AnnaE

Planning a trip that includes Thailand in the beginning of February. We will be in Bangkok, but are also looking to visit some of the islands since we heard that transportation (bus, trains, etc.) are available from Bangkok. The dilemma is which island(s) to visit. We've never been to Thailand and have about 4 days that we could spend visiting the islands. Any suggestions or Thai island tips would be great! Thanks!

Hanuman

Anna,

Thailand does have a very long coast line and several islands for tourist to visit. We need to know if you intend to fly or do you just want a 2 -3 hours drive sort of distant?

Also, what will be your interest when you do visit the islands? Snorkeling, fishing, sun bathing???

AnnaE

I know that we definitely do not intend to fly. Probably planning on the bus or train from Bangkok. We've heard that you can then take a ferry to your desired islands, correct? Likely interested in a chill atmosphere and are okay with snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, etc. However, the island does not have to be one of the party ones...we are open to some of the less visited options. Basically, we just want to make the visit worthwhile and see a beautiful island. Hope that clears things up. Thanks again!

Hanuman

Anna,

Bangkok is not situated on the coast so you can't just take a ferry from here to an oceanic island.

Your nearest islands for such would be around the Eastern coast of Thailand, from Pattaya eastward. This would mean driving for at least 2 hours before you can board your ferry or shuttle boat to the island.

Koh Samet(more developed), Koh Mun Nok or Koh Mun Nia (both pretty nice for snorkeling) will be your best bet and probably closes to Bangkok.

http://www.munnorkislandresort.com/natural-eng.html

JamesA

I agree with Hanuman for those ideas closest to Bangkok, another good place would be Koh Tao, that is going to take longer to get to but you can do it quite cheap, that is south of Bangkok in the Gulf, which is particularly good for diving, laid back island, you can go by train to Chumphon and then Jet-Cat ( fast boat ) to Koh tao or you can use the Lomprayah service which is express a/c bus plus the Jet-Cat to Koh Tao, this shows you the map and route:

http://www.lomprayah.com/E/route.htm

Costs about US$25 each way or about US$ 44 return

The bus:
http://www.lomprayah.com/E/facility_intro_car.htm

Jet-Cat:
http://www.lomprayah.com/E/facility_intro_pralarn.htm

Koh Chang south east from Bangkok is bus ( or flight )

Koh Tao is quite 'laid back'

JamesA

Mun Nork is quiet but one of those places often 'missed' whilst other islands get the 'press'and dare I say 'hype'!
From Pattaya/Jomtien lots of dive companies operating day trips to places down the coast.
If you want more developed but not 'over the top' Koh Chang is also an option, further same direction.
Travel down the East side is very easy with plenty of a/c express buses that are frequent and cheap. You can also go to different places and the boat rides and travel can be fun.