Southern Thailand comes to mind when a beach holiday is on the cards with both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand on offer

Southern Thailand’s sandy beaches, marine parks and offshore islands are what some would call a tropical paradise on earth. Go on a liveaboard dive boat and meet the Similan whale shark in the Similan Islands. Ko Samui is a laid-back island getaway off the Central Gulf Coast that is rapidly moving upmarket. Krabi has served as a base to explore many islands in the Andaman Sea while its hinterland offers up opportunities for off-road adventures. Ko Phi Phi is Thailand’s largest Marine National Park but it’s no longer just for backpackers with resorts sprouting up everywhere. And in Phuket, Patong is considered where the party’s at but there are many beaches available if you’re looking for a patch of sand to call your own.