Thailand is a good looking nation recognized 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 deal with three in style 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 benefit from your snorkeling journey.

Associated learn: Scuba Diving in Thailand: An Epic Solo Journey

Koh Lanta Snorkeling

Koh Lanta is a peaceable island positioned within the Krabi province, and it’s recognized for having a number of the healthiest coral reefs and various marine life in Thailand. The well-known Emerald Cave is a must-visit snorkeling website, the place you possibly can swim by way of a darkish cave and emerge right into a hidden lagoon. Koh Rok and Koh Haa are additionally in style snorkeling spots, in case you are fortunate, you would possibly even spot some sea turtles!

Emerald Cave

The Emerald Cave will possible be the spotlight of your snorkeling journey in Koh Lanta! This cave is positioned on the west coast of Ko Muk island and is accessible solely by boat and requires a swim by way 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 12 months you go, the swell is variable. Once we went, it was fairly sturdy, so it was tiring to swim again by way of the passage after visiting the emerald cave.

Associated tour: 4 Islands and Emerald Cave Snorkeling Journey

If you’re not comfy with swimming at midnight, 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 might also 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 certain to see azure waters and enormous coral reefs with plentiful marine life and colourful tropical fish!

The place to eat in Koh Lanta

Buddy Home Meals and Drinks was one of many locations we went again to many times 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 possibility, it is a bit more costly than Buddy Home however the parts are giant, the service is nice and the place is good and clear!

The place Else Backyard is one other barely pricier possibility than different locations within the space, however the meals, décor, and environment are value it!

The place to remain in Koh Lanta

Price range: Lengthy Seaside Easy Home

Lengthy Seaside Easy Home is a superb lodging possibility positioned within the lovely Ko Lanta. With simply 300 meters away from Lengthy Seaside, it affords company a tremendous terrace to get pleasure from their keep together with free non-public parking and entry to its restaurant and bar. Moreover, this visitor home offers straightforward accessibility as Loosen up Bay Seaside is just 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 Seaside Backyard Resort

Lengthy Seaside Backyard Resort is a implausible lodging possibility in Ko Lanta, simply 200 meters away from the gorgeous Lengthy Seaside. The resort boasts an inviting backyard and affords free non-public parking for company’ comfort. There’s additionally a shared lounge space the place you possibly can chill out with different vacationers or get pleasure from some recent air on the terrace. This cozy hostel has been rated two stars however offers five-star service together with complimentary WiFi and even options its personal bar!

Luxurious: Lengthy Seaside Chalet – SHA Further Plus

Lengthy Seaside Chalet affords company a pleasant keep in Thai-style bungalows and chalets which might be 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 offers complimentary shuttle service to/from Saladan Pier, making it straightforward so that you can discover close by points of interest at your comfort. Plus, with an onsite restaurant serving up scrumptious meals and free WiFi obtainable all through the premises, Lengthy Seaside Chalet is really a one-of-a-kind expertise to not be missed!

The way to get to Koh Lanta

Attending to Koh Lanta is definitely fairly straightforward, regardless of the place you’re coming from. Should you’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’ll be able to discover tickets right here.

Should you’re coming from Phuket, you possibly can take a ferry from Phuket to Koh Lanta. The journey takes about two hours and the associated fee is round THB800-1,200 per particular person. You can even take a minivan from Phuket to Koh Lanta, discover ferry and bus tickets right here.

Should you’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 associated fee is round THB600-900 per particular person. You should buy ferry tickets right here.

Koh Phi Phi snorkeling

Koh Phi Phi is a small archipelago positioned within the Andaman Sea, and it’s recognized for its gorgeous surroundings and vibrant marine life. Pileh Lagoon is a shallow lagoon the place child blacktip reef sharks might be noticed. It is a thrilling expertise for many 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 possible 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 could 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 a wide range of genuine Thai dishes and affords very affordable costs for vacationers on a finances.

Brett and I ate there 3-4 instances throughout our keep in Koh Phi Phi. I’d extremely suggest their Yellow Hen 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 all the time busy, you will note indicators promoting it all around the island. I attempted the Panang curry with rice and it was scrumptious. The restaurant additionally sells its personal Garlic 1992 merchandise which is offered to buy on-site. Right here in addition 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 upon the place you select to dine. Thai meals is all the time 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 principle island you can keep on, there are many motels, hostels, and resorts to select from and one thing to go well with all budgets.

I stayed in a stunning resort known 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 value 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:

Price range: Blu Monkey Phi Phi Island

Blu Monkey Phi Phi Island is a 3-star property positioned in Phi Phi Don. In-built 2017, this 3-star resort is inside 700 m of Ton Sai Seaside and fewer than 1 km of Laem Hin Seaside.

Price range: Kitty Guesthouse

Kitty Guesthouse is 3.1 km from Lengthy Seaside 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 affords 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’ll be able to attain this glorious property inside simply quarter-hour on foot from the pier!

Upmarket: Phi Phi Coco Seaside Resort

Phi Phi CoCo Seaside Resort – SHA Further Plus in Phi Phi Don affords 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. Friends can get pleasure from an outside pool with the added comfort of a round the clock reception desk at this property as nicely! Viking Cave is just 5.5km away whereas Pirate Island Adventures are inside strolling distance at simply 800m!

