When it comes to Thailand, the first thought that comes in our mind is the hustle bustle with tourists everywhere.
No doubt, Thailand is a masterpiece when it comes to natural attractions. We have the Phi Phi Islands, Pa Tong, Railay Beach, Similan Islands, Phang Nga Bay, Ko Lipe, Ko Samet, Ko Lanta, and the Khao Phing Kan as the places that are worth visiting once in a lifetime.
The only thing that is common in these places is that you will find them rushy throughout. The weather stays moderate and the tourists keep coming every month. How about the rare islands where quietness exists everywhere and you can have the best time of your life?
Here is a list of the most quiet islands in Thailand:
#1. Koh Yao Noi
The island that ranks top here for quietness is Koh Yao Noi. You can reach the spot right from Krabi or Phuket, just a 30-60 minutes distance by boat. The island measures about 12km only and is home to roughly 4000 residents.
Yes, you read that right. Just 4000 residents are living in Koh Yao Noi and you get to feel the quietest lifestyle here. Intrepid travelers and tourists can get familiar with the local landscape. A ring road offers a perfect route to move around the island, there are many trails within the lush forests to give you an opportunity to dive into the natural scenes.
The monkey’s sightings and spectacular birds are worth looking at, as you pick up the pace, you are going to find rock climbing (the best part) and a number of diving shops to see how the world looks beyond.
Diving shops provide gear, tourists guide on the top spots and help you with the transport if needed.
Best Place to Stay:
About the best place to stay, we have Coastal Escape that is a lovely resort with oceanfront villas, and an infinity pool overlooking the waves of Phang Nga Bay, how astonishing the view is going to be?
#2. Koh Kradan
After Koh Yao Noi, we have Koh Kradan as one of the quietest places here in Thailand. It is simply a nature lover’s dream island. I simply have no words to explain the beautiful scenes it offers.
It is located in the Andaman Sea to the south of the mainland which a 4km long paradise (yes, it is) with untouched coral reefs around. We have almost 90% of the island that is protected for conversation, so we get to see visitors that are quietness lovers. Koh Kradan is the most spectacular island here in the Trang archipelago. The long white powder beach is located on the east side of the island is an ideal spot for an uninterrupted snooze. Sleep well, relax and have the best of your time around.
Best place to stay:
About the best place to stay, we have Reef Resort as the amazing collection of modern style bungalows. These are located right next to the beach, you get easy access to the coral reef and with that in mind, I am sure you’re gonna stay out of the rooms for most of the time. Last but not least, the hotel facilities and the staff is friendly and you can have a great time around.
#3. Koh Mak
The third spot that is ranked as a quiet island here in Thailand is Koh Mak. It is still a secret for world-travelers as it is a bit small yet the best spot to have a relaxing nap.
About the location, it is about 40km away from the mainland and is near to National Marine Park (in Eastern Thailand).
The only drawback about Koh Mak is that there is that there’s no nightlife out there. Tourists have to spend their time during the daytime and spend nights swinging in a hammock (feel the quietness here). Other than the nightlife factor, the thing that excites me is to learn how to dive. A number of local diving schools are there and you can learn how to dive with a minimal fee.
The quietest of all, there’s a Buddhist temple where you can go for a moment of contemplation.
Best place to stay:
Ao Kao White Sand Beach is the place to stay. It is situated on one of the finest beaches on the island with a nice beachside bar and you have the option to rent trimarans and kayaks. Book your stay now and enjoy the quietest stay in Thailand.
#4. Koh Lanta
Let’s talk about a quiet island that is 6km wide and about 30km long. This has been a hidden secret of backpackers and is now more commonly visited by luxury and mid-range travelers.
The island is well-finished with modern roads, and you can rent motorbikes to go for a speedy island tour.
Similar to Koh Mak, it has got diving schools to learn how to dive. As you move around, you will find nine good beaches and you get to see some nightlife here, too.
Best Place to Stay:
Crown Lanta Resort and Spa is the only place to stay. The modern villas, natural views, lively reggae bar, and a spa is what this luxury resort offers.
