Thailand's Hidden Islands: Koh Chang, Koh Laoya, Lonely Beach

You've probably ticked off the most iconic spots in Thailand: Bangkok's Grand Palace, the beaches of Phuket. And yet there’s a whole other Thailand waiting to be explored, one without the tourist throngs. The video that showcases these highlights mentioned two promising gems: Koh Chang, and Lonely Beach — and guess what, Lonely Beach isn't lonely.

Thailand's Best-Kept Island Secret

Thailand's islands are legendary, but this isn't a guide to the famous ones. Koh Chang, Koh Laoya and Lonely Beach tempt travelers looking for a less crowded escape. Koh Chang offers a refreshing change from the typical Thai vacation. It’s the second-largest island in Thailand, with a twist - an alternative to the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, but not the crowded islands. Instead of the high rise buildings and tourist hawking, Koh Chang promises dense jungle and deserted beaches. It's full of rugged mountains and pristine forests, waterfalls, and fitness trails. On the other hand, Koh Chang is known for Koh Chang National Forest Park, which makes for stunning hiking and panoramic views. Koh Laoya gives visitors a different island experience, located in the Gulf of Thailand (which has fewer islands than the west coast). There are even fewer tourists — compared to Koh Chang, and even more so, the rest of Thailand. Koh Laoya is 14 kilometers (8.7 mi) from Koh Chang, and only accessible by boat. There are only a few resorts, for maximum tranquility. Lonely Beach is a stretch of beach on Koh Chang, populated by a few resorts. It goes by a few other names, as well, like 'Waen Beach', and 'Had Khon'.

Why Skip the Crowds

Thailand is a magnet. Its islands alone brought in 35 million tourists in 2019 alone. That’s an increase of 32 percent from 2014, and a constellation of new hotels, flights, and tourism infrastructure. Here’s the kicker: even the lesser-known islands can feel impossibly jammed. Enter the likes of Koh Chang, Koh Laoya, and Lonely Beach, and escape the crowds to ease into Thailand's island life at a manageable tempo.

A Serene Escape.

Koh Chang: The Perfect Blend of Beach and Jungle

Koh Chang’s appeal lies in its dual nature. Its rugged mountains and pristine forests provide a stark contrast to its beautiful coastline. The beaches are the star of the show for many, but for those looking for adventure there are plenty of hiking and fitness trails. The island is home to Koh Chang National Forest Park, which occupies more than 60 square kilometers (23 square miles) of the island. The park offers stunning panoramic views, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Some resorts offer yoga and meditation classes, for those who find peace in a more spiritual moment. But Koh Chang is far more than just nature, as travelers with more energy can explore the winding streets of White Sand Beach, the vibrant night markets, or the hushed tranquility of Klong Plao, where there are free exploration and viewing activities.

Koh Laoya: Closer and quieter.

Koh Laoya Island is located in the Gulf of of Thailand, roughly 17-kilometer North of Koh Chang itself. It’s less popular than Thailand’s other islands, because only a select few know about its existence. You’ll need to take a boat ride from Koh Ajarn to enter paradise on Koh Laoya, the closest port. From there, you will have access to a secluded beach full of coral, with few parties, bliss, and tranquility. There is no traffic, no professional, and no complicated resort system on the island, aside from a few that are peppered across. The main attraction is the peace you’ll find inside your resort, since most of them have a private views and beaches. Koh Laoya is renowned for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and diverse marine life. You’ll find the best water activities along the coast, where you can scuba dive, swim, or snorkel. Travelers can also take a stroll along the picturesque beaches and enjoy a bite to eat at the nearby restaurants, before the day is over. There is no organized nightlife on Koh Laoya, which allows for a more chilled-out evening. It’s a refuge for those who want rest and relaxation, but it is also an escape for travelers seeking a more relaxing experience, minus the crowds, parties, and hotel staffs.

Lonely Beach: Peace, Tended Blooms

Lonely Beach lies on the western side of Koh Chang, Koh Chang. This beach is famous for its calm atmosphere and stunning ocean views. It's the stretch of sand where you'll find resorts and an opportunity to enjoy activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. There is a unique variety of flora and fauna that inhabit this beach, like the Ylang Ylang, so this is a great place for nature lovers and photographers to visit. The beach can be rocky in certain places, and not too busy. It is difficult to reach, but Koh Chang is a small island, and the travel network is solid. Some resorts have their own restaurants on the beach and bars, where you can enjoy a sunset with a delicious cocktail or a light snack.

Chilled Outdoor Adventures

Naturally, the islands' best way to explore is from the water. Sea kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving can all be done while also navigating the islands by boat. If you're more of a land rat, then there are sea kayaking tours in which one can enjoy the beautiful island scenery and the coastlines with informative guide tours. For tired souls, there are plenty of hikes, treks, and fitness trails on the islands of Koh Chang. Even a relaxing massage session can be scheduled with a spa.

Veggie Foodies Get Your Fix

When you’re exploring the islands, you’ll also find a bounty of exotic, plant-based food. Look for their dishes served oven baked in a charcoal oven. Be careful, though, as the oven can get extremely hot. There are a variety of plant-based dishes, that are unique to Thailand, fully prepared with the ingredients they have on hand - seasonal vegetables, spices, herbs, and fruits. The coconut oil, palm sugar, and ginger are unique to the flavor, and are a big hit on the islands.

Your Guide to the Uncrowded Thai Islands

Planning an extended stay in the islands is simple. Here are the tips you need to know:

• Accommodations: The islands have a diverse number of accommodations, ranging from beachside resorts to eco-friendly hotels. If privacy is important, these should be your first priority in your destination. Koh Chang is the best option for those looking for adventure, and Koh Laoya is best for those looking for serenity.
• Transportation: Getting to these islands is easy with direct flights from major hubs. From there you can travel by a compact economy car, ferry, or taxi. You can also rent a motorbike for even more adventures!
• Budget: You’ll be paying a higher price for a one way ticket to the islands, but there are tons of activities and experiences for every budget. A stay at a high-end resort can cost upwards of 500 dollars, or as little as 20 dollars with the proper accommodations. The next time you visit Thailand, take another route: one that takes you to some of the most beautiful, less-crowded islands in Thailand. The scenery, tranquility, and serenity will captivate you, and you won't want to leave.