The way to get to Koh Phi Phi

You may 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, a good looking little island near Phi Phi. The speedboats are usually slightly dearer however in my view, they’re value the additional price as a result of they’re sooner.

Generally you even have the choice to prepare a taxi switch out of your resort in Phuket or Krabi along with the speedboat ticket. I like this feature since you might be extra sure that you just received’t miss the boat!

I favor to make use of 12GoAsia to e-book transport like this in Thailand. One other good possibility is to prepare the switch by way of your resort.

Krabi snorkeling

Krabi is a province positioned within the south of Thailand, and it’s well-known for its limestone cliffs, secluded seashores, and emerald waters. There are numerous lovely points of interest to go to in Krabi, however the snorkeling experiences listed here are simply implausible. I extremely suggest happening a snorkeling tour throughout your go to to Krabi! Particularly, I counsel 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 Seaside, view Hen Island from afar, picturesque islands and revel 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 Hen 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. Guide 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 comfy, and have extra individuals, whereas speedboat excursions are sooner, extra comfy, and normally take fewer individuals at a time. Study 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 Seaside 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.

Pink Chilli Thai Delicacies – This restaurant has glorious evaluations of its tasty and genuine Thai meals, attentive service, and welcoming environment!

CRU Kitchen Krabi – For a extra upmarket eating expertise you possibly can go to CRU Kitchen for some Western-style delicacies.

The place to remain in Krabi

Krabi affords a spread of lodging choices to go well with completely different budgets and preferences. Some in style choices embody:

1. Railay Seaside – It is a in style space for vacationers and affords a spread of lodging choices from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts.

Price range – Rapala Rock Wooden Resort- SHA Plus

Come keep on the Rapala Rock Wooden Resort- SHA Plus and expertise cozy lodging that may make you are feeling proper at dwelling. Not solely can company get pleasure from a cushty mattress with mosquito netting, however in addition 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 about in Railay Seaside, Krabi. It is just 900 m from Phra Nang Cave. Friends can get pleasure from delectable meal on the on-site restaurant and bar in addition to free WiFi.

Luxurious – Sand Sea Resort Railay Seaside 

The resort boasts rooms with non-public balconies that supply gorgeous views of the seaside. And if you wish to discover different areas close by, it’s only a fast 15-minute boat trip away from Ao Nang Seaside and solely 45 minutes by boat from Krabi City.

2. Ao Nang – This space has a spread of motels and guesthouses to go well with completely different budgets and is in style with backpackers and households.

Price range – Popeye Guesthouse

Popeye Guesthouse is a 30-minute drive from Krabi Airport. Krabi City and Tup Khaek Seaside are a 20-minute drive from Popeye Guesthouse. The visitor home is only a 10-minute stroll from Ao Nang Seaside.

Mid-range – COSI Krabi Ao Nang Seaside

Set in Ao Nang Seaside, 400 m from Ao Nang Seaside, COSI Krabi Ao Nang Seaside – SHA Plus affords lodging with an outside swimming pool, free non-public parking, a health centre and a shared lounge. That includes a terrace, the 3-star resort has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi.

Luxurious – Krabi Tipa Resort – SHA Further Plus

Get pleasure from a seaside getaway at Krabi Tipa Resort – SHA EXTRA PLUS. Nestled amidst lush greenery, it affords comfy lodging, pleasant service and is only a stroll away from Ao Nang Seaside.

3. Krabi City – That is the principle city in Krabi and affords a spread of lodging choices together with guesthouses, motels, and resorts.

Price range – JP Hometel

A 2-minute stroll from the Evening Market, JP hometel affords clear and comfy rooms. Friends with drained muscle tissue can get pleasure from a soothing session of massages, organized by the resort’s employees.

Mid-range – Sita Krabi Resort

Situated in Krabi city, inside 1.9 km of Wat Kaew Korawaram and three.4 km of Thara Park, Sita Krabi Resort offers lodging with a terrace and in addition to free non-public parking for company who drive. With a shared lounge, the 3-star resort has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, every with a personal lavatory.

Luxurious – Krabi SeaBass Resort

Krabi SeaBass Resort has a backyard, shared lounge, a restaurant and bar in Krabi city. Boasting household rooms, this property additionally offers company with an outside pool. The lodging affords 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 amazing deal to see and do there and you may think about hiring a scooter to go to completely different locations close by.

The way 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:

1. Flight – Probably the most handy option to attain Krabi is by air. Krabi Worldwide Airport (KBV) is positioned simply 15km away from the town heart. A one-way flight from Bangkok to Krabi can price anyplace between 1,500 THB – 3,500 THB, relying on the airline and the way far upfront you e-book.
2. Bus: Krabi is nicely linked by bus with Bangkok and different main cities in Thailand. Buses are an inexpensive possibility, and a number of other corporations function every day providers to Krabi from Bangkok. The journey takes round 10-12 hours relying on site visitors and may price anyplace between 500 THB – 1,200 THB.
3. 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 cushty choice to journey to Surat Thani from Bangkok or different main cities. Practice tickets price between 500 THB – 1,000 THB from Bangkok to Surat Thani, relying on the category of journey you select.
4. Ferry: Krabi can also be accessible by sea, and there are common ferries from close by islands like Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. You’ll be able to 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 12 months and the ferry operator.

Seek for methods to get to Krabi under:

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!