Ko Samet in the Gulf of Thailand, some 200 km south east of Bangkok is a favorite holiday island for both Thais and foreigners alike. A mere 30-minute boat trip from the mainland, Ko Samet is quite easily reached from Bangkok, and its famous white powder sand beaches have made it popular with everyone – families, backpackers, package holiday, tourists, even working girls from Pattaya in need of a rest. Declared a National Park in 1981, the island should have been protected from development, but in reality all the accessible beaches around this 6 km long island have resorts, beach bungalow, operations, restaurants and bars lining the sand. Outside the park, the only village, Na Dan, where the boats arrive, is where most of the population live. Photo by: travellers_in_speedos

The island’s interior is quite different – mountainous and covered with dense rainforest, it shelters gibbon, long tailed macaques, monitor lizards, fruit bats, hornbills and many gorgeous butterflies. There are a few tracks cross the central ridge from east to west, but otherwise this at least is left in its natural state. It’s worth trekking across though, for great cliff-top views and of course, magnificent sunset. Photo by: Aung@

Hat Sai Kaew, or Diamond Beach, is the closest beach to the ferry pier, and at 780m long, is an amazing swathe of sand. Soft and white, its high silicon content makes it squeak underfoot and obviously, it is extremely popular. If you walk south you will find a mermaid statue, placed there in recognition of the 19th century epic poem written by one of Thailand’s greatest poets, Santhorn Phu, and partly set on Ko Samet. The island is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and fishing off. Watch a fire show at Ao Phai beach. Photo by: Chris Kuo

When to go: Pleasant at almost any time of year. September and October bring the most rain. Population: 1,000 (2005 estimate). How to get there: By road to Ban Phe, then boat to Ko Samet.