7+ Must-Visit Islands in the East

Eastern Seaboard Island Paradise: A Traveler's Guide

When it comes to the eastern seaboard, a plethora of idyllic islands beckon travelers seeking adventure and relaxation. This guide delves into seven captivating destinations, offering a glimpse into their unique charm and allure.

1. Koh Lan, Chonburi: This island boasts pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and a laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can indulge in water sports, explore hidden coves, or simply soak up the sun on the soft sands.

2. Koh Kood, Trat: Renowned for its lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and secluded beaches, Koh Kood offers a tranquil escape. Hiking trails lead to breathtaking viewpoints, while the crystal-clear waters invite snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

3. Koh Si Chang, Chonburi: This historical island features colonial architecture, charming fishing villages, and a serene ambiance. Visitors can explore the island by bicycle, visit the revered Chinese shrine, or simply relax on the picturesque beaches.

4. Koh Kham, Chonburi: This small island is a haven for nature lovers, boasting pristine coral reefs, diverse marine life, and a tranquil atmosphere. Snorkeling, diving, and kayaking are popular activities, while the island's secluded beaches offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.

5. Koh Samaesarn, Chonburi: This island is a sanctuary for wildlife, with lush mangroves, diverse birdlife, and a protected coral reef. Visitors can embark on nature trails, explore the island by bike, or simply relax on the pristine beaches.

6. Koh Samet, Rayong: This island is renowned for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can indulge in water sports, explore the island's interior, or simply unwind in the lively beach bars and restaurants.

7. Koh Mun Nok, Rayong: This island offers a secluded paradise, with pristine beaches, untouched coral reefs, and a tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving, or simply relax on the deserted shores, far from the crowds.

This guide provides a starting point for exploring the eastern seaboard's island treasures. With its diverse offerings, from bustling beach towns to secluded natural havens, this region caters to every traveler's desire.

1. Koh Larn, Chonburi Province. It is impossible not to mention this island. It is a well-known island, the hottest island, and easily accessible.

Getting to Koh Larn:

By Minivan or Bus:

• Regular departures from both Mo Chit and Ekkamai stations.
• Buses and minivans depart every hour.
• Fare: Approximately 100 baht.
• Minivans offer direct service to Laem Bali Hai Pier.
• Travel time: Approximately 2 hours.

By Private Car:

• Self-driving option available.
• Parking facilities available at the pier.

Ferry Service:

Frequency: Departures every hour, sometimes leaving as soon as full.

Cost: 30 Baht per leg.

Destinations: Pier in front of the village and Haad Ta Waen Pier.

Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes.

Upon Arrival: Most resorts offer transportation to their property for guests with reservations.

Koh Larn Island: Motorcycle Rental for Convenient Exploration

Renting a motorbike is highly recommended for exploring Koh Larn Island. This convenient option allows you to visit various beaches at your own pace, stopping wherever you desire. Rental fees typically range from 250 to 300 baht per day.

Haad Saem is a beach of considerable length with clear, inviting water.

The wind turbine viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the entire mangrove beach. It is a popular spot for visitors to Koh Lan to take photos.

Haad Thian is a beautiful beach with crystal-clear water. It is known for its unique wooden bridge.

Hat Ta Waen is a particularly lively beach with a large crowd and a variety of enjoyable activities.

The viewpoint at Hat Ta Waen offers stunning panoramic views of the entire beach, making it one of the most scenic spots on Koh Lan.

Nuan Beach: This beach boasts crystal-clear waters and a tranquil atmosphere.

Hat Ta Yai is another beach that I really like. It's a small, quiet beach with lots of rocks, but there are many angles for taking photos.

For this trip, I stayed at Baan Manao Resort, a stylish loft-style accommodation with exposed concrete walls, offering a cool and modern vibe at an affordable price.

For a delightful evening meal, consider Krua Cheliang Lom, a charming seaside restaurant with a delightful ambiance and delicious cuisine.

2. Koh Kood is nicknamed the "Eastern Andaman" due to its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, reminiscent of the Andaman Sea. Koh Kood is an island where nature remains relatively untouched. While the journey may be lengthy, it is undoubtedly worth the effort.

This trip began with a 5-hour overnight bus journey from Ekkamai to Trat Bus Terminal, departing at 11:30 PM and arriving around 5:00 AM. At 8:00 AM, a shuttle arranged by the booked boat service picked us up from the terminal and transported us to the pier. The boat ride itself lasted approximately 2 hours.

