Thailand is an exquisite nation identified for its gorgeous seashores, crystal-clear waters, and plentiful marine life. One of many must-do actions when in Thailand is snorkeling, and with its wealthy underwater world, there are many locations to take action.
On this weblog submit, we’ll give attention to three well-liked locations for snorkeling in Thailand – Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, and Koh Lanta and supply suggestions on the place to remain and eat, in addition to tricks to take advantage of your snorkeling journey.
Associated learn: Scuba Diving in Thailand: An Epic Solo Journey
Koh Lanta Snorkeling
Koh Lanta is a peaceable island situated within the Krabi province, and it’s identified for having a few of the healthiest coral reefs and numerous marine life in Thailand. The well-known Emerald Cave is a must-visit snorkeling web site, the place you possibly can swim by means of a darkish cave and emerge right into a hidden lagoon. Koh Rok and Koh Haa are additionally well-liked snorkeling spots, in case you are fortunate, you would possibly even spot some sea turtles!
Emerald Cave
The Emerald Cave will probably be the spotlight of your snorkeling journey in Koh Lanta! This cave is situated on the west coast of Ko Muk island and is accessible solely by boat and requires a swim by means of a slim and darkish passage of about 80 meters in size. When you emerge on the different finish of the passage, you might be rewarded with a shocking sight of the emerald-colored waters and white sandy seaside.
It’s a distinctive expertise that isn’t to be missed! Relying on the time of yr you go, the swell is variable. Once we went, it was fairly sturdy, so it was tiring to swim again by means of the passage after visiting the emerald cave.
Associated tour: 4 Islands and Emerald Cave Snorkeling Journey
If you’re not snug with swimming at nighttime, there are different actions that you are able to do in Koh Lanta. Spend time on the seaside, take in the solar, and benefit from the gorgeous surroundings.
In your snorkeling journey, you may additionally cease on the paradise island of Koh Ngai for some lunch. This island is so peaceable and it’s the proper place to mirror in your expertise on the Emerald Cave.
Different gorgeous snorkeling spots on this journey embody Koh Ma and Koh Cheuk, you might be sure to see azure waters and huge coral reefs with plentiful marine life and colourful tropical fish!
The place to eat in Koh Lanta
Good friend Home Meals and Drinks was one of many locations we went again to time and again in Koh Lanta, the costs are inexpensive and the menu has each Western and Thai choices to select from.
Three Sisters Restaurant is one other good choice, it is a bit more costly than Good friend Home however the parts are giant, the service is nice and the place is sweet and clear!
The place Else Backyard is one other barely pricier choice than different locations within the space, however the meals, décor, and ambiance are price it!
The place to remain in Koh Lanta
Funds: Lengthy Seashore Easy Home
Lengthy Seashore Easy Home is a superb lodging choice situated within the lovely Ko Lanta. With simply 300 meters away from Lengthy Seashore, it gives visitors an incredible terrace to take pleasure in their keep together with free personal parking and entry to its restaurant and bar. Moreover, this visitor home gives simple accessibility as Loosen up Bay Seashore is simply round 1.2 km away whereas Secret seaside might be reached inside 2.1 km distance – all of which include complimentary WiFi!
Mid-range: Lengthy Seashore Backyard Resort
Lengthy Seashore Backyard Resort is a implausible lodging choice in Ko Lanta, simply 200 meters away from the gorgeous Lengthy Seashore. The resort boasts an inviting backyard and gives free personal parking for visitors’ comfort. There’s additionally a shared lounge space the place you possibly can calm down with different vacationers or take pleasure in some recent air on the terrace. This cozy hostel has been rated two stars however gives five-star service together with complimentary WiFi and even options its personal bar!
Luxurious: Lengthy Seashore Chalet – SHA Additional Plus
Lengthy Seashore Chalet gives visitors a pleasant keep in Thai-style bungalows and chalets which are elevated on stilts. With the choice of staying by the seaside or amidst lush greenery within the backyard zone, there’s one thing for everybody right here! The property additionally gives complimentary shuttle service to/from Saladan Pier, making it simple so that you can discover close by sights at your comfort. Plus, with an onsite restaurant serving up scrumptious meals and free WiFi out there all through the premises, Lengthy Seashore Chalet is actually a one-of-a-kind expertise to not be missed!
Learn how to get to Koh Lanta
Attending to Koh Lanta is definitely fairly simple, irrespective of the place you’re coming from. If you happen to’re coming from Bangkok, you possibly can take a flight to Krabi Airport (KBV) after which take a taxi or minibus from there. The journey will take about two hours. You may discover tickets right here.
