Paradise islands of Thailand

Many of us like to set as wallpaper paradise views from beaches somewhere at the end of the world. A boat moored by the shore or a picturesque bay - when we add white sand and crystal clear water to it, we get one of the many views from Thailand. You won't get here by camper van, but it's worth getting on a plane, spending some more time on the bus, and then changing to a boat and sailing to paradise. And there ... If someone does not know how to swim, he has to stand on the beach and cry from despair - or learn to swim.

When writing about Thailand, it is difficult not to change the word "paradise" in all cases. And it is difficult to list all the islets-pearls for which this exotic country is famous, full of temples, delightful flora and spicy food. Everyone will find their piece of paradise, be it a fan of loud beach parties or a man escaping the hustle and bustle of the big city and looking for peace on Thai islands.

Koh Lipe - Chao Ley and an oasis of peace

Definitely worth mentioning is Koh Lipe , a tiny islet (its length is approx. 3 km) located in the Tarutao Marine National Park. It used to be intimate and you could relax there, today its popularity is constantly growing, which will probably be commercial like Phuket in a few years and will lose its original charm. In the future, it will turn into a trampled paradise, but today it tempts tourists with three main and a few smaller beaches with a whole lot of houses for rent and an equally large number of restaurants and bars. So far, there are no loud parties or regulars like "Holiday Diaries" here. It is relatively quiet and peaceful, the more that there are no roads on the island and you cannot drive onto it by car. We get everywhere, walking slowly.

On tourist forums, the topic of food served in local pubs and restaurants is often mentioned. It is worth taking the opportunity to try fish and seafood dishes served on a fishing island inhabited by the Chao Ley tribe . Koh Lipe will appeal not only to exotic gourmets, but also to diving enthusiasts. There are several diving centers here, and there are plenty of places to explore the underwater world - you can get to know them straight from the beach or take a boat to the best local spots.

Koh Tao - here you will get to know real diving

Those who cannot imagine a holiday in Thailand without diving may consider living in Koh Tao , known as the Mecca of diving enthusiasts. On this small island you will find several dozen diving centers, the offer of which is aimed at both experienced divers and those who are just starting their adventure with this sport. Before arriving, it is wise to check the rental regulations - there may be occasions when someone who does not intend to dive does not get a spot in a beach house.

Of course, in the high season (December-January) there are masses of tourists here, and prices are up by about 30%. If you want to spend a vacation here, it is worth considering either its date or place - perhaps on another island we will experience the vacation of a lifetime without treading on the feet of other vacationers.

Phi Phi - parties in paradise

Another island is Koh Phi Phi, the "star" of many movies. In addition to playing the role of an open-air film, it has been tempting thousands of tourists for years, which, unfortunately, can be felt. In addition to the aforementioned Phuket and Koh Pha Ngan, it is the loudest, not so much bustling with life as the rumbling island of Thailand. This is not necessarily a complaint - Phi Phi is made for fans of events, so for them a holiday spent on an island called a tourist combine may turn out to be the best in life.

The island is actually two islands, i.e. Little Phi Phi and Big Phi Phi. The large one is full of attractions such as fancy events, while the Small one is uninhabited. It has several wonderful coves, including Maya Bay , recognized as one of the most beautiful bays in the world, where Leonardo DiCaprio's "Heavenly Beach" was filmed. What can we say about Phi Phi - it offers heavenly landscapes that will never be forgotten. The downside is that thousands of people think so, which translates into mercilessly crowded in the season.

Koh Samui - the island of coconut trees

Finally, it is worth saying a few words about Koh Samui, the heart of the southern part of the Gulf of Thailand. Compared to, for example, Koh Lipe, it is large: it is 21 km long and 25 km wide, but it takes only 1-2 days to get to know it all. If we decide to vacation on this island, we will see live what others see only in photos - fishing boats gently rocking on the water, bathed in the rays of the setting sun. One of the two most famous beaches of Koh Samui , Lamai, enjoys such views. There are many modern hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops on the main beaches, while in the southern and western part of the island you will find less crowded bays where you can disconnect from the so-called great world.

Tourists spending their holidays on Koh Samui will find sandy beaches with palm trees, clear water, charming bungalows and forested mountains beyond the coast line. While visiting coconut palm plantations, we can see performances of monkeys trained especially to help with fruit harvest. In the evenings, you can spend time in the open air disco or try the local cuisine in one of the beachfront restaurants.

In summary, the Thai islands are pieces of the Garden of Eden scattered across the sea. There is no doubt about that. It's definitely worth seeing, but if you want to rest, it's better to go one after the season. If, on the other hand, we are tempted by the option of partying and meeting a whole lot of people, the peak season is what we like best.