Where to go in Thai Islands & Beaches

If you’ve ever looked at Thailand in a holiday brochure, you’re probably familiar with those iconic, jungle-topped karsts that rise dramatically out of the Andaman Sea, limestone sentinels watching over their utopia below. Famous the world over (thank you, Leo di Caprio), the staggering cliffs are the distinguishing feature of south-western Thailand’s Krabi coastline, one of the country’s most popular beach destinations and ideal for an iconic, toes-in-the-sand break. But whilst golden sands, luxe hotels and aquamarine seas are all present and correct, there’s also much more to the province than just lazing on a lounger. Send your heart rate sky high with a climb to the top of the karsts, then kayak around the rugged shoreline, stopping at hidden coves and snorkelling with technicolour fish. On land, climb all 1,200 steps to the golden Buddha atop the Tiger Cave Temple, then descend for a cold one in Krabi Town and watch the world go by.

Once the preserve of baggy-trousered backpackers, Koh Lanta is now a rather lovely, secret (ish) spot for those in the know. Located just off the southern Krabi coast and surrounded by acres of glittering Andaman Sea, the island is significantly quieter than neighbouring Phi Phi – and just as gorgeous. Most are drawn to the miles-long beaches, the most picturesque of which are on the western side of the island, the most developed in the north, and the wildest in the south. The Marine National Park extends off the south coast and protects 16 jewel-like islands, frequented only by chattering monkeys and divers heading to two of Thailand’s best sites, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. Closer to the surface, snorkelers can explore the vast coral reef alongside parrot fish and sea turtles, and back on land, there are pineapple plantations to explore and plenty of (flat) walking trails – and a smattering of upmarket hotels to sip cocktails at too.

It’s probably fair to say that Thailand’s largest island has received some bad press since the years that it first began to seduce Western visitors. But really, it’s Phuket Town that has attracted the less-than-dreamy reputation – and the parts of the island that we’re talking about are far removed from any nightclubs or Tiger beer t-shirts. When we think of Phuket, it’s of a haze of sun-kissed, wave-lapped sands, those of which on the western-side of the island have some of the best sunsets we’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying a sundowner alongside; it’s of the uber-luxe resorts that would make James Bond blush; and of the rainforest-clad national parks, coconut farms and gorgeous rice fields that cover much of the interior. It’s this variety that produces a seriously good list of activities too. From kayaking, snorkelling and body boarding to world-class PADI dive schools, Thai boxing lessons, cookery classes, golf clubs, museums, temples and mouth-watering eating opportunities, you won’t be short of something to do for a second…

Head north of Phuket along the dazzling stretch of Andaman Coastline, through Phang-Nga province, and two hours later, you’ll stumble across Khao Lak. And when we say stumble, we really mean it, for this little slice of beach nirvana is so wonderfully easy-going, it most certainly doesn’t shout about itself. There is a town of the same name, but the area ‘Khao Lak’ is really a collection of beaches dotted up and down the coast. The accessible are ideal for those looking to escape Phuket’s glitz and glam but still crave somewhere for a cocktail or two, whilst the more remote, slivers of blindingly-white sand tucked between forests and tangled mangroves, make the ultimate escape. Many also come here to explore the little-visited Surin and Similan Island Marine National Parks, home to some of the country’s most impressive dive sites and pretty damn good for snorkelers too.

You’ve probably heard of Koh Samui. Over the years, it has attracted travellers from far and wide, many of whom return time and time again - and if we had to guess why, we’d say it was the sheer variety. Samui is all about diversity and all coasts and corners provide something different, be it desert-island remoteness (south), upmarket vibes (north) or something a tad livelier (east). The hotels are similarly varied, but to remain glued to your lounger, although tempting, would be a travesty. How about a day trip to the island-speckled Ang Thong Marine Park, inspiration for Alex Garland’s The Beach, or chartering a yacht and discovering your very own movie-set? If you feel like mingling, try some restaurant-hopping around the fragrant food stalls and top-class eateries, then work off the calories with a jungle trek and a swim in the Na Muang waterfall. And if all else fails, how about pampering yourself to another level of serenity in one of the renowned spas?

With a sea of Kohs to choose from, it can be hard to know which is going to tick all the boxes for a dreamier-than-thou beach break. Well, would it help your decision if we told you that Koh Kood is often described as Thailand’s perfect island? It’s the fourth largest of all the isles but despite that, flies firmly under the radar and is, without a doubt, one of the least visited. And that’s all quite an achievement when you take into consideration the fairy-tale beaches, come-hither coconut palms and cobalt sea… Ok, ok, maybe all that sounds just like any other beach paradise, but Koh Kood really is something special. Maybe it’s the small but beautifully select number of hotels to stay in, so far from the en-masse package-tour resorts, you’ll have to be careful not to fall into your private infinity pool? Or maybe it’s the gorgeous hidden bays and coves, and the charm of the local fisherman? Or perhaps it’s the fact that it’s so completely, blissfully, absolutely quiet… You’ll just have to visit to find out.

45-minutes by boat from Phuket, yet several worlds away from the buzz of Thailand’s largest island, Yao Noi is mellow, relaxed and cool as a frozen cucumber (apart from the food). The tiny island is for those that like things remote and aside from a handful of ultra-private, ultra-gorgeous hotels, it’s just you, the palm trees, ocean for days, and views of the karsts that will make you gasp. The waters here are truly unspoiled and a sea-kayak or a long-tail expedition will take you to hidden coves and crescents of sand that feel as if you’re the first to discover. Landlubbers can take advantage of the quiet roads for a cycle or a moped trip, and in the north, the rock climbing is fantastic. And if you need a helping hand on the way to holiday nirvana, the hotels here have some of the best spas in the world. Need we say more?

Scattered like precious gems across the Andaman Sea, these limestone karsts rise dramatically from crystalline waters that shift from jade to sapphire depending on the light. Six islands make up this tropical constellation, but it's the twin stars of Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh that steal the show. Maya Bay might have catapulted this archipelago to fame, but there's so much more beyond the Hollywood glamour. Traditional longtail boats weave between towering cliffs draped in emerald jungle, while hidden lagoons reveal themselves only to those willing to venture beyond the obvious. The main village pulses with backpacker energy and beach bars, yet tranquil coves remain just a short boat ride away.