If you happen to’re coming from Phuket, you possibly can take a ferry from Phuket to Koh Lanta. The journey takes about two hours and the price is round THB800-1,200 per individual. It’s also possible to take a minivan from Phuket to Koh Lanta, discover ferry and bus tickets right here.
If you happen to’re coming from Koh Phi Phi, you possibly can take a ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta. The journey takes about two hours and the price is round THB600-900 per individual. You should purchase ferry tickets right here.
Koh Phi Phi snorkeling
Koh Phi Phi is a small archipelago situated within the Andaman Sea, and it’s identified for its gorgeous surroundings and vibrant marine life. Pileh Lagoon is a shallow lagoon the place child blacktip reef sharks might be noticed. This can be a thrilling expertise for individuals who love sharks.
Bamboo Island is one other must-visit snorkeling spot, with crystal-clear waters and an abundance of colourful fish. It’s best to do analysis on excursions earlier than reserving to make sure a extremely rated one. You’ll probably go to Maya Bay in your tour (like this one), it wasn’t my private favourite cease because of the variety of individuals there after I went, however it was lovely nonetheless.
The place to eat in Koh Phi Phi
In Koh Phi Phi you’ll find low cost eats and extra upmarket locations. There’s a good mixture of western and Thai meals.
There isn’t a lot avenue meals as a result of the place is so small and the streets are slim, there are principally solely eating places.
Pa-Noi Thai Meals
My favourite restaurant in Koh Phi Phi needs to be Pa-Noi Thai Meals, it serves quite a lot of genuine Thai dishes and gives very cheap costs for vacationers on a finances.
Brett and I ate there 3-4 occasions throughout our keep in Koh Phi Phi. I might extremely advocate their Yellow Rooster Curry with Rice paired with a refreshing watermelon shake!
Garlic 1992 Restaurant
One other agency favourite of mine is the Garlic 1992 Restaurant. This restaurant is known and at all times busy, you will notice indicators promoting it everywhere in the island. I attempted the Panang curry with rice and it was scrumptious. The restaurant additionally sells its personal Garlic 1992 merchandise which is on the market to buy on-site. Right here additionally they serve cocktail buckets which have been tried and examined on my own, I can verify they’re sturdy, tasty, and value 200 baht!
Coco Bella Restaurant
Coco Bella Restaurant boasts inexpensive costs and good service. Their menu is giant and I attempted the fried rooster with chips and the loaded nachos which have been each scrumptious! It was a pleasant deal with to search out Mexican-style meals in Koh Phi Phi!
Is consuming out costly?
How a lot you’ll spend on consuming out will rely on the place you select to dine. Thai meals is at all times cheaper than western meals, as goes for the entire of Thailand. Thai meals is to die for, and in the event you’re not a fan of spicy meals, ask for ‘mai pet’ (not spicy). Nevertheless, be cautious that what Thai individuals think about ‘not spicy’ should still be too spicy for you!
The place to remain in Koh Phi Phi
Phi Phi Don is the primary island you can keep on, there are many motels, hostels, and resorts to select from and one thing to swimsuit all budgets.
I stayed in a stunning lodge referred to as Blue View Home, we had probably the most implausible view of the island, however we needed to stroll up so many stairs to get to and from the room.
It’s undoubtedly price getting a nicer room with a view, it simply relies upon in the event you can face climbing up the mountain to get there!
Different Lodging Choices:
Funds: Blu Monkey Phi Phi Island
Blu Monkey Phi Phi Island is a 3-star property situated in Phi Phi Don. Inbuilt 2017, this 3-star lodge is inside 700 m of Ton Sai Seashore and fewer than 1 km of Laem Hin Seashore.
Funds: Kitty Guesthouse
Kitty Guesthouse is 3.1 km from Lengthy Seashore and 1.3 km from Ton Sai Bay. The property is 1.1 km from Pak Nam Bay.
Upmarket: Phi Phi Villa Resort
Phi Phi Resort is located by the gorgeous Andaman Sea and gives a implausible beachfront setting, removed from the busy Tonsai Bay. The rooms are fairly priced and supply breathtaking views of both the ocean or tropical gardens. You may attain this glorious property inside simply quarter-hour on foot from the pier!
