9 Must Visited Islands Near Bangkok
Do you ever dream of taking a quick escape to some islands near Bangkok from your 9-to-6? Weekends are short but if you know the right place, it’s enough to forget the buzzing metropolitan. In this article, you will find white beaches and crystal-clear water on 9 islands near Bangkok such as Koh Kham, Koh Larn, Koh Kood, Koh Munnork, and Koh Talu.
1. Koh Kham
The first on the list of beautiful islands near Bangkok is Koh Kham (Chonburi). Koh Kham is an island near Pattaya located in the Sattahip district, Chonburi province. Koh Kham is known for its fine white sands scattered with large and small rocks along with blue-green water and lush greenery. It is an island of breathtaking sceneries serving many beautiful photo opportunities. One appealing activity in Koh Kham is snorkeling. Due to the island’s conservative practices, it is abundant in nature, especially coral reefs. Visitors can snorkel or row a glass-bottom kayak to see the healthy coral reefs around Koh Kham.
The two highlights of Koh Kham are the wooden bridge for photo-taking and the various living creatures under the dazzling ocean water.
How to get to Koh Kham
From Bangkok, take a minibus from the Ekkamai bus terminal to Koh Kood pier and take a ferry to Koh Kood which takes 1 hour. Afterward, take another 50 minutes ferry from Koh Kood to Koh Kham.
The island is located in the Sattahip district of Chonburi and is open to visitors daily.
2. Koh Larn
When it comes to islands on the Eastern Seaboard, you cannot skip Koh Larn or commonly known to foreigners as Coral Island. Commonly known as an island near Pattaya, visitors can expect picturesque landscapes ranging from green luscious trees to smooth white sand engulfed by sparkling clear seawater.
Koh Larn offers a range of activities for everyone. Enjoy a relaxing getaway at the Giant Buddha viewpoint, Tawaen Beach, windmill viewpoint, Nual Beach, Sangwan Beach, and many other sites that are worth visiting. Besides visiting for relaxation, visitors can take part in activities such as the Sup Board which is fun and exciting.
Another activity to do is paddling a clear kayak on the surface of cooling seawater surrounded by a relaxing atmosphere. Plus, if you are a content creator, you’ll definitely go home with very chic and cute selfies. Other popular activities include snorkeling to see the various lives underwater, and squid fishing at night.
How to get to Koh Larn
Travelers from Bangkok can take a minibus from Mor Chit or Ekkamai to Pattaya Bali Hai pier. The ferry from Bali Hai Pier to Koh Larn costs 30 baht/per person and the journey takes around 30-40 minutes. For those not looking to plan and spend long times on ferries, we recommend the full-day Koh Larn Pattaya Tour by Speedboat full of already-included activities and a tour guide.
Koh Larn or Coral Island is located in Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province.
3. Koh Kood
Despite being further away from Bangkok, Koh Kood is a worthy island to visit. Located in Trat province, Koh Kood is full of gorgeous wonders that bring visitors back again and again such as Bang Bao Beach, Ao Noi Bay, Klong Chao Bay, Huang Nam Khiao Waterfall, and many other natural sites.
Koh Kood is considered to be an island of blue-emerald water, white sandy beaches, and coconut trees welcoming tourists as they approach. Various styles of hotels, and resorts can be found on the island ready to accommodate you on this quiet and relaxing island. Passionate divers can expect many diving spots full of beautiful corals and schools of fish in teasing colors.
The highlight of Koh Kood is credited to the beauty and elegance of the surrounding environment that can knock the Andaman Islands out of their ranking. Picturesque sceneries are most fitting for relaxation and recharge.
How to get to Koh Kood
1. Traveling by private car will be followed by a ferry service from Laem Sok to Koh Kood will save you al ot of time. You can reserve ferry tickets for Laem Sok to Koh Kood.
2. For those interested in public transport, this package of Bus & Ferry From Bangkok to Koh Kood will save you a lot of money.
Koh Kood is located in Koh Kood district, Trat province
4. Koh Munnork
Another landmark of the Eastern Seaboard with water as beautiful as other A-list tropical destinations has to be Rayong City, a province where our star island is located at. Koh Munnork is a private island recommended for those who want to escape civilization. This island promises you tranquility and utmost relaxation as the ocean waves soothe your mind. Surrounded by beautiful scenery; lush green trees, abundant soft white sand, and the cerulean blue sea.
Upon the island is the Koh Munnork Private Island by Epikurean Hotels & Lifetsyle, a stylized hotel giving a feel of Bali and a calming aroma. Being close to the beach, a few steps and you’ll be sunbathing and playing by the ocean water with activities you’ll never get bored of such as snorkeling, fishing, and cafes and restaurants you can enjoy while basking in the sunset’s colorful display.
