Easy Thailand Island Hopping Itinerary (10 Days): Krabi, Koh Yao Noi & Koh Lanta
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand and want to experience the country’s famous islands without constantly moving hotels, this South Thailand itinerary is one of the easiest and most beautiful routes you can follow.
Southern Thailand is perfect for island hopping, and it's one of the most well known areas of Thailand for good reason.
The Andaman Coast is dotted with limestone islands, turquoise bays and long sandy beaches, and many of the destinations are close enough that travelling between them is very simple.
This particular route takes you through three very different places:
Krabi → Koh Yao Noi → Koh Lanta
This itinerary specifically recommends a more mindful travel experience in Thailand, including locally run initiatives, eco-friendly hotels, and a more sustainable way to travel. I have included some popular spots, but I have also included locations that are quieter, that have no mass tourism, and generally offer a more peaceful and relaxing means to travel.
You’ll start in Krabi, where crazy limestone cliffs rise out of the sea and long-tail boats drift between tiny islands.
From there you’ll head to Koh Yao Noi, a much quieter island surrounded by the extraordinary scenery of Phang Nga Bay - there is no better place to kick back and truly relax.
Finally, you’ll finish in Koh Lanta, known for its long beaches, relaxed atmosphere and some of the best sunsets you will find in southern Thailand.
What I like most about this itinerary is that it feels adventurous but not stressful or rushed. You’re not trying to visit five islands in ten days or spending half your trip on ferries.
Instead, you move slowly through three destinations that each offer something completely different.
If this is your first time island hopping in southern Thailand, this route strikes a really nice balance between exploration and downtime.
How to get to southern Thailand?
The easiest way to access the areas and islands in southern Thailand is flying into Bangkok Airport. The airport is a huge hub with flights to cities all over the world. I always fly direct with Thai Airways from London Heathrow which has a flight time of 11 hours 30 minutes.
From Bangkok you can fly direct to Krabi which is pretty inexpensive and there are regular flights. The flight takes just over an hour, airlines include Thai Air Asia, Vietjet Air, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and more.
Another option is to fly into Krabi itself, airlines such as Etihad and Emirates fly directly into Krabi International Airport, giving multiple options for arrival.
Do I need a visa to enter Thailand?
From 1 May 2025, all foreign nationals entering Thailand, whether by air, land or sea must complete a digital arrival card online before arrival. Travellers can register for an arrival card within 3 days before they arrive.
You can visit Thailand for a period of 60 days for the purpose of tourism.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Thailand, your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have at least 1 blank page.
Best Time to Visit Southern Thailand
The best time to follow this itinerary is during the dry season along the Andaman Coast.
The most reliable weather usually occurs between December and April.
During these months the sea is calm, skies are typically sunny and ferry routes operate regularly.
It's important to note weather varies between locations thanks to the geography of the coastline. In Krabi we saw more cloud build up and afternoon rain due to the limestone cliffs bringing in moisture over the land. Meanwhile, we would get completely clear skies in Koh Lanta as the land is a lot more flat. Showers are pretty quick passing and occur in the late afternoon and sometimes overnight.
Read my full guide on the best time to visit Thailand
Visiting in low season
The first time i ever visited Thailand (over 12 years ago now!) was in July which is technically low season. We had an amazing few days in the southern islands with plenty of sunshine and less crowds. The cost of visiting was cheaper, meaning we could be more mindful with our accommodation choices and even allowed us to enjoy some room upgrades.
10-Day South Thailand Itinerary
Days 1–3: Krabi
Begin your South Thailand adventure in Krabi, one of the most spectacular coastal regions and perfect entry point into this beautiful country. Back in 2014 on my first ever trip to Thailand, Krabi was my first port of call and really does give you a beautiful taste for what's to come.
Krabi’s landscape is famous for towering limestone cliffs, blue water and beautiful beaches surrounded by jungle-covered mountains.
Best beaches in Krabi
One of the highlights of Krabi is Railay Beach, which can be reached by long-tail boat from Ao Nang in around 10 minutes. The beach is surrounded by dramatic cliffs, and fringed by soft sand, clear water and some of the most striking scenery in southern Thailand.
Just next door is Phra Nang Beach, another beautiful stretch of sand with limestone cliffs rising behind it.
