The best lesser-known places in Thailand

IF YOU think you’ve seen or heard it all when it comes to Thailand, there’s actually a lot you don’t know about the popular holiday spot. Prepare to be amazed.

MANY visitors come to Phuket in southern Thailand and barely manage to pull themselves away from their resort or Patong beach.

But we can let you into a secret — there’s a lot to see and do if you leave the tourist strips behind.

For a start, there are some amazing beaches to visit if you’re game enough to hire a car or catch a taxi. And then there are some of the most beautiful islands in the world, just a short boat trip from the usual tourist haunts.

Here are a few to consider.

1. The Similan Islands

This archipelago of 10 stunning, almost-deserted islands are only a short speedboat journey away from the most crowded beaches in Phuket. They are low-lying and covered in thick forests, with coral sand beaches that are even home to crab-eating monkeys. As a dive spot, the islands often rate among top 10 in the world.

Similian Islands offer a breathtaking view. Wow! Picture: Tofucoyote

2. Ao Sane Beach

This is a beach well worth seeking out, especially if you like things simple. The sand is a bit coarse, but what makes it attractive is its giant granite boulders and tropical trees that line the beach. There is good snorkelling here, as well as a restaurant serving inexpensive Thai and Western dishes.

Simplicity at its best. Picture: Dave Stone

3. James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan)

Hop onto a boat from northern Phuket and you’ll find yourself among 100 dramatic limestone karsts sticking out of an emerald sea. The most popular island here is James Bond Island, which starred in The Man With the Golden Gun. You can canoe around the island, explore the interesting rock formations or simply lie on the beach. Many also visit a nearby fishing village that is built on stilts.

Sunset bathes the area.

4. Koh Khai Nok

This very small island, which translates as Egg Island, is a little more than a rocky headland and strip of beautiful snow-white sand set in a sea circling with stripy fish. It’s only about 30 minutes by speedboat from Phuket and there are some restaurants and stalls in the centre of the island, with plenty of colourful parasols and deck chairs to lounge and relax on.

There’s a dramatic landscape here. Picture: Walter Lim

5. Koh Racha Yai

This island is gradually developing with its growing number of accommodation options. The sand here is soft and white, the water is a clear azure and teeming with fish. It’s a pretty great place to frolic in the waters too.

Let your hair down at Koh Racha Yai. Picture: Deeuutee

6. Banana Beach

Arrive at this lovely crescent-shaped (or banana-shaped) beach by long-tail boat or by car. It’s a bit hard to find from the road and it’s a bit of a downhill trek through some trees, but the effort is worth it. There’s a seafood restaurant on the sand and wandering masseuses add to the tranquillity.

It takes some exploring to reach Banana Beach but it’s worth it. A TripAdvisor traveller

7. Ao Yon Beach

It looks slightly more developed than other places, but this is because of the marina out to sea. The sand is glorious though, and fringed by palm trees. It’s popular with the locals during weekends.

The popular Ao Yon Beach. Picture: A TripAdvisor traveller

8. Haad Sai Kaew Beach

This very long stretch of beautiful beach is located at the northernmost area of Phuket, so you’ll probably need to drive there or rent a car. It’s definitely worth the journey though — you’ll find almost no other tourists around and the simple beachside restaurants serve good authentic Thai seafood.

Ahh, seclusion. Picture: Panpanit — peung Teriyapirom

9. Freedom Beach

The only way to get to the most gorgeous beach in Phuket is perhaps by long-tail boat, which means it never gets crowded. The sand is as white as chalk and the water is dazzling. There’s also a beach restaurant that serves simple Thai dishes.

You’ll feel free here! Picture: Amanda

10. Layan Beach

This remote beach is on the western side of Phuket and is marked by fishing boats and an island standing guard over a river. The golden sand is fringed by trees and there’s a single resort. Apart from sunbathing and swimming, there’s not much else to do than have a massage in a bamboo shelter. Sheer bliss.

Yep, nothing to complain about here.

For more travel inspiration go to Skyscanner.com.au.