| Koh Chang | | | | escaped overdevelopment. There is a low-key |
| With no less than 50 offshore islets, Ko Chang is | | | | party scene on Hat Sai Kaew which, with its |
| Thailand's second largest island, and the biggest in | | | | offshore winds, is also an excellent location for |
| the Ko Chang National Park. . | | | | those wishing to do a bit of wind surfing. |
| | | | Windsurfers can be rented out, so you don’t |
| Koh Chang’s recent success is due not only | | | | have to lug your own all the way here. |
| to its proximity to Bangkok, but to its lovely | | | | The half-moon bay Ao Vong Duan, in the middle |
| mountainous topography, which is rich in primary | | | | of the eastern side of the island, is particularly |
| forest, waterfalls and still thinly-populated sandy | | | | beautiful but is rather crowded and is |
| beaches. There are coral reefs to the west of | | | | unfortunately afflicted with the jet-skis that are |
| the island which, whilst not amongst the finest of | | | | supposed to be illegal in this marine park, so |
| a kingdom blessed with such magnificent | | | | visitors looking for tranquility are advised to stay |
| underwater treasures, are colourful and abundant | | | | on one of the two closely-flanking beaches, Ao |
| with marine life. | | | | Chan and Ao Thian, or further afield. The |
| Ko Samet | | | | deeply-pocketed should book in at Ao Kiu |
| Located just 200 kilometres from Bangkok and a | | | | beach’s gorgeous Paradee resort, which |
| three-hour walk from top to bottom, the | | | | discourages guests from bringing small children. |
| T-shaped island of Ko Samet is known for its | | | | The pristine reefs and beaches of the four |
| exotic coral, crystal-clear waters and many little | | | | nearby uninhabited islets Ko Kudi, Ko Kruai, Ko |
| beaches covered in sugary white sand. The sand | | | | Kham, and Ko Pla Tin make them lovely scuba |
| on the island, which has an alternative Thai name | | | | and snorkelling day-trips, on which visitors are |
| that means ‘Island with Sand like Crushed | | | | advised to bring their own food and water |
| Crystal’, is so fine that it is prized by | | | | (always a good sign on an island-hopping daytrip). |
| glass-makers which, in a country with so many | | | | Ko Thalu, slightly further afield, is lushly forested |
| gorgeous beaches as Thailand, is a compliment | | | | and inhabited by seagulls, flying foxes, and turtles. |
| indeed. Forest blankets 80% of an unspoiled island | | | | Whilst high cliffs occupy the west, often-deserted |
| which, whilst lacking the dramatic topography of | | | | white sandy beaches are to be found on the east |
| other Thai islands, is lucky in that it has so far | | | | and southern sides of the island. Happy days. |