We have just received some fantastic air fare deals to Thailand so now has never been a better time to travel to arguably the  most exotic country in South East Asia.  With a rich diversity of attractions from the hills around Chiang Rai, to the exciting capital of Bangkok and on to the southern beaches and islands it has always offered a superb selection of hotels, but I would like to introduce you to some beautiful hotels on smaller, less known islands.  

Koh Phi Phi, a 1-2 hours by boat from Phuket is perhaps the most famous of the smaller islands, and has some of the most picturesque beaches in Thailand, including the one used in the filming of the film ‘The Beach’. The heart of Phi Phi is Tonsai Bay, which is a busy area for daytrippers, but the Zeavola is set on one of the quieter beaches on the North East coastline.

Koh Yao Noi is one of the least developed islands yet is only 45 minutes from Phuket by speedboat.  It also home to one of Thailands finest hotels… Six Senses Hideaway Koh Yao Noi. The island boasts simply breathtaking views of limestone rock formations protruding from the water and sunrise is a spectacle.  Taking some time to cycle through the small local villages and vegetation is a unique experience of an undeveloped Thai island.

Koh Lanta represents Koh Samui 25 years ago… A truly unspoilt paradise where laid back local life fuses with stunning beaches and clear waters.  In a group of 52 islands, the scenery is white sandy beaches, coral reefs, mangrove forest and inland areas of hills and forest.   Our choice for your stay is the Layana Resort & Spa which has the most beautiful beach front location with a backdrop of green hills.  The journey to Koh Lanta is around 45 minutes by road from Krabi and then around 1 hour by speed boat.

Koh Chang is much less developed, but has always been a favourite with locals. Lush and mountainous, the island is home to white sandy beaches and tropical forests, the perfect place for those seeking space to explore as well as the tranquility of an off the beaten track Thai island.
Our hotel choice is the Aiyapura Resort & Spa, beautiful Thai style villas and suites on a 40 acre beachfront  surrounded by green tropical gardens.  Koh Chang is reached by flying one hour from Bangkok to Trat then taking a 25 minute ferry ride to the island.
 
Koh Samet is a little gem, until recently preserved almost exclusively for backpackers and Bangkok residents due to its easy access (just a 2 hour drive south of Bangkok followed by a 15 minute speedboat ride).   At the Paradee you could almost be in the Maldives.  Thatched roof villas, all tastefully decorated set on a superb beach

Hi Annie,

We had a lovely time thank you.  Journey out was great as flight not even half full so we had about 10 seats between us.
The Chedi, Phuket was a great mix for us – quite smart buildings (although a tiny bit tired in places and quite a lot of rubbish under the houses) but just lovely staff and very informal.  I have to say they were probably the friendliest staff we have ever come across.  They just loved the children and were always coming up and chatting with them. The hotel was only about 30% full which meant there was lots of room by the pool and an almost empty beach.  The pool was great for the children as it was hexagonal with shallower bits all round the edge and only a very deep bit in the middle.  The only downside was that the water turned the children’s skin green and all our costumes went yellow and we couldn’t wash it out.  I did mention it to the hotel and they kindly laundered a couple of costumes which slightly improved them but they were basically ruined.  Very strange as they said there were no chemicals in the water.  Rooms weren’t quite as fantastic and the Rayavadee and the Banyan Tree but still very nice with nice view down to the sea.  We only had 75 steps from pool back up the hill but I imagine it would be a bit of an effort if you were way up hill.  Perfect location for us, though.
A few little nice touches…  They quite often gave the children free ice cream when we came home from dinner, along with cold flannels all round.  Plus there was constant free bottled water everywhere in the rooms and by the pool.  Also, the breakfast was fabulous.  Tons of choice and all really nicely done.
The beach was just beautiful.  After a few days the weather changed to the typical low seasons winds which means no boats and diving off the west coast for a few months as the waves were quite big (quite fun for children, though).  I have to say that we quite enjoyed the winds as it kept the temperature down a bit.  Weather was mixed (typical again, but they said it was quite early to be getting the rain) but we only had a handful of daytime heavy rain showers which didn’t really bother us and the sun still came out every day. 
The restaurant set up was just as we wanted – a five minute walk along the road to Surin Beach and a handful of restaurants (almost empty and many had closed down due to lack of people).  Much cheaper, delicious Thai food & beer.  There was one peculiarly trendy bar called Catch (linked to the Twin Palms hotel) which was rather like being in the south of France but it was a really smart mix of bar/restaurant/sun beds.  It looked great, though.
Patong was an easy £10 taxi ride but we tended to stay close by as children preferred it and it was cheaper and easier to head to Surin Beach.
All in all, exactly what we were looking for, so thank you very much. 

Rachel