This trip, I went for 3 days and 2 nights. I stayed at Mangrove Bungalow, booking a package that included accommodation, round-trip boat fare, a motorbike, kayaking activities, and diving activities.

I first rode my motorbike to Khlong Chao Waterfall, a beautiful waterfall on an island. There is a large pool for swimming and a place to jump into the water. It looked very fun, but I only dipped my hand in the water. It was very cold and inviting, but I didn't actually swim.

The first place I wanted to visit the most was the sea resort. It was a resort that I had been planning to visit for a long time, and I really liked it a lot. I followed the page to go together. There was a swimming pool that looked very fun to play in, and in the evening, you could watch the sunset from the beach. If you want to take your girlfriend, I highly recommend this resort.

Continuing on to Ao Phrao, a bay teeming with coconut trees. This bay is incredibly peaceful, with hardly any people around. The water is actually clear, but I didn't take any pictures (oops!). It seems like there's a newly opened resort on the beach called Rest Sea Resort.

In the evening, I rode a motorbike to watch the sunset at Ao Tapao. This bay is quite lively, but it seems more fun than the other bays.

On the morning of the 2nd, before going diving, I rode a motorbike to the beach near my accommodation. This is the Ao Klong Chao bay, with a cute pair of coconut trees. Don't forget to take a picture!

The boat picked us up at 10 am for a diving trip to Koh Yai Lek and Koh Yai Yai. The boat ride took about 30 minutes. Underwater, the scenery was like this: a moderate amount of fish and fairly beautiful coral. The most common coral was staghorn coral, and the sea anemones were also decent for the eastern seaboard.

We then had lunch at Koh Rang, an island with crystal-clear water, as clear as the South Pacific.

In the evening, go kayaking to enjoy the view of the mangrove forest, and then watch the sunset at Khlong Chao Bay.

The final morning was spent checking out and waiting for the 9:00 AM pick-up. We then boarded the 10:00 AM return boat, arriving at the pier and taking a shared songthaew arranged by the boat company to the bus terminal. From there, we took a van back to Bangkok, concluding our trip.

Three unforgettable days and two nights on Koh Kood. It's an island that truly impressed me. If you're looking for a romantic getaway, I highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed.

3. Ko Kham: If you're visiting Chonburi, Ko Kham is a must-see island. With its stunning turquoise waters and pristine beaches, it rivals the beauty of the Andaman coast. Conveniently located just a two-hour drive from Bangkok, Ko Kham is situated in the Sattahip district of Chonburi province under the management of the Royal Thai Navy. Open only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, Ko Kham offers a one-day trip experience with no overnight accommodation available.

Take a van or bus from Mo Chit or Ekkamai to Kilometer 1. Then take a blue songthaew to Sattahip Chon Saem San, getting off at the Museum of Natural History of the Sea and Thai Islands. The ticket booth is a short walk away on the right-hand side. Arrive early as tickets sell out quickly (it is highly recommended to stay overnight). Tickets cost 300 baht per person, and 220 baht for children under 130 cm. Boat times are as follows: - Departing: 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM - Returning: 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM.

Upon arrival, tourists must attend a 15-minute briefing by military personnel on responsible tourism practices. This briefing covers activities, regulations, and restrictions on the island.

Activities on Koh Kham:

1. Snorkeling and coral viewing: Equipment rental costs 50 baht.
2. Glass-bottom boat ride: Free of charge.
3. Kayaking: Hourly rental fee applies.
4. Hiking to the viewpoint: Enjoy panoramic views of the island.
5. Relaxation: Free tables are available for seating. Sunbeds can be rented for 20 baht, and mats can be borrowed for free by exchanging an ID card.

The viewpoint on Koh Kham is easily accessible, with a 10-minute walk to the top.

The beach is stunning, with crystal-clear water.

The iconic wooden bridge on Koh Kham is a must-visit spot for any visitor. Don't forget to take a picture here, or else people might think you didn't actually come to the island.

Koh Kham is an excellent island for relaxation and nature study, whether you're with family, friends, or a partner. It offers a variety of fun activities, crystal-clear water, abundant marine life, and a fantastic atmosphere. The staff is also very helpful, making your stay even more enjoyable. You won't want to leave once you arrive; you'll want to stay as long as possible.

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4. Koh Samet, Chonburi Province

Koh Samet, located near Koh Kham in Chonburi Province, offers a similar day trip experience. However, unlike Koh Kham, Koh Samet is open every day. This island boasts beautiful, clear waters and is considered a well-preserved natural gem. Under the care of the Royal Thai Navy, Koh Samet remains largely untouched, with no accommodation available and a limited number of daily visitors.

