Koh Samui has emerged to become one of Thailand’s top travel destinations. The island offers some truly wonderful attractions and has some of the country’s most breathtaking natural areas. Comprised of waterfalls, forested areas lined with mangrove and lush vegetation and gorgeous beaches, Koh Samui is a natural paradise.

This child-friendly destination holds a wealth of attractions geared towards little ones. Whether the kids frolic in the crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea or feed the monkeys at the national marine park, they won’t run out of things to do on Koh Samui.

Elephant trekking
What kid doesn’t love elephants? A ride on these gentle giants can prove to be the highlight of any trip. On an elephant trek, children can sit back and see the island’s interior from amazing heights (for children anyway) and enjoy the ride. A typical trek last for about 30 minutes, but longer trips can be arranged. There are elephant trekking venues located throughout the island which are very reasonably priced. Activities and sports on Samui

Sports
Junior golf enthusiasts can try their hand at Treasure Island Mini Golf. This pirate themed mini golf course makes for a perfect outing for the entire family. Situated just a stone’s throw from the Beach road, the venue offers nine and 18 hole courses and is ideal for kids. Phone: +66 77 41 3267.

A slightly messier sport is paint ball. Samui Paintball is located in close proximity to the Samui International Hospital in Chaweng and is another spot that makes for a wonderful time for the whole family. Phone: +66 77 42 2538.

Extreme sports
For a more adrenaline-filled day, there are a number of activities that will excite the young and young at heart. For the truly brave, bungee jumping is an adventure sport that has become extremely popular in Koh Samui. One of the top jumping sites is Jungle Bungy Catapult on Lamai beach. This activity will satisfy thrill-seekers and also makes for great photo opportunities. However, this sport is geared towards older kids. Phone: +66 8 91 3314.

Another action-filled sport that both younger and older children can participate in is go-kart racing. There is a wonderful racing course called Samui Go-Kart, which is situated just off the 4169 Ring road west of Bo Put village. Phone: +66 7 72 45041.

Jungles and waterfalls
The opportunity to explore the jungles or play near a thunderous waterfall is a dream come true for most children. The Hin Lad Waterfall offers a jungle walk along its picturesque path and also has one of the most beautiful waterfalls on Koh Samui.

Ang Tong National Marine Park
Just a 45-minute drive from Koh Samui is Ang Tong National Marine Park. The park is comprised of over 40 tiny islands and offers visitors wonderful white sand beaches and hidden lagoons. The park makes for a perfect daytrip for the entire family and gives kids an opportunity to run wild and explore an unspoilt island. More on Ang Thong Archipelago

Monkeys, butterflies and reptiles
On Samui, gibbons are everywhere and primarily for working purposes. For centuries, local monkeys have been used for climbing the trees to pick ripe nuts on coconut plantations. Now, with tourism on the rise, many of the monkeys have hung up their coconuts bags and now entertain visitors with their cuteness and dexterity. There is a fantastic theatre on the main road behind and between Chaweng and Bo Put village.

For those who prefer to visit more menacing creatures while visiting Koh Samui, head to the Samui snake or crocodile farms. These farms delight and spook children at the same time with their snakes, crocodiles, killer scorpions and creepy spiders.

There is also a spectacular butterfly farm on the island offering a wonderful way to see these beautiful insects in their natural habitat. The Samui Butterfly Garden is situated near Laem Natien and is home to hundreds of butterfly species. A trip to the butterfly farm is a definite ‘must-do’ if you have children. Phone: +66 77 418 367.

The Playroom
The Playroom is situated on South Chaweng beach road and is undeniably one of the most exciting places for kids and video game junkies. The Playroom offers a vast number of toys and the latest games. Phone: +66 77 230 626.

Tens of thousands of rooms are available in Koh Samui, including a growing number of upmarket boutique resorts near all beaches. These exclusive ‘boutique’ resorts are generally situated on landscaped, manicured grounds overlooking the beach and feature pool villas, every conceivable amenity and superb service.

The best boutique resorts on Samui can be found on the east coast of the island around the beaches of Chaweng, Lamai and the Northern beach of Bophut.

Hospitality guide to Samui

The Pavilion Samui Boutique Resort is one of the most popular boutique resorts on Samui with its central Lamai location, luxurious bungalow-style rooms and chic public spaces. A courtyard area with jacuzzi, as well as spa and dining pavilion, are right on the beach.

In the 10,000 to 20,000 baht range a night range, Buriraya Resort and Spa is also near Lamai beach; a fairly new resort set within hills overlooking the coast. Chic rooms can be had in the large block, while larger villas lie amid lush gardens, each with private jacuzzi and pool. The communal pool and spa are also exquisite and the views are breathtaking.

Coral Bay Resort is situated away from the noise in north Chaweng and features lavishly-decorated hillside bungalows. The focus here is on peace and serenity, with TV-less rooms and spacious grounds with hidden seating. The pool overlooks the coral beach below and a spa, Jacuzzi, sauna, kids’ club, library and video lounge are just some of the facilities of this quality boutique resort.

The Imperial Boat House Hotel is a unique, more moderately-priced Samui boutique resort featuring 34 authentic teak, dry-docked, free-standing rice barges as suites. There are also less-expensive rooms on-site in three-storey buildings, and a boat-shaped swimming pool finishes off the look. Facilities include two pools and restaurants, a spa, fitness centre, jacuzzi, sauna and great room service.

Also on Choeng Mon, the Samui Peninsula Spa & Resort offers private suites and luxury pool villas with amazing views. Although a fair walk to the beach, the resort and facilities are fantastic with Thai classical style rooms, a central pool with scenic views and superb dining.

Arayabu Boutique Resort is located in the north of Samui on Samrong Bay, ‘Secret Beach’. Arayabu is perfect for getting away from it all with comfortable, private terraced villas in gorgeous surroundings.

The high season in Koh Samui follows the rest of Thailand with November to April being the busiest time. Rooms are more expensive and harder to come by at this time of year, particularly so during Christmas and New Year, which is the peak season and when supplements are common. The low season, or ‘green season’, is between May and October, when the rains are prevalent. Prices during this time at many of the boutique resorts on Samui can be as low as half the high season price. Whatever season you decide to visit in, booking ahead is strongly recommended.

List of all Samui resorts

With new venues popping up on a weekly basis, Koh Samui is steadily gaining a reputation as one of the top nightlife destinations in southern Thailand. The possibilities for a memorable (or unmemorable, depending on your alcohol consumption) night are plentiful, with pumping nightclubs, trendy lounges, beachside bars and friendly pubs flooding the island’s most popular party areas.

Chaweng is undoubtedly the most renowned party spot on Koh Samui, attracting internationally acclaimed DJs to its crowded nightclubs. A night out on the town can easily last until dawn, despite the law mandating a 02:00 closing time. With countless venues to choose from, there are plenty of clubs known to bend the rules. Conveniently, abundant taxis roam the streets, making the ride back to your accommodation easy at any hour.

Kick off the evening with some casual drinks and dinner at one of the various bars lining the main beach road. The music starts fairly early, setting the scene for a night of revelry.

Chaweng’s most famous disco, The Green Mango, appeals to party-goers of all types with its massive dance floor, billiards and lounge area with tables and chairs. This nightclub attracts globally known DJs and is consistently filled to capacity with a lively crowd determined to have a good time. For those seeking out a more modest joint, the street in front of The Green Mango is crammed with a series of small bars blasting out music to suit all tastes. More on Samui bars.

Koh Samui’s oldest nightclub, Reggae Pub, still holds one of the most popular parties on the island. At the start of the night, reggae music creates a chilled out atmosphere that is slowly phased out as the house music and crowds take over after midnight.

Travellers not looking to break in their dancing shoes can head to Sweet �n Soul Bar, where the smooth music is complemented by a dark and seductive setting. The Jazz Junction is another lounge-type venue, known for its fantastic cocktails and jazz music. There’s also a Brazilian bar which is proving popular with its imported dancers.

Lamai is the little sister of party animal Chaweng – smaller, a bit cheaper, and with a friendlier vibe. Besides the standard nightclubs and bar beers, Lamai has also become known for its raunchy mud wrestling contests and racy lady-boy shows, which now attract a wide range of people looking for offbeat fun. Nightlife guide to Samui

The Night Plaza and Round Bars areas are the centres of nightlife in Lamai, filled with bars and clubs that have a beach party feel. For live music, Bikers and Rockers Pub is the place to be, well known for its high quality rock shows.

Big Buddha Beach holds the consistently popular Sunday festival at The Secret Garden, boasting excellent live music acts (both local and visiting), open jam sessions, food stalls and stands selling souvenirs and crafts. Held weekly from 16:00 to 20:00, this party guarantees a good time.

Travellers looking for a more low-key night should head to Maenam, which has a relaxed but solid nightlife. The Bophut area is also less raucous, drawing more of a local crowd to its pubs and bars, which offer high quality drinks.

Go Go bars on Samui

Samui is all about boutique villas and VIP treatment but that doesn’t mean it’s unaffordable. It may have gone very upmarket compared to its humble bacnpacker beginnings but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a good selection of hotels at reasonable prices. You can have comfort for a comfortable price so we’ve found some of the most recommended hotels on the island for under 2000 baht a night.

Tourists first discovered the beauty and beaches of Koh Samui in the 1970s, but Chinese and Malay fishermen first inhabited this circular island in the Gulf of Thailand 15 centuries ago. Koh Samui’s tourism industry has made it far less isolated in recent years, but Thailand’s third largest island still offers budget accommodation and unspoilt beaches for visitors looking to get away from it all.

Before Koh Samui’s first roads were built in the early 1970s, the only way to travel from one end of this 21km-wide island to the other was a treacherous day-long journey through mountainous jungles. Today, motorists can easily drive around Koh Samui’s spectacular coastline in just a few hours, making it easy to access the island’s choice accommodation.

The southwestern coastal town of Nathon is the first stop for tourists arriving in Koh Samui by ferry. Charming and walkable, Nathon is known for its affordable and offbeat shopping, and it is also the departure point for ferries headed to Ang Thong National Marine Park, a popular daytrip. From here you can take a shared taxi to the beach and guesthouse or hotel of your choice.

Chaweng beach, on Koh Samui’s northeast coast, is where most of the action happens. Home to the 1,350-baht-a-night Samui Island Beach Resort & Hotel, the island’s largest resort, Chaweng is where most visitors to Samui stay. This hotel’s lush garden setting combines traditional Thai hospitality and culture with modern comforts such as cable television and air conditioning.

Other affordable accommodations along Chaweng’s beach strip include the 1,400-baht-a-night Island Resort and Spa, whose tranquil bungalows and unique spa treatments are ideal for visitors looking to pamper themselves, and the 1,054-baht-a-night Akwa Guesthouse, one of Chaweng’s most unique accommodations with its funky pop-art decor.

In addition to accommodation the popular 1,640 baht a night Montien House provides relaxing massages and beauty treatments, as well as live folk, blues, and traditional Thai music, while the 999 baht a night Samui First House hotel offers a weekly Thai dance or cabaret show. Both establishments provide live music six nights a week and easy access to Chaweng beach.

Visitors planning a longer stay may prefer the nearby 1,300 baht a night Samui Beach Apartments, whose 10 rooms include a kitchenette, satellite television, and hot showers. Daily, monthly, and yearly rates are available.

South of Chaweng is the large, beautiful valley and sweeping bay of Lamai. Despite the beach’s popularity, Lamai retains a spacious and uncrowded feel which made it one of Samui’s first well-known tourist destinations. The beach’s northern end is one of the few locations offering year-round deep water swimming.

The 850-baht-a-night Serene Hill Resort and Spa’s teakwood villas are a perfect escape from Lamai’s seedier side. Free shuttles to Chaweng, Lamai, and Bophut are available, along with daily trips to the nearby islands of Koh Tao, Koh Pha Ngan, and Ang Thong National Marine Park. The staff here also offer trips to the Samui Aquarium, Na Muang’s spectacular waterfalls, and Lamai beach’s Papa and Mama rock formations, whose resemblance to male and female genitalia amuse many visitors.

The 1,300-baht-a-night Auberge Resort, with each of its bungalows including a private balcony, is another affordable Lamai accommodation choice. This resort also offers massages, Thai cooking classes, and elephant rides.

Visitors looking for a more private and tranquil beach experience can easily find it in Maenam. Located in the middle of the island’s north coast, Maenam offers spectacular views of nearby Ang Thong National Marine Park. The golden sands and calm, warm waters of Maenam’s uncrowded beaches are a well-preserved reminder of the unspoilt scenery and solitude which first attracted visitors to Koh Samui. Here visitors will find affordable, pleasant hotels such as the 1,500-baht-a-night Maenamburi Resort.

The rapidly growing community of Bophut, just east of Maenam, is a wonderful compromise between lively Chaweng and Lamai, and Koh Samui’s more isolated destinations. Bophut maintains a quiet, laid-back feel, and the traditional fisherman’s village in the beach’s middle section seamlessly blends in with more modern architecture.

Bophut’s main attractions are its beaches and its many French restaurants and cafés, some of which also provide accommodation such as the 1,600-baht-a-night Carpe Diem Hotel. The 40 spacious chalets and bungalows at the long-established 1,517-baht-a-night Smile House Resort are also popular and affordable.

The airy bungalows of the 750-baht-a-night Sundays Sanctuary Resort and Spa offer a unique combination of east and west with traditional bamboo paneling, air conditioning, and a communal pool table. Among this resort’s unique spa and beauty services are a natural steam room and a cold water relaxing pool.

Bangrak, also known as Big Buddha beach, is home to Koh Samui’s best-known tourist attraction. The 12-metre gold statue of Big Buddha dominating the view from Bangrak is one of the first sights visitors see before landing at nearby Samui Airport. Bangrak is quieter than Chaweng and Samui, but during important festivals it becomes one of Koh Samui’s liveliest spots.

The tropical gardens and private balconies of the 890-baht-a-night Full Moon Bungalows are among the best places to enjoy Bangrak’s outstanding views and uncrowded beaches. This laid-back English run resort also offers a beach bar and package tours to the monthly and high energy full moon parties at nearby Koh Pha Ngan.

The secluded beach of Choeng Mon, located on Koh Samui’s northeastern tip, is one of the island’s most peaceful places. Choeng Mon is an ideal destination for young families, and the 850-baht-a-night Choengmon Buri Hotel is one of its most affordable accommodations. This hotel offers massages, a restaurant, and private mini bus tours across Koh Samui and its surrounding islands.

Idyllic and romantic Lipa Noi is considered the west coast’s best swimming beach and an excellent vantage point for Koh Samui’s most beautiful sunsets. Ban Hua Thanon, Na Khai, Laem Set, Bang Kao and Thong Krut are the most well known beaches on the south coast. Budget accommodation in the form of beach bungalows can be found at these idyllic spots.

Not long ago, there was little contact between Koh Samui and mainland Thailand. Today, Samui Airport offers daily flights to Bangkok and other major Southeast Asian airports, although tickets are expensive and surcharges are levied on both domestic and international departures. Flying to mainland Surat Thani or Chumphon and taking a ferry to Koh Samui is a cheaper but less convenient option.

See more hotels on Samui

Samui accomodation guide

Fancy joining the world’s biggest water fight? Your timing’s perfect, visitors to Thailand during April will have a chance to get involved with the famous Songkran Festival. All across Thailand for four straight days you’re going to get wet, but you’ll have a lot of fun.

Celebrated annually with great gusto and, oh yes, a lot of water, Songkran is the highlight of the Thai festival calendar. It’s an event all children and those young at heart look forward to as the country takes a break from the hot season. Everything grinds to a halt as city centres and villages across the Kingdom relieve themselves with a refreshing splash.

Areas like Bangkok’s Khao San Road, Chiang Mai’s moat, Pattaya’s Walking street and Patong central in Phuket descend into a chaos of ‘friendly fire’ – from water pistols that is – as crowds gravitate towards the fun. Others resolutely avoid them, and if you lack a sense of humour and fun, or would rather not ruin your hairdo, you’re better off retreating to a spa or your hotel room for the duration.

What the rest can expect is an exhausting but riotous few days of mayhem where everyone and everything is a target for a drenching. And with temperatures soaring into the 40s (Celsius) you won’t mind having a bucket of ice cold water dumped on you. Some streets are closed to traffic and are crowded with locals and foreigners alike whose only aim is to get everyone else wet. They use buckets, hoses, small pails, water pistols, cannons and all sorts of paraphernalia on sale. Most restaurants and businesses located in the thick of it provide large drums of water supplies, often laced with blocks of ice, and there are specially installed taps on hand to fill up your weapon of choice.

But there is far more to Songkran than just drenching others. Its roots in tradition mean there are a host of activities for all, including parades, pageants, sand castle building competitions, religious ceremonies and the all important lustrating of the Buddha. This is pious part of the festival when an important Buddha statue is paraded through each town for lay Buddhists to pour ‘religious water’ on. Wrap your camera up well in plastic covering and you will capture some wonderful moments of the Thai concept of fun, known as ‘Sanook’.

Songkran is in fact a time for Thais to visit their home villages, spend time with the family, enjoy hearty meals and help spring clean the house. Many will make house calls to visitors and present hampers to the elderly of the village. What started out as a beckoning of the rainy season with a gentle tipping of some water onto the shoulders of others has turned into a typically Thai celebration of fun. And even among all the chaotic splashing you’ll still experience old ladies coming up to you and softly tipping water from a pewter cup onto your shoulder.

And it’s not all a wet affair, it is possible to observe from the sidelines or to find quieter temple grounds where kids activities are taking place. However, if you want to go anywhere be prepared for a spoiling as someone defies your polite requests and drenches you anyway. Keep spare clothes in a waterproof bag, and put your phone and money in a ziplock. There are no rules during Songkran

That brings us to another point. Take care. With so many people enjoying themselves they tend to get carried away. Thais seldom let responsibility get in the way of fun, and there can be drunken and disorderly people about. Accidents are higher than usual, especially when kids line busy roads throwing buckets full of water at passing motorbikes. Use a car and you might find yourself stuck in congestion. Others fail to notice you might have a camera in your hand and cover you in water.

We suggest getting out for the first or second of the official days (12 and 13 April) when enthusiasm is at its best, by day three many have had enough and deserted the party, but there’s still plenty of water throwing about so plan your itinerary carefully. Travelling between the 11th and 20th of April is going to be congested, so book your flights, buses or trains now. There is also likely to be higher incidents of road accidents on each weekend buffering this festival, so drive with caution or preferably not at all. All businesses, except tourist related, will be closed. Fortunately, the splashing ends at dusk and you can move about freely.

Where to join the fun:

Chiang Mai: is considered the best place in Thailand to experience Songkran since its moat around the old city provides the ideal venue, with plenty of water. This historic town is popular with Thais and it fills up, so arrive early. Thapae Gate is the busiest but all around the moat you’ll find a great atmosphere. All roads leading there are usually congested. There is also a huge party held outside the Kad Suan Kaew Mall nearby the Northwest corner of the moat.

Bangkok: actually empties out during Songkran as many go back to their family homes, which makes it more pleasant and less congested. The pedestrianised Khao San Road near the Grand Palace is the place to be, it’s complete mayhem but the atmosphere is great. Alternatively head to Siam Square or parts of Sukhumwit road such Soi Nana. Silom road is also lively. Bangkok’s best festivals

Phuket: the Thais all celebrate in their adminstrative centre, Phuket Town, and the town’s central streets are full of local revellers. But tourists won’t escape the fun if they remain in Patong or Karon. Patong is perhaps the best place to be, centred on Bang La road. At resorts in the quieter areas like Bang Tao, Surin or Kata Noi you might miss it entirely, but each hotel puts up a small ‘fight’ for the tourists.

Pattaya: all along beach road lining Pattaya bay, and the popular Walking Street at the southern end you’ll find the action. The particular atmopshere here includes all the bar girls as the open fronted beer bars down all the lanes are ideal for retreating for a beer and break in-between splashing those passing by. Look out for the ladyboys who just love an opportunity to show off their busty bodies!

Samui: Chaweng and Lamai beach centres, along their main roads, are where you can join the fun. The other beaches have no real nucleus so you’re better off catching a taxi to the heart of the action on the West coast. You can always escape to the beach if you’ve had enough. Guide to festivals on Samui

Krabi: there are two choices here, Ao Nang beachfront road and Krabi Town. The former is for the tourists and likely to be full of fun if you couldn’t be bothered commuting 20 minutes to the provincial capital where all the Thais are enjoying themselves. But sometimes it’s better to join the locals in their city centre, afterall they really do know how to have fun.

Locals advise:

1. Rent a tuk tuk for the day (they take their canopy off), pick up a drum of water, squeeze in a prowl around the action – it will be slow going   however and you’ll be a prime target for pedestrians with water guns.

2. Go solo by abandoning all plans, and carrying nothing but some money. Pick up a water gun at one of the road side vendors and drift from one location to the next. When you’ve hadd enough exit the action on foot to a point where you can safely catch a taxi home.

3. Wrap your valuables: such as cameras, mobiles and money in a plastic bag and keep it safe.
4. Mind your drink: it’s easy to get carried away, but lots of others will be drunk too, including those driving vehicles which share the roads with all the water fighters.

5. Have a sense of humour: all sense of protocol disappears and you can expect to be a target everywhere, wet or dry, ice water or tap water.
6. Choose you weapon wisely: there are vendors on the spot, the biggest ‘cannons’ are often impractical to carry, if you are going to be mobile choose one with a large reservoir. The pump action ‘stick’s are supposed to be banned, but will be on sale anyway. By the end of the day you might have lost your gun, they only cost $5-10.

Fancy joining the world’s biggest water fight? Your timing’s perfect, visitors to Thailand during April will have a chance to get involved with the famous Songkran Festival. All across Thailand for four straight days you’re going to get wet, but you’ll have a lot of fun.

Celebrated annually with great gusto and, oh yes, a lot of water, Songkran is the highlight of the Thai festival calendar. It’s an event all children and those young at heart look forward to as the country takes a break from the hot season. Everything grinds to a halt as city centres and villages across the Kingdom relieve themselves with a refreshing splash.

Areas like Bangkok’s Khao San Road, Chiang Mai’s moat, Pattaya’s Walking street and Patong central in Phuket descend into a chaos of ‘friendly fire’ – from water pistols that is – as crowds gravitate towards the fun. Others resolutely avoid them, and if you lack a sense of humour and fun, or would rather not ruin your hairdo, you’re better off retreating to a spa or your hotel room for the duration.

What the rest can expect is an exhausting but riotous few days of mayhem where everyone and everything is a target for a drenching. And with temperatures soaring into the 40s (Celsius) you won’t mind having a bucket of ice cold water dumped on you. Some streets are closed to traffic and are crowded with locals and foreigners alike whose only aim is to get everyone else wet. They use buckets, hoses, small pails, water pistols, cannons and all sorts of paraphernalia on sale. Most restaurants and businesses located in the thick of it provide large drums of water supplies, often laced with blocks of ice, and there are specially installed taps on hand to fill up your weapon of choice.

But there is far more to Songkran than just drenching others. Its roots in tradition mean there are a host of activities for all, including parades, pageants, sand castle building competitions, religious ceremonies and the all important lustrating of the Buddha. This is pious part of the festival when an important Buddha statue is paraded through each town for lay Buddhists to pour ‘religious water’ on. Wrap your camera up well in plastic covering and you will capture some wonderful moments of the Thai concept of fun, known as ‘Sanook’.

Songkran is in fact a time for Thais to visit their home villages, spend time with the family, enjoy hearty meals and help spring clean the house. Many will make house calls to visitors and present hampers to the elderly of the village. What started out as a beckoning of the rainy season with a gentle tipping of some water onto the shoulders of others has turned into a typically Thai celebration of fun. And even among all the chaotic splashing you’ll still experience old ladies coming up to you and softly tipping water from a pewter cup onto your shoulder.

And it’s not all a wet affair, it is possible to observe from the sidelines or to find quieter temple grounds where kids activities are taking place. However, if you want to go anywhere be prepared for a spoiling as someone defies your polite requests and drenches you anyway. Keep spare clothes in a waterproof bag, and put your phone and money in a ziplock. There are no rules during Songkran.

That brings us to another point. Take care. With so many people enjoying themselves they tend to get carried away. Thais seldom let responsibility get in the way of fun, and there can be drunken and disorderly people about. Accidents are higher than usual, especially when kids line busy roads throwing buckets full of water at passing motorbikes. Use a car and you might find yourself stuck in congestion. Others fail to notice you might have a camera in your hand and cover you in water.

We suggest getting out for the first or second of the official days (12 and 13 April) when enthusiasm is at its best, by day three many have had enough and deserted the party, but there’s still plenty of water throwing about so plan your itinerary carefully. Travelling between the 11th and 20th of April is going to be congested, so book your flights, buses or trains now. There is also likely to be higher incidents of road accidents on each weekend buffering this festival, so drive with caution or preferably not at all. All businesses, except tourist related, will be closed. Fortunately, the splashing ends at dusk and you can move about freely.

Where to join the fun:

Chiang Mai: is considered the best place in Thailand to experience Songkran since its moat around the old city provides the ideal venue, with plenty of water. This historic town is popular with Thais and it fills up, so arrive early. Thapae Gate is the busiest but all around the moat you’ll find a great atmosphere. All roads leading there are usually congested. There is also a huge party held outside the Kad Suan Kaew Mall nearby the Northwest corner of the moat. Chiang Mai events

Bangkok: actually empties out during Songkran as many go back to their family homes, which makes it more pleasant and less congested. The pedestrianised Khao San Road near the Grand Palace is the place to be, it’s complete mayhem but the atmosphere is great. Alternatively head to Siam Square or parts of Sukhumwit road such Soi Nana. Silom road is also lively.

Phuket: the Thais all celebrate in their adminstrative centre, Phuket Town, and the town’s central streets are full of local revellers. But tourists won’t escape the fun if they remain in Patong or Karon. Patong is perhaps the best place to be, centred on Bang La road. At resorts in the quieter areas like Bang Tao, Surin or Kata Noi you might miss it entirely, but each hotel puts up a small ‘fight’ for the tourists.

Pattaya: all along beach road lining Pattaya bay, and the popular Walking Street at the southern end you’ll find the action. The particular atmopshere here includes all the bar girls as the open fronted beer bars down all the lanes are ideal for retreating for a beer and break in-between splashing those passing by. Look out for the ladyboys who just love an opportunity to show off their busty bodies! Pattaya festivals

Samui: Chaweng and Lamai beach centres, along their main roads, are where you can join the fun. The other beaches have no real nucleus so you’re better off catching a taxi to the heart of the action on the West coast. You can always escape to the beach if you’ve had enough.

Krabi: there are two choices here, Ao Nang beachfront road and Krabi Town. The former is for the tourists and likely to be full of fun if you couldn’t be bothered commuting 20 minutes to the provincial capital where all the Thais are enjoying themselves. But sometimes it’s better to join the locals in their city centre, afterall they really do know how to have fun.

Locals advise:

1. Rent a tuk tuk for the day (they take their canopy off), pick up a drum of water, squeeze in a prowl around the action – it will be slow going however and you’ll be a prime target for pedestrians with water guns.

2. Go solo by abandoning all plans, and carrying nothing but some money. Pick up a water gun at one of the road side vendors and drift from one location to the next. When you’ve hadd enough exit the action on foot to a point where you can safely catch a taxi home.

3. Wrap your valuables: such as cameras, mobiles and money in a plastic bag and keep it safe.

4. Mind your drink: it’s easy to get carried away, but lots of others will be drunk too, including those driving vehicles which share the roads with all the water fighters.

5. Have a sense of humour: all sense of protocol disappears and you can expect to be a target everywhere, wet or dry, ice water or tap water.

6. Choose you weapon wisely: there are vendors on the spot, the biggest ‘cannons’ are often impractical to carry, if you are going to be mobile choose one with a large reservoir. The pump action ‘stick’s are supposed to be banned, but will be on sale anyway. By the end of the day you might have lost your gun, they only cost $5-10.

Samui’s beaches are the primary reason why so many visitors choose the second largest island in Thailand as a holiday destination. Before the 1970s, this unspoilt island and its astounding natural wealth were untouched by outside influences. Since the first tourists found their way here however, the island has been continuously built up and now offers all sorts of exciting activities away from the beach.

Every side of this almost circular shaped island has its own paradisiacal strand of white or golden sand accessorised with palm trees and calm waters. The balmy oceanic breezes heighten the sense of perfection, while the mysterious peak covering the centre of the island soars in stark contrast to the gently lapping waters below.

Add to these already glorious features the infrastructure that has gradually been built up to suit the diverse needs of a range of foreign tastes and Koh Samui is an island ready to accept visitors with the most varying idyllic visions of what an island getaway should be.

Each of the island’s beaches is quite different in style, character and what is has to offer tourists. Your senses will be hit with a burst of sounds, smells and sights upon arrival at one of the large, crowded centres of Chaweng or Lamai, where shopping and partying possibilities are endless. Samui’s beaches.

The quaint charm of Bo Phut or Mae Nam offer peaceful and picturesque respite to wind down and relax. At one moment it may seem like you are in the heart of Torremolinos, Spain, while the next in a secluded sanctuary, not unlike those beaches captured in the box office hit based on the Alex Garland novel The Beach.

If you are serious about getting out and seeing the sights on Koh Samui, you may want to consider hiring a motorbike. Although taxis are widely available, especially on the busier and bigger beaches, using a motorbike is often the most efficient and cost-effective mode of transport and it also gives you the freedom to go where you like for as long as you want. Some of the roads can be quite dangerous however, with gravel patches and potholes appearing as if by magic as well as sharp curves and steep hills so careful attention needs to be paid when driving.

Once you have figured out how you will travel, next you must decide what there is to see on Koh Samui that may interest you. As with most destinations in Thailand, wat, or temples, on Koh Samui give an interesting insight into the architecture and traditions of Buddhism, the country’s main religion.

Probably the most visited of the island’s temples is Wat Phra Yai, or Big Buddha Temple, with its enormous golden Buddha statue peering majestically out over the headland. Wat Ban Plai Leam is another interesting site, a recently constructed temples that was designed by a Thai artist who himself spent 3 years working on the fine details of the intricate ornamentation. If you read up on Samui history, you will undoubtedly come across the revered monk Lung Padaeng. His shrine and preserved body, still sitting in position for meditation, can be seen at Wat Khunaram on the island’s southern strip.

If you are feeling a little adventurous, a trip up the steep, winding roads of Ban Saket mountain is worth the slightly nerve racking journey. Not only will you be afforded spectacular views of the Samui seascape, but you will also find a curious trail of sculpted figures hidden away in a small valley – recreations of the dreams of an old Buddhist monk.

Among Thailand’s most comical natural sites are the rock formations called Hin Ta and Hin Yai. Visitors flock to the area to check out the rocks that over the years have been moulded to represent the male and female genital organs.

Driving around the island you will come across a number of villages that have managed to retain their old world charm throughout Samui’s period of rapid expansion. Most of these are located on the quieter southern strip. The Muslim fishing village of Laem Set is a picturesque little town and a visit here offers insight into the reserved, quiet lives of this community.

There are a number of beautiful waterfalls located in the mass of foliage that makes up Samui’s inner jungle. Na Mung is easily accessible, while Hin Lad falls are reached by a tiresome trek along a jungle path. During the months of the dry season, March through September, these waterfalls are dry but the trek still offers good nature spotting and physical exercise. The peaks of the mountain jungles offer spectacular views of the surrounding archipelagos and indeed of mainland Thailand.

Muay Thai boxing is the country’s national sport and can be seen in villages, towns and cities all over the country. Koh Samui is no different, and fierce and furious kick boxing matches are held almost daily in the large stadiums located on Chaweng and Lamai beaches. Matches take place in the evenings and are well worth the exorbitant ticket prices for serious entertainment, both inside and outside the boxing rink.

As is fitting for any seaside tourist destination, Koh Samui has a range of companies that take tourists to the best locations for some of the most exciting water activities. For an enchanting insight into a whole new world underneath the surface of the ocean, snorkelling and diving trips can be easily arranged from a number of travel agents across the island. Jet-skis can be hired and speed boats chartered off both Chaweng and Lamai beaches for exhilarant, high-speed exploration off the coast. Activities on Samui.

Kite surfing is another popular sport, with companies offering equipment hire and lessons for beginners. The fishermen on Samui have also learned a quick way to earn some cash. For a fee, these fishermen will provide boat transfers to the best fishing spots, lunch and a fun day out.

If you are the type that gets more of a thrill from on land adventure, then Koh Samui will not disappoint. Mountain biking in the wild interior is a great option for heart-stopping fun. Or take it to a further extreme and hire an off road motorbike for hours of wheel-spinning, dust-raising adventure.

Koh Samui is becoming more of a family orientated destination. Of course, building sand castles, collecting sea shells and playing among the tame waves could easily keep any small child occupied for an eternity. But for a fun day time outing, Koh Samui has a number of animal attractions including elephant back rides, a crocodile farm, an aquarium, a butterfly farm and a monkey theatre, the latter being a favourite for hilarious entertainment.

Shopping all across the Land of Smiles is a real treat, with prices in general far below those in most developed countries. Chaweng Beach is certainly the shopping hub of Koh Samui, with shops, stalls and boutiques filling every nook and cranny of available space. Between the vast array of restaurants and bars, there are shops and stalls whose merchants will use their perfectly practiced charm to entice you to buy anything from fake designer handbags to the best in authentic designer goods and traditional handicrafts. Lamai Beach is a close runner up to Chaweng in the way of shopping, while on some of the quieter beaches you will find some fantastic boutique stores with real character.

Many people not only want to be active on holiday, but they want to be productive too. Courses are available on many of the beaches across Samui, including in yoga, Thai massage, Muay Thai boxing, meditation, reiki and Thai cooking. Scuba diving is a popular sport on the island and PADI courses are on offer from a number of companies.

Koh Samui is part of the archipelago that includes Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao, two of the most popular island destinations in Thailand. Both islands can be reached by boat in a matter of hours from Samui. Koh Tao is renowned for some of the best dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand, while Koh Pha Ngan is not only the party capital of the south but a stunningly unspoilt island with many secluded beach sanctuaries off the main strip. The three islands and its surrounding waters are part of the Ang Thong National Marine Park and daytrips from Samui are available to some of the park’s most spectacular locations. Attractions on Samui

After a widely publicised nomination process, the Bangkok Post has announced the shortlist in its nine month quest to find Thailand’s top nine destinations as voted by its readers.

More than thirty of Thailand’s favourite destinations are now vying for the final list which will be announced in February 2009, following a six month second round voting process. These finalists were selected by popular vote from scores of nominations made during the last three months. The final nine will be made by a panel of travel specialists based on second round public votes.

As featured on their website 9destinations.com, some of the tourists’ perennial favourites have taken an early lead. Not surprisingly Krabi, with its stunning Karst scenery, is currently tops, claiming more than 10 per cent of all votes. It’s followed closely by a locals’ favourite Kaeng Krachan National Park in Petchaburi, near Hua Hin.

Chiang Mai province’s Doi Inthanon is further back in third place, offering visitors the highest point in Thailand and some wonderful waterfalls. The North claims fourth spot at present too, with the popular bohemian town of Pai.

Koh Turatao, a pristine and seldom crowded island near the southern border comes in fifth in the early voting stages, and then it’s back North again to the remote and pretty mountain clad town of Mae Hong Son. Chiang Mai is weighing in once more at seventh with Doi Chang Dao, a striking massive described as the ‘last tooth of the Himalaya’

The remaining two are in the Southern Provinces, comprising the popular uninhabited diving islands of the Similan archipelago, and Khao Sok National Park on the mainland between Khao Lak coast and Surat Thani.

Although the order is likely to change over the ensuing months there are some notable early exceptions such as Koh Chang, Doi Suithep temple in Chiang Mai, Samui and Pha Nga Bay. However, with most of the voting coming from within Thailand, particularly among locals, there has been a clear tendency to vote for some of the less touristy or obvious sites, especially getaway parks and natural beauty areas. Although Phuket town has been nominated, it’s crowded beaches have not, and the shortlist contains some names that are little known outside of Thailand, such as; Phu Soi Dao National Park, Phu Hin Rongkla National Park, Wat Phumin and Phanon Rung Historic Park.

The full list of short listed candidates for the Bangkok Post/Today’s Thailand 9 Destinations is (in no particular order):

Doi Inthanon National Park – Thailand’s highest peak, in Northern Thailand, with fabulous waterfalls and chilly weather.

Doi Luang Chiang Dao – one of the highest peaks in the country, just north of Chiang Mai with excellent cave systems.

Turatao Marine Park – a pristine and unspoilt Andaman island in Satun Province south of Krabi.

Krabi Sea and Islands – a tourist favourite near Phuket comprising of Phi Phi islands, Railay peninsula and other lovely islands and beaches.

Lam Klong Ngu National Park – cavernous caves and subterranean rivers to explore in the Kanchanaburi region.

Pha Taem National Park – noted for its prehistoric rock paintings and spectacular rainy season waterfalls, near the banks of the Mekhong.

Moo Ko Similan Marine Park – a lovely uninhabited chain of islands offshore from Khao Lak, great for diving.

Kaeng Krachan National Park – dramatic scenery on the Burma border near Hua Hin, a favourite with Bangkokians.

Khao Sok National Park – a tourist favourite midway between Phuket and Samui with striking inland karst topography set around a large reservoir.

Hala-Bala Wildlife Park – a premier bird watching venue in the trouble Southern provinces which has kept tourists away from this one since 2004.

Rattanakosin Isle – the historic section of Bangkok which

Khao Yai National Park – one of Asia’s finest and Thailand’s largest and oldest sanctuaries, northeast of Bangkok.

Si Satchanalai Historic Park – understated ruins of the Sukhothai era on the Ping river banks, near Sukhothai.

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall – a neo Baroque palace in the Dusit neighbourhood of Bangkok popular for official ceremonies.

Wat Phra That Lampang – one of the country’s most important and historic temples in this Northern town.

Mae Hong Son – possibly Thailand’s most remote town, a charming mountain enclave along the inaccessible northwest border.

Pai – also in Mae Hong Son, a popular backpacker destination and lately with Bangkokians looking to go hippie.

Phu Soi Dao National Park – a mist shrouded highland area on the Laos border noted for its wild flowers and waterfalls.

Sukhothai Historic Park – a must on all Thailand tours and a World Heritage site dating from Thailand’s golden era of the past in the 15th C.

Phanom Rung Historic Park – outstanding elevated Khmer ruins in the Northeast entered by 15 celestially planned gates.

Ayutthaya Historic Park – ancient Siam’s great seat of power before falling into ruin, a vast preserved city on an island of the Chao Praya, North of Bangkok. Ayutthaya visitors guide

Amphawa Community – responsible for the popular floating markets on the Klong river in Samut Songkham southeast of Bangkok

Phu Kham Khao Dinosaur park – as the name suggests, a wonderful theme park for the whole family, on the Korat plateau.

Klong Suan 100 year old market – the floating market to get to if you’d rather not rub shoulders with loads of tourists, in ChaChoengSao province near Suvarnabhumi airport.

Phuket Town – grand old mansions away from the tourist beaches that suggest the original wealth and importance of the city.

Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao – Another Lampang temple on the list, this Burmese styled templed housed the famous Emerald Buddha for centuries. Great for cameras.

Wat Phumin – one of the country’s oldest temples, somewhat understated in the sleepy remote Northern province of Nan – the Thailand of yesteryear.

Phra Kradueng National Park – is in Loei, one of the kingdom’s lesser visited and more remote corners, lofty scenery near the Mekhong Northeast. It’s a gruelling hike to the top.

Phu Hin Rongkla National Park – unusual moonscape highland scenery in Phitsanulok, once the bastion of the Communist insurgency in the seventies.

Ancient City – Bangkok’s best kept secret, a wonderful theme park of Thailand’s most famous sites replicated and packaged into a convenient single day trip. Bangkok highlights

After a widely publicised nomination process, the Bangkok Post has announced the shortlist in its nine month quest to find Thailand’s top nine destinations as voted by its readers.

More than thirty of Thailand’s favourite destinations are now vying for the final list which will be announced in February 2009, following a six month second round voting process. These finalists were selected by popular vote from scores of nominations made during the last three months. The final nine will be made by a panel of travel specialists based on second round public votes.

As featured on their website 9destinations.com, some of the tourists’ perennial favourites have taken an early lead. Not surprisingly Krabi, with its stunning Karst scenery, is currently tops, claiming more than 10 per cent of all votes. It’s followed closely by a locals’ favourite Kaeng Krachan National Park in Petchaburi, near Hua Hin.

Chiang Mai province’s Doi Inthanon is further back in third place, offering visitors the highest point in Thailand and some wonderful waterfalls. The North claims fourth spot at present too, with the popular bohemian town of Pai.

Koh Turatao, a pristine and seldom crowded island near the southern border comes in fifth in the early voting stages, and then it’s back North again to the remote and pretty mountain clad town of Mae Hong Son. Chiang Mai is weighing in once more at seventh with Doi Chang Dao, a striking massive described as the ‘last tooth of the Himalaya’.

The remaining two are in the Southern Provinces, comprising the popular uninhabited diving islands of the Similan archipelago, and Khao Sok National Park on the mainland between Khao Lak coast and Surat Thani.

Although the order is likely to change over the ensuing months there are some notable early exceptions such as Koh Chang, Doi Suithep temple in Chiang Mai, Samui and Pha Nga Bay. However, with most of the voting coming from within Thailand, particularly among locals, there has been a clear tendency to vote for some of the less touristy or obvious sites, especially getaway parks and natural beauty areas. Although Phuket town has been nominated, it’s crowded beaches have not, and the shortlist contains some names that are little known outside of Thailand, such as; Phu Soi Dao National Park, Phu Hin Rongkla National Park, Wat Phumin and Phanon Rung Historic Park.

The full list of short listed candidates for the Bangkok Post/Today’s Thailand 9 Destinations is (in no particular order):

Doi Inthanon National Park – Thailand’s highest peak, in Northern Thailand, with fabulous waterfalls and chilly weather.

Doi Luang Chiang Dao – one of the highest peaks in the country, just north of Chiang Mai with excellent cave systems.

Turatao Marine Park – a pristine and unspoilt Andaman island in Satun Province south of Krabi.

Krabi Sea and Islands – a tourist favourite near Phuket comprising of Phi Phi islands, Railay peninsula and other lovely islands and beaches.

Lam Klong Ngu National Park – cavernous caves and subterranean rivers to explore in the Kanchanaburi region.

Pha Taem National Park – noted for its prehistoric rock paintings and spectacular rainy season waterfalls, near the banks of the Mekhong. Guide to Northeast Thailand attractions

Moo Ko Similan Marine Park – a lovely uninhabited chain of islands offshore from Khao Lak, great for diving.

Kaeng Krachan National Park – dramatic scenery on the Burma border near Hua Hin, a favourite with Bangkokians.

Khao Sok National Park – a tourist favourite midway between Phuket and Samui with striking inland karst topography set around a large reservoir.

Hala-Bala Wildlife Park – a premier bird watching venue in the trouble Southern provinces which has kept tourists away from this one since 2004.

Rattanakosin Isle – the historic section of Bangkok which includes the Grand Palace, Wat Po, National Museum, Temple Mount and many other of the capital’s attractions.

Khao Yai National Park – one of Asia’s finest and Thailand’s largest and oldest sanctuaries, northeast of Bangkok.

Si Satchanalai Historic Park – understated ruins of the Sukhothai era on the Ping river banks, near Sukhothai.

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall – a neo Baroque palace in the Dusit neighbourhood of Bangkok popular for official ceremonies.

Wat Phra That Lampang – one of the country’s most important and historic temples in this Northern town.

Mae Hong Son – possibly Thailand’s most remote town, a charming mountain enclave along the inaccessible northwest border.

Pai – also in Mae Hong Son, a popular backpacker destination and lately with Bangkokians looking to go hippie.

Phu Soi Dao National Park – a mist shrouded highland area on the Laos border noted for its wild flowers and waterfalls.

Sukhothai Historic Park – a must on all Thailand tours and a World Heritage site dating from Thailand’s golden era of the past in the 15th C.

Phanom Rung Historic Park – outstanding elevated Khmer ruins in the Northeast entered by 15 celestially planned gates.

Ayutthaya Historic Park – ancient Siam’s great seat of power before falling into ruin, a vast preserved city on an island of the Chao Praya, North of Bangkok.

Amphawa Community – responsible for the popular floating markets on the Klong river in Samut Songkham southeast of Bangkok.

Phu Kham Khao Dinosaur park – as the name suggests, a wonderful theme park for the whole family, on the Korat plateau.

Klong Suan 100 year old market – the floating market to get to if you’d rather not rub shoulders with loads of tourists, in ChaChoengSao province near Suvarnabhumi airport.

Phuket Town – grand old mansions away from the tourist beaches that suggest the original wealth and importance of the city. Guide to Phuket Town

Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao – Another Lampang temple on the list, this Burmese styled templed housed the famous Emerald Buddha for centuries. Great for cameras.

Wat Phumin – one of the country’s oldest temples, somewhat understated in the sleepy remote Northern province of Nan – the Thailand of yesteryear.

Phra Kradueng National Park – is in Loei, one of the kingdom’s lesser visited and more remote corners, lofty scenery near the Mekhong Northeast. It’s a gruelling hike to the top.

Phu Hin Rongkla National Park – unusual moonscape highland scenery in Phitsanulok, once the bastion of the Communist insurgency in the seventies.

Ancient City – Bangkok’s best kept secret, a wonderful theme park of Thailand’s most famous sites replicated and packaged into a convenient single day trip.

If there is one thing Thailand is really famous for, it must be its beaches. Forget the cheap shopping and fiery food, or beguiling Thai smile and nightlife, it’s the sunshine, sand and sea that attract the majority of the country’s tourists. As there’s good reason, the Andaman coast boasts some of the world’s most remarkable seascapes, rimmed with gorgeous white sand and aqua waters.

Here’s our pick of the 10 best beaches in Thailand to laze on. Of course you could find some hidden tropical paradise miles from anywhere but we’ve chosen those that have a place to stay and are less than five hours travelling time from Bangkok by air and transfer. We have, however, reserved three places on the list for exceptional beauty spots that don’t meet these criteria. They’re revealed here in no particular order.

Kata Noi, Phuket
There are plenty of superb beaches on Phuket, by some are heavily developed and get crowded, this one doesn’t. It’s a lovely small beach, separated from the main Kata resort area by a small headland and is easily reachable for a day of exclusivity if you can’t afford one of the half dozen resorts that are squeezed in here. The beach is nice, the waters swimmable and the facilities all on hand if you need them. More about Phuket beaches.

Tham Phra Nang, Krabi
Perhaps the most stunning seascapes in all of Thailand with a dramatic overhang right above your head and gorgeous waters in front of you as you stare out at karst islands offshore. The accommodation here doesn’t come cheap but it’s a five minute walk from Railay beach which comes in a close second. Fairly exclusive, never gets too crowded and no beach loungers or vendors. More about Railay Beach.

Loh Dalam, Phi Phi Don
Everyone who comes to Andaman ought to visit the Phi Phi islands and this beach is a gorgeous crescent facing a deep bay with stunning karst to stare at from your deck chairs. It can get a bit busy in the season but they are mostly day trippers and there is accommodation on the island. The Tsunami returned it to a more natural state, at low tide the water is shallow and warm though. You can find quieter alternatives elsewhere on the island with even better views. More about Phi Phi beaches.

Khantiang Bay, Koh Lanta
This island is full of unspoilt beaches where most of the resorts enjoy beachfront locations, free of touting tuk tuk drivers, noisy girlie bars or street vendors. This particular beach sits in a gorgeous bay with a modest selection of natural resorts, giving you enough choice but without more than a handful people on the beach at any one time. It’s at the southern reaches of the island and full four hours from Phuket airport. More about Koh Lanta beaches.

Choeng Mon, Samui
A curious choice among the many lovely beaches of Samui but much quieter than popular Chaweng, yet only a 10 minute ride away. It’s a small exclusive beach, with a limited number of resorts, nice water and picturesque views. Stop here for lunch if you’re staying elsewhere. More about Samui beaches.

Thong Nai Pan, Koh Pha Ngan
This island is one of the least spoilt and most down-to-earth of the popular islands, and if you arrive outside of the full moon party week you get exceptional value for budget travellers. This sweeping beach in the northwest is quiet, perfect for swimming and has a decent selection of places to stay and eat. No parties, just a nice relaxing time. More about Koh Pha Ngan.

Klong Prao, Koh Chang
Thailand’s so called eco-island is beginning to feel the strains of tourism on White Sands beach, which is its most popular. Klong Prao is the next one along and comprises miles of sandy beach all to yourself. Lined with casuarinas trees and hidden resorts it also has several pretty mangrove lagoons emptying onto the beach and these make for gorgeous resorts. More about Koh Chang beaches.

And the three undeveloped beaches…

Maya Bay, Phi Phi Ley
Perhaps Thailand’s most famous beach, since it featured in the Hollywood blockbuster The Beach, this gorgeous karst bay almost seems like a private lagoon, rimmed with sheer rock faces. The beach is pristine (when the tour groups have departed), the water aqua and the nature stunning. Don’t forget to wander through the small valley to the tidal cove on the other side.

Hong Island, Krabi
Similar to Maya Bay, the beach here is stunning and only ever sees day trippers. The waters are beautiful and the scenery stunning, with a small nature area to explore. It’s just off Ao Nang and part of a popular day tour which includes a spin around the enclosed lagoon in the island centre which is reachable only at low tide through a sea cave.

Beacon Beach, Similan islands
Few people get the privilege to visit the beaches of the Similans other than those who can afford a live aboard dive trip, or make the arduous trip to the National Park camp and charter a longtail boat for the day. Therefore these beaches are all but deserted and see only a few visitors, they are real ‘Robinson Crusoe’ experiences, with the added attraction of crystal clear water, great beaches and strewn with boulders for ideal snorkelling.

Getting the most out of Thailand’s beaches depends on your expectations, tolerance for crowds (afterall everyone else is seeking the same), need for facilities like loungers, beer vendors and watersports, as well as the hassle needed to reach them. Obviously the more difficult it is to reach the beach the more likely you are to have it to yourself. You might even get a bit lonely!