What many people skip is Tonsai Beach, which turned out to be a favourite of mine. Tonsai Beach is the first stop of the Ao Nang to Railay Beach longtail boats, but harly anyone gets off. It's much quiter than its neighbour, Railay Beach, with just a handful of amenities. You can take a short (but slippery) jungle path round the base of the cliff from Tonsai Beach to Railay, only do this if you are a strong walker.
Other popular beaches include Ao Nang, Ban Ko Kwang, and Tub Kaek. Tub Kaek is home to the most luxury resorts in Krabi such as Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and the Banyan Tree whilst Ban Ko Kwang is home to mid range resorts like Varana. Ao Nang is the most famous beach in Krabi with the largest variety of hotels, hostels, restaurants and bars, as well as a brilliant night market.
Quick Guide: Which Beach in Krabi Should You Stay On?
Beach | Best For |
|---|---|
| Ao Nang | Best base for day trips, restaurants, and the widest range of accommodation. |
| Railay Beach | Ideal for dramatic limestone scenery and iconic Krabi beaches. |
| Tonsai Beach | A quieter area with a laid-back, secluded atmosphere. |
| Ban Ko Kwang | Peaceful surroundings with good-value accommodation. |
| Tub Kaek Beach | Home to several luxury resorts with beautiful Andaman Sea views. |
Things to do in Krabi
Boat trips and island hopping
Krabi is a great base for exploring nearby islands.
Popular trips include:
- The Four Islands tour, visiting small islands off the Krabi coast. If you have enough stretch in the wallet I highly recommend a private tour.
- Boat trips to the famous Phi Phi Islands
- Snorkelling tours around limestone islets in the Andaman Sea
- Kayaking through Mangroves at Ao Thalane.
- Zipline, ATV & Top Rope Climbing Experience for a dose of adventure. Soar through the rainforest canopy on high ziplines, climb treetop courses and limestone rock faces, with optional ATV rides through the jungle.
- Koh Klang by Longtail Boat, glide through Krabi’s winding mangrove forests by traditional longtail boat, spotting wildlife along the canals before visiting the peaceful island of Koh Klang with its rice fields and traditional village life.
Where to Stay in Krabi
Luxury: Rayavadee (Railay Beach).
One of Krabi’s most iconic luxury resorts, Rayavadee sits between Railay and Phra Nang Beach, surrounded by the dramatic limestone cliffs and tropical jungle, offering beautiful pavilions and direct access to some of Thailand’s most stunning beaches.
Boutique: The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort
A peaceful beachfront resort on Tubkaak Beach, known for its beautiful Andaman Sea sunsets, elegant rooms, and relaxed atmosphere with views towards the limestone islands of Hong and Phang Nga Bay.
Great value: Ban Sainai Resort
A charming boutique resort set among tropical gardens and limestone cliffs just outside Ao Nang, offering peaceful villas, beautiful natural surroundings, and easy access to Krabi’s beaches and boat trips.
Wellness: VARANA Hotel Krabi
A contemporary wellness-focused resort near Klong Muang Beach, known for its impressive hydrotherapy facilities, Olympic-length swimming pool, yoga and fitness programmes, and thoughtfully designed rooms centred around sustainability, relaxation and wellbeing.
Days 4–6: Koh Yao Noi
After a few days exploring Krabi, continue your journey with a short boat journey into the heart of Phang Nga Bay.
Koh Yao Noi sits between Phuket and Krabi, surrounded by limestone karsts rising out of the Andaman Sea, and the scenery here is truly extraordinary.
I first visited Koh Yao Noi a few years ago and it quickly became one of my favourite islands in Thailand. Life is quieter here, there are hotels but it's relaxing and never feels busy, you are surrounded by so much natural beauty.
It’s the perfect place to kick back and relax for a few days, especially if you have been busy in Krabi!
Best Things to Do in Koh Yao Noi
Much of the magic of Koh Yao Noi comes from simply exploring the island itself. The scenery changes constantly as you move around the coastline, with jawdropping views across Phang Nga Bay.
One of the best ways to experience the island is by renting a bicycle or scooter and following the quiet roads that loop around the island. Along the way you'll pass coconut groves, small villages and stunning viewpoints.
Popular experiences include:
Kayaking and snorkelling through the limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay
Cycling around the island’s quiet coastal roads
Visiting local villages and small markets
Sunset drinks overlooking the bay
Island hopping tours to nearby islands such as Koh Hong
Read my Koh Yao Noi travel guide here
Where to Stay in Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi has a lovely selection of boutique hotels and resorts, many positioned along the eastern coast with sunrise views across Phang Nga Bay.
