The South East Coast

Koh Samui

Although sections of Koh Samui are very crowded (we’re looking at you, Chaweng) there are just as many that have retained the sleepy fishing village rhythm that initially drew travellers here decades ago. The north coast, especially, has a particularly relaxed and more traditional Thai vibe. This is where islanders come for fresh ingredients at Hua Thanon’s wet market, or to tuck into the catch of the day off the wooden pier at Thong Krut. Beach front properties overlooking Bophut Bay are really beautiful, and tend to work in harmony with nature and local communities rather than against. It’s a large island and has just as many exclusive adult-only enclaves as fully-facilitated beach resorts, with shallow bays for snorkelling with the kids.

Koh Pha Ngan & Khanom

Koh Pha Ngan’s local community have had a chance to reset and shift their outlook on tourism. Backpackers still flock to Haad Rin’s hostels, but there are also some upmarket beach boutiques that are well off the raver radar. Properties are sophisticated, yet still sandy, and provide a much more relaxed setting to while away moonlit evenings.

If you’d prefer to steer clear of the island ferry altogether, Khanom on the mainland peninsular is really underrated. This lesser-known section of the south east coast is made up of fishing communities and has, so far, avoided any major development. Check into one of Khanom’s exclusive spa resorts for the chance to sink into white sands and see Koh Samui from a much more peaceful perspective.