Our island-hopping trips have taken us to some pretty amazing places, from Koh Lipe in the far south to Koh Kood in the far east, but none felt as remote as the Surin Islands. Situated miles from the mainland, close to the border of Myanmar, this protected archipelago offers travelers a true adventure: rugged beaches, world-class snorkeling and sea gypsy communities that add a touch of culture to every visit.

Although Khao Sok has become popular recently, visiting still feels like you’re embarking on a true adventure. The small village offers a chilled backpacker vibe, eco-resorts hide amongst palm trees and little waterfalls can be explored near the park entrance. Staying overnight allows you to take the longtail trip into the heart of the lake but a few extra nights lets you go jungle trekking, wildlife spotting and discover hidden gems.

Koh Kham is a tiny private island situated off the coast of Koh Mak, famous for its abandoned luxury resort and unusual black volcanic rock formations. We spent the day here during our stay in Koh Mak and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. We did nothing more than sunbathe, swim, take photos and explore Ananya Hideaway but the time simply flew by.

Koh Mak truly lives up to its reputation of being a “hidden gem”. There are no 7-Elevens or resort chains to be found here, instead a handful of sleepy roadside cafes and intimate family-run hotels dot the landscape. The lack of mass-tourism is noticeable as soon as you hop off the boat and take a golf cart to your accommodation, weaving through bumpy dirt tracks and lush coconut groves.

Balancing tourist activities with a healthy dose of local life is always our approach in Phuket. That’s the key to a great experience. Since it’s so large, you’ve really got to do your own research, follow the locals, get off the main drag, and discover the version of Phuket that feels right for you. Don’t fall into the trap of booking all-inclusive packages. Instead, go exploring, and you never know what you’ll find.

People who say you should never visit touristy destinations have probably never been to Koh Phi Phi. It’s one of our favorite islands in Thailand, not because it’s untouched and off-the-beaten-track, but because of its intoxicating atmosphere. The twin-island archipelago combines spectacular natural beauty, loads of activities, and buzzing nightlife into one small but punchy package.

Bangkok can feel overwhelming, but spend a few days peeling back its layers and you’ll discover one of the most pulsating, captivating and flavourful cities in the world. This travel guide showcases the very best of the Thai capital: 30 of the best things to do, from iconic landmarks like Wat Pho to hidden gems like Eagle Nest.

Situated 70 kilometers off the coast of Phang Nga province, the Similan Islands makes for an incredible day trip or liveaboard experience from either Phuket or Khao Lak. Despite its popularity and the increasing crowds, it’s a place we still highly recommend for first-time visitors to Thailand.

In our opinion, Koh Ngai is the most beautiful island in all of Thailand: with palm trees leaning over the beach, stunning emerald waters, and incredible views of the surrounding islets. Our travel guide covers the natural beauty of this Trang island, complete with tips on how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do.