CRYSTAL CLEAR BEACHES, OCEAN BREEZES, SERENE ATMOSPHERE AND THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF UNSPOILED SCENERY ARE JUST SOME OF THE REASONS THAT HAVE DRAWN ME BACK TO THE TROPICAL ISLAND GETAWAYS IN THIS ARTICLE.
After a few days on business in Thailand’s capitol Bangkok, I took a plane to Krabi from where I started my island hopping tour. Krabi lies at the mouth of the Krabi River on the west coast of southern Thailand in the province bearing the same.
My first ride was to Phi Phi Leh and its marvellous Maya Bay. This bay; shielded by 100 metre cliffs on 3 sides presents such a stunning sight that I would recommend it to any traveller visiting this area. The bay gained great fame as a result of the movie ‘The Beach’ staring Leo DiCaprio. Here swimming and snorkelling conditions are excellent as clear water showcases brilliantly coloured coral reefs and tropical fish.
My next destination was Koh Mai Phai or Bamboo Island, a rather quiet and peaceful island is one of the most beautiful National Park islands in Phuket. This tiny pearl of the ocean is ringed by a lovely white sandy beach where one can enjoy the luxury of desert island remoteness while surrounded by the gentle azure of warm shallow water. Better you call it ‘Koh (No) Mai Phai’ though as there is not a stick of bamboo to be found on the island.
After my brief trip to Krabi, I travelled on to Koh Samui and continued my journey by ferry to Koh Tao. The island is a favourite destination of scuba divers as well as increasingly popular amongst tropical resort island holidaymakers for its lovely beaches and range of luxury hotel choices.
From Koh Tao I made a point of taking a day trip to the neighbouring island of Koh Nangyuan, just 400 meters off the north end of Koh Tao. The best way to get to this island is by Thailand’s traditional long tail boats that are easily chartered from eager skippers. Koh Nangyuan Island is recognized as one of the world’s ‘beautiful islands’ and is in fact made up of three small islands, each connected by a sandbar causeway to its adjoining partner. This popular island is a sight to behold and should not be missed by visitors to Koh Tao.
There is an awful lot to see and do in Thailand but this island-hopping journey should not be missed.