Upmarket: Phi Phi Coco Seashore Resort
Phi Phi CoCo Seashore Resort – SHA Additional Plus in Phi Phi Don gives a stunning backyard, terrace and complimentary WiFi. It’s conveniently located lower than 1 km away from Ton Sai Pier and simply 3.6 km from Ao Poh Bay. Company can take pleasure in an outside pool with the added comfort of a round the clock reception desk at this property as nicely! Viking Cave is simply 5.5km away whereas Pirate Island Adventures are inside strolling distance at simply 800m!
Learn how to get to Koh Phi Phi
You will get to Koh Phi Phi through speedboat or ferry from Phuket or Krabi. Brett and I made a decision to go from Phuket and we stopped for 1 evening in Koh Yao Noi, an exquisite little island near Phi Phi. The speedboats are usually a little bit costlier however in my view, they’re price the additional value as a result of they’re quicker.
Typically you even have the choice to prepare a taxi switch out of your lodge in Phuket or Krabi along with the speedboat ticket. I like this feature since you might be extra sure that you just gained’t miss the boat!
I favor to make use of 12GoAsia to e book transport like this in Thailand. One other good choice is to prepare the switch by means of your lodge.
Krabi snorkeling
Krabi is a province situated within the south of Thailand, and it’s well-known for its limestone cliffs, secluded seashores, and emerald waters. There are numerous lovely sights to go to in Krabi, however the snorkeling experiences listed below are simply implausible. I extremely advocate happening a snorkeling tour throughout your go to to Krabi! Specifically, I recommend the ‘7 Islands Sundown Tour’ which is a full-day island hopping journey by longtail boat. On this tour, you’ll go to the well-known Railay Seashore, view Rooster Island from afar, picturesque islands and luxuriate in a scrumptious BBQ dinner as you watch the sundown on the island of Koh Poda.
The subsequent cease is at Koh Tub for some seaside time or (at low tide) a stroll throughout the spectacular sandbank that connects it to Rooster and Mor Islands close by. Swim within the crystal-clear water at Koh Tan Ming, a small rock islet in entrance of Koh Poda.
However the spotlight of any snorkeling journey in Krabi is the bioluminescent plankton. Ebook a tour that features a nighttime snorkeling session to witness the magical glow of plankton within the water.
Full the night with a brief swim amidst the bio-luminescent plankton within the surrounding ocean of Koe Raeng earlier than returning to the pier in Ao Nang.
One factor to notice is that snorkeling excursions might be on longtail boats or speedboats. Longtail excursions are cheaper, much less snug, and have extra individuals, whereas speedboat excursions are quicker, extra snug, and often take fewer individuals at a time. Be taught from my mistake and don’t sit in the back of the longtail boat proper subsequent to the engine, it’s extremely loud and uncomfortable over the course of the day.
The place to eat in Krabi
Eating places in Railay
Railay Household Restaurant – An inexpensive restaurant in Railay with many Thai and seafood choices.
Mangrove Restaurant – They provide each Thai and western meals, seafood, and vegan choices at inexpensive costs.
Railay Seashore Cafe Thai Noodles – This restaurant may be very extremely reviewed by vacationers having fun with scrumptious noodles at glorious costs!
Eating places in Ao Nang
BUZZ Natural Meals and Drink – Go to BUZZ for wholesome, recent dishes in Ao Nang.
Crimson Chilli Thai Delicacies – This restaurant has glorious opinions of its tasty and genuine Thai meals, attentive service, and welcoming ambiance!
CRU Kitchen Krabi – For a extra upmarket eating expertise you may go to CRU Kitchen for some Western-style delicacies.
The place to remain in Krabi
Krabi gives a variety of lodging choices to swimsuit totally different budgets and preferences. Some well-liked choices embody:
- Railay Seashore – This can be a well-liked space for vacationers and gives a variety of lodging choices from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts.
Funds – Rapala Rock Wooden Resort- SHA Plus
Come keep on the Rapala Rock Wooden Resort- SHA Plus and expertise cozy lodging that can make you’re feeling proper at house. Not solely can visitors take pleasure in a snug mattress with mosquito netting, however additionally they have the chance to savor scrumptious Thai delicacies cooked recent from our out of doors restaurant.
Mid-range – Avatar Railay
Providing an outside pool and solar terrace, Avatar Railay is ready in Railay Seashore, Krabi. It’s only 900 m from Phra Nang Cave. Company can take pleasure in delectable meal on the on-site restaurant and bar in addition to free WiFi.
