Off the Beatn Path Islands for Your Next Holiday in Thailand

Thailand is one of the greatest vacation spots inChang is one of Thailand's most sought after
the world It is cheap, has welcoming people,holiday destinations. If you stick to the east side
trasty food, a diverse culture and an amazingof the island, there is very little development and
variety of sites to visit. You can rest on wideyou can still enjoy a holiday away from the
sand beaches, climb tropical mountains, divecrowds.
fantastic coral reefs, discover ancient historicalSurin National Park is found some 60 km off the
sites, explore great caves, and hang out in crazywest coast of Phang Nga province. The excellent
and fast paced cities. Most travelers come todiving, snorkeling, hiking and game fishing are what
Thailand for the beaches and, these tropical islandsmost visitors come for, and those hoping to find
are the best reason to come to Thailand.a quiet refuge from the tourist traps will be
However, Thailand has hundreds of tropical islandsdelighted with the lack of "development." Surin
to choose from.  Most tourists stick go to a fewNuea is also home to a community of around 150
popular Thai islands and with good reason. TheyMoken, or "sea gypsies", who have settled there
wouldn’t be popular if they weren’t good.on a semi-permanent basis for several decades. 
However, despite Thailand being firmly on theThe islands are protected and can only be visited
tourist trail, there are still many undiscoveredby organized tours, which helps keep the diving
islands in Thailand.   Here are seven tropical Thaigood and the crowds thin.
islands that are relatively not very touristy:The Similan Islands are composed of nine granite
Ko Lipe is a tiny island located in the southern Thaiislands washed by a clear blue tropical ocean and
province of Satun and is situated in the Andamanblessed with some of the world’s finest
Sea. The island is part of the Tarutao Nationalbeaches. Despite a rough start, the Similians and
Marine Park. The name "Ko Lipe" means paperall its reefs have recovered from earlier calamities
island in the local Chao Ley language. Though thisand overuse. Boats entering the Similan Islands
destination is slowly becoming more touristy, it ishave to follow strict rules imposed and controlled
still a relatively quite place for now. There areby the national park officials, have to use the
coral reefs right off the island for diving, whitemoorings prepared by the national park and use
sand beaches, cheap food, and very friendlyclosed waste water systems to avoid any
people. Most places only have electricity untilpollution.
midnight, giving you a place to watch the stars atKo Lanta is popular with tourists seeking a holiday
night. Avoid the holiday season when the crowdsaway from the parties. It's popular with a more
peak.relaxed crowd than nearby Ko Phi Phi: more
Ko Tarutao National Marine Park is made of 51walking on the beach and watching the sunset
islands located in the Andaman Sea. Ko Tarutao isthan drinking and dancing.  And even when the
the main island and is where the parkisland is at its fullest, there will be a quiet place for
headquarters is located. There are no lodges,you to relax - the beaches are never full.
resorts, restaurants, or bars on the island. ThereKo Mak is one of Thailand's best kept treasures.
is just the park’s canteen and a small storeIt is an ideal destination for visitors who want a
that is only open until 8pm. Accommodation heretranquil environment unspoiled by mass tourism.
is simply cheap bungalows or tents. For thoseAmongst 10,000 palm trees, there’s a
looking for a cheap and secluded island in Thailand,temple, three fishing community villages, rubber
this place is it.plantations, and two uninhabited beaches. Hardly
The island of Ko Chang is a tropical marineanyone comes here, except couples and divers.
national park. Situated in the east near theKoh Mak is the perfect place to relax, explore,
Cambodian border, it's Thailand's second largestcalm your mind and soothe your senses.
island after Phuket. Recently, with the surge inTrips to these Thai islands will give you serenity,
development and popularity, Ko Chang is Thailand'squiet, empty beaches, clear water, and not a lot
new popular tourist destination.  With its chain ofof people. Let’s keep this secret between us
white sandy coves and beaches, pristine rainthough so the islands stay that way for as long
forests, abundant wildlife, coral reefs, highas possible, otherwise these tropical island
mountain peaks, waterfalls, and great nightlife, Kotreasure will be ruined at a quick pace.