The 8 best islands near Bangkok

If you dream of vacationing by the sea, but do not want to follow the south of Thailand, find great beach spots in the eastern part of the country, near Bangkok. Many travelers are well aware of the island of Ko Lan, which is located near Pattaya. But even besides it in Eastern Thailand there are a lot of beautiful islands that deserve the most attention. Each of them in its own interesting and unique.

1. Koh Samet in Rayong

About 2-3 hours from Bangkok and a 40-minute ferry ride away is Ko Samet Island, a true paradise within reach. It has long been beloved by Thai locals, so it is quite well developed in terms of infrastructure. Fantastic fire shows and parties are popular here, especially in the areas of Sai Keo Beach and Ao Phai (Phai Bay). Fortunately, the island is well-preserved with quiet beaches and coves like Ao Wai and Ao Pakarang.

Activities include banana and other watercraft riding, snorkeling, fishing (including squid), turtle and shark watching. Koh Samet also attracts lovers of Thai literature. Koh Kaew Pisadan in the world-famous Thai epic poem Phra Abhai Mani is inspired by Ko Samet.

Phra Abhay Mani, created by the UNESCO-revered bard Santhorn Phu, tells not only about people but also about mythical creatures - a mermaid, a sea saga and a dragon horse. Don't be surprised to see life-size statues of the poem's "heroes" scattered all over Samet.

2. Koh Talu in Rayong

Talu means pierced. Hence the name of the island. Jump on the ferry on Samet Island to soon see not only a hole in the stone wall, but also turquoise water, powdery white sand and the most beautiful coral reef in Rayong.

3. Koh Mannork in Rayong

Part of the Maine Islands consists of Co Mannorc, Manklang, and Mannaia. All three islands are beautiful, and the largest of them, Co Mannorc is private. Here you can enjoy the stunning natural scenery in peace and quiet, and watch the magnificent locals, the peacocks.

4. Koh Chang in Trat (Koh Chang)

The largest island in the east and the third largest in Thailand after Phuket and Samui, Ko Chang is known not only for its size. From Bangkok to Ko Chang or Elephant Island, it takes about 4-5 hours by car or bus and then a 45-minute ferry ride. Quite a long trip, but well worth it. The island offers a wide range of services. Here you can not only swim and sunbathe on the beaches, but also hike through the scenic areas to the waterfall Khlong Phlu.

Although there are many hotels on Ko Chang, there is a sense of solidarity on the island. Want to go snorkeling or fishing? Visit the fishing village of Bang Bao and let the locals take you to the sea. If you want to be alone with nature, go to the fishing village of Salak Kok. The village is located near the mangroves, where you can take a gondola or kayak trip. Come here at night to see thousands of fireflies sharing their magical light with you.

Read also: The best boutique resorts on the island of Ko Chang

5. Koh Kood in Trat

Koh Kood Island is about an hour's ferry ride from Koh Chang. You can snorkel, kayak, canoe, and swim in the stunning Klong Chao Falls. You can even feel like Tarzan, holding onto a rope and swinging in the pool.

Crystal clear sea water, pristine beaches, lush tropical vegetation, picturesque waterfalls, rows of coconut palms - all this will help to forget about vanity and relax. Koh Kood is not called the pearl of the East for nothing.

6. Koh Mak in Trat

Mak Island, located between Koh Chang and Koh Kood, holds a place of honor on our list. This small piece of land is home to only 350 locals who grow rubber and coconuts. With its snow-white beaches and turquoise sea, Ko Mak is a place for quiet, measured relaxation.

In addition to all this, Ko Mak is the best base for divers. And nearby is a group of islands Rang, where you will find more coral than anywhere else in Eastern Thailand. The island of Ko Wai is the best place for diving, as the coral reef conservation project is carried out here.

7. Koh Kham in Trat (Koh Kham)

A 15-minute ferry ride from Ko Mak takes you to Ko Kham Island. It is a small private island with spectacular natural beauty. White sand and the sea of heavenly color - not all the charms of Ko Kham. The shore of the island is decorated with black volcanic boulders. If you want, you can explore the underwater world, which is home to giant clams and other no less interesting life.

* Do not confuse the island with another Ko Kham located in Chonburi

8. Koh Kradad in Trat

Koh Kradad is something unimaginable. You are sure to love this wonderful island. Unlike the other mountainous islands of Trat, Koh Kradad is completely flat. Instead of tropical forests, it is covered with grass and coconut palms, one of which lies on the ground, lifting the top to the sky. The real exoticism of the island, however, is the deer. Thousands of animals roam freely on Ko Kradad, surprising tourists with their courage.