Visit the Undiscovered Islands of Southeastern Thailand
Shockingly, there is still one place in Thailand where the islands and the beaches are still empty. Nestled in the Southeasten part of Thailand, which boarders Cambodia, is the provence of Trat. The little-known area of Trat is currently blossoming into a travelers dream destination, and it would be a good idea to visit before the secret is out! The beaches are lovely, the water is crystal clear for water enthusiasts, and the islands still remain (for the most part) unspoiled by big commercial tourism.
Trat has the opportunity to develop a reputation as the anti-Phuket. Unique cultural experiences have become a more important trend in travel and it’s a trend that is here to stay. In 2017, travelers expect more than beaches and boozing when visiting a beach destination, and the provence of Trat has the ability to offer it all.
Drone Photo By Clint of triphackr
Near Koh Chang are several smaller islands worth visiting for the day. The waters off the shores of Koh Mak are the most perfect shade of clear blue and the beaches are made of white sand. The beaches have almost no one around, so visiting Koh Mak will ensure a relaxing, non-touristy beach experience.
The crystal clear waters make for good snorkeling and diving. If you plan a trip during November or December, you may even be lucky enough to see Whale Sharks while you are in the water. Renting a speedboat for the day is the ultimate way to see and do it all by going island hopping!
To get to the islands, the best way is to fly from Bangkok into Trat. From Trat there are several options, including driving onto a ferry, riding a ferry, or taking a speedboat to the island of Koh Chang. The easiest way is to take the ferry.
Koh Chang is the second largest island in Thailand next to Phuket. This large island is filled with beautiful beaches and waterfalls. Koh Chang received it’s name because of the shape of the island, it is said to look like an elephant from above. “Chang” is the Thai word for “elephant”, and “Koh” means “island”, therefore Koh Chang is known to the Thai people as Elephant Island.
From Koh Chang, it is easy to get to the quiet island of Koh Kood. Koh Kood is the little sister island to the more well known island of Koh Chang. Koh Kood is still very much unexplored, and is not yet overrun by tourists.
The sunsets in Koh Kood are well worth the short trek to get there. Beaches are nearly empty and the sun looks like a bright red beach ball slowly dropping behind the ocean, night after night.
Koh Kood has less infrastucture than Koh Chang, and is more remote. Koh Kood is so off-the-beaten-path that the best way to get around the island is to ride a motorbike, as cars are almost non-existent on the island. If you decide to take a tuk-tuk, you must rent them by day, as there aren’t many tuk-tuks on the island either!
A unique activity on the island that travelers can participate in, is replanting coral back into the sea! This is a great way to practice sustainable tourism activities that help the environment while enjoying a truly unique experience!
No matter how you spend your days in the islands of Southeasten Thailand, you are sure to enjoy the beautiful scenery, crystal clear water and colorful sunsets. If getting away from tourists and having a unique experience is important to you when traveling, then Trat will surely deliver! Hurry and visit, before the secret is out.
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If you are looking to explore more places in Thailand, be sure to also check out Maya Bay, Thailand.