Beautiful Islands near Bangkok

Known For : Scuba diving in Koh Samet Wat Ko Kaew Pitsadan Sai Kaew Beach

Koh Samet is a beautiful island located south-east of Bangkok near the Gulf of Thailand. A T-shaped island and named after the Samet trees (Thai for Cajeput trees), it is known for its rustic tropical setting and powdery white sands. 

Things to Do - Deep Sea Fishing, Canoeing, Kayaking, Party at Sai Kaew, Island Tour Cruises.
How to Reach - Take a drive from Bangkok to Ban Phe Pier which takes about 2-3 hours. From the pier take a ferry to the island which takes about 45 minutes.

Best Time: November to February

23 Koh Samet Attractions

Located off the coast of Pattaya city in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Larn or Coral Islands is one the best islands near Bangkok for a fun-filled cum relaxing getaway. Comprising six main beaches, Koh Larn can be reached by ferry or speedboat from the mainland in Pattaya. There are no accommodation options here on the island, and tourists are strictly ferried back to the mainland by 6 PM.

Things to Do - Swimming, Snorkelling, Sunbathing, Souvenir Shopping, Hiking
How to Reach - Take a bus or car ride from Bangkok to Pattya city which takes about 2 hours. From the coast take a ferry or speedboat to Koh Larn.

Known For : Elephant Trekking Waterfalls in Koh Chang

The island of Koh Chang is part of the Mu Koh Chang Marine National Park. After Phuket and Koh Samui, it is the third largest island in Thailand but more underdeveloped than the other two. Lush with a lot of untouched vegetation, nature lovers throng to this island to go about the hiking trails, visit the many waterfalls and indulge in some elephant trekking. 

Things to Do - Waterfall Hopping, Elephant Trekking, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Hiking
How to Reach - The most preferred way is to take a bus from Bangkok's Ekamai (Eastern) Bus Terminal to the piers at Laem Ngop. From there one can easily ride a ferry to Koh Chang.

Distance from Bangkok: 348 km

Best Time: November to March

10 Koh Chang Attractions

Known popularly as Bamboo Island, Ko Phai like Ko Larn, lies off the coast of Pattaya. Ko Phai along with four other islands - Ko Klung Badan, Ko Luam, Ko Man Wichai, and Ko Rin, make up the entirety of the Mu Ko Phai archipelago. Serving as a primary day trip getaway for those who are looking to avoid any sort of civilization, ferries, and speedboats carry tourists to and from the island.

Thing to Do - Swimming, Snorkelling, Hikes and Trails
How to Reach - Take a bus or car ride from Bangkok to Pattya city which takes about 2 hours. From the coast take a ferry or speedboat to Ko Phai.

Known For : Scuba Diving in Koh Kood Waterfalls in Koh Kood

Koh Kood, also termed Ko Kut, is one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. Among the many islands near Bangkok, if one is looking to do absolutely nothing, then this island is the one to be at. The atmosphere across the island is quiet and relaxed throughout the day with the traffic and even nightlife being almost non-existent. 

Things to Do - Kayaking, Swimming
How to Reach - One can take a bus/car ride to Trat from bangkok if preferring to go by road. Flights are also available from Bangkok to Trat Airport. Once at Trat ferries or speedboats can be availed to Koh Kut.

Best Time: November to March

2 Koh Kood Attractions

Among all the islands near Bangkok, Koh Si Chang is one that has almost none of the regular touristy appeal. One will not find many foreign travelers on this island at any given time, as the infrastructure is not catered for mass tourism. Dotted with several temples, historical sites, and markets, one can traverse through the entirety of the island on a scooter or by hiring a Tuk-Tuk.

Things to Do - Laze at the beaches, try the local seafood at the markets, pray at the temples.
How to Reach - Take a bus to Sri Racha from Bangkok which takes about 2 hours. From Koh Loi Pier one can take a ferry to Koh Si Chang which takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

Best Time: December to March

The largest island in the Gulf of Thailand south of Pattaya city, Koh Khram Yai, is a largely deserted island where those who are looking to explore offbeat locations go. The island is a protected area under the Royal Thai Navy's care and is a designated breeding ground for turtles. At certain times of the year, during Navy exercises and the breeding season, Koh Khram Yai remains off-limits for tourism.

Things to Do - Visit the Coves and Inlets, Swimming, Boat Tours and Cruises
How to Reach - Take a bus/car ride from Bangkok to Pattaya. Look for tour operators or ferries who take tourists to Koh Khram Yai.

Among all the islands near Bangkok, Koh Talu is one which is privately owned having a resort of its own. An ecological hotspot and conservation region for coral reefs and wildlife of the island, tourism to the island was started to support the local populace and the island's conservation efforts. One can choose to stay at the island or visit for a day trip.

Things to Do - Hiking, Kayaking, Snorkelling, Squid Fishing
How to Reach - Take a Bus ride towards Hua Hin and further take a cab or tuk tuk to Bang Saphan. From the Banmapraw Resort, ferries and speedboats carry tourists to Koh Talu.