Questions Koh Mook - Noppharat Thara - Koh Yao Noi

Hello everyone,

A lot of articles and replies about southern Thailand are quite old...

I’m arriving at Trang Airport in mid-November. What’s the going rate for Pakmeng Pier and then for Koh Mook? Also, what’s the cheapest way to get from Koh Mook to Noppharat Thara (Ao Nang)? After that, I’ll be heading from Railay to Koh Yao Noi. Should I buy tickets from a local agency or at the pier?

Thanks also for your great tips! What are the must-see spots during 5 nights on Koh Mook, 3 around Ao Nang, and 3 on Koh Yao Noi? After that, I’m planning to visit Phuket City, Khao Lak, Surat Thani, Ao Khanom, maybe Koh Samui... and Bangkok for 4 nights. I’m retired and looking for places still off the beaten path, away from mass tourism... Thanks in advance, Jacques from Brussels

Hi there,

I’m looking for places still untouched by mass tourism...

In the area of some of the spots you mentioned, the non-beach town of Nakhon Si Thammarat is nice and barely visited by foreign tourists. It has an airport served by low-cost flights, a train station with an overnight train to Bangkok, and a bus terminal connecting to many cities in the South. Though I haven’t taken it myself, the main Route 401 running from Surat Thani to Nakhon Si Thammarat along the east coast seems to serve some pleasant beaches known for their tranquility. Try searching for "Sichon," for example.

Hi Songsam,

I’ve already looked into the route between Ao Khanom and Sichon, thanks. I saw some reports about it on YouTube—really interesting! I’m looking for places by the sea and on the islands since I plan to spend a few months a year in this beautiful country! Which region do you live in, and your tips are very welcome! Thanks a million for the info. Jacques

Yes, who are you, Songsam? Tell us everything!

. I'm retired and looking for places still untouched by mass tourism...

Hello, My experience in this area isn’t very recent (2016/17?), but I can confidently say that aside from Koh Muk (with Koh Kradan and Libong as alternatives) and by renting a kayak to escape to less accessible coves, all the places you mentioned are overrun with tourists. If you’re into diving (scuba or freediving), though, I recommend Koh Lipe—it’s very busy (in February/March) but has some great spots (near Koh Adang) where the coral is still in good condition. If you go to Koh Muk, wake up early to visit Emerald Cave before the crowds arrive (organized tours from other islands!). Renting kayaks is a big plus for that. https://www.placesofjuma.com/fr/koh-mook-thailande/ PS: With a little online research, you can find the websites of ferry companies serving all the islands from Phuket to Koh Lipe. I just noticed your travel dates now...😕 For all the islands south of Phuket, the weather is pretty unfavorable starting in October. Plus, ferries might run at a slower pace (rough seas), and some lodges or hotels may have closed, especially on Koh Muk.

Thanks, Djalma, for your reply. No, I’m not diving—just snorkeling... For the weather, I’m crossing my fingers it won’t be bad in mid-November... A friend who’s lived on Koh Samui for 10 years tells me you can’t predict anything anymore with climate change!😅

Yeah, the weather is a bit of a mystery there... On the Gulf of Thailand side (Samui, Phangan, Tao), the rainy season usually runs from October to December.