Sand and sea are what most Thai holidays are about, though, and the pick of the coasts are in southern Thailand, where the Samui archipelago off the Gulf coast is one of the highlights.
Ko Samui itself has the most sweeping white-sand beaches, and the greatest variety of accommodation and facilities to go with them. Ko Pha Ngan next door is still pure backpacker territory, where you have a stark choice between desolate coves and Hat Rin, Thailand's party capital. The remotest island, rocky Ko Tao, is acquiring increasing sophistication as Southeast Asia's largest dive-training centre.
