The Samui Archipelago was first 鈥榙iscovered' as a budget traveler's paradise back in the 1970s; but has since moved considerably upmarket. Together with Phuket; the main island of the group; Ko Samui; is Thailand's premier beach resort; and is truly a lovely island.

The chief seaside destinations are Chaweng Beach on the island's east coast and Lamai on the south coast. The island is ringed by a well-maintained metalled road; and the hilly interior is simply packed with more coconut trees than it seems possible to imagine. Pictures From Asia David Henley