Island Hopping the Green Way

Simple ways to protect Thailand’s marine wonders while you explore

Words: Phoowadon Duangmee

The Andaman Sea shimmers in the midday sun as your longtail boat glides past Krabi’s towering limestone cliffs. The water is impossibly clear, revealing delicate coral gardens and exotic fish swaying beneath the surface. Across Thailand, from the solar-powered retreat on Koh Chang or a jungle emerald-dappled karsts of Phang Nga Bay to the palm-swaying shores of Samui and the jungle-wrapped beaches of Koh Chang, island-hopping beckons for sea adventures of a lifetime.

But beneath the postcard beauty lies a harsh reality: these island paradises are fragile and visiting them responsibly is not just a choice but a necessity if we want them to survive.

Sustainable travel starts long before your feet meet the beach. Choosing a responsible tour operator can be the difference between protecting these destinations or contributing to their decline. In Krabi and Phang Nga Bay, a few boat operators are leading the way – limiting visitor numbers, using cleaner fuel, and supporting coral restoration. A little research – looking for eco-friendly and community-focused operators – can help ensure your adventure leaves a lighter footprint. On the water, every move matters.

The reefs of Koh Chang’s Mu Koh Chang National Park and Samui’s Mu Koh Ang Thong National Park are breathtaking marine ecosystems, but also fragile. A careless flipper stroke, a misplaced step, or a dollop of sunscreen laced with oxybenzone can have lasting consequences. Choosing reef-safe sunscreens, resisting the urge to paddle after sea turtles for that perfect shot, and never standing on coral are simple yet crucial ways to protect these underwater wonders. Thailand’s more remote islands often struggle with waste disposal, so plastic waste is a constant threat. Carrying a refillable water bottle, reuseable shopping bag, and avoiding single-use plastic can make a real difference. On Koh Chang, some eco-resorts offer refill stations, making it easier to stay green.

The most rewarding travels immerse you in the local rhythms of a destination. Staying in sustainability-focused resorts – whether a solar-powered retreat on Koh Chang or a jungle hideaway on Krabi’s serene shores – helps support the local communities that protect these islands. Travelling at a slower, more thoughtful pace allows each destination to reveal itself, creating a deeper connection to its spirit and stunning landscape.

Sustainable island-hopping doesn’t mean giving up adventure – it’s about seeing these amazing places with fresh eyes and a lighter footprint. Whether kayaking through Phang Nga’s hidden lagoons or hiking Koh Chang’s mangrove forests, the waves will always call. The question isn’t whether to resist their allure, but how to enjoy them while preserving these marvels for generations to come.