Luxury: TreeHouse Villas (Adults Only)
Perched on a peaceful stretch of coastline, TreeHouse Villas offers unique two-storey villas surrounded by tropical jungle with beautiful views across the bay. The resort feels wonderfully secluded and the private villas, open-air living spaces and infinity pool create a very special atmosphere.
Boutique: Cape Kudu Hotel
Cape Kudu is one of the most charming boutique hotels on Koh Yao Noi and a place I’ve stayed before and absolutely loved. The hotel sits above the shoreline with lovely sea views, bright airy rooms and a relaxed island feel.
Days 7–10: Koh Lanta
The final stop on this South Thailand itinerary is Koh Lanta, an island known for its long beaches, laid-back atmosphere and beautiful sunsets over the Andaman Sea. Well, I say known, but it's not known by everyone... and that's its charm!
After the dramatic limestone landscapes of Krabi and the peaceful scenery of Koh Yao Noi, Koh Lanta brings a different feel to the trip. The island stretches along the coast with a series of wide sandy beaches, beach cafés and small villages, making it a wonderful place to spend a few slow days by the sea.
I can't believe this year was my first visit to Koh Lanta, after 8 trips! Sadly I didn't have more than a couple of days here but I can definitely see myself coming back and spending longer.
This is an island where time doesn't really need to exist, that is unless you don't want to miss the incredible sunset. Life here revolves around swimming, exploring the coastline, discovering small restaurants and ending the evening watching its famous sunset.
Best Things to Do in Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta offers a mix of beautiful beaches, nature and island excursions, making it a great place to round off anisland hopping trip.
Many visitors spend their days exploring the island’s west coast beaches thanks to the soft sand and calm water.
One of my favourite things to do here is to simply drive down the coast by scooter, stopping at different beaches along the way. There is less traffic on the island, making it a good place to learn how to ride a scooter (always wear a helmet, don't speed, and make sure scooter driving is covered on your insurance).
Each stretch of coastline has its own atmosphere, with beach bars, small cafés and quiet bays tucked between the headlands.
Boat trips are also a highlight of visiting Koh Lanta, especially to the smaller islands further out in the Andaman Sea.
Popular experiences include:
Snorkelling trips to Koh Rok, known for its clear water and coral reefs
Visiting the famous Emerald Cave on Koh Mook
Exploring Mu Ko Lanta National Park at the southern tip of the island. I recommend doing the sunrise gondola tour, the highlight of my trip!
- Explore Ko Lanta's off-the-beaten-track mangrove forests and beaches by kayak.
Sunset drinks along Long Beach or Kantiang Bay
- Visit Lanta Old Town
Read my full Koh Lanta review here.
Where to Stay in Koh Lanta
Luxury: Pimalai Resort & Spa
Set on a hillside overlooking Kantiang Bay, Pimalai is one of the most beautiful resorts on the island. The property blends into the surrounding jungle with spacious villas, infinity pools and spectacular views across the Andaman Sea.
Boutique: Layana Resort & Spa
Located on Long Beach, Layana is an elegant adults-only resort known for its calm atmosphere, beautiful beachfront setting and excellent spa.
How to Travel Between The Islands
Travel between these islands is straightforward thanks to regular ferry and speedboat routes.
Typical travel times are:
Krabi → Koh Yao Noi
30–45 minutes by speedboat
Koh Yao Noi → Koh Lanta
Around 2–3 hours via ferry or speedboat connections
Boat services run frequently during the main travel season between November and April.
I recommend booking transfers through 12Go Asia, this is what I use to book all my ferries and speedboats in Thailand!
Read my full guide on how to travel between the Thai islands here.
Tips for Island Hopping in South Thailand
A few simple tips can help make your trip smoothe:
- Book ferries in advance during peak season.
- Travel with manageable luggage for easier transfers between islands.
- Check ferry schedules when planning travel days.
- Start boat excursions early for the best sea conditions, views and to enjoy with less crowds.
- If you’re planning to explore beyond this route, you might also find my Koh Chang, Koh Mak and Koh Kood island hopping itinerary helpful for a different side of Thailand.
For more great advice and Thailand travel ideas, checkout FanClubThailand online or via Instagram for great inspiration!
