10 Days in the Islands: Andaman vs Gulf Routes
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Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic cliffs of the Andaman or the calm, sun-warmed waters of the Gulf, this guide will help you choose your route, plan your time, and make the most of every day on the islands.
Ten days is just enough time to scratch the surface of southern Thailand, and just long enough to fall completely in love with it.
The Quick Summary:
Best Time to Visit: Andaman (November–April); Gulf (January–August).
Budget Expectation: Mid-range travelers should budget 2,150–3,600 THB daily for private rooms and transport.
Regional Variance: Andaman offers dramatic limestone karsts and deep-sea diving; the Gulf features gentler seas and a world-renowned wellness and party scene.
Transportation: Internal flights range from 1,000–4,500 THB; ferries between islands cost 400–1,200 THB depending on speed.
Choosing Your Coast:
The first thing to know is that the two coasts run on opposite schedules. The Andaman Sea on the west is at its best from November to April, calm, clear, and impossibly photogenic. Come May, the monsoon rolls in and the west coast gets rough. That’s exactly when the Gulf of Thailand on the east comes into its own, staying sunny and swimmable right through to September. So in many ways, the choice isn’t just about where, it’s about when.
But the two coasts do have very different personalities, and that’s worth thinking about too.
The Andaman is dramatic. Think Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lipe, places where vast limestone cliffs shoot straight up out of the water and the horizon always seems to have something extraordinary on it. It feels wild and cinematic, the kind of scenery that doesn’t look real until you’re actually sitting in front of it. If you’re into diving deep reefs, chasing sunsets from a longtail boat, or just being somewhere that feels genuinely epic, the Andaman delivers.
The Gulf is a different mood entirely. Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, the water here is often almost glassy, the beaches are soft and sheltered, and the whole atmosphere is a little more easy and unhurried. Less jaw-dropping, perhaps, but in the best possible way. It’s the kind of place you arrive at for a few days and find yourself still there a week later.
So if you’re travelling between May and September, the Gulf is simply the smarter call, better weather, calmer seas, and still genuinely beautiful. Either side of that window, the Andaman is hard to beat.
| Feature | Andaman Route (West) | Gulf Route (East) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Hubs | Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi | Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao |
| Daily Boat Cost | 1,500–3,000 THB (Private Long-tail) | 400–1,200 THB (Speedboat/Ferry) |
| Landscape | Limestone Karsts & Sea Caves | Granite Boulders & Coconut Groves |
| Vibe | High Adventure & Cinematic Views | Social Wellness & Underwater Focus |
The Andaman Expedition:
The Andaman route starts in Phuket or Krabi, moving toward the Phi Phi Islands and ending in the Trang Islands or Koh Lipe. It is the definitive choice for travelers seeking iconic geography, world-class rock climbing at Railay Beach, and the bioluminescent waters of Phang Nga Bay.
The journey begins in Phuket, specifically the historic Old Town or the southern quiet of Rawai. Skip the chaos of Patong and secure a private long-tail boat from Chalong Pier. The destination is not the crowded Maya Bay, but the secret lagoons of Koh Hong or the emerald silence of Phang Nga Bay.
By day four, the transition to Railay Beach in Krabi is essential. Accessible only by boat, Railay feels detached from the mainland. The limestone walls are a magnet for climbers, but for the leisure traveler, the hike to the Phra Nang Lagoon offers a sensory reward of thick jungle scents and cool, hidden waters.
The final leg descends toward Koh Lipe. Known as the Maldives of Thailand, this tiny island near the Malaysian border offers visibility that exceeds 20 meters. Walking Street provides the local pulse, but the true magic lies in a sunset at North Beach, watching the sky turn a bruised purple over the Adang-Rawi Archipelago.
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The Gulf Circuit:
The Gulf route connects Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao via efficient ferry networks. This path excels in infrastructure, offering a blend of high-end luxury in Samui, holistic healing and vibrant nightlife in Phangan, and the highest density of diving schools globally in Koh Tao.
