Beaches and spas

There is more to Thailand than its stunning beaches but that doesn't detract from their beauty, which should be experienced by anyone with a penchant for the purest, finest sand and most crystalline aquamarine water. A long coastline and an assortment of islands also means you have a good chance of finding a slice of paradise to yourself, though this sometimes means disconnecting from the tourist trail or exploring by boat.

With an international airport and regular connecting flights to Bangkok, the island of Ko Samui in the Gulf of Thailand has become one of the country's top beach destinations. Fortunately, careful development means its scenic beaches remain unspoilt. The island is a great place to unwind, with a range of luxury hotels, affordable resorts and spas backing onto wide swathes of golden sand.

Ko Samui's neighbouring islands of Ko Phangan and Ko Tao are a short boat ride away and offer more secluded beaches, yoga retreats and fantastic diving. Ko Tao is particular popular as a base for scuba-diving expeditions in the Gulf of Thailand. Near Ko Samui, Ang Thong National Marine Park encompasses little emerald uninhabited islands with empty beaches that can be explored on a boat excursion. After swimming in hidden lagoons and gazing on stunning panoramas, you can lay back on a beach miles from civilisation and drink in the pristine scenery.

In the northern gulf, the islands of Ko Samet and Ko Chang are also perfect for a beach escape. Though not as scenic as the southern islands, they are never-the-less beautiful and have the added bonus of being much closer to Bangkok.

On the eastern coast of the Malay Peninsula you can go island-hopping through one of the most striking seascapes in the world. The towering rock formations, caves and hidden bays of countless uninhabited islets are irresistible. Phanghan Bay, between Krabi Province on the mainland and Phuket island, has stunning limestone karst cliffs indented with untrammelled beaches. Phuket, with its countless upscale hotels and smart resorts, is the perfect base to explore the region. While spending a few nights on Phi Phi Don puts you right in the heart of Thailand's most stunning scenery.