How to get to Koh Munnork
To get to Koh Munnork, visitors can board a boat at Laem Tarn Pier. After, you will be asked to switch to a smaller boat to preserve the corals around the island which will take you the rest of the way.
Koh Munnork is located in the Klaeng district, Rayong province, and is open to visitors every day.
5. Koh Talu
We saved the best for last. Koh Talu, located in Rayong, is one of the many islands near Bangkok that deserves your visit at least once. This breathtaking island is situated in Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park. Despite its rather small size, its beauty is not to overlook.
On the island are rocky cliffs and lush green trees providing shade all over the island. White sand beach parallel to the super clear sea water that gets progressively more cerulean as it gets deeper. On the other side of the island is the snorkeling site that takes everyone to see the schools of fish and colorful coral reefs. This trip is more fitting for visitors looking for 1-day trips since there is no accommodation on the island.
And of course, the highlight of the island is where the island got its name from. The sea cave situated on the beach is an unseen natural phenomenon that is truly astonishing Diving is another activity that highlights Koh Talu.
Ticket2Attraction would like to recommend the Rayong Snorkeling Day trip to 6 islands by speedboat at only 600 bahts.
How to get to Koh Talu
The path to Koh Talu can be followed in multiple ways. One way is getting a boat charter from Baan Pe pier from Koh Samed. Koh Talu is situated in Klaeng District, Rayong Province, and is open to visitors daily.
6. Koh Samaesarn
Koh Samaesarn, Chonburi: A conservation-focused island known for its pristine waters and rich natural beauty, Koh Samaesarn is perfect for a short trip close to Bangkok. With its simple charm and clear seas, you can enjoy coral-viewing snorkeling, and scenic nature trails for a fully relaxing experience. Only a 2-hour drive from Bangkok, you’ll find yourself immersed in stunning seascapes.
Ticket2Attraction recommends a Koh Samaesarn snorkeling tour from Pattaya, offering a close look at vibrant marine life, including playful clownfish. This 2,600 THB tour includes lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, entrance fees, round-trip transfer from Pattaya, and even drone photos to share on social media.
7. Koh Chang
Koh Chang, Trat: For travelers with more time, Koh Chang offers the perfect getaway, packed with white-sand beaches, stunning waterfalls, and breathtaking ocean views. This large island is ideal for an extended trip with activities like snorkeling, fishing, and scenic views around every corner. The journey from Bangkok takes around 5 hours by car, followed by a ferry ride. Alternatively, you can conveniently book a Bus & Ferry from Bangkok to Koh Chang.
A top pick for activities is Ticket2Attraction’s Full-day 5-Island Snorkeling Tour, which is a must-try experience at only 750 THB. This tour takes you to some of the best snorkeling spots around Koh Chang, including Koh Yak and Koh Rang, where you’ll enjoy vibrant coral reefs and crystal-clear waters from a spacious, comfortable boat.
8. Koh Samet
Koh Samet, Rayong: A favorite island destination near Bangkok, Koh Samet offers white sandy beaches and clear waters, such as Sai Kaew Beach and Ao Prao Beach, perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and year-round photography. Located in Khao Laem Ya National Park, Koh Samet is a beautiful escape just 6.5 km from Ban Phe. With its white sand and plentiful trees, it’s a calm retreat in Rayong’s seaside paradise.
9. Koh Khram
Koh Khram, Chonburi: A small, peaceful island with lush nature, Koh Khram is ideal for private snorkeling and relaxing. Just 2 hours from Bangkok, Ticket2Attraction offers a Pattaya Power Catamaran Yacht with Snorkeling and DJ (joined), starting at 2,800 THB. With snorkeling stops and a live DJ on board, this trip is packed with adventure! Highlights include snorkeling at Koh Khram Yai to see beautiful coral reefs, relaxing on the white sands of Koh Khram Noi, and watching the sunset at Koh Ped.
This yacht tour also offers exciting water activities on board, like a giant waterslide, clear kayaks, paddleboards, fishing, and inflatable pools. Enjoy sunbathing on the white sands of Koh Mai Pai in its stunning blue waters. Plus, snorkel among colorful fish and coral at Koh Rin and visit Monkey Island to feed the playful monkeys. With a DJ, signature drinks, gourmet meals, and lounge chairs to relax in, this tour is a perfect day trip full of fun and relaxation!
There you have it, 9 islands to add to your island-hopping list, full of wonders, breathtaking views, and crystal clear water all on the islands near Bangkok most fitting for on-the-weekend getaways. We hope you found this article useful in helping you pick your relaxing escape to rewind and have a healing weekend.
Update November 2024
