to compare Thailand to an assortment of colorful candies. The vibrant and cultural hub Bangkok is as rich and exciting as the fruity ones, while Chiang Mai is refreshing and soothing like mint, and Pai District is as lush and unique as toffee. As one of the world’s most renowned holiday destinations, Thailand’s islands are best known for their natural beauty that enraptures all visitors’ hearts. Here are the top 8 islands in Thailand that can be reached by helicopter.
Koh Kradan
Located at the Trang province in Southern Thailand, Koh Kradan is known for having water so clear that you can immediately see all kinds of fish beneath. The 2-kilometer long white sand Koh Kradan Beach trails the east coast of the island, where you’ll find the most dazzling emerald sea and beautiful coral reefs. Make sure you pack thoroughly in advance since there’s no ATM nor medical facility on the island.
Koh Phayam
Selected as one of the best beaches in Asia by Forbes, Koh Phayam is a rustic island where you’ll find yourself transported back in time. You can hardly find any car on the island as bikes and motorbikes are the main transportation, and the island isn’t connected to the electrical grid. Instead, it heavily depends on diesel generators and solar panels. It’s the perfect getaway if you’d like to unplug and stay off the grid for a few days!
Koh Mak
As the largest private island in Thailand, Koh Mak is one of the safest places in the world and, most importantly, a hidden gem that’s relatively unknown by the public. We recommend going snorkeling and hiking at Koh Mak, and you should definitely pay it a visit when it’s still a well-kept secret for most travelers.
Koh Phangan
There are three hot destinations for the best Full Moon Parties in the world, including Koh Phangan in Thailand, Ibiza in Spain, and Goa in India. These frenzy full moon celebrations attract thousands of Chinese travelers every year. There’s no airport on the Koh Phangan, and it relies heavily on the ferries coming from Koh Samui. When the music fades away at the end of the night, Koh Phangan truly unveils its beauty. The island has not affected by mass tourism, so its beach and landscape remain relatively untouched compared to the other islands in Thailand.
Similan Islands
Similan Islands used to be a gem among the islands in the Andaman Sea, but due to the disruptions of mass tourism, the Thai Government has implemented a new regulation of limited entries onto the island to let the island recuperate better. Visitors are allowed to go to the islands between November and April (the last day to visit is on April 30), with a limited daily capacity of visitors.
Koh Chang
From the jungle on mountain peaks to sweeping bays and waterfalls, Koh Chang has plenty to offer for avid travelers. It’s the second-largest island after Phuket in Thailand, and the best way to explore is by hiring a car or even a helicopter to enjoy the magnificent landscape from high above. Many Westerners find themselves falling in love with Koh Chang upon their first visit and would stay for a few months to immerse themselves in the island life fully. We also recommend snorkeling at the surrounding islands with a local day tour.
Koh Lipe
Best known as the Maldives of Thailand, Koh Lipe is a small island located in southern Thailand. The fastest way to get there is a one-hour ferry ride from Langkawi, Malaysia, rather than reaching the island from Bangkok. You’ll find yourself surrounded by wild marine creatures as you dive beneath the clear turquoise waters, and many travelers visit Koh Lipe specifically to get their scuba certifications there. Apart from diving, be prepared for a feast as there’s plenty of amazing traditional street food around!
Koh Lanta
The deliciously unspoilt island Koh Lanta shoots to Instagram fame with its enchanting scenery. Unlike other highly popular destinations, there are few Chinese tourists and only a small number of Euro-American visitors on this island. As one of the main islands of Krabi Province, Koh Lanta offers excellent facilities and a lower cost of living compared to Phuket. The islands' lush jungle, clean sandy beaches, pretty coral reefs, and crystal-clear water make the island a perfect retreat.
Don’t worry if you can’t make up your mind which island you’d like to visit, you can always book a private helicopter and travel to all these islands in one-go!
So beautiful!