Thatched bungalows, Ko Phayam

Kayaking Ko Phayam

Consisting of an isthmus flanked by hundreds of small islands, southern Thailand might be best known internationally for its rowdy all-night beach raves. If you prefer less in the way of blinding lights and bumping basslines, turn your gaze about 120 miles north of Phuket as the crow flies and you'll find the hidden Thai paradise of Ko Phayam. Though its green shores and sandy beaches are dotted with resorts (like this one offering rustic thatched-roof bungalows and a mangrove-lined channel for kayaking), it's still far less developed than Ko Pha-ngan, Ko Samui, and other destination isles in the region.