About Langkawi

Langkawi is a Malaysian archipelago consisting of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, roughly 30 kilometres from the mainland. Given its full name reads ‘Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah’, it comes as no surprise the islands have some stunning natural features, the highlights being its clear waters, white beaches and dense jungle. Despite these major pull factors, Langkawi has somewhat managed to resist mass commercialisation and still maintains an authentic, rural Malay atmosphere. For example, many traditional villages known as ‘kampung’ can be found just a stone’s throw from luxury spas and beach bars. On Palau Langkawi’s southeast corner is the main ferry port, where daily crossings are provided to Koh Lipe. The routes usually last just 90 minutes, making Langkawi a useful gateway to Thailand.

About Thailand

Thailand is a Southeast Asian country, bordering Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia, clockwise from northwest to south. Serving up a cuisine as mouth-watering as the paradisiacal island scenery, Thailand is one of the most well-rounded tourist destinations on earth. A mountainous north gives way to the southern, Kra Isthmus on the Malay Peninsula, a journey taking you past hundreds of opulent Buddhist temples, through dense jungles and along coastal roads upon limestone cliffs. You can also jaunt offshore to some of the world’s finest snorkelling spots, or for whale shark diving in the Gulf of Thailand. PADI licences can be obtained in the majority of resort towns: one of the most popular tourist pursuits, alongside cooking classes. Bangkok, the capital, is made of an eclectic mix of imposing business buildings and world famous night clubs with traditional canal boats and streets lined with food stalls. The city’s finest showpiece, Wat Phra Kaew, is the most sacred temple in Thailand, featuring the iconic Emerald Buddha statue inside. Ferry travel is widespread in Thailand, and the most efficient way of hopping between the archipelagos. Given the popularity of the Thai islands, the ferry services are fast and frequent, operated by a wealth of reputable companies. You can also sail from Langkawi, in Malaysia, to Koh Lipe in just ninety minutes.