The Andaman Pearl Route: Thailand Island Hopping Guide 2026

The Andaman Coast of Thailand is the classic backpacking route. It features limestone karsts rising from emerald water, longtail boats with colorful ribbons, and some of the best food in the world.

In 2026, the route is smoother than ever thanks to fully integrated e-ticket ferry systems. This guide focuses on the “Southward Drift”—starting in Phuket and ending near the Malaysian border.

The Route: Phuket -> Koh Phi Phi -> Koh Lanta -> Koh Lipe.

Stop 1: Phuket (The Gateway)

Phuket is the largest island and the easiest entry point (international airport HKT).

  • Stay: 2-3 Nights.
  • Vibe: Busy, developed, but diverse. Avoid Patong if you want peace. Stay in Kata (surf vibe) or Old Phuket Town (Sino-Portuguese heritage and amazing food).
  • Do: Visit the Big Buddha for sunset. Take a day trip to Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island) before heading south.

Ferry: Phuket (Rassada Pier) to Koh Phi Phi (1-2 hours).

Stop 2: Koh Phi Phi (The Icon)

Yes, it is touristy. Yes, you should still go.

  • Stay: 2 Nights.
  • Vibe: Stunning beauty by day, party by night.
  • Do: Maya Bay (from The Beach) is open but strictly regulated (no swimming, just viewing). Go at 7 AM. Hike to the Phi Phi Viewpoint for the classic twin-bay photo.
  • 2026 Tip: Stay at a resort on Long Beach or Laem Tong to escape the noise of Ton Sai village, then take a longtail boat into town for dinner.

Ferry: Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta (1 hour).

Stop 3: Koh Lanta (The Chill Out)

After the chaos of Phi Phi, Lanta is a breath of fresh air.

  • Stay: 3-4 Nights.
  • Vibe: Laid back, family-friendly, flat.
  • Do: Rent a scooter. Drive to the lighthouse at the southern tip. Watch the sunset from a beach bar on Long Beach or Klong Nin. Visit the Lanta Animal Welfare center.
  • Why it’s great: Lanta is big. You can find empty beaches even in high season. The food is spicy and influenced by Malay culture.

Ferry: Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe (3-5 hours by speedboat). Note: This is a long, bumpy ride. Take motion sickness pills.

Stop 4: Koh Lipe (The Thai Maldives)

The end of the line. A tiny island in the Tarutao National Marine Park.

  • Stay: 3-4 Nights.
  • Vibe: Turquoise water, white sand, no cars.
  • Do: Snorkel right off Sunrise Beach. The coral is healthy and shallow. Kayak to the tiny islet of Koh Kra. Eat fresh seafood on Walking Street.
  • 2026 Tip: Lipe has become expensive. Book accommodation months in advance.

Departure: From Koh Lipe, you can take a ferry to Langkawi (Malaysia) (1.5 hours) to continue your trip, or take a speedboat back to the mainland (Pak Bara) and fly from Hat Yai airport to Bangkok.

Logistics for 2026

  • Season: This route works best from November to April. In the monsoon (May-Oct), the ferry from Lanta to Lipe often stops running due to rough seas.
  • Booking: Use 12Go.asia to book ferries. It is reliable and accepts international cards.
  • Money: ATMs are available on all these islands, but fees are high (220 THB). Withdraw large amounts.
  • Respect: Thailand is Buddhist. Cover your shoulders in temples. Do not touch people’s heads.

Packing for the Thai Islands

  • Dry Bag: Essential for longtail boat rides. Water splashes everywhere.
  • Slip-on Shoes: You will take your shoes off 20 times a day (entering shops, hotels, boats). Flip-flops or slides are the only way.
  • Mosquito Repellent: Dengue fever is real. Wear repellent with DEET, especially at dusk.
  • Reef Safe Sunscreen: Thailand has banned coral-damaging sunscreens in marine parks. Fines are heavy.

Budgeting for 2026

Thailand is still affordable, but prices have risen.

  • Budget ($40-60/day): Hostels, street food (Pad Thai = $2), local ferries.
  • Mid-Range ($100-150/day): AC bungalow, nice dinners, speedboats, occasional cocktails.
  • Luxury ($300+/day): Private pool villa, private longtail tours, fine dining.

Cultural Etiquette

  • The King: Show respect for the Royal Family. Never step on money (it has the King’s image).
  • Temples: Dress modestly. Shoulders and knees must be covered.
  • Feet: Feet are considered the lowest part of the body. Don’t point your feet at people or Buddha statues.

This route offers a perfect progression: from the city vibes of Phuket to the party of Phi Phi, the chill of Lanta, and the perfection of Lipe.