Island Hopping in Thailand: Andaman vs Gulf Routes

Island hopping in Thailand works best on one coast at a time. From November to April, choose the Andaman route of Phuket, Phi Phi, Krabi and Koh Lanta; from January to September, the Gulf route of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao is often drier. Plan two islands a week, allow half a day for each ferry, and keep a buffer day before your flight home.

Thailand's islands are a big draw for Indian travellers, and hopping between them is easy with regular ferries. The key decisions are which coast, how many islands and how to handle luggage and weather. This guide sets out the logic.

Andaman vs Gulf at a glance

The Andaman route

A classic Andaman route starts in Phuket, takes a ferry to Phi Phi, then continues to Krabi's Ao Nang or Railay, and finishes on Koh Lanta, flying home from Krabi or Phuket. Ferries between these islands take about one and a half to two hours. Our Krabi guide and Phuket guide have more.

The Gulf route

On the Gulf side, fly into Koh Samui, take a short ferry to Koh Phangan, and continue to Koh Tao for diving and snorkelling. Return to Samui to fly out, or take a ferry to Surat Thani or Chumphon.

How many islands per week

In a week, two islands is ideal, with three or four nights each. In two weeks, three or four islands work. More than that means spending much of your holiday on boats and in check-in queues.

Ferry timings

Ferries usually run several times a day in season, mainly in the morning and early afternoon. Speedboats are faster but bumpier; larger ferries are steadier for families and parents. Check timetables close to your travel date. Our getting around Thailand guide has more.

Luggage

Pack light, as ferries involve carrying bags on and off boats and along piers. Some piers have no porters, and longtail boats require stepping into the water at some beaches.

Weather and the monsoon

In the Andaman monsoon, from May to October, seas are rough and some ferries run less often. The Gulf's rainy months are roughly October to December. Plan with the season.

For families

Choose fewer islands, larger ferries, and resorts with pools. Koh Samui and Phuket have the best family infrastructure.

For couples

Couples often finish on a quieter island, such as Koh Lanta, Koh Yao or Koh Phangan's quieter beaches. Our Thailand honeymoon guide has ideas.

A sample Andaman week

Day 1: arrive in Phuket and rest. Day 2: a Phang Nga Bay tour. Day 3: ferry to Phi Phi. Day 4: a boat trip around Phi Phi's bays. Day 5: ferry to Ao Nang or Railay in Krabi. Day 6: a four-islands tour or a beach day. Day 7: fly home from Krabi. For a slower week, skip Phi Phi and add Koh Lanta.

A sample Gulf week

Day 1: fly to Koh Samui. Days 2 and 3: Samui's beaches and Ang Thong Marine Park. Day 4: ferry to Koh Phangan. Day 5: a quiet beach day. Day 6: ferry to Koh Tao for snorkelling. Day 7: return to Samui and fly home.

Ferry tickets

Book ferry tickets through reputable agents, your hotel or official operator offices. Combined tickets including pier transfers are convenient. Keep tickets and passports handy.

National park fees

Some islands and bays are in national parks that charge entry fees, often collected on boat trips. Carry some cash.

Safety on boats

Wear life jackets on speedboats, sit towards the back in rough water, and avoid boats that seem overloaded.

Longtail boats

Longtail boats link beaches and nearby islands. Agree the price before boarding, and expect to wade in shallow water at some beaches.

Two weeks of island hopping

In two weeks on the Andaman coast, combine Phuket, Phi Phi, Krabi and Koh Lanta, or add Koh Yao Noi for quiet. On the Gulf, combine Samui, Phangan and Tao with a few days in Bangkok. Our 14-day Thailand itinerary shows a fuller route.

Flights to the islands

Phuket and Krabi airports serve the Andaman coast; Koh Samui airport serves the Gulf islands, with limited airlines. Surat Thani airport and ferries offer a cheaper alternative to Samui.

Where to stay on each island

Choose a base close to the pier on islands you visit only briefly, and a beach resort on the island where you stay longest. On Phi Phi, many hotels are reached on foot or by longtail boat.

Cash on the islands

Smaller islands have fewer ATMs and some places accept cash only. Carry enough baht for ferries, longtail boats and national park fees.

Tides and timing

Some lagoons and caves, such as in Phang Nga Bay, can only be entered at certain tides. Tours plan around this, which may mean early or late departures.

With parents

With older parents, choose fewer islands, larger ferries with seating and toilets, hotels near piers, and private transfers. Phuket and Koh Samui have the best infrastructure for a comfortable stay. Our Thailand with parents guide has more.

When not to island hop

If your trip is short, if you are travelling with very young children, or if seas are rough, consider staying on one island and taking day trips instead. You will see a lot without changing hotels.

Costs

Ferries, longtail boats, transfers and national park fees add up. Budget for them alongside hotels.

Packing for island hopping

Pack light in a soft bag or backpack, with a dry bag, water shoes, reef-safe sunscreen and motion-sickness tablets for ferries and longtail boats.

Next steps

Read our 14-day Thailand itinerary and getting around Thailand, or see our Krabi and Phuket pages.

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Your questions, answered

Which is better for island hopping: Andaman or Gulf?

The Andaman coast (Phuket, Phi Phi, Krabi, Koh Lanta) has dramatic limestone scenery and is best from November to April. The Gulf (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) is often drier from January to September.

How many islands can we visit in a week?

Two islands in a week is comfortable; three is possible but rushed. Each ferry crossing takes most of half a day.

Can we combine the Andaman and Gulf coasts?

It is possible by flying or taking a bus and ferry across the south, but it costs a day or more. On most trips, choose one coast.

Are ferries reliable?

Ferries run regularly in season but can be delayed or cancelled in rough weather. Keep a buffer day before international flights.