The ultimate Thai Island Hopping itinerary

There are a few ways you can spend your annual leave. You could reenact your favourite movie scenes at various filming locations across the US, you could stroll romantically through Italy gorging yourself on the food. But one of our personal favourite ways to spend our annual leave is by hitting up Thailand. 

You’ve got the perfect mix of vibrant city life and party destinations, as well as paradisiacal beaches which will give you all the rest and relaxation you need. Sounds pretty tempting. If you are heading to Thailand anytime soon then here is the perfect itinerary that combines East and West! 

Thai Island Hopper West

Day 1 & 2 – Phuket

Let’s start things off on a high: welcome to beautiful Phuket! Known for colourful pastel streets, crystal blue waters, and the exciting Bangla Road, it’s the best place to kick off your holidays. 

Enjoy the first of many delicious plates of Thai food (ugh, my mouth is watering already) with a hearty welcome dinner to meet the crew, and then fall asleep under a golden setting sun. The next day is yours to take on and a visit to the beach is a must! Take a dip in the cool waters and soak up the good vibes before heading out for one of the most beautiful and touching experiences ever: a visit to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.

You’ll be able to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat safely with the full knowledge that your tourism bucks are doing some good. Pretty amazing first two days, no?

Day 3 & 4 – Koh Phi Phi

After a blissful start in Phuket, it’s time to move on to the next island of this Thai Island Hopping journey, and make our way to Koh Phi Phi. You’ll find glittering beaches once more, as well as thick and lush jungle areas for you to trek through at your leisure.

Koh Phi Phi is all about kicking back and relaxing, that’s why there’s a gorgeous aquamarine bay there just waiting for you to take a dip! You’d be a fool not to, honestly. And with plenty of beach bars and food stalls lining the coast, you can easily spend a full day out in the sun with everything you need. The water is turquoise and clear as glass and you can swim or snorkel to your heart’s content.

Remember those jungles I talked about? You can also set out for a walk and make your way up to the most stunning viewpoint ever. Or, you can explore closer to the ground by setting out on a boat to find the hidden lagoons across the bay. Talk about magical!

Day 5-7 – Krabi

As is the way of island hopping, we must now move on to the next. But don’t get too sad, Krabi is sure to blow you out of the water! On arrival enjoy the most sumptuous buffet meal filled with classic fresh and spicy Thai flavours, and then get some rest for a busy few days ahead.

Need I say beach day again? I mean if you’re island hopping in Thailand, you know these are the kind of blissful days in store for you. Party on the beach with your pals and let the rhythm of the waves move you. You can book an optional cruise around Phang Nga Bay which will whizz you past 42 different islands! Insane, I know. 

Another thing Thai islands are known for is the steep rock faces that dot the bays like pillars of green and silver in the sea. If you’re interested in exploring these monoliths some more, you can book a rock climbing experience! It’ll get your blood pumping and your palms sweating (don’t forget to chalk up!), but you’ll also get the most awe-inspiring views of Railay Beach once you get to the top. Treat yourself to a delicious meal afterwards – you deserve it. 

Day 8 – Phuket

It’s back in Phuket now and this marks the end of the Thai Island Hopper West portion of this journey.

But, we did say this would be the ultimate Thai island hopping itinerary, no? So let’s move East now!

Thai Island Hopper East

Day 1 – Koh Samui

Another day, another arrival in paradise. Welcome to Koh Samui where the palm trees are big and green and the beaches are long and white. The vibes are immaculate, just as they were in the West, and you can soak up the atmosphere on your first night in Chaweng Beach. 

Day 2 & 3 – Koh Samui

These days are yours to do with as you will, and when you’re at the beach, in heaven, there’s so many options. Snorkel, dive, swim, float, or simply lounge on the beach and bathe in the sun instead of the water – these all sound idyllic to me! 

If you want to get to know Koh Samui a little better, you can also take a Highlights Tour in a fleet of jeeps that’ll take you around the island, introducing you to all the best stops and views, as well as giving you the opportunity to meet the locals. You definitely don’t want to miss Wat Phra Yai temple and the massive gold Buddha there.

For food, dine right on the beach with your toes in the sand and watch as the boats and jetskis go by while you dig into panang curries and mango sticky rice. Delish! I’m jealous.

Day 4 & 5 – Koh Tao

Now we swap one ocean paradise for another and head to Koh Tao which is probably the definition of lush. Dense and green jungles are everywhere and they stand out like emeralds against the gorgeous ocean (which you will of course have to swim in as well!).

Explore the landscapes with a few hikes, but if you’re keen on taking a peek at what’s below the surface, then Koh Tao is the place! With crystal waters as blue as your fruity beach cocktails, you can snorkel with your friends, and even get an introduction to diving! You’ll get to see the beauty underwater and catch a glimpse of the colourful marine life that occupies Thailand’s shores. 

Day 6-8 – Koh Pha Ngan

As is the way of the Thai Island Hopper East, we’re onto another, you guessed it, Thai Island. Welcome to Koh Pha Ngan which is just as heavenly as the ones that came before. Take a day cruise through the Thong Marine Park which will give you a chance to marvel at the underwater paradise filled with coral reefs, fish, and other treasures. It’s a good thing you did that intro back in Koh Tao, right?

Enjoy your fair share of sunset dinners and cocktails, as well as filling buffet meals which will allow you to get a taste of all those glorious Thai flavours. Hopefully by now you’re fully dosed up on vitamin D and are as happy as the rescued elephants back in Phuket.

Day 9 – Koh Samui

We return back where we came from, and this concludes the ultimate Thai Island Hopping itinerary. Say goodbye to your beloved Contiki crew as well as the sparkling beaches you’ve surely grown to love (if not become obsessed with). But don’t be too sad, Thailand will always be here, and you can come back again, and again, and again, and again…