Koh Samui & Koh Phangan, Thailand

Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most accessible islands and is just a short flight from Bangkok and other Asian hubs such as Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. It has a huge choice of accommodation and plenty to do, however it is smaller, quieter and less developed than Phuket with more of a laidback island ambiance. Chaweng is a bustling beachfront town which has developed quickly over the last few years and is popular thanks to its lively nightlife, shops, bars and restaurants, however the rest of the island is much quieter with many of our preferred resorts being tucked away in secluded bays or on the north of the island close to the quaint Bophut fisherman’s village. Samui’s lush interior is still largely untouched and offers jungle treks and beautiful waterfalls.

Koh Pha Ngan (Koh Phangan) has an undeserved reputation for attracting more of a backpacker crowd thanks to its renowned party scene and cheap accommodation. However it is effortless to get away from this and the island is still largely undeveloped with idyllic coves easy to seek out and a lush interior waiting to be explored. One of our favourite luxury escapes (the stunning Anantara Rasananda) is located on Koh Phangan which still doesn’t have a major airport and is accessible by speedboat from Koh Samui. Its proximity to Angthong National Marine Park and the crystal clear waters of Koh Tao make it a Turquoise favourite.