FAQ: Planning a South Thailand Itinerary
1. Where are the best places to visit in South Thailand?
This is impossible for me to choose because I love everywhere so much, even Phuket which so many think is just a party island.
However, this itinerary outlined above is one of the easiest and most rewarding routes. This itinerary combines dramatic limestone scenery, beautiful beaches and relaxed island life while keeping travel distances short.
2. How many days do you need in southern Thailand?
10 days is a great taster to explore several islands without rushing. It allows you to experience the scenery, enjoy boat trips and spend time relaxing on the beaches. If I had it my way, I would choose 3 weeks, every time!
3. Can you island hop from Koh Lanta?
Yes, Koh Lanta is an excellent base for island hopping. Popular excursions include snorkelling trips to Koh Rok and Koh Haa, as well as visits to Koh Phi Phi and Koh Mook’s Emerald Cave.
4. Is Krabi or Phuket better for island hopping?
Both destinations offer great island trips, but Krabi is often preferred for its dramatic limestone cliffs and easy access to nearby islands such as Railay, Hong Island and the Phi Phi Islands. From Koh Lanta you can also take a ferry direct to Koh Lipe.
5. How do you travel between islands in southern Thailand?
Most island transfers are done by speedboat or ferry, with regular routes connecting Krabi, Koh Yao Noi and Koh Lanta. During the high season, there are multiple departures each day.
6. When is the best time to visit southern Thailand?
The best weather along the Andaman Coast is typically between November and April, when the sea is calm and skies are sunny, making it ideal for island hopping and boat trips.
7. Is Koh Yao Noi worth visiting?
Yes, Koh Yao Noi is one of the most beautiful islands in southern Thailand. It offers spectacular views across Phang Nga Bay, peaceful coastal roads and a relaxed island atmosphere.
8. What is the most beautiful beach in Krabi?
Many travellers consider Railay Beach one of the most beautiful beaches in Krabi, thanks to its soft sand, turquoise water and towering limestone cliffs. Is it overrated? No! Go in the late afternoon when the crowds have thinned out.
9. Do you need to book island tours in advance?
During the busy season, it’s a good idea to book popular tours a couple of weeks in advance, especially snorkelling trips and speedboat excursions to nearby islands.
10. Is 10 days enough for southern Thailand?
Yes, 10 days is a great amount of time to explore southern Thailand, especially if you focus on a small group of islands along the Andaman Coast. A route like Krabi, Koh Yao Noi and Koh Lanta allows you to experience beautiful beaches, island boat trips and local culture while keeping travel distances short and manageable.
11. How can I visit responsibly?
10. How can I travel responsibly in Krabi, Koh Lanta and Koh Yao Noi?
Travelling responsibly in southern Thailand is less about strict rules and more about small, conscious choices that help support local communities and protect the natural environment.
Across Krabi, Koh Lanta and Koh Yao Noi, one of the best ways to do this is by choosing experiences that connect you with local life rather than large, mass-tourism tours. Opt for long-tail boat trips run by local fishermen, community-led island tours, or small-group snorkelling experiences that prioritise reef protection.
Koh Yao Noi is particularly known for its community-based tourism, where you can cycle through villages, visit local farms, or join traditional fishing and cooking experiences. On Koh Lanta, you’ll find ethical animal sanctuaries, local markets and independent beachside restaurants that directly support families on the island.
Simple choices also make a big difference, staying in locally owned boutique hotels, eating at small restaurants instead of international chains, and shopping from local artisans or markets helps keep money within the community.
Environmentally, try to avoid single-use plastics where possible, use reef-safe sunscreen, and be mindful when visiting beaches or marine areas by not touching coral or disturbing wildlife.
Ultimately, travelling responsibly here doesn’t mean sacrificing your experience, it often leads to more meaningful, personal moments that feel far more connected to the destination.
About the author:
Hannah is a UK-based travel creator and founder of Postcards by Hannah, sharing destination guides and hotel recommendations for travellers planning considered, experience-led trips.
She has travelled extensively across Europe and Asia, working with tourism boards and luxury hotels, and has visited Thailand multiple times, exploring Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui across several trips.
Her favourite islands in Thailand are Koh Kood (for the gorgeous beaches!!) and Koh Lipe (she loves the blue sea!).
Hannah has been back to Thailand 7 times since her first visit in 2012 where she spent 6 weeks visiting Chiang Mai, Bangkok and the southern islands.
1 comment