Thailand is known for many things. Culture, food, temples, nightlife and stunning beaches. The tropical weather and vibes are what most people are drawn to. Now, most tourists and travelers tend to fly directly to the southern part of Thailand, abundant in some of the most beautiful islands and beaches. But what about people coming only to the capital? It’s quite difficult to travel all the way down South for the popular islands because it either costs an airfare or a whole day on the road. So we’re sharing with you 5 gorgeous, must-visit islands near Bangkok that are under a 5 hour trip.
Koh Si Chang
Photo cr: @golf_chakrapol
Distance from Bangkok: ~130 km to Koh Loy pier, Sriracha and then a short ferry ride (2 hour journey).
Known for
Well we can tell you that it is not known for parties and late nights. This is a very local island with villages and a slow, peaceful life. Thais and travelers like to go here for its authenticity and since it is the nearest island to Bangkok, it serves as a well-deserved easy getaway from the chaos of Bangkok.
Here you’ll find temples, local massage places, scenic viewpoints and places to enjoy some delicious seafood. The island is only 8 sq km so it is perfect for a day worth of exploring. Many visit the island as a day trip and return back to their home in Chonburi mainland or back to Bangkok.
Accomodation
If you’re looking for traditional living and stepping away from the luxe life found on Koh Samui, Phuket or Bangkok, then Koh Si Chang is the place for you. You’ll find all sorts of bungalows, huts and home-stay style lodgings on this island.
Koh Larn
Photo credit: www.orientalescape.com
Distance from Bangkok: ~150 km to Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya and another short ride by ferry (3 hour journey).
Known for
Koh Larn or otherwise known as Coral Island is an idylic escape from the busy streets of Bangkok and even Pattaya city. Although also quite crowded with day trippers heading out there for snorkeling or some fun in the sea, it is no doubt a beautiful island. Surrounded by crystal clear water, it is mostly made up of a mountainous terrain with heavy vegetation. Locals and tourists alike love to go here since it is near and they get to experience some scenic views.
You can spend an entire day here exploring 6 different beaches, go parasailing, swimming, fishing and even bicycling around the island.
Short of time or don’t want to partake in physical activities? Getting around with a tour costs around 400 THB (~11) or you could rent a motorbike for 200 THB (~5) but be vary, the roads are steep.
Accommodation
Many people don’t know but you can actually stay over at this island. While the island might be touristy, crowded and happening during the day, at night it is a charming place. The vibe becomes very local and quaint at night, which is a startling contrast from the hustle and bustle of Pattaya city.
There are no massive resorts here but rather local boutique hotels, budget and some luxury resorts. You can also find some guesthouses here.
You can find some accommodations through Booking.com or KohLarn.com. We haven’t stayed overnight yet but plan to very soon.
Koh Kham
Distance from Bangkok: ~185 km to Sattahip naval base pier and then a short ride by ferry (3.5 hour journey).
Known for
Kham island is a little-known island for its white sandy beaches, corals, marine life and crystal clear azure water. Since Koh Kham is under the patronage of the Thai navy, there is not much to do there. According to the Royal Thai Navy officers, this island is one of the country’s three islands under the “Pilot Project” promotional campaign for preserving the coral.
It is only open during the weekends and the Royal Navy only allows 400 tourists on Koh Kham per day. Mostly locals and Thais go here to spend the day taking pictures, swimming, kayaking or snorkeling. There are no restaurants or accommodation on this island, which is why it maintains its beauty. You can however find 2 or 3 shacks selling local food and snacks.
Accommodation
Although you cannot stay on this island, you can easily find lodging in Sattahip district. Accommodation are spread across town, some even 30-40 km away from the pier.
We stayed at the Sea Hill Boutique Hotel but accommodation can be found nearer to the pier. Try Prapakarn resort or Rimpu Hill Resort.
