Thai Island Hopping: Fleeting Moments & Lasting Impressions​​

Thailand’s islands are legendary — naturally, we had to explore. We charted a course from Satun to Phuket, hopping six islands along the way. Some crossings tested us, but writing from Phuket, I can declare: we made it!

The video captures a 20-minute essence of our two-week adventure. Here, I’ll share smaller moments that lingered.

Ready? Let’s go!

​​Koh Muk​​

Arriving at the pier, we mistook a vast shimmer for an oil slick — it was a massive, synchronized fish school in crystal water. Mesmerized, we dipped a toe: the Andaman Sea felt like a hot spring (30°C!). Refreshing? No. Complaining? Never.

A pre-ride bathroom stop confirmed island life: sand cascaded down my legs, invaded my hair, bags, and even salted our peanuts. Tiny inconveniences? Quickly embraced as charm.

Cycling this <8 sq km island felt right, despite moped buzz. Tourism and local life coexisted well, thanks to warm locals. Koh Muk gifted us a Thai food love: Massaman Curry. Spot it on a menu? Decision made. This dish forever ties us to this charming speck.

​​Koh Kradan​​

At <3 sq km, cycling was near impossible, yet warmth remained. In the jungle heart, we met Mix (7, Italian-Thai). His parents run an Italian resort, a shady oasis. Mix proudly taught us paper car folding, sharing his island life: online school, tourist friends, no local peers. His outgoing spirit bridges cultures.

Paradise beaches? Undeniable. Our bikes? Less impressed. One jungle trail meant circling. Salty brakes squeaked, drawing stares. Biking beaches? Our fat tires managed! We camped affordably on a grassy sea-view patch — a surprise on this resort-packed isle.

Departing, Mix was already fishing at 4 AM — true island rhythm. We wonder how this young captain-in-the-making will grow.

​​Koh Ngai​​

Again, mostly tourists and resort workers. Beautiful, yet less authentic. For €6, we camped under palm trees, carefully avoiding falling coconuts.

That night, we nearly baked. Heat + mosquitoes = tent torture. Solution? The ‘don’t burn alive hack’: cold shower (any kind), wet clothes on, skip towel, dive into tent. Cool sleep achieved! Asian camping: beautiful, with occasional hiccups we adapt to.

​​Koh Lanta​​

At ~80 sq km, Koh Lanta punished us for lazy days. Hilly terrain was tough, but cycling felt great! The old town offered sourdough bread — a heavenly find for Bernardo (Portuguese, bread connoisseur). Pure bliss after Asian fare.

We witnessed Iftar (Ramadan fast-breaking). Families joyfully shared food in streets revived by community spirit. Over 80% Muslim, Koh Lanta’s streets regained lively warmth post-quiet Ramadan. Seeing this openness felt good.

Here, we missed mainland authenticity — spontaneous chats, unforced moments. Island locals, accustomed to tourists, made genuine connections harder. These moments truly define a place for us.

​​Koh Yao Noi​​

Perfect balance: cozy, beautiful, explorable, small-scale, authentic. And bike-friendly roads! Perhaps my favorite. Charming eateries lured us constantly; we split lunch sampling multiple spots — pure island vibe.

A quest for the northern beach met hills and a downpour. Shelter found (again!) under a beloved pergola became our campsite.

Nightly bike lock-up routine… followed by morning key mystery. Mutual blame ensued. Rescue came via a garage, angle grinder, and a kind man on a moped. Bernardo’s DIY drilling urge was overruled; happy ending secured.

​​Koh Yao Yai​​

A stone’s throw from Noi, its bigger sibling. Swimming impractical, we boated over. Found the most stunning beach: low tide revealed a sandbar slicing turquoise water. Naturally, we biked across it!

An abandoned beach house hosted us for two stormy nights. Creepy? Yes. Lightning, torrential rain drumming a metal roof — earplugs essential. Tropical island life. Worth it for waking alone under clear skies to paradise.

​​Conclusion​​

Six islands later: Hopping was an irreplaceable adventure, yet it deepened our appreciation for mainland rides. Easier connections, covering real ground beats circling. But given the journey — the helpers, the adventures, beach biking, beautiful footage — we wouldn’t change a thing.

Happy with this little line on the map.