Relaxing places in Asia
Hikkaduwa is one of the longest going beach places in Sri Lanka. Though there are beaches right at Hikkaduwa town, the best stretches are further south. The recipe is simple: sand, palms and sea. The density of restaurants and guesthouses varies widely as you move further south. There is the stylish stretch with fancy resorts, the party stretch with the usual gang of beach boys, the quiet stretch for those not planning to do more than having their coconut shake refilled, and the local stretch with nothing more than palms and fishing boats. The strong waves attract a fair amount of surfers, locals as well as foreigners.
Mirissa is another great beach in Sri Lanka for the independent travellers. The curvy beach is mostly warm sand with some rocky outcrops at both ends. The water is shallow for a long distance, which is a bit unusual in Sri Lanka, but it means calm sea to swim in, unless it is one of those days where the Indian Ocean covers the whole coast in big surfer-friendly waves. For snorkelling, head to the ends, but be careful with rip tides and strong currents (which is the case all over Sri Lanka). If you are looking for peace, Mirissa will do perfectly. It is very laid back and chill out and doesn't have the same bar and "beach boys" scene as Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa further up the coast.
Thailand has two Ko Chang and this is the little and overlooked one in the Andaman Sea. This small walkable island is covered in rubber trees and coconut palm and is pure serenity. Locals hire out simple bungalows and there is a handful of restaurants and bars for the few travellers who venture off the beaten track. Things are even slower here than on neighbouring Ko Phayam and farang facilities are close to nonexistent. This is how things must have been on Ko Pha Ngan twenty years ago and it is a refreshing reminder that there are still hidden corners in Thailand that lie untouched and ready to be explored. Ko Chang is probably the closest you can get to a Robinson-Crusoe vibe without actually being on a deserted island.
The best beaches on Ko Chang island are definitely on the west coast, but that doesn't mean the east side is not interesting. There are many small villages along the way and at Long Beach (Hat Yao) an arty resort has created a funky place for those who are stressed out over the pace at Lonely Beach. It is a great area for a bit of exploration, either on foot, scooter or even sea kayak. Keep in mind that roads on Ko Chang are horrendous, winding and dangerously steep at some sections and the mud paths on the east side are even worse.
Ko Chang is the second biggest island in Thailand after Phuket. It's a big green island shaped like a elephant's head (hence the name, Chang, meaning elephant in Thai). The mountainous interior is covered in jungle while the coast is dotted with sandy beaches, mostly on the west side. Each beach has a distinctive atmosphere so you can always find something suited to your liking. If you're looking for mainstream beach life with bars and pizzerias, then stay at White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao), if you want to chill out in hippie style, head for Lonely Beach (Hat Tha Nam), or if you are into diving, go to Bang Bao. But there are possibilities for lodging all along the western shore.
You can't say Ko Pha Ngan without saying Full Moon Party, but Ko Pha Ngan is a diverse island which has also secluded bays, dense jungle, waterfalls, and tranquil beaches for couples who rather enjoy each other instead of another firedance show. The party capital is Haad Rin where the rather trashed Sunrise Beach turns into a pumping dancefloor every evening. The sunset side of Haad Rin is rather calm and a good place to keep a walking distance to the party madness. The west coast is home to some beautiful stretches of sand with bungalows in any price range. Further north to both sides of the small fisher town of Chalok Lam are several low key beaches with a more alternative vibe. The ever more popular Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat) can be reached by boat from here. By renting a motorbike and ride the horrendous jungle roads across the island you will get to the two bays of Tong Nai Pan (Noi and Yai) which seems popular for families and relaxing couples. So you don't have to be a techno mad shoestring backpacker to enjoy Ko Pha Ngan, for it has something for everybody.
When you mention Ko Phayam to other travellers, most will think you mean Ko Pha Ngan on the east coast for Ko Phayam managed to be off the main backpacker and holiday trail. There is a couple of upmarket resorts on the island, but it's otherwise just palm thatched huts among the shady coconut palms and cashew trees along the almost deserted white beaches. There are no cars on Ko Phayam but a narrow network of path fitted for motorbikes. The island attracts a groovy crowd who has tried to hush down the existence of this little paradise. Besides hammock lying and spliff rolling, there is good birdwatching with chances to see hornbills and sea eagles. If you are looking for even more back-to-nature, try Ko Chang (little, not big Ko Chang on the east coast) a bit north or just Ko Kham a short boat ride from the Ko Phayam pier.
By reputation, Ko Phi Phi is the iconic beach paradise with sparkling white beaches, rugged mountains, and excellent snorkelling in aqua blue waters right at your bamboo bungalow. Reality is however a bit less glossy. Phi Phi has been solid on the tourist map for decades. What started out as a true backpacker hideaway is now taken over by Scandinavian families and Japanese package tourists in matching orange life vests. Hordes of daytrippers from Phuket descend on the popular beaches and fill the bays with tour boats. But yes, Phi Phi is still darn nice. So if it fits your wallet, please join the crowds on this slice of commercialized paradise.
Tiny Ko Samet has what Thailand's islands are so famous for: sand, sea, coconut palms and bungalows - and even some coral reef. You can choose one of the upmarket beaches closer to the ferry dock or work your way further south to some of the more unspoiled spots. Though Ko Samet is not one of Thailand's best islands, it is still pretty darn nice and its proximity to Bangkok makes it an easy choice if you want to escape the city madness for a short time. You can start the day with banana pancakes in Bangkok and wash down the sunset the same day on Ko Samet. It is a popular destination for Bangkok residents in the weekend, so try to come here midweek if you want a more travel-minded crowd.
Ko Samui is the third largest island in Thailand and has been a favourite destination for holdidayers as well as backpackers for decades. It apparently has a lot to offer, but like many others we didn't manage to drag ourselves away from Chaweng Beach, the party capital of Samui. Here, the long stretch of sand and the colourful crowd make the days go by surprisingly quickly. The posh resorts attract grownups and honeymooners, while the young-at-hearts and beautiful (and those who once were) hang around the middle at the beach bars. Here, sun worshiping turns to sun-downers at sunset and later regular beach parties at night time. Else you can always find some pumping beats at the discos at the back where working girls, ladyboys, and Scandinavian flickor keep the male backpackers busy.