I’ve Lived in Thailand for 12 Years and These Are My 6 Favorite Islands in the Country
"This tiny diving mecca in the south, where the Andaman Sea meets the Strait of Malacca, is made all the more special by the effort it takes to get there: a flight to Hat Yai, a drive to the city of Pak Bara, and from there, a 90-minute ferry. The island consists of three main beaches connected by a few idyllic streets containing restaurants, bars, and seafood joints; you can walk around the whole place in about 30 minutes. Don’t miss Elephant, a café serving dishes like khao soi, a northern coconut curry, as well as vegan options. For accommodation, my pick is Irene Resort, the island’s first luxury offering, with its jungle-facing villas with private pools." - Jeninne Lee-St. John