Also known as the pearl of the south, the island is Thailand's largest island, 810 km2. Although it is an island, it is connected to the mainland by a bridge. It is characterized by wide sandy beaches, rocky peninsulas, limestone cliffs, wooded meadows, and tropical plants. Its interior areas include rice fields, rubber tree, cocoa bean, pineapple and coconut palm plantations. Due to tourism, it is the richest province in the country. The most popular part is the southwest coast, Patong, Karon and Kata. We recommend Patong mainly to those who want a buzz and great nightlife. The Karon and Kata coasts are also better developed. For those who want a quiet area, we recommend the northern parts of Nai Thon, Nai Yang and Mai Khao. The island is excellent for diving, one of the top 10 diving destinations in the world. Great places for trips to the small islands in the area.
Main beaches:
Mai Khao: long golden sandy beach, clean and quiet. The border of a national park. Close to the airport, no big local life.
Kamala: beautiful beach, calm sea all year round. Most of the hotels have a nice view of the sea or the mountains, and there is a quiet village nearby.
Patong: The entertainment center of the island, with nightlife, can be loud. The beach is nice, but quite crowded. The hotels are not directly on the beach.
Karon: Nice beach, there is life, but not crowded. Most of the hotels are family friendly.
Kata: 2 beautiful and cozy beaches, quieter, but there is life. A bit far from the airport.
Chalong-Rawaii: authentic atmosphere with a small fishing village and market. The beach is narrow and shallow in many places, not so good for swimming or water sports. Farther from the airport.
Panwa: The southern tip of the island, beautiful beach, not many program options. The airport is relatively far. (approx. 1 hour)
The best time for a vacation is from January to April. It is warm, 26-34 C, the sky is clear, lots of sunshine, there may be some rain at the end of April.
The monsoon lasts from May to October, 24-32 C, but the sky is cloudy, sudden heavy rain, strong, big waves. November-December: end of monsoon, warm, humid weather, possible strong wind and little rain.
Optional programs in Hungarian:
· James Bond Rock (sea kayaking in the caves of Phang Nga Bay)
· James Bond rock + Koh Panyee by speedboat
· Phi Phi + Khai Islands
· Phi Phi + Bamboo Islands
· Similan Islands
· Raya & Coral Islands (white sand beaches)
· Fantasea show with dinner (Thai cultural show)
· Simon cabaret (ladyboy show)