Must See Thailand - Ko Samui

Party island Ko Samui has long been the locale of choice for paradise-seeking voyagers of all stripes. Its turquoise waters and sun-bleached, sandy bays are lined with multiple bungalows and resorts, a plethora of restaurants to satisfy hungry epicureans, and thumping nightlife providing a soundtrack to the temperate, starry nights.

Ko Samui is not everyone's cup of tea; some revel in its coastal buzz while others cringe at the Khao-San-by-the-beach bustle. But even as the most popular beaches attract the sorts of crowds most people come here to escape, the large island somehow manages to maintain its relaxed atmosphere. Pockets of calm can still be found by those willing to look.

Samui has plenty of beaches to choose from, but it's wise to book ahead in busy periods. The most crowded beaches are Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai, both on the eastern side of the island.