Near to Bangkok
The Eastern Seaboard offers attractive island retreats. Koh Samed is a national park paradise just 4-5 hours from Bangkok by road and boat. All its beaches are beautiful, but Hat Sai Kaew and Ao Wong Deuan are rather overdeveloped, with too many jet skis and speedboats: Ao Hin Kok and Ao Pai are quieter alternatives. Further along is Koh Chang, Thailand’s second largest island. Also a national park, it is covered in pristine rainforest with mangroves along its coast. As a wildlife sanctuary, it supports birds, deer, wild pigs, mongoose, snakes and lizards.

Pearl of the Andaman
Phuket in the Andaman Sea is the country’s largest, busiest island. Diving, sailing and fishing are everywhere, but for those seeking less activity, Phuket’s stunning beaches will keep you unoccupied. Patong, Karon and Kata are very popular with tourists, but most of the others are relatively peaceful and unspoiled. Nearby is idyllic Koh Phi Phi. This is worth a holiday in itself, although day-trips from Phuket and Krabi are easy enough. Further south, Koh Lanta and Koh Libong are more off the beaten track.

Islands in the Gulf
Koh Samui, with its abundance of pubs and discotheques, is on the eastern side of the southern peninsular along with Koh Phangan, legendary among partygoers for its full-moon raves. Both islands are internationally famous for their excellent beaches and strange oval rock formations.