Visiting Thailand? Experience Both Seas: A Journey from the Gulf of Thailand to the Andaman Sea and Some of Southern Thailand’s Most Beautiful Islands
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If someone asks, “Where should I go when I visit Thailand?”
There could be hundreds of answers.
But if you love the sea, there is one journey you should try at least once.
If you come to Thailand, don’t visit only one side of the sea.
Thailand has two coastlines, and each side has a completely different character.
Continue to Part 2: From Khao Sok to the Andaman Sea →
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One side is the Gulf of Thailand home to Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Ang Thong National Marine Park.
The other side is the Andaman Sea home to Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, Phang Nga, Koh Lanta and many more beautiful islands.
But between these two seas lies another world you should not miss.
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Rainforests, limestone mountains, waterfalls, caves and the dramatic lake landscapes of Khao Sok.
Imagine this...
This morning you are diving around Koh Tao.
The next day you head to Koh Phangan and experience the atmosphere of the Full Moon Party at night.
Then you continue to Koh Samui.
You trade the sea for the mountains of Khao Sok and stay on a floating raft at Cheow Lan Lake.
Then continue to the Andaman Sea and stand at Maya Bay, the filming location of The Beach
Explore Krabi, follow the James Bond trail in Phang Nga Bay, and finish with sunset on Koh Lanta.
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One journey that lets you experience the sea, islands, rainforest, mountains and iconic destinations of Southern Thailand.
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🐢 Koh Tao — A Paradise for Sea Lovers and Divers
If you had to choose one island to start your journey, Koh Tao it is an excellent place to begin.
This small island is famous among travelers worldwide, especially for diving and ocean activities.
Around the island are coral reefs, dive sites and excellent snorkeling areas.
- Scuba Diving
- Snorkeling
- Freediving
- Kayaking
- Island Hopping
- Explore the island’s bays
- Watch the sunset
- Hike to viewpoints
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🏝️ Koh Nang Yuan
A tiny island group connected by beautiful white sandbars.
From the viewpoint, you can see turquoise water and a beautiful sandbar stretching across the sea.
It is one of those views that instantly makes you think, “This is Thailand.”
And if you are a diver, don’t leave too soon. Koh Tao is also close to the famous dive site Sail Rock located along the route between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan.
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🚢 Explore Koh Tao, Then Continue Your Journey with Boonsiri Sealine
If you start in Bangkok, you can connect to Koh Tao via Chumphon. From Koh Tao, you can continue to Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Khao Sok, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta on available routes.
Bangkok → Koh Tao
| Origin | Departure | Arrival | Fares |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok (Khaosan Road) | 05:00 | 20:30 | 1,250 THB |
| Bangkok (Khaosan Road) | 22:00 | 08:45 next day | 1,250 THB |
| Suvarnabhumi Airport | 20:00 | 08:45 next day | 1,500 THB |
| Don Mueang Airport | 20:00 | 08:45 next day | 1,500 THB |
| Hua Hin | 08:00 | 15:00 | 1,250 THB |
| Hua Hin | 01:00 | 08:45 | 1,250 THB |
| Chumphon Pier | 06:45 | 08:45 | 750 THB |
| Chumphon Pier | 13:00 | 15:00 | 750 THB |
| Chumphon Train Station | 06:00 | 08:45 | 900 THB |
| Chumphon Train Station | 11:30 | 15:00 | 900 THB |
| Chumphon Airport | 09:15 | 15:00 | 1,000 THB |
| Chumphon Thung Wua Laen (Cabana) | 10:45 | 15:00 | 1,000 THB |
| Chumphon City | 10:00 | 12:00 | 750 THB |
| Chumphon City | 15:00 | 17:00 | 750 THB |
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🌕 Koh Phangan — Paradise by Day, Party by Night
Continue from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan
This island is world-famous for the Full Moon Party
A beach party held around the full moon that has become one of the world’s best-known seaside celebrations.
But Koh Phangan is much more than a party destination.
During the day, visit Haad Yao, Thong Nai Pan, Bottle Beach and Koh Ma, or explore natural areas such as Than Sadet Waterfall.
For relaxation, there are quiet beaches; for snorkeling, explore the smaller islands nearby.
And if your trip coincides with the Full Moon...
the entire island takes on a completely different atmosphere.
By day it is an island paradise; by night it becomes a world-famous party destination.
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🚢 Koh Tao → Koh Phangan with Boonsiri Sealine
| Route | Departure | Arrival | Fares |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koh Tao → Koh Phangan | 08:00 | 09:15 | 600 THB |
| Koh Tao → Koh Phangan | 09:15 | 10:30 | 600 THB |
| Koh Tao → Koh Phangan | 15:30 | 16:45 | 600 THB |
| Koh Tao → Koh Phangan (Any Hotel) | 08:00 | 10:05 | 750 THB |
| Koh Tao → Koh Phangan (Any Hotel) | 09:15 | 11:20 | 750 THB |
| Koh Tao → Koh Phangan (Any Hotel) | 15:30 | 17:35 | 750 THB |
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🌴 Koh Samui — Beaches, Cafés, Resorts and Island Life
Continue from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui
Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most versatile island destinations.
