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 at first. But spend a few days here exploring its little “sois” and parts unknown, and you’ll quickly change your mind. This guide reveals the 30 best things to do in Bangkok, taking you away from the tourist traps and towards the most compelling hotspots and hidden gems, places that are actually worth your time like Marble Temple, Nobu Rooftop Bar and Song Wat Road.

In our experience, very few places in the world can rival the natural beauty of the Similan Islands. The national park is home to 11 islands all boasting shimmering turquoise waters, squeaky white sand, colourful coral reefs and gigantic granite boulders. Situated roughly 70 kilometers off the coast of Phang Nga province, this archipelago makes for an incredible day trip or liveaboard experience from either Phuket or Khao Lak.

Koh Ngai wasn’t the first island on our radar when we started traveling through Thailand. Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui topped our list in the early days. But recently we heard some amazing things about Koh Ngai, like how dreamy it was for couples, so we decided to give it a go. And what a decision that turned out to be. In our opinion, Koh Ngai is the most beautiful island in all of Thailand!