Traveling to Koh Kham Island: A Guide

Getting There:

• Take a van from Mo Chit Bus Terminal to Sattahip. Get off at Kilometer 1.
• Transfer to a blue songthaew (shared taxi) and get off at the Marine Science Museum.
• Tip: Arrive early on weekends (6:00 AM for ticket queue) and weekdays (8:00 AM). Tickets go on sale at 8:00 AM.
• For those with private vehicles: Parking is available at the museum.

Boat Schedule:

• Departures to the island: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (hourly)
• Return trips: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• Roundtrip boat fare: 300 Baht (children under 15: 220 Baht, under 3: free)

Activities:

• Kayaking: 100 Baht per hour
• Snorkeling: 50 Baht for equipment rental
• Glass-bottom boat ride: 20 Baht
• Cycling on the island: 10 Baht
• Mat and beach chair rentals: 20 Baht
• Snacks available on the island (chips, instant noodles), no cooked meals. Bring your own lunch if desired.

Loog Loom Beach is about 1 km from Thian Beach on the pier side. However, there are shuttle services available all day long. Alternatively, you can walk there if you prefer.

The facility offers volleyball and soccer fields, and equipment can be borrowed from the military personnel.

The water is incredibly clear. I rushed here first because I was worried it would get crowded.

Loog Loom Beach offers a scenic viewpoint where visitors can climb to take stunning photographs.

The beach offers canvas chairs for relaxation and swimming opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy snorkeling and glass-bottom boat rides, which can be arranged with the military personnel stationed there.

It's time to go for a bike ride! I rode my bike for 10 baht all the way to the mangrove forest. There was a wooden bridge too. There was no one there when I went.

On the way back, we stopped by a beach (I'm not sure of the name), which was peaceful and had crystal-clear water with hardly any waves.

Thian Beach is the beach where we disembarked. The water is clear, but not as clear as at Luk Lom Beach. Activities at this beach include diving and glass-bottom boat rides.

After spending a day at Koh Saemsan, it was time to board the boat and head back.

Ko Sichang: A Historical Island Paradise

Ko Sichang holds a special place in my memories. This beautiful island off the coast of Chonburi boasts a rich history, having served as a retreat for Kings Rama IV, Rama V, and Rama VI. Its stunning scenery and abundance of photogenic locations have earned it the nickname "Island of Love."

Ko Sichang is a popular destination for pre-wedding photoshoots due to its serene atmosphere and lack of crowds. Whether you're seeking a relaxing getaway with family, friends, or a romantic escape, this island offers the perfect setting for a 2-day, 1-night or 3-day, 2-night trip.

Travel: Take a van from Ekamai or Mo Chit to Robinson Sriracha. Then take a three-wheeled taxi to Charoen Pier. The boat fare is 50 baht per trip and takes about 40 minutes.

This trip, I stayed at Somewhere Koh Sichang, a stylish accommodation with a blue and white color scheme that perfectly complements the seaside atmosphere. The property has a total of 20 rooms, all of which are Deluxe rooms. The rooms are spacious, with large beds, complete amenities, and balconies offering stunning sea views. There is also a swimming pool available for guests to enjoy. Overall, it was a wonderful experience.

For exploring Koh Sichang, renting a motorbike is highly recommended. Prices range from 250 to 300 baht per day, offering a fun way to circumnavigate the island. If motorbikes aren't your forte, consider hiring a skylab for a guided tour.

Suggested places to visit:

• Aphaset Bridge
• Phra Chuthathut Rajathan Palace
• Khao Khad Channel
• Por Khun Ram Temple
• Tham Phang Beach
• Laem Chakpong
• Krua Pa Noi Rim Thang (roadside restaurant)

Tham Phang Beach is the only beach on Koh Sichang where swimming is permitted. The beach offers free sun loungers, kayak rentals (prices unknown), and food vendors.

Khao Khad offers stunning photo opportunities, and in the evening, you can witness breathtaking sunsets.

The Asdang Bridge: A Koh Sichang Icon

The Asdang Bridge is arguably the most iconic landmark of Koh Sichang. Its image appears in countless photographs and reviews, making it a must-visit spot for any visitor to the island.

Ko Sichang is another island worth visiting. There may not be many pictures and the places may not be complete, but I would like my friends to try visiting it. Ko Sichang is one of the islands that I like very much. I will definitely visit it again when I have the chance.

