Coconut trees, afternoon cocktails and superb snorkelling – Ko Samui ticks all the boxes for a perfect island location. Set 700kms south of Bangkok, Thailand’s third-largest island is also one of its most lively. Its most popular beaches are Chaweng, Lamai, Choeng Mon and Maenam. With direct flights from Bangkok, Samui is a simple reach and an even simpler place to explore. The island’s interior remains untouched jungle but a ringroad runs around the coastline and gives easy access to all beaches. Activities include diving, shopping and fishing. Dining is especially good on Samui thanks to the abundance of quality restaurants, which offer versions of southern cuisine. These include rich Muslim curries, rice noodles and delicious desserts. Samui is popular with Thais and tourists alike due to its stunning beaches and island vibe. Options include relaxing on its famous beaches, trekking on elephants into the dense interior or kayaking around the 60-odd nearby islands.