Koh Samui serves as the sophisticated entry point. Utilize the private airport—one of the most beautiful in Asia—to land directly in paradise. While Samui offers luxury, the real soul of the Gulf is found in Koh Phangan. Beyond the lunar-timed parties of Haad Rin, the northern coast around Sri Thanu is a sanctuary for yoga, vegan gastronomy, and “slow travel” enthusiasts.
The route culminates in Koh Tao. This is the underwater capital. The island is small enough to traverse by motorbike in twenty minutes, yet deep enough to hold a lifetime of secrets. Shark Bay offers near-guaranteed sightings of blacktip reef turtles and sea turtles in knee-deep water. Skip the overcrowded Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint at midday; instead, hike to John-Suwan Viewpoint at sunrise for a panoramic look at the dual bays of Chalok and Thian Og without the selfie-sticks.
Pro Tips For Stress Free Travel:
A bit of practical groundwork before you go makes everything smoother once you’re there.
Getting around is easiest with Grab or Bolt, both show you the price upfront, so there’s no haggling or guesswork. Grab tends to be more reliable in bigger spots like Phuket and Samui, while Bolt can be cheaper but the driver availability is patchier. On smaller islands like Koh Tao, apps don’t really apply, you’ll be flagging down converted pickup trucks with fixed rates.
Always have some cash on you. Pier fees when hopping between islands are almost always cash-only (usually somewhere between 20 and 100 THB), and local markets won’t take cards.
Thai ATMs charge a flat 220 THB fee every time you withdraw, regardless of the amount. So rather than making lots of small withdrawals, take out as much as you’ll need in one go. The maximum per transaction is usually 20,000 THB.
For booking accommodation, Agoda tends to offer better prices for this region than the bigger global platforms, worth checking there first.
For staying connected, you can either pick up a physical SIM from AIS or TrueMove at the airport (easy, cheap, works well), or sort it before you travel with an e-SIM through something like Yesim if you’d rather not think about it on arrival.
For tours and day trips, platforms like Klook or GetYourGuide are worth using, the operators are vetted, prices are clear, and you can book everything before you leave home.
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The Thai Spirit:
Respect in Thailand is anchored in the concept of “Greng Jai” (consideration) and “Nam Jai” (generosity). Tipping is not a cultural mandate but is a deeply appreciated gesture of gratitude for service staff, particularly in the hospitality and wellness sectors.
When visiting temples such as Wat Plai Laem in Samui, shoulders and knees must be covered. Tipping etiquette is straightforward: at local stalls, rounding up to the nearest 10 or 20 THB is plenty. For a one-hour Thai massage (typically 300–500 THB), a 50–100 THB tip handed directly to the therapist is the gold standard. In “++” restaurants, the service charge is already included, so additional tipping is entirely optional.
Confidence Booster:
Thailand is statistically one of the safest destinations for solo and family travel in Southeast Asia. Common sense remains the best defense: use reputable transport apps, avoid unlit beach paths at night, and always wear a helmet if operating a scooter.
The most significant risk in the islands is not crime, but the sun and the scooters. Sunstroke can derail a ten-day trip in hours; hydrate with electrolytes found at any 7-Eleven.
If you have never ridden a motorbike, the steep, sandy hills of Koh Tao are not the place to learn. Stick to the “songthaews” (passenger trucks) or hire a private driver for the day.
FAQ: Island Hopping Essentials
Is the Andaman or the Gulf better in July?
The Gulf of Thailand is significantly better in July. The Andaman Sea experiences heavy rain and rough swells during this period, often leading to ferry cancellations and closed national parks.
How much does a ferry cost between islands?
Standard ferries generally cost between 400 and 700 THB. High-speed catamarans like Lomprayah in the Gulf or speedboats in the Andaman range from 800 to 1,200 THB.
Do I need to book tours in advance?
For peak season (December–February), pre-booking via Klook or Get Your Guide ensures availability. In the shoulder season, you can often negotiate better rates directly with long-tail captains at the pier.
What is the DTV Visa cost?
The Destination Thailand Visa application fee is approximately 10,000 THB. It requires a bank balance of 500,000 THB maintained for at least three months.