#5. Koh Bulon Lae
If you ask me for a ‘magical spot’, I would only name Koh Bulon Lae that is located in the Andaman Sea.
With limited resources, the island is going to take you back to the traditional times. The electricity supply is limited, however, the accommodation facilities are fine. There is a modern beach along the east coast where bungalow accommodations are available. A nature walk through the jungle (located nearby) is recommended for everyone.
Every other guesthouse is there to arrange snorkeling and fishing trips which is simply a perfect time for Koh Bulon Lae.
The other feature about this island is that partying is common over here, you can spend a few days partying on the mainland, however, most of the area covered is quiet and is restricted to outdoor activities. To reach the island, you can choose the daily ferries between the islands in the Andaman sea. The stops would be Ko Kradan, Koh Muk, Ko Ngai, Ko Lanta, Ko Phi Phi, and Phuket. Additionally, you can get a ferry directly to the mainland from Koh Bulon Lae to Pakbara Pier and vice versa.
Best Place to Stay:
Pansand Resort is the best guest house in Koh Bulon Lae. You get accommodation in the spacious rooms (which is at a walking distance from the pristine beach).
#6. Koh Phaluai
If you’re seasoned travelers and love adventures from start, Koh Phaluai is the biggest island in the Mu Ko Ang.
The only population consists of locals who still earn a living from fishing. We have already talked about the islands that take you back to the past and Koh Phaluai is one of them. A surprising fact is that the locals are around 500 only, only tourists who are looking for real quietness visit Koh Phaluai.
Most of the tourists and visitors go for accommodations in homestays and resorts. The only recommended place is in the Angthong Beach resort.
Here are a number of activities you can perform there in Koh Phaluai (the quietest island out there):
- An economical fishing tour with locals
- Visit the sea view or island’s viewpoint
- Visit beaches around Koh Phaluai
- Trekking
- Go through fisherman villages and learn about the culture
- Taking a smooth tour to Angthong National Marine Park
#7. Ko Phra Thong
Talking about the island located in Khura Buri District, Ko Phra Thong is known for the quiet beaches.
The overall population count is about 300 and you can find a small fisher village on the east side. The best part of Ko Phra is the rainforest located to its north. You can visit a number of animal species there, too.
The island is under the authority of Mu Ko Ra-Ko Phra Thong National Park and is home to a tribe of sea gypsies and Thais.
About the modern facilities which are limited to a community health center and a school only but if you’re planning to do a trip of Ko Phra Thong, make sure it is no longer than a week as the accommodation facilities are a bit limited and the tourist spots are just a few!
#8. Koh Tarutao
Koh Tarutao is one of the largest islands here in Thailand with an area of 153 square kilometers. Most of the area is covered with old-growth jungle and the western coast comes with impressive caves and peaceful beaches.
The island is located in the Strait of Malacca, near to western coast of Saturn, which is a hotspot for Thailand.
You can either go for a camping or accommodate in bungalows for true and smooth life experience. The historical part, excellent wildlife, and beautiful scenery make it one of Thailand’s best island escapes. Ready for it?
Search for Koh Taruto and here are a few hotspots you should visit:
- Pha Toe-Boo Cliff
- Chorakhe Cave
- Ao MoLae
- Ao Talo Wao
- Crocodile Cave
- Lu Du Waterfall
- Ao Son
#9. Koh Mook
CNN calls Koh Mook as ‘more than an Emerald Cave’ and is the island with perfect sunrises and sunsets.
The Emerald Cave is a gap in the base of a limestone cliff that leads to dark sea passage. After just a few hundred feet, kayakers and swimmers emerge at an extraordinary beach surrounded by vertical limestone and is worth-visiting once.
To reach Koh Mook and learn how natural scenes actually look, you can opt for local boats that depart from Kuan Thung Khu near Trang town. There are a few accommodation spots available that are to be booked on the spot for confirmation, after all, you can’t find the sunrises and sunsets like Koh Mook anywhere in the world.
Here are the hotspots you should visit once:
- Farang Beach
- Charlie Beach
- Koh mook Ting Tong Bar
- High Bar
- Mong Bar
- Trang Scuba Diving
- Xoy Xoy Bar
#10. Koh Libong
How about meeting the dugongs on your next trip to Thailand?
Koh Libong is the quietest island to be there. The island is a bit populated but there’s no rush like factor over here. From swimming to boating, you can try a number of methods to explore the island. A five-story purple tower in quaint Batu Bute is the place to look at the astonishing view of Koh Libong. To reach Koh Libong, you can go for the local ferries in Trang province.
Here are a number of hotspots you should visit when you plan a trip to Koh Libong:
- Yao Beach
- Point Dugong
- Yong Ling Beach
- Tung Yaka Beach
- Stone Bridge
- Dugong Observatory
- Lai Phai Bridge
- Koh Mook Homestay Tour
- Tokay Bay
- Dugong Observatory
#11. Koh Lao Liang
Consider for a moment that you have the camping and stunning limestone cliffs everywhere. This is where Koh Lao Liang makes its place. Two stunning islands are there with limestone cliffs that rank high and rise from the Andaman Sea. It is known for the quality atmosphere, sweet breeze, and the best natural view. CNN calls Koh Lao Liang as the unreal beauty away from the crowds and it is actually true. The silence, quietness and the excellent atmosphere is what makes Koh Lao Liang a perfect spot for solo travelers.
Here are the fun activities you can do there:
- Climbing the cliffs or hiking
- Visiting parks
- Boating
- Swimming
- A sunbath on the beach
- Spending some time with fisherman
#12. The Similan Islands
This is not just an island but an area consisting of 11 quiet islands. To reach there, a boat is what you require. There are full-time luxury spots, swimming pools, and a lot more!
The best part of the Similan islands is that it’s not much crowded so you can have a quiet time in there. To reach there, all you need is to take a 90-minute bus ride from Phuket to Khao Lak port and then opt for hitchhiking or a bike to the island. The distance is not much and it takes 60 minutes on the speedboat up to 5 hours to visit each of them (out of 11).
Lastly, the Similan Islands are not a fine place to accommodate as there are no essential facilities throughout. Therefore, it is recommended to visit this bunch of islands during day time only.
#13. Koh Phayam
After the Similan Islands, we have Koh Phayam that is known for its absolute quietness!
Koh Phayam is the only island that can remind you of the old Thailand; it has no modern facilities attached, the lifestyle is very simple yet unique.
To reach Koh Phayam, you can take an hour boat from Ranong Pier in Ranong which costs about $10 or more. No worries if you’re looking to stay over in Koh Phayam, there are a bunch of spots out there. You can go for online booking and choose your accommodations.
PRO TIP: If you’re after the quietest place to stay, go for Ao Khao Kwai in the South of the Island.
#14. Koh Kood
Located at the 200 miles east of Bangkok near the Cambodian border, this is one of the quietest and most remote islands here in Thailand. You get to see rain forests, coconut trees, and locals that are 2000 in population only.
The island has two beaches on the opposite side that are known for watching sunrise and sunsets across; no doubt, a heaven on Earth!
To reach there, you can take bus trips right from Bangkok which is about half an hour trip to Laem Sok pier where you can take an hour-long ferry to get into the island. About accommodation, there a number of options, choose from here.
The Bottom Line
Whatever traveler buddies we have, we have a few of them who are interested in calmness and quietness. This is where the natural scenes and the quiet islands that are not visited every day that comes across.
Thailand was and is the perfect natural place to visit and their collection of quiet islands is something that stands out. We listed 14 of them earlier and found each of them to be quiet, nature-loving and eco-friendly. You get accommodation at the modern/classically-designed resorts and bungalows to have a relaxing nap and night time around. Well, there’s no limit to the parties around but the islands we just discussed have almost no party-culture, most of them are crowded by the fisherman who makes a living by fishing and lives a simple and loving lifestyle.
As a conclusion, we get to see two parts of Thailand. The first one is for the hustle-bustle and rushy places and the second one stands for the minimal and quiet islands where peace exists in an ideal pattern.
Out of all these, which island you just added to the wishlist?
Do let me know in comments 🙂