Looking for an island that's quieter than Phuket or Koh Samui? Then you should consider one of these dreamy islands, recommends our island correspondent John Borthwick. There you can relax, swim, and get a massage. And then do it all again.

Koh Kood

Koh Kood lies idyllically, peaceful and unspoiled in the eastern Gulf of Thailand. The beaches of this jungle-covered island, Thailand's fourth largest, are pristine and generally free of jet skis. There are numerous seafood restaurants and, thankfully, few supermarkets – and you're not here to party. Top-notch resorts include Cham's House and the luxurious Soneva Kiri. Koh Kood is the ideal base for diving in the surrounding Koh Chang archipelago. On land, you can enjoy river kayaking and waterfall hikes. explorekohchang.com

  • Arrival: Fly to Trat, transfer by car to the pier, ferry to Koh Kood.
  • Don't miss: Treepod Dining at Soneva Kiri – the waiter arrives via zip line.

    • Koh Lanta

    Lush and rugged Koh Lanta, south of Krabi, is also known as the "Island of Long Beaches." Stroll along the almost deserted Klong Dao Beach or stay at one of the resorts on the west coast, such as the Layana on Prah-Ae Beach or the Pimalai on Kantiang Beach. There's a beautiful national park, and the original teakwood buildings of Lanta's old town evoke the village life of bygone days. kolanta.net

  • Getting there: Fly to Krabi and from there travel to the island by road, ferry or speedboat. Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Phuket.
  • Don't miss: Dive in the beautiful Koh Ha ("Five Islands"), where you will see colorful soft corals teeming with life and several beautiful underwater caves.

    • Koh Pha Ngan

    Once notorious for the full moon parties on Hat Yin Beach, as well as their half moon and black moon counterparts, Koh Pha-Ngan in the Gulf of Mexico has undergone a significant transformation and is now a very sophisticated tourist destination. There are numerous accommodations available, from bungalows to luxury suites, yet large parts of the island remain covered in jungle with waterfalls and secluded beaches. Those who explore the island will discover beaches like Hat Mae and Hat Sadet, perfect for a relaxing siesta-style getaway.

  • Getting there: By speedboat or ferry from Koh Samui.
  • Don't miss it: A beach party under the full moon with a few thousand of your new best friends.

    • Koh Phayam

    Koh Phayam (pronounced "Pee-am") is located in the Andaman Sea, not far from Ranong, near the southern tip of Myanmar. This 35-square-kilometer island is car-free. Travel is by motorbike along roads that lead to beaches like Ao Khao Kwai and the spectacular Ao Yai. While Phayam may lack large bars or luxury spas, it boasts excellent bungalow resorts on its west coast. The Bamboo Bungalows on Ao Yai (Big Bay) are among the best, while the Blue Sky Resort on the east coast offers an even more exclusive experience. kohphayam.org

  • Getting there: By speedboat in 30 minutes from Ranong.
  • Don't miss: Sunset cocktails with grilled shrimp at the Bamboo Bungalows beach restaurant.

    • Koh Samet

    Since Koh Samet is just a short drive from Bangkok, you might expect this small Gulf island to be crowded and trendy. In fact, it's a national park island, although it does have many resorts and popular beaches like Hat Sai Kaew. The sandy bays along the east coast become increasingly quieter as you travel further south. Accommodation mainly consists of smaller hotels and bungalows. More upscale resorts include the Ao Prao Resort, the Sai Kaew Beach Resort, and the Paradee Resort at the southern tip.

  • Getting there: By car from Bangkok to Ban Phe, then by ferry or speedboat to Samet.
  • Don't miss: Fire dancers in the evening on Sai Kaew beach.

    • Kho Yao Noi

    The long, twin islands of Koh Yao lie idyllically in the heart of Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi. Koh Yao Noi (Little Long Island) boasts beautiful resorts such as Cape Kudu, the Ko Yao Resort, and the Six Senses Hideaway. From your suite or a beachfront restaurant, you can admire the mystical limestone formations of the Phang Nga Marine Park. Even better, take a boat trip or explore the area by kayak. Forested Yao Noi has a more relaxed atmosphere and lacks flashy bars or a vibrant nightlife – perfect for romantics.

  • Getting there: By ferry or motorboat from Phuket.
  • Don't miss: Dinner at dusk in the elevated Rice Paddy Viewpoint Restaurant.

    • Koh Yao Yai

    Koh Yao Yai (Big Long Island) is even less developed for tourism than its smaller sister island. Settled long ago by Malays and Mon people, life here revolves around aquaculture, agriculture, and rubber plantations, rather than bars and boutiques. The best resorts, like Koh Yao Yai Village, offer breathtaking views of the dreamy, dragon-shaped islands rising from Phang Nga Bay. Enjoy a kayaking or snorkeling trip, cycle to a village, and end the day with a relaxing massage. Afterward, savor the sunset with a drink and admire the mystical bay.

  • Don't miss: Kayaking inside the "room island", Koh Hong.

    • Koh Si Chang

    The small island of Koh Si Chang (not to be confused with the more famous Koh Chang), also known as the "Island of Eternal Love," is the closest resort island to Bangkok. This island in the Gulf has no cars, only light motorbikes and the unusual "Skylab" tuk-tuks. The beaches and town itself aren't particularly noteworthy, but Si Chang is popular with weekenders and romantics who enjoy posing on the late 19th-century Atsadang Bridge, built by King Chulalongkorn. There are lodges and hotels, with the very comfortable Somewhere Resort being the most stylish option. iamkohchang.com

  • Getting there: From Bangkok, drive to the port of Sri Racha, followed by a 45-minute ferry ride to the island.
  • Don't miss: The restored gardens of the former Thai royal summer palace.

    • Koh Talu

    This hidden gem in the southern Gulf of Mexico boasts pristine sandy beaches, lush palm trees, and a welcome absence of neon lights. The 1,500-hectare island lies on the western side of the Gulf, the so-called "sunrise side," 370 km south of Bangkok. The spacious bungalows of the Koh Talu Island Resort offer breathtaking views of the beaches of Big Bay and the stunning Pearl Bay. Activities include snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and, of course, evening cocktails.

  • Arrival: Private transfer from Hua Hin or 160 km by train from Hua Hin south to Bang Saphan and then by ferry to the island.
  • Don't miss: The breeding station for hawksbill turtles and squid fishing at dusk.

    • Koh Prathong

    The virtually unknown island of Koh Prathong lies off the small island of Khura Buri in the northern Andaman coast. Its palm-fringed beaches offer a variety of accommodations, including the Moken Eco Village and the BABA Ecolodge. Romantics and other visitors appreciate the abundant birdlife, the magnificent coral reefs, and the tranquility far from the tourist crowds. The pristine Prathong Bay and the surrounding Koh Pling islands invite you to enjoy relaxing canoe and snorkeling excursions. Try morning yoga or simply unwind in your hammock.

  • Getting there: Khura Buri is located 100 km north of Phuket Airport by road; from there it's a 90-minute boat ride. Plan for a longer stay.
  • Don't miss out: Don't sleep in! Get up before sunrise for a birdwatching tour through the island's savannah.