Luxurious – Sand Sea Resort Railay Seashore
The resort boasts rooms with personal balconies that provide gorgeous views of the seaside. And if you wish to discover different areas close by, it’s only a fast 15-minute boat journey away from Ao Nang Seashore and solely 45 minutes by boat from Krabi City.
- Ao Nang – This space has a variety of motels and guesthouses to swimsuit totally different budgets and is well-liked with backpackers and households.
Funds – Popeye Guesthouse
Popeye Guesthouse is a 30-minute drive from Krabi Airport. Krabi City and Tup Khaek Seashore are a 20-minute drive from Popeye Guesthouse. The visitor home is only a 10-minute stroll from Ao Nang Seashore.
Mid-range – COSI Krabi Ao Nang Seashore
Set in Ao Nang Seashore, 400 m from Ao Nang Seashore, COSI Krabi Ao Nang Seashore – SHA Plus gives lodging with an outside swimming pool, free personal parking, a health centre and a shared lounge. That includes a terrace, the 3-star lodge has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi.
Luxurious – Krabi Tipa Resort – SHA Additional Plus
Get pleasure from a seaside getaway at Krabi Tipa Resort – SHA EXTRA PLUS. Nestled amidst lush greenery, it gives snug lodging, pleasant service and is only a stroll away from Ao Nang Seashore.
- Krabi City – That is the primary city in Krabi and gives a variety of lodging choices together with guesthouses, motels, and resorts.
Funds – JP Hometel
A 2-minute stroll from the Night time Market, JP hometel gives clear and cozy rooms. Company with drained muscular tissues can take pleasure in a soothing session of massages, organized by the lodge’s employees.
Mid-range – Sita Krabi Lodge
Situated in Krabi city, inside 1.9 km of Wat Kaew Korawaram and three.4 km of Thara Park, Sita Krabi Lodge gives lodging with a terrace and in addition to free personal parking for visitors who drive. With a shared lounge, the 3-star lodge has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, every with a non-public rest room.
Luxurious – Krabi SeaBass Lodge
Krabi SeaBass Lodge has a backyard, shared lounge, a restaurant and bar in Krabi city. Boasting household rooms, this property additionally gives visitors with an outside pool. The lodging gives a 24-hour entrance desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi all through the property.
* Simply to notice that in the event you keep in Krabi City there isn’t an awesome deal to see and do there and you may think about hiring a scooter to go to totally different locations close by.
Learn how to get to Krabi
Krabi is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot in Thailand and there are a number of methods to get there, together with:
- Flight – Probably the most handy option to attain Krabi is by air. Krabi Worldwide Airport (KBV) is situated simply 15km away from the town middle. A one-way flight from Bangkok to Krabi can value wherever between 1,500 THB – 3,500 THB, relying on the airline and the way far upfront you e book.
- Bus: Krabi is nicely linked by bus with Bangkok and different main cities in Thailand. Buses are an inexpensive choice, and a number of other corporations function each day companies to Krabi from Bangkok. The journey takes round 10-12 hours relying on site visitors and might value wherever between 500 THB – 1,200 THB.
- Practice: Krabi doesn’t have a railway station, the closest one is in Surat Thani. From there, you possibly can take a bus to Krabi. Trains are a snug choice to journey to Surat Thani from Bangkok or different main cities. Practice tickets value between 500 THB – 1,000 THB from Bangkok to Surat Thani, relying on the category of journey you select.
- Ferry: Krabi can be accessible by sea, and there are common ferries from close by islands like Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. You may catch a ferry from any of those islands to Krabi and the journey takes round 2-3 hour relying on the place you’re departing from. A one-way ticket from Phuket to Krabi prices round 500 THB, whereas a ferry from Koh Phi Phi prices round 350 THB. Costs could fluctuate relying on the time of yr and the ferry operator.
Seek for methods to get to Krabi beneath:
Let’s go snorkeling in Thailand
Are you able to go snorkeling Thailand? There are such a lot of unimaginable snorkeling spots across the islands in Thailand – so begin planning your journey now!
Tiani Jaffrelot
I hope to encourage individuals to suppose in another way and notice that dwelling a life outdoors of the same old 9-5 is feasible. My journey ideas can even cowl in depth one of the best issues to see and do within the locations that I’m travelling to, in addition to the dreaded journey errors that can inevitably happen as I discover my toes on this journey! The one factor I do know proper now’s that I’m prepared. Able to take the leap and itching to discover all components of this lovely Earth we’re fortunate sufficient to name house. New and thrilling cultural, inventive, and eye opening experiences are ready to be found.
