We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel through the Andaman Sea islands all the way from Malaysia. We liked all the islands, but some stood head and shoulders over the others for us. Of course everyone is different and therefore, may have a different opinion, but we were looking for somewhere with a bit of character, great beaches and peace and quiet. Here is our take on the Thai Andamen sea islands...
Our favourite
Our overall best island was Koh Bulone Leh. It didn't have the best beach, but it made up for this with a great vibe, down to earth locals, and Su's cinnamon buns! The island had a good mix of ultra cheap to good higher end places to stay, food was good and prices were reasonable. There were a couple of nice bars as well to have a nice drink in the evening, without feeling the pressure to party party party.
Best for snorkeling
Koh Lipe hands down had the best snorkeling, even though you needed to go on a trip to find the best bits. With colourful soft and hard corals and Nemo's aplenty! Trips were reasonable in price, the waters stunningly clear, and equipment good.
Best for the local experience
Koh Bulone Leh and Koh Mook were the only islands we felt that had a true local community. We met some wonderful characters like the bar owner on the beach of Koh Bulone Leh, star baker Su who baked fresh banana cake and cinnamon buns every day and the two lovely ladies who ran the show at Coco Lodge and cooked an awesome Pad Thai! It really helps turn a place from a resort to a living and breathing island.
Best for wildlife
Koh Bulone Leh wins again. The nature trail, info boards, butterflies and flowers made it a pleasure to walk around. It was a luscious and tropical with a real exotic island feel - just as you'd hope a paradise island to be! It was also very well maintained by the local community, with little rubbish.
Best Beach and swimming
Ko Kradan had by far the best beach and swimming, as at high/mid tide, the seas was an amazing turquoise colour and the shallows went on for ever.
If we went again we would go to...
If we were to go again, we would head for the Trang islands. They are very accessible from the mainland and Trang town which make them ideal for a week or two week holiday - there is an airport at Trang. There is potential snorkeling of Koh Ngai we didn't discover, the beaches on both Kradan and Ngai are amazing (even though they are resort islands) and the local community in Koh Mook give them soul. You can also pick up a trip to Koh Rok, which has, so we understand, even better amazing beaches and snorkeling too!
Our favourite
Our overall best island was Koh Bulone Leh. It didn't have the best beach, but it made up for this with a great vibe, down to earth locals, and Su's cinnamon buns! The island had a good mix of ultra cheap to good higher end places to stay, food was good and prices were reasonable. There were a couple of nice bars as well to have a nice drink in the evening, without feeling the pressure to party party party.
Best for snorkeling
Koh Lipe hands down had the best snorkeling, even though you needed to go on a trip to find the best bits. With colourful soft and hard corals and Nemo's aplenty! Trips were reasonable in price, the waters stunningly clear, and equipment good.
Best for the local experience
Koh Bulone Leh and Koh Mook were the only islands we felt that had a true local community. We met some wonderful characters like the bar owner on the beach of Koh Bulone Leh, star baker Su who baked fresh banana cake and cinnamon buns every day and the two lovely ladies who ran the show at Coco Lodge and cooked an awesome Pad Thai! It really helps turn a place from a resort to a living and breathing island.
Best for wildlife
Koh Bulone Leh wins again. The nature trail, info boards, butterflies and flowers made it a pleasure to walk around. It was a luscious and tropical with a real exotic island feel - just as you'd hope a paradise island to be! It was also very well maintained by the local community, with little rubbish.
Best Beach and swimming
Ko Kradan had by far the best beach and swimming, as at high/mid tide, the seas was an amazing turquoise colour and the shallows went on for ever.
If we went again we would go to...
If we were to go again, we would head for the Trang islands. They are very accessible from the mainland and Trang town which make them ideal for a week or two week holiday - there is an airport at Trang. There is potential snorkeling of Koh Ngai we didn't discover, the beaches on both Kradan and Ngai are amazing (even though they are resort islands) and the local community in Koh Mook give them soul. You can also pick up a trip to Koh Rok, which has, so we understand, even better amazing beaches and snorkeling too!
No comments:
Post a Comment