You can stay at a beachfront resort, visit a beach club, enjoy seafood, explore cafés or experience the nightlife.
Beaches and Places to See
- Chaweng Beach — A popular beach for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere
- Lamai Beach — A more relaxed atmosphere
- Big Buddha — One of the island’s major landmarks
- Hin Ta Hin Yai — A popular photo spot
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🏝️ Ang Thong National Marine Park
Limestone mountains rise from the sea, small islands dot the bay, and the park is home to viewpoints such as Talay Nai, also known as Emerald Lake
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🚢 Boonsiri Sealine Connects Koh Samui with Multiple Destinations
From Koh Samui, you can plan onward travel to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Surat Thani, Khao Sok, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and other destinations listed in the timetable.
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From Koh Samui (Nathon Pier)
| Destination | Departure | Arrival | Fares |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surat Thani – Donsak Boonsiri Pier | 10:20 | 11:40 | 450 THB |
| Surat Thani – Train Station | 10:20 | 13:00 | 750 THB |
| Surat Thani – Airport | 10:20 | 14:00 | 850 THB |
| Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport | 10:20 | 14:00 | 850 THB |
| Krabi – Boonsiri Office | 10:20 | 14:30 | 1,100 THB |
| Krabi – Ao Nang | 10:20 | 15:30 | 1,100 THB |
| Krabi – Town / Exc. Railay Transfer | 10:20 | 15:30 | 1,200 THB |
| Krabi – Railay East | 10:20 | 16:30 | 1,500 THB |
| Koh Phi Phi | 10:20 | 17:00 | 1,700 THB |
| Koh Lanta – Saladan Pier | 10:20 | 18:00 | 1,500 THB |
| Koh Lanta – Hotel | 10:20 | 19:00 | 1,800 THB |
| Khaosok – Van Station | 10:20 | 15:30 | 1,250 THB |
| Khaosok – Ratchaprapha Dam Pier | 10:20 | 15:00 | 1,550 THB |
| Khaosok – Hotel | 10:20 | 15:30 | 1,250 THB |
| Khaolak | 10:20 | 18:30 | 1,400 THB |
| Trang | 10:20 | 18:30 | 1,500 THB |
| Nangkham Beach Hotel | 10:20 | 13:30 | 600 THB |
| Khanom Hotel | 10:20 | 14:00 | 750 THB |
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🌿 From the Sea to Another World — Khao Sok and Cheow Lan Lake
After several days by the sea, change the scenery from ocean to rainforest, islands to limestone mountains, and sea boats to long-tail boats on a lake.
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🏞️ Khao Sok — Rainforest, Limestone Mountains and a Lake Surrounded by Peaks
Khao Sok National Park is one of Southern Thailand’s standout natural destinations.
And the highlight you should see for yourself is Cheow Lan Lake
Towering limestone formations rise from the water, and an early-morning visit may reveal mist floating above the lake.
- Boat trips
- Stay on a floating raft
- Hiking
- Cave exploration
- Waterfalls
- Wildlife watching
- Photograph limestone landscapes
- Watch the sunrise
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🚐 Finish Khao Sok and Continue with Boonsiri Sealine
Boonsiri Sealine offers several connection options to Khao Sok, including Van Station, Ratchaprapha Dam Pier and Hotel
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Koh Samui → Khao Sok
| Destination | Departure | Arrival | Fares |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khaosok – Van Station | 10:20 | 15:30 | 1,250 THB |
| Khaosok – Ratchaprapha Dam Pier | 10:20 | 15:00 | 1,550 THB |
| Khaosok – Hotel | 10:20 | 15:30 | 1,250 THB |
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Koh Phangan (Thongsala Pier) → Khao Sok
| Destination | Departure | Arrival | Fares |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khaosok – Van Station | 09:30 | 15:30 | 1,350 THB |
| Khaosok – Ratchaprapha Dam Pier | 09:30 | 15:00 | 1,650 THB |
| Khaosok – Hotel | 09:30 | 15:30 | 1,350 THB |
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Koh Tao → Khao Sok
| Destination | Departure | Arrival | Fares |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khaosok – Van Station | 08:00 | 15:30 | 1,450 THB |
| Khaosok – Ratchaprapha Dam Pier | 08:00 | 15:00 | 1,750 THB |
| Khaosok – Hotel | 08:00 | 15:30 | 1,450 THB |
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