6. Koh Mun Nok, located in Rayong province, is a secluded island with only one resort. The resort offers stylish accommodations, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a serene atmosphere. This island is perfect for a romantic getaway with your significant other. It's a must-visit for beach enthusiasts!

Transportation and Accommodation:

Travel: A three-hour van ride from Ekkamai will take you directly to the pier of Koh Mun Nok. Ensure you arrive before 1:00 PM, as there is only one ferry departure per day.

Accommodation: Booking your accommodation in advance is essential.

The journey takes approximately 45 minutes by boat, followed by a short trip on a smaller boat to reach Koh Mun Nok.

We have arrived at Koh Mun Nok.

Upon opening the back door of the room, one is immediately greeted by the stunning sight of the ocean. This is where the true joy lies: opening the door and seeing the sea right before you. There is also a wooden bridge pavilion where you can relax and enjoy the view. You can go for a swim whenever you want, and the privacy is unparalleled.

Absolutely fantastic! It's very private.

I walked around the island and found many great photo spots. I won't share them here because I want you to discover them for yourself. 😉

The swimming pool is incredibly inviting, especially in the evenings when you can watch the sunset directly from the water. Unfortunately, it rained non-stop during my visit, which was a shame.

There is a wooden bridge in front for taking pictures. Another highlight of this island is the presence of peacocks as local residents. If you are lucky, you might even see them displaying their beautiful plumage.

Another activity on the island is snorkeling. We can borrow snorkels and life jackets at the counter and jump into the water. As for the food, it was excellent. They had a full dinner buffet, as well as breakfast and lunch before we left.

The Return Journey from Koh Man Nok

The return ferry was scheduled for 3:30 PM, but on the day of my visit, an additional ferry was added at 11:30 AM. Upon arriving at the pier, I called for a van to pick me up, but the van was unable to reach the pier. Unsure of how to proceed, I inquired at the Koh Man Nok counter about a van that could pick me up at the pier. As I had a connecting trip to Chonburi, the staff member kindly offered to drive me to a shared taxi stand. From there, I took a shared taxi to the bus terminal and continued my journey home.

Koh Man Nok is an excellent destination for couples, families, and groups of friends seeking a relaxing seaside getaway.

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7. Koh Samet, a popular island destination in Thailand, is often associated with the phrase "Go to Samet, get finished every time." This saying suggests that the island's beauty and charm leave visitors enchanted and wanting more. While the exact origin of the phrase remains unclear, it likely stems from the island's reputation for captivating its visitors. Regardless of the saying's origin, Koh Samet remains a popular destination for travelers seeking a relaxing and enjoyable island getaway.

Transportation: You can take a van or bus from Ekamai or Mochit to Ban Phe or Nuanthip Pier. The bus takes about 4 hours, while the van takes about 3 hours. There are departures every hour. If you have your own car, you can drive directly to the pier, where there is parking available. There are both speedboats and passenger boats available. The passenger boat fare is 50 baht per trip, and the journey takes about 40 minutes. On the island, there is public transportation to the various bays, but it is recommended to rent a motorbike as it is more convenient and allows you to visit all the bays.

Let's just go with a rapid-fire format, because I can't remember the names of the bays. Haha.

The bays of Koh Samet include Ao Wong Duan, Ao Nuan, Ao Thian, Ao Thap Thim, Ao Cho, Ao Phrao, Ao Phai, Ao Lung Dam, Ao Luk Yon, Ao Prakarang, Ao Kiw, Ao Wai, and the most popular beach is Ao Sai Kaew. Every bay is worth a visit.

I'm very fond of this bay. I can't remember its name, but there are beautiful accommodations there, right by the sea. It's also very private.

The end of Koh Samet is a viewpoint for watching the sunset.

This bay is beautiful and the water is clear.

White sand.

Ao Phrao is another beautiful bay where you can enjoy the sunset.

The vibrant nightlife scene offers a variety of inviting establishments, including captivating fire baton shows.

Morning atmosphere

There are also departures every hour on the return trip.

Ko Samet is an attractive island for its easy accessibility, affordability, and proximity. It's a perfect destination for couples, families, and groups of friends alike. A trip to Ko Samet is guaranteed to be a memorable experience.

How are the 7 islands I presented? Do any of them appeal to you? If you haven't planned your summer vacation yet, consider these options. This review may not be very detailed, but it's a quick overview in case you're interested in a beach getaway this summer. I guarantee you won't be disappointed if you visit any of these islands.