‘Koh’ means island in Thai – the very word conjures up dreamy beaches, huts in the shade of a coconut palm, fantastic rock formations and undersea gardens. Hop in a long-tail boat and cast off the mooring.

Southern Gulf
A scuba-diving honeypot off the crystalline Gulf Coast, Koh Tao is also the easiest and cheapest spot around to learn dive basics. The Japanese Gardens, to the island’s northwest, is an ideal dive site for beginners, with plenty of coral, turtles, stingrays and pufferfish.

Fairly large and multi-faceted enough to fit in luxury yoga retreats as well as backpacker shanties, Koh Samui is particularly blessed with places to eat, not least the many kow gaang (rice and curry) roadside stalls. The town of Hat Chaweng meanwhile is home to the Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts, which has daily cooking courses and classes in the arts of carving fruit and vegetables into intricate floral designs..

Things are changing on Koh Phangan. Parties still take place on the beach at Hat Rin every full moon, but the island as a whole is creeping upmarket. The beaches of the north and east are still relatively secluded (Hat Khuat, or Bottle Beach, is a top choice), and the jungle interior rewards exploration with four, year-round waterfalls. Change out of beach clothes to visit one of the 20 wat (temples) Wat Pho, near Ban Tai, offers a herbal sauna

Andaman Coast
The impressive limestone karst coast of Trang Province shelters several sublime islands. The isle of Koh Muk is home to spectacular Hat Farang (aka Hat Sai Yao) – a calming stretch of sand where jade water kisses a perfect beach. Further north, Tham Morakot (Emerald Cave) is a rock tunnel leading – at low tide – to a small beach surrounded by cliffs on all sides.

One of the most unspoiled regions in all of Thailand, this park encompasses 51 islands, including Koh Tarutao itself, covered in old-growth jungle. Long-tail boat tours take in islands home to hornbills, langur monkeys and fishing cats. Koh Lipe is the most developed island, but also has the widest choice of accommodation and beautiful beaches.

Ko Lantah is a crucible of cultures, mixing Buddhist temples, slender minarets and chow lair (sea gypsy) villages. Northern beaches are busy but fun, with more mellow ones to the south. The cave complex of Tham Khao Maikaeo conceals a subterranean pool and chambers as large as cathedrals – local guides can arrange treks (around £4), and resort hotels can arrange transport and motorcycle hire.

Northeast Gulf
Within weekending distance of Bangkok, Koh Samet is popular with Thais and visitors alike, but is surprisingly underdeveloped all the same. A coastal footpath runs the four-mile length of this skinny island, skirting one lovely cove after another. Sunset at the northern end brings late-night parties and karaoke sessions; things get quieter the further south you go.

With steep, jungle-covered peaks erupting from the sea, Koh Chang retains a rugged spirit despite its package-holiday reputation. This is largely down to its accessible wilderness: island treks allow you to explore forests filled with birds, monkeys, lizards and beautiful flowers. Among the activities is a one-day trips that include a waterfall swim and a stop at an elephant camp

Coconut palms outnumber buildings on Koh Kut, just 20 miles by sea from Cambodia, where a secluded, unhurried atmosphere pervades everything. There’s not much nightlife or even dining, but the beaches of the western side, Hat Khlong Chao above all, are among Thailand’s finest. Two inland waterfalls are good short hiking destinations, with pools to cool off in.

By Lonely Planet Traveller
10 January 2013
www.bbc.com

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