When most people think of Thailand, they imagine gorgeous beaches, gritty Bangkok streets, elephant trekking and ancient temples. Thailand is, of course, home to all of these and more. In terms of holidays in Asia, Thailand is one of the most visitor friendly countries, with an easily accessible tourist track, plenty of English spoken and fair infrastructures that make travelling there easy. But perhaps the most fantastic features of Thailand are its numerous islands, both inside the Gulf of Thailand and outside along the western coast in the Indian Ocean.

Because of its nearly equatorial location, Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with year-round warmth and a moderate rainy season. Thus, it is possible to take your Thailand holidays at any time of year and still enjoy the lovely weather on the beautiful beaches of the Thai islands.

Which Thai island you choose to visit depends largely on your vacationing style. If you are a party animal, you will find no shortage of lively nightlife on several of the islands, particularly Phuket, which has for years been popular with backpackers for its laid back atmosphere and plethora of bars, nightclubs and cheap accommodation. Similarly, the island of Koh Samui is famed for its bacchanalian-style “Full Moon Parties”, where hundreds of beachgoers enjoy the delights of an all night party under the stars.

If you prefer to avoid the noise and seek a tranquil beach where you won’t be bothered, there are also numerous quiet Thai islands where small resorts offer guests an endless string of spa treatments, Thai massages, delicious meals and beachside pools for holidays that truly define “vacation”. For retreats like this, head to Koh Tao, a smaller Thai island near Koh Samui located in the Gulf of Thailand. Likewise, the tiny island of Koh Samet is a designated national park with lots of rustic beaches and wild forests to explore.