Unknown to many, the small island of Ko Ra off Thailand‘s west coast offers a unique nature oriented experience for environmentally conscious travellers who don’t mind roughing it a bit. The one place to stay, Koh Ra Eco Lodge, began as a base for the non-profit Reef Check Thailand some years ago and continues to … read the full post

Many who come to Thailand are still looking for one thing and one thing only: that idyllic, isolated, unspoilt island. I’ve been to more than a few of Southeast Asia’s pristine islands, but none have quite had the sparkle of Ko Surin. While it lacks the creature comforts of more developed islands, Ko Surin, which … read the full post

As far as countries go, Thailand is known to be an especially laidback one, and some of the Thai language’s most frequently used phrases express this. There’s sabai sabai, which most phrasebooks translate simply as “relax”, but to me it’s more like “chill chill” or better yet, “just kick back and relax because everything is … read the full post

As a roving travel writer focusing on the Thai islands, everyone says I have a dream job. And, well, they’re right. I get paid to spend my days in places that most people can only daydream about from their offices. My last work trip took me to Ko Lipe, Ko Kradan, and Ko Tarutao (to … read the full post

Thailand’s largest protected island, majestic Ko Tarutao of the Andaman Sea, spans some 150 square kilometres and has long been feared as a wild place where dangerous animals, treacherous ghosts, uncompromising pirates and escaped prisoners roam the thick and mountainous jungle. It’s no surprise, then, that the Malay word “tarutao” is translated as ancient, mystical … read the full post

The lush tropical mountains of southwest Thailand’s Ko Adang rise from the Andaman Sea in dramatic fashion, looming over tiny Ko Lipe like a protective elder watches over a child. While Lipe has become highly developed in recent years, Ko Adang has remained a pristine natural haven, officially protected as part of the Tarutao National … read the full post

Peace and relaxation await you on any of Southeast Asia’s islands, but the boat ride to get there is often an unexpected dose of adventure. While many of the more popular islands rely mainly on large passenger speedboats and ferries for transport, many islands — such as Ko Libong, Ko Sukorn, Ko Adang, and Ko … read the full post

Cast relatively far out in the Andaman Sea, the tiny southwestern Thai island of Ko Lipe is geographically little more than a sliver of sand ringed by picturesque, coral-studded seas. Unlike similar islands of this size, however, Lipe has developed not into a typical resort island with lacklustre, overpriced food, but a true international enclave … read the full post

At first glance, the southwest Thai island of Ko Libong may not seem like the greatest vacation spot. The coast is on the rocky side, and the golden sand beaches are grainier than some of the more popular nearby islands. Yet, for those willing to tread off the usual tourist track Libong offers a charming … read the full post

Thinking of a tropical Thai island getaway for the holidays? Worried about the hordes of peak season tourists and ridiculously inflated prices on the more popular islands? If so, dreamy little Ko Bulon Lae may be the gift you’ve been wishing for. Nestled off Thailand’s far southwest coast near Ko Lipe and Ko Tarutao, Ko … read the full post