With beautiful scenery and great beaches, Phuket draws tourists from around the world with some of the best beaches in Thailand. Bustling Karon and Patong offer excellent shopping and vibrant nightlife, while to the north and south, the beaches become quieter and the hotels more secluded. North of Phuket lies ancient Khao Sok National Park, a great accompaniment to a Thailand Beach Holiday.

TF’s top hotel pick: Keemala

A magical tropical wonderland of innovative and inspiring design, Keemala features a remarkable variety of thatched pool villas, enchanting treehouses, canvas-covered hideaways and stunning treetop villas, some resembling birds’ nests. Each villa features a private pool, many seemingly suspended amongst the trees, a spacious bathroom with stand-alone bathtub and forest views. A stay at this spellbinding property presents an unforgettably unique and invigorating experience just a short drive from Kamala or Patong.

Just over an hour’s drive north of Phuket, Khao Lak enjoys miles of beautiful white sand beaches. Although its popularity is growing quickly, it still remains a quieter, slower pace of life than its southern neighbour. Stunning Khao Sok National Park with its ancient rainforest lies close by and the pristine beaches and coral reefs of the Similan Islands can be accessed easily by boat.

TF’s top hotel pick: La Flora Khao Lak

This captivating property is perfectly situated on the golden sands of Bang Niang Beach surrounded by tropical forests while boasting breathtaking views across the shimmering Andaman Sea. It is easy to get out and explore the local eateries and shops nearby. The hotel boasts exceptional facilities, including a striking infinity-edge pool that overlooks the ocean with its own swim up bar.

Krabi is becoming increasingly popular as more people discover its breathtaking, unspoilt landscape of dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal clear waters and some of the best beaches in Thailand. Ao Nang offers plenty of shopping and dining options and is only a short ride on a traditional longtail boat from stunning beaches. Klong Muang and Railay offers more secluded location and scenic beaches.

TF’s top hotel pick: Rayavadee

Surrounded by white sand beaches, crystal waters and spectacular limestone cliffs, this unique property boasts discreet luxury and world-class service. Made up of uniquely styled individual two-storey pavilions and private villas, accessible only by boat, Rayavadee offers a host of excellent facilities as well as two stunning beaches. Explore the nearby beauty on a longtail boat tour, practice your climbing with an instructor under one of the towering cliff faces, or prepare for a gourmet experience like no other at Grotto, a restaurant built into a limestone cave.

The coconut palm fringed island of Koh Samui is blessed with wonderful beaches and clear waters. Enjoy lively nightlife and shopping in bustling Chaweng, or the many dining options in charming Bo Phut. Those looking for a quieter, slower pace of life can head for the stunning beaches of Mae Nam and Choeng Mon, still within easy reach of Chaweng.

TF’s top hotel pick: Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui

The beautiful family owned and eco-friendly Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui overlooks its own secluded bay and golden sand beach in the northeast of the island, near Choeng Mon. Offering spacious suites as well as gorgeous cottages and villas, this welcoming resort is the perfect spot to simply lay back and relax, although it also makes a great base from which to explore the natural beauty of Koh Samui. This exceptionally high standard of personalised yet unassuming service ensure this wonderful property remains a consistent Trailfinders' favourite.

Just a short boat ride from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan is a world away from its better known neighbour to the south. Although renowned for its full moon party in the south east, the rest of the island is quiet and scenic with soft sand beaches and a lush interior. Further north lies the scuba diving paradise of Koh Tao. With its secluded bays and amazing beaches it is considered one of Thailand’s true tropical island escapes.

TF’s top hotel pick: Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa

Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa is a charming Thai style resort that sits perched on a hillside amongst lush tropical landscape looking down over a clear bay and a stunning stretch of beach. The hotel’s traditional ornate wood carvings and teak décor blend perfectly with the striking natural surroundings. Relax by the large freeform pool and waterfall or enjoy idyllic sea views at the blissful spa. This natural hideaway is a great choice for an authentic Thai experience on Koh Phangan.

Rising from the crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea and reached easily by boat by either Phuket or Krabi, Koh Phi Phi is simply a destination you cannot afford to miss. The island is home to some of Thailand's most spectacular beaches, jaw dropping rock formations and lush rainforest. Visitors can enjoy a host of activities including day trips to the surrounding islands, snorkelling, scuba diving and vibrant nightlife around Tonsai Bay.

TF’s top hotel pick: SAii Phi Phi Island Village

This wonderful beachfront hotel sits in a secluded location on the east coast of Koh Phi Phi. The impressive infinity pool is just steps away from a stunning stretch of white sand beach and the beautiful spa, perched on the hill above the resort, enjoys fantastic views. Explore the mangrove forests by kayak or follow the glittering coastline on your paddleboard, get up close to the beautiful marine life that live in these waters or choose to learn all about them on dry land at the Marine Discovery Centre.

Just a short boat ride from Phuket or Krabi, the sister islands of Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai are perfect for those looking for rest and relaxation in alluring, unspoilt surroundings. These pristine islands boast a backdrop of virgin jungle and with quaint fishing villages dotted along the nearby coastline, along with local restaurants serving southern Thai specialities. Koh Yao Noi The islands are perfect to explore by day with secluded coves and spectacular beaches offering breathtaking views across Phang Nga Bay.

TF’s top hotel pick for Koh Yao Yai: Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort

An idyllic natural paradise providing a great combination of excellent facilities, Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort offers an unspoiled paradise ready to discover. It is equally as perfect for relaxing as it is to use as a base for exploring the island by foot, kayak or sidecar! Unwind at the spa, enjoy the spectacular views over the emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay from the infinity pool or stroll along the sands of the gorgeous kilometre long beach, this is a great choice for those looking for an oasis of tranquillity on a spectacular island.

TF's top hotel pick for Koh Yao Noi: Six Senses Yao Noi

Without a doubt one of the most unique and idyllic hideaway retreats anywhere in the world, Six Senses Yao Noi is a luxurious sanctuary situated in a spectacular setting amongst the limestone pinnacles of Phang Nga Bay. The beautiful villas boasting private pools are nestled amongst natural vegetation, some with jungle outlooks and others with breathtaking ocean views. With a range of holistic activities, an exceptional spa and an unsurpassed commitment to sustainability, this is a true gem of a hotel.