Kick back and relax on some of Thailand's best beaches with this six-day, island-hopping itinerary. After touching down in Bangkok, you'll head for the coast and take a speedboat to the tropical paradise of Ko Mak before moving on to the white sands of Ko Rang. From there, you'll visit Ko Kood to swim to your heart's content, cool off in the waterfalls of Klong Chao, visit a traditional fishing village, and snorkel the turquoise waters of Bang Bao Beach.

Highlights

  • Relax in the tropical paradise of Ko Mak
  • Discover an underwater world on a snorkel trip at Ko Rang Island 
  • Swim in an island waterfall surrounded by ancient rainforest
  • Beach hop around picturesque Ko Kood

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Bangkok, Transfer to Ko Mak Ko Mak
Day 2 Snorkel at Ko Rang Island Ko Mak
Day 3 Explore Ko Kood Island Ko Kood
Day 4 Swim in the Spectacular Klong Chao Waterfall Ko Kood
Day 5 Relax on the Beaches of Ko Kood Ko Kood
Day 6 Transfer to Bangkok & Depart  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Transfer to Ko Mak

Stroll the white-sand beaches on Ko Mak

Welcome to Thailand! Upon arrival in Bangkok, your private driver will be waiting to transfer you to Laem Ngop Pier, about a four-hour drive away. From there, you will take a speed boat to Ko Mak Island. This picture-perfect tropical island is covered by coconut and rubber plantations, which are its primary source of income after fishing. There are a few roads on the island, but traffic is limited to a couple of motorbikes and pick-up trucks, and it's small enough to explore by foot or bicycle.

Ko Mak's greatest appeal lies in its endless stretches of soft, white-sand beaches, and you can spend the rest of the afternoon discovering your favorite. At Ao Khao, the largest and most popular, you'll find plenty of restaurants, dive shops, swaying palms, and some tranquil spots to relax away from crowds. If you're looking to get away from it all, Ao Suan Yai is 2 miles (3 km) long and has few resorts, so you can enjoy a quieter atmosphere and some of the most dramatic sunsets on the island. 

Day 2: Snorkel at Ko Rang Island

Snorkeling at Koh Rang island
You'll see plenty of fish snorkeling in Ko Rang's waters
In the morning, you'll take a boat trip to the island of Ko Rang, which sits within a beautiful archipelago of islands in southwestern Ko Chang. The white-sand beaches and abundant nature that surround them are spectacular, and you'll get the chance to snorkel the island's crystal-clear waters to spot colorful marine life. Enjoy lunch on the boat, and in the afternoon, return to Ko Mak for more tropical bliss.
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Day 3: Explore Ko Kood Island

Speed boat from Ko Mak to Koh Kood
Enjoy the speed boat ride from Ko Mak to Ko Kood

After a leisurely morning at your hotel, get ready to move (by speedboat) to another beach paradise⁠—Ko Kood. Situated 50 miles (80 km) southeast of the provincial capital of Trat, Ko Kood is the farthest island from the mainland. It is also the easternmost island of Thailand on the border with Cambodia. With an area of around 50 square miles (129 sq km), Ko Kood is the second largest island in the Ko Chang National Park. 

After disembarking the boat, you'll check into your resort and enjoy an afternoon of swimming and sunbathing at the beach. Don't miss the island's iconic swings over the sea. If you fancy stretching your legs, challenge yourself with a walk through the jungle to see the nearby waterfalls.

Day 4: Swim in the Spectacular Klong Chao Waterfall

Dive into the jungle waterfall of Klong Chao

Today you'll tour Ko Kood by local pick-up truck and visit some fantastic beaches. You'll also get to experience one of the island's most impressive features, the Klong Chao waterfall. The three-tier cascade is surrounded by lush jungle and has a natural plunge pool you can swim in. 

There will also be time to pay a visit to Ao Salad, the area's oldest fishing village with a rich history of seafaring pirates. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and in the afternoon, you'll head back to your resort to spend the rest of the day at your leisure. 

Day 5: Relax on the Beaches of Ko Kood

Take a walk inland to find the island temple of Rat Bamrung

You'll have plenty of time to relax across Ko Kood's many beaches today. Start on Klong Chao, where the shallow, turquoise waters on its eastern side are perfect for swimming. There are also various spots to rent sports equipment for adventure lovers and cafés to refuel. 

Next to Klong Chao, you'll find Ao Tapao, one of the longest beaches on the island, which also lies within walking distance of the island's charming Buddhist temple of Rat Bamrung. This beach is ideal for families as it's less crowded and has clear shallow waters and soft sand. Snorkelers should head to the beach at Bang Bao, where its gorgeous bay provides the perfect conditions for exploring the underwater world. If you want to experience the island like a local, head to the southwest, where you'll find the smaller beach of Ao Phrao, which is half a mile (1 km) long, and neighbors a small, traditional fishing village.

Day 6: Transfer to Bangkok, Depart

Sunset over Ko Kood

Take your time over breakfast and fit in a little more time at the beach this morning. When the time comes, you'll say your goodbyes and transfer to Laem Ngop Pier by ferry and on to Bangkok Airport by car for your departing flight. Safe travels!

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Map

Map of Thailand Island Escape  - 6 Days
Map of Thailand Island Escape - 6 Days
Hien
Written by Hien Do, updated Jan 11, 2023