#1 Koh Samui, Thailand

This serene charming island has been on the bucket list of most travellers visiting Thailand. For being a well established touristy island, you’ll find some of the best resorts Thailand has to offer, and once in a lifetime experiences to spend with friends and family. Read our article “5 Insanely fun things to do in Koh Samui”

                                                                                                    Paradise in Koh Samui

While lies more Thai culture on the southern part of the island, temples and street stalls will welcome its visitors. Koh Samui’s powder white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters will keep you mesmerized for months to come.

How to get there: Direct flights from Bangkok and major cities of Asia on a daily basis.

#2 Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island, located in the Gulf of Thailand, just off the coast of Cambodia. Phu Quoc has gained popularity amongst Westerners escaping from busier cities of Vietnam. The island offers a perfect mix of culture, tropical beaches and turquoise sea.

                                                                                                    sun set Ham Ninh beach

You will also find fancy restaurants to dine in where you can enjoy fresh seafood, and good wine to sip on (indeed, the island was given to Vietnam by the French!). 

                                                                                                  sun set Dinh Cau temlpe

Enjoy a great variety of things to do as you dive in the reef or simply have a lazy day at the beach. You can also rent a bike and explore the coast and its local fishermen villages. Discover along the way many temples and pagodas to visit.

                                                                                                              sao beach

How to get there: There are 5 flights a day from Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City, and boats that depart from the Mekong delta region.

#3 Gili islands, Indonesia

Located off the coast of Lombok, the three tiny islands of Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno are amust-visit for all travellers coming to Indonesia.

It has gained an increasing popularity over the last 10 years, and can be quite crowded during the high seasons (July, August and December) – it is considered the epitome of paradise islands.

                                                                                                        Gili Trawangan 

Gili Trawangan, known as Gili T, is the destination for all party goers, do check out their party boats. While Gili Air offers a different style of holiday that is ideal for couples and families, it is popular for diving and snorkeling. No motorbikes or any type of vehicles are allowed within the islands, you can walk or cycle around the three islands within the same day. As for Gili Meno, it still seems like a virgin island.

How to get there: Hop on a ferry/speedboat either from Bali or Lombok.

#4 Karimun Jawa, Indonesia

Discover how it is like to live peacefully on an island, as Indonesian locals do. This wonderful archipelago of 27 islands located off the Java coast is one of the most laidback destination you’ll find in Indonesia, still unspoiled, and less touristic as compared to the Gili islands.

The archipelago of Karimun Jawa boasts a wonderful marine national park, where white sandy beaches, coconut trees, transparent turquoise water, colourful reefs and corals are just waiting to be explored.

                                                                                                    karimun jawa

Life goes at a slow pace, and few homestays owned by friendly locals will welcome you and give you all the travel tips you need.

                                                                                                    Karimun Jawa

It is recommended to stay there at least 3 days and keep an extra day in case the boat schedule would be affected by the sea (it happens regularly).

How to get there: From Semarang or Jepara in East Java, where you can take a direct slow boat (6 to 7 hours) to Karimun Jawa

#5 Koh Rong, Cambodia

If you’re looking for a party island in South East Asia, seek no more, this little piece of paradise is where the real party happens!

No more than a patch of jungle in the sea, just a few years ago until tourism has reached its dreamy shores though the island remains off the beaten tracks while a good part of it is still untouched and remains a haven for nature lovers. 

                                                                                                pier-at-koh-rong-samloem

Located 25 km from Sihanoukville, Koh Rong lies in the Gulf of Thailand.

How to get there: Ferries depart from Sihanoukville, Cambodia and the journey takes about two and a half hours