Paradise on the Trang Archipelago (Thailand)

The islands of the Trang Archipelago are a low-key alternative to the more popular (and busier) Langkawi. The Trang Archipelago, made up of more than 47 tiny islands lies just off the coast of southern Thailand, far away from the mainland. Each island is a little slice of island paradise. Ko Ngai, (also called Ko Hai), is famed as the most idyllic island of South Thailand. It’s a place where you can wile away the hours on the bleached white sands under swaying palm trees and swimming in the turquoise waters. There’s a small diving centre on the island, where you can take an introductory dive or book a few individual dives.

On Ko Muuk, the second island featured in the Thailand island hopping module, you can swim straight from the beaches to the offshore coral reefs. Only a few short strokes and you'll find yourself in a wonderful, technicoloured underwater world. Ko Muuk is also famous for its mystical Emerald Cave - a mysterious 80m-long limestone tunnel leading to a spectacular emerald lagoon.

Best time to travel: November - May

We can also put together a Thailand island hopping itinerary to the islands in the southwest like Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lanta, Ko Ngai, Ko Muuk, Ko Bulon and Ko Sukorn. In the southeast you can combine Ko Samui, Ko Phangang and Ko Tao. Simply drop us an email or give us a call to discuss your plans with us.

Duration	5 days / 4 nights departs daily from Trang	Accommodation	Comfortable bungalows with private bathroom; electricity in evenings only. Comfort level 2 and 3 (fan and A/C respectively). See accommodation.
Price	£99 per person - based on 2 people sharing	Includes	Transfer to pier (outbound), accommodation with breakfast
Transport	Bus transfer from Trang station to jetty	Excludes	Boat transfers

Day 1: Trang - Ko Hai

You'll arrive in Trang by overnight sleeper train or by plane. If you're arriving by train you'll be picked up at the station and transferred to the jetty just outside Trang where you’ll take the boat for the 40-minute crossing to Ko Hai (included), the first island destination in this Thailand island hopping module. On Ko Ngai you’ll be staying in a beautiful, comfortable Thai-style bungalow right on the beach. Each bungalow has a little private veranda. We’ve selected this particular accommodation because of its location on a beautiful, wide-swept beach and because you can swim out the coral reef directly from the beach - something you can't do in many places on the island.

Thailand island hopping - Ko Hai longtail

Day 2: Ko Hai

Today, borrow a snorkel at the restaurant and discover the amazing underwater world. Because the islands of the Trang archipelago are still somewhat of a secret from the tourist trail, the coral here is still untouched and pristine. If you’ve never snorkelled before you’ll be amazed at the beauty just below the water's surface. The myriads of exotic fish and the tranquility of their underwater wonderland make this a really fun experience. Mind you don't get sunburn though, it's always easy to forget when Thailand island hopping. The sun is deceptively strong especially when you're in the water so you might want to wear a t-shirt.

Day 3: Ko Hai - Ko Mak

Today on your Thailand island hopping adventure, you’ll be taking the boat to the next island, Ko Mak (a short 30-minute crossing). On Ko Mak you’ll be staying in the Charlie beach resort which is made up of several little bungalows along a 200m long beach. You can spend the rest of the day lying on the beach or wandering through the village. Step back in time to the age of an almost forgotten civilization, the sea nomads. Once the largest community in the area the sea nomads made a living by hunting the precious swallow’s nests hidden in remote lagoons. The traditional fishing and boat-building techniques have remained unchanged for centuries and are still used by the local population today, though nowadays the ‘nomads’ spend more time on dry land.

Thailand island hopping - Thapwarin resort

Day 4: Ko Mak

At the resort you can book a boat trip to the Emerald Cave, where you'll sail through an 80-meter long limestone tunnel, ending up in a quiet emerald-coloured lagoon. A great little spot to go for a swim.

Day 5: Ko Mak - Trang - End of tour

The boat will take you back to the jetty where you can take a taxi or bus back to Trang. From Trang you can take the train or plan back to Bangkok, or perhaps stay an extra night in Trang.

To get to Trang we can arrange an overnight sleeper train for you (2nd class, with A/C) for around £22, or a domestic flight. Alternatively, you can take the bus from Phuket.

Thailand island hopping accommodation

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For inspiration check out our Malaysia itineraries