Koh Samet
Photo cr: thelimopattaya.com
Distance from Bangkok: ~200km to Nuan Thip Pier in Ban Phe and another short ride by ferry (4.5 hour journey).
Known for
Samet (Samed) island is a very popular destination for Thais and tourists alike because it is near enough from Bangkok and has a lot to offer. There is something for everyone here from late night partying to exploring hidden coves to even laid back vibes on the beach. Here you can also enjoy water sports, snorkeling, swimming or just chilling on one of several beaches.
Although the island has become very commercial over the years with ATMs, convenient stores, cafes and even massage shops at every corner, it is still an ideal getaway for Bangkokians.
This was actually the first island Shayan and I went to together ever (back when we were dating).
Accommodation
You can find everything between backpacker and budget friendly lodgings to a bit more pricey and luxury stays. Check out booking.com or hotels.com.
Koh Talu
Photo cr: Koh Talu Island Resort
Distance from Bangkok: ~375 km south to Bang Saphan and then a private boat ride
Known for
Ok, this one will take you a little longer 5 hours to get to but we just couldn’t not mention it.
Koh Talu is one of those lesser known islands, which we only came to find out about my vigorously looking at Google map when we planned our Prachuap Khiri Khan trip. We are so glad that we did because it truly a slice of paradise. It is a small but private island in the Gulf of Thailand and it is known for white sandy beaches, calm azure waters and a relaxed atmosphere. Locals and tourists literally go here to unwind and get away from it all.
There are no convenient stores or ATMs or anything commercial here. You’ see only one bar, a restaurant and lots of activities such as trekking, fishing, snorkeling, diving and kayaking to keep you busy during the day. At night laze around your resort or get a nice massage by the beach.
There are no public ferries to this island since it is a private. You can only get here through the resort booking or affiliated tour operators.
Accomodation
There are only one or two resorts on this island. The main one being Koh Talu island resort. You cannot step onto this island unless you are staying there. It’s either that or you pay a premium fee that includes snorkeling in the area, lunch at the resort and some time for exploring. I remember paying about 1500 THB per person from one of the local operator, which unfortunately I don’t remember the name of but you can get in touch with the island resort and find out. Or you could just stay there for the night, which we later wish we did!
What did you think of these beautiful islands near Bangkok? Now you have every reason to escape the city for some well-deserved getaway within just a few hours.
What beautiful photos! Absolutely love this post. I never even knew some of these islands existed! I will bear this in mind for my next visit to Thailand. These places look like paradise!
Thank you! Which one would you go to Abbi or is at the top of your list?
I always like finding out more about places I’ve never heard about and these islands are off the beaten track. Looks like bright colours are the “in” thing in Thailand these days. The colour scheme certainly cheers you up.
I am pretty sure I have been to around 3 of these lol.. but I always get confused with all the names – Koh this, Koh that is all I remember. Is Koh Chang the lonely beach? I think so eh? Although not so much partying there – only on weekends in 2 bars by the beach.
I hear Koh Chang has developed quite a bit but I haven’t been there yet. I had no idea they only have 2 bars and not much partying…I guess it’s not Koh Samed. We want to go see Koh Chang and many other Kohs hahaha
Oh so much beauty in Thailand. The Thais are so right when they say they have the most beautiful country in the world, aren’t they? I definitely have to go back and visit some of these places!
I think there is so much beauty everywhere in the world and no country is the best or most “anything” to be honest. We could definitely take a break from Thailand, seeing as we’ve been here for so many years. We want to see Europe, Africa and S. America!
Oh I had no idea there were islands right near Bangkok. I went down to Phuket to go to the islands. For Americans, the exchange rate is amazing so these places are quite affordable!
Yes, for foreigners it makes more sense to go down to the southern beaches of Phuket, Phi Phi and the like. For Bangkokians who work and can’t take days off so often, these islands are the best as they are near and good for a weekend getaway.
Wow, Koh Talu was a good find. I love things like that. When I went to the DR, everyone said PUNTA CANA. A local talked me into a day trip to snorkel on an uninhabited private island and it was so amazing. I would definitely opt for Koh Talu if in the area.
I have to admit, all these pictures are gorgeous to say the least. <3 Loved them!
Great post. Honestly all of these places look gorgeous — but I would want to spend time visiting Koh Larn because I’m not a fan of super busy areas 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Yea, most people these days aren’t, which is funny because don’t we travel to meet people? Anyways, Koh Kham, Koh Talu and Koh Larn (at night only) are your best bet for least busy islands. Hope you visit Natasha.
It’s only 5 islands but feels like so much choice! I love how different islands can have such a different feel. I found it really interesting that the Navy allows 400 guests a day to that island. I guess if you wanted a quiet day away, it would be perfect
I definitely need to return and visit these islands! Bangkok was a bit hectic for me, though I feel like I need to give it a few more days. Koh Si Chang sounds like it’d be my favorite of the islands!
Really? Koh Si Change is probably one that least excites us. If you’re thinking it is going to be peaceful, yes it is but there are also LOTS of Thai tourists and foreigners there thinking the same. It’s not even that beautiful in terms of beaches and water color. Highly recommend Koh Talu and Koh Kham though.
Gorgeous islands! Thailand has always been a place I want to visit, but the more I read about it the longer I want to stay. There is so much to see, do and eat!
Do you have a favorite island out of the five that you mention? They all look like they have their own personality.
We haven’t been to two of these but out of the other 3, ummm no not really. Each has its own personality. I think Koh Talu would be a nice place to stay a night!
Such a beautiful looking place! I have wanted to visit Thailand for a long time now. These a good guide, I will bookmark it for my future travels.
Planned to visit the islands when I was in Bangkok, however, most of my friends were further South, so I skipped them. Actually I particularly had Koh Kham in mind for th 400 people max per day. Either way, those are such great photos, you seem to have had a gorgeous trip 🙂 Happy traveling!
Now you know when you’re in Bangkok next, there are plenty of close by ones too.
All of these islands are so charming and different. This is a great list which I will be book marking should I find myself in that end of the world.I love these alternate options to the crazy partying and the very touristy spots.
Awesome. Hope you get to go Verushka. Let us know when you do 🙂
Oh my! Look at that gorgeous beach at Koh Kham! And those beautiful colourful huts! I’ve never been, but will add them all to my ever growing bucket list! Sharleen ♡
That’s the thing about bucket lists, always growing! And yes Koh Kham was heavenly.
I am in love with how colourful those little huts are! I’d want the pink one!
I recently got back from Koh Larn and LOVED it! It was during the offseason too so it was like I had the island to myself. It was so beautiful. My friend had gone to Koh Samet and had amazing things to say about it.
Stephanie
Adventures in Aussieland
We’ve only been to Koh Larn for a day trip but hopefully will do an overnight one. Samet is fun but very touristy. Probably going there again soon though haha
Great Post! Really helpful for us because we are going to the south of Thailand next week! 🙂
Oh great. But if you’re going way down South like Phuket, this isn’t really helpful. Unless you go to Koh Talu in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
This is great! There are so many unexplored island, Koh Kham looks beautiful. I’ve done island hopping in Thailand but it was mainly phi phi, karabi and all. Wish I had known about these islands earlier!
Yes those are the most popular ones, especially amongst Indians we noticed.
The beaches of Thailand are heavenly. This is a great list of beaches all near Bangkok. I have visited and spent some time in Koh Larn, the others still unexplored. I hope to get back one day to explore some more offbeat locations in Thailand.
Whoah! Thailand doesn’t just come with so affordable finds but also beautiful places as well! I didn’t know that they also have fine sand beaches there. From the top 5 beaches you have featured, I am stunned the most by the Koh Larn. I am not sure but it looks like Boracay in Philippines (just basing on the picture you have used).