1. Sai Thong Resort, Koh Tao
While the nearby gulf islands of Samui and Phangan have been long-term draws for beach-loving travellers, the smaller Koh Tao has only recently emerged as one of Thailand’s headline destinations. Primarily Tao is famed for its diving – shallow waters, easy currents, epic corals and whale sharks pull in the crowds – with numerous scuba-diving schools based here. But much of this small island still has a tranquil get-away-from-it-all vibe, and the pick of the places to indulge that atmosphere is the Sai Thong, the only resort on the tiny Sai Nuan beach. Sai Thong’s tidy wooden fan-cooled bungalows are simply furnished and all have balconies, hammocks and private bathrooms. The owners are incredibly friendly, the food’s excellent and vistas include the almost-private white sand beach and a massive boulder-strewn headland. Superb snorkelling, plenty of nice spots to lounge and an unforgettable arrival by long-tail boat complete the picture.
2. Relax Bay, Koh Lanta
Just along the Andaman Sea coast, south of Krabi Town, the landscape turns into a mix of mangroves and beguiling islands. The largest of these is Koh Lanta, rightly famed for its nearby diving sites and its beaches, which are usually long, sweeping affairs, gently sloping into the warm Andaman Sea. One of the best is found at the suitably named Relax Bay, home to the resort of the same name, a French-owned endeavour complete with a range of secluded and comfortable wooden beachside bungalows and large tents. Relax is the kind of place where you might end up staying longer than planned, thanks to the almost homestay style of genuine and friendly service, authentic Thai food – the French menu isn’t bad either – and calming, restful atmosphere.
3. Bamboo Bungalows, Koh Phayam
The northern end of Thailand’s Andaman Sea coast leads to the Burmese border and the sea-frontier town of Ranong. From here it’s a two-hour boat ride to the island of Phayam, famous for its cashew nuts and superb beaches; indeed, Phayam is possibly the only place on earth where you can enjoy a full-moon beach party and an annual Miss Cashew Nut contest. Head to Ao Yai, or Big Beach, a 3km crescent of white sand on the west of Phayam where you’ll find Bamboo Bungalows. There’s a variety of beachside bungalows at this laid-back and engaging operation, from basic A-framed “shell-huts” to comfortable villas with contemporary Thai furnishings. There are kayaks and snorkelling equipment and the restaurant, which often bakes its own bread, is regarded as one of the best on the island. For a longer stay on Phayam, you can rent an entire house at Koh Phayam Sanctuary from just over £200 a month.
4. Koh Yao Noi community homestay programme
Watching the sun rise, or set, over the limestone karst-filled waters of Phang Nga Bay makes for one the most stunning sights in Thailand. Located slap-bang in the middle of the bay is the island of Yao Noi, the perfect place to let the days slip away and engage in a bit of sun-gazing. The ambience on Yao Noi is decidedly soporific, with few cars and just a smattering of guesthouses, hotels and restaurants. The island is also home to an award-winning homestay programme run by local fishermen, and a chance to stay with one of the host families will give you an insight into a way of life the islanders are fiercely proud of. Your host family will also provide you with endless feasts of sumptuous seafood and take you on day trips to remote islands with secret beaches. Accommodation is basic, though spotlessly clean, and the families take turns to host guests according to a strict rota.
5. Nimmanoradee Resort, Koh Samet
The island of Samet, off Thailand’s easterly coast a four-hour drive from Bangkok, is infamous as a weekend party island. But it offers far more than eating, drinking and loud music. The beaches are picture-perfect expanses of powder-white sand, with bay after bay running south along Samet’s east coast. And the further south down the island you head, the quieter it becomes until you reach, right on the very southern tip, the Nimmanoradee Resort. Cute clapboard huts are scattered on rocky outcrops and amid trees, all with sea views, and a private sandy beach is a step away. There are kayaks, a swimming pool, deckchairs everywhere and the rooms are bathed in natural light with neat designer touches. Flatscreen TVs and bathtubs add extra comfort to the natural setting. Room rates on Samet tend to be much lower during the week.
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