We offer advice and planning tips for an island hopping holiday around one of Asia’s emerging getaway destinations. Thailand is a huge nation with inland terrain and islands galore which offer a variety of holiday and travel options depending on the region and time of year you choose to go. 

Here we’ll break down the different times and corresponding weather patterns, holiday types that Thailand can cater for. We hope to inspire you and make Thailand your next must-visit location, so continue reading to find out more.

Island Hopping in Thailand

When to Visit Thailand

If you plan to go to Thailand for an island hopping holiday, going between November to March will likely provide the best weather as the climate around the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman sea is not at the peak highs seen in April and May. 

Travelling around Thailand in June to October can be a humid and rainy affair as the monsoon season spans these months. Central and west regions typically receive the highest rainfall from June to October, with the east gulf areas (including areas like Koh Samui) receiving heavy rainfall and higher humidity in late October and into November.  

Whether island hopping, sightseeing or traversing Thailand's beautiful natural landscape, the time of year and weather will likely be a key factor in booking your getaway.

Thailand Islands

Thailand boasts over 1,400 islands - each with their own charm, activities and specialisms for the tourist or traveller. Here we outline a few highlights and what many have to offer in their own unique way.

Koh Tao island offers diving and snorkelling, with a good chance of seeing tropical fish whilst doing so. Other island attractions include vibrant coral reefs and sea turtles. If you’d really like to learn the in’s and out’s of Thailand consider employing the services, knowledge and knowhow of a private guide’.

For the more adventurously inclined, Koh Phi Phi is definitely a must-visit island in the Andaman Sea. The scenery and Moana-like beauty from the jaw-dropping bays and lagoons, as well as great nature-wrapped viewpoints make this small but bustling island a contender for the crown of Thai islands. 

For the real nature enthusiast and environment lover, the Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park collection of protected islands and marine areas. 42 limestone islands make up a nature lover's paradise in which they can snorkel, kayak, hike and spot rare and unusual wildlife whilst doing so. The gulf hosts great opportunities to dive, snorkel, relax at a wellness retreat, party and unwind on the beach. 

How Long Do You Need in Thailand?

Deciding how long you want to spend in Thailand can be a complex calculation depending on your sightseeing or experiences checklist, budget, origin destination and trip pacing. With the land of smiles being a long-haul flight from many regions of the world, finding the balance of long enough to justify the distance but not so long the budget runs away can be tricky - we’ll help.

10 days is sufficient time to peruse the dense metropolis that is Bangkok, tick off must see temples and statues and unwind for a little while on one of the several picturesque beaches - whether mainland or island based. Perfect for a first time visitor or a shorter stop over as part of a larger continent-spanning trip. 

With 2 - 3 weeks you can comfortably explore multiple regions while travelling at a slower pace with time to spontaneously stay for longer or let the travel timeline take its own course. 

See Bangkok in-depth and explore Northern Thailand as well as being able to explore parts of the Andaman Coast or Gulf islands. Both coasts present opportunities to scuba dive, travel and explore by boat or snorkel.

Visit national parks and waterfalls in midland and northern Thailand. Embrace the travel to these regions and take overnight trains and ferries between mainland and islands without feeling rushed or missing out on the beauty passing by between main stops.

This duration is perfect for backpackers, adventurous travellers and anyone wanting to experience more of the ‘between’ and less-traversed authentic parts of Thailand beyond the main tourist hotspots.

With British Citizenship, nationals can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without the need for a visa! Over that though, and you may well need to apply to extend your stay at an Immigration office. 

Budget Expectations

When planning any kind of trip, keeping within budget is crucial for ensuring that the travelling doesn’t result in any financial hardship.

• Backpacker - Enough for hostels, street food, local restaurants, minivans, scooters, free activities. (£20 - £50 per day)

• Mid-range - Boutique hotels, nice local restaurants, taxi’s, tours, boats, drinks/bars, temple entry. (£50 - £200)

• Luxury - spas and 5* hotels, private tours, short-haul domestic flights, luxury trains, curated dining and exclusive reservations. (£200-£500+ per day)

Hopefully this gives more of an idea for your trip timing and structure around the length and location of your adventure. Consider the areas of Thailand you want to see and how you wish